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Biomedical subjects

A Zacher

Publications and source records attributed to A Zacher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Pathological jealousy].

Pathological jealousy can make life unbearable for all concerned. The proximity of this condition to obsessive-compulsive phenomena has given rise to the notion that it might respond to substances of proven value in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders. This case history exemplifies the successful treatment of pathological jealousy with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine. The substance not only proved to be a successful antidepressant, but also effectively mitigated the anguish of the patient's pathological jealousy. On the basis of these findings, fluoxetine--as also other SSRIs--should always be considered as a possible effective pharmacological strategy for the treatment of pathological jealousy.

Adult↗

Anaemia in schoolchildren in eight countries in Africa and Asia.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the haemoglobin concentrations and prevalence of anaemia in schoolchildren in eight countries in Africa and Asia. DESIGN: Blood samples were collected during surveys of the health of schoolchildren as a part of programmes to develop school-based health services. SETTING: Rural schools in Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania and Vietnam. SUBJECTS: Nearly 14 000 children enrolled in basic education in three age ranges (7-11 years, 12-14 years and > or =15 years) which reflect the new UNICEF/WHO thresholds to define anaemia. RESULTS: Anaemia was found to be a severe public health problem (defined as >40% anaemic) in five African countries for children aged 7-11 years and in four of the same countries for children aged 12-14 years. Anaemia was not a public health problem in the children studied in the two Asian countries. More boys than girls were anaemic, and children who enrolled late in school were more likely to be anaemic than children who enrolled closer to the correct age. The implications of the four new thresholds defining anaemia for school-age children are examined. CONCLUSIONS: Anaemia is a significant problem in schoolchildren in sub-Saharan Africa. School-based health services which provide treatments for simple conditions that cause blood loss, such as worms, followed by multiple micronutrient supplements including iron, have the potential to provide relief from a large burden of anaemia.

Adolescent↗

[Writer's cramp--focal dystonia or psychogenic movement disorder? A critical literature study].

For more than 100 years there has been a discussion as to whether writer's cramp is caused by a disease of the central nervous system, or if it is to be considered as a disturbance of psychogenic origin. Whereas before 1982 there seemed to be a lot of evidence for the psychogenic theory many authors now tend to stress the opinion of Sheehy and Marsden who had explained that "writer's cramp" should be seen as a "focal dystonia". This article discusses the statements of Sheehy and Marsden in comparison with other scientific findings regarding the occupational cramps--above all "writer's cramp". It is concluded that there are different therapeutic approaches derived from the respective theory and which are considered to lessen the movement disorder. Scientific literature suggests that psychotherapy or some therapeutic approaches of behaviour therapy are more effectful in mastering this "mysterious" disorder than any pharmacological substance tested upto now.

Dystonia↗