Neuropsychological functioning in major depression and responsiveness to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors antidepressants.

Background: Only two thirds of patients with major depression (MD) respond to antidepressants. Thus, far applicable predictors of responsiveness to selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have not been found. Cumulative evidence linking serotonergic depletion and cognition led us to hypothesize that the neuropsychological functioning of major depression patients may predict their responsiveness to SSRI antidepressants.

Memory versus intelligence in dementia screening--MMSE.

The Mini-Mental State exam is a widely used screening instrument for dementia. Recent research has suggested that errors in classification reported for this instrument may be due to premorbid levels of intelligence and education, Thirty-one ambulatory patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease were administered a standard neuropsychological testing battery. MMSE scores and intelligence are significantly correlated.

Neuropsychological impairment from acute low-level exposure to carbon monoxide.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acute low-level exposure to carbon monoxide on higher cognitive functions in healthy humans.

Design: An empirical study of the effects of low-level exposure to carbon monoxide on higher cognitive functions in young healthy volunteers and a matched nonexposed control group.

Setting: A dormitory at the Hebrew University campus in Jerusalem, Israel.

Parental attitudes toward obstetric ultrasound examination.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of ultrasound examination on parental attitudes and anxieties.

Material And Method: Ultrasound examinations were carried out on 1,089 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies at a mean gestational age of 20.9 weeks (minimum 10 weeks).