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Biomedical subjects

B Cohler

Publications and source records attributed to B Cohler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Frequency and presentation of depressive symptoms in patients with primary degenerative dementia.

The authors examined the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms in elderly patients with presumed primary degenerative dementia and identified the signs and symptoms that provide a reliable basis for diagnosing depression. Forty-four patients and 42 control subjects were interviewed and rated on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric Scale. Nine of the patients demonstrated symptoms suggestive of mild, four of moderate, and five of severe depression. Patients had significantly higher scores than control subjects on items that assess intrapsychic rather than vegetative symptoms of depression. These findings underline the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for concomitant depressive symptoms in patients with primary degenerative dementia.

Age Factors

Superkids: competent children of psychotic mothers.

In a follow-up study of children of psychotic mothers, the authors examined a subgroup of outstandingly talented, colorful, and competent "high-risk" children. These children and their mothers were given a variety of psychological tests and were interviewed individually. They were then compared with a control group of children whose mothers had no psychiatric illness. The 6 most socially and intellectually competent high-risk children were strikingly more competent, colorful, creative, and talented than the 6 highest functioning control children. They more often reported having a best friend and had extensive and positive contact with an extrafamilial adult. Another important variable in the prediction of high social competence among children at high risk is a warm relationship with the mother.

Adolescent