Refractive errors and schizophrenia.

Background: Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and amblyopia), like schizophrenia, have a strong genetic cause, and dopamine has been proposed as a potential mediator in their pathophysiology. The present study explored the association between refractive errors in adolescence and schizophrenia, and the potential familiality of this association.

Methods: The Israeli Draft Board carries a mandatory standardized visual accuracy assessment.

Acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder among medical personnel in Judea and Samaria areas in the years 2000-2003.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical staff members serving in Judea and Samaria during 2000-2003.

Methods: The study population included 141 medics and 19 medical doctors who provided emergency medical treatment during 23 violent events. Information regarding the incidence of ASD and PTSD was abstracted from Israel Defense Forces mental health files, as was a history of previous exposures to similar events, personal acquaintance with the victims, being under fire during the event, number of victims killed and/or wounded in the event, and length of time in service.