Biomedical subjects

C F Fear

Publications and source records attributed to C F Fear.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Probabilistic reasoning in obsessive-compulsive and delusional disorders.

BACKGROUND: Delusional disorder (DD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been investigated in previous studies using probabilistic reasoning paradigms and abnormalities in each group have been reported. No study to date has compared results between these groups. This study compares patients with these disorders with those who have both phenomena. METHODS: Thirty subjects with DD, 29 with OCD and 16 with obsessive and delusional features were compared with 30 normal controls in a study of probabilistic reasoning using two different computer-based tasks involving a Bayesian paradigm. RESULTS: Deluded subjects showed a 'jump to conclusions' reasoning style, but on a test that added a consequence to their choices did not differ from normals. OCD subjects deviated from Bayesian and control norms to a greater degree than did DD subjects. In subjects with mixed psychopathology, the presence of both phenomena appeared to 'normalize' these probability estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings extend those of others but require cautious interpretation as to the role of probabilistic reasoning in the genesis of delusions or obsessions. Obsessionals in both the OCD and Mixed groups, showed substantial deviation from Bayesian norms, suggesting that obsessionality leads to a reasoning style that is less 'normal' than that of delusionals. Further work is required to investigate clinical correlates of these findings which provide modest support for the proposal that the combination of obsessions and delusions confers greater functional advantages than simply having delusions or obsessions.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Delusional phenomenology--dimensions of change.

Although the application of cognitive techniques to both the measurement and modification of delusional beliefs has recently been developed in more theoretical detail (e.g. Chadwick & Lowe, 1994, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 32, 355-367) there has not been an effort to examine the variability of delusional phenomenology across time. In the present study we report on the treatment of 6 individuals who fulfilled DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria for Delusional Disorder and who received cognitive therapy targeted specifically on the single symptom of their delusional belief(s). Single-case time-series methodology was used to examine the associations between different aspects of delusional phenomenology through baseline and intervention study phases. Belief maintenance factors were found to be significantly associated with conviction in all 3 individuals who responded to the intervention. Negative behaviours, affect associated with the belief, preparedness to talk to others about the belief and insight were associated with conviction in some individuals but not others. Preoccupation and acting on the belief were aspects of delusional phenomenology that were found to systematically vary independent of belief conviction. The results support a multidimensional view of delusional phenomenology and the process of change during cognitive intervention.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Trypsin inhibition: a potential cause of cobalamin deficiency common to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer-type dementia and AIDS dementia complex?

There is increasing evidence for an association between Alzheimer-type dementia (AD) and nutritionally independent cobalamin deficiency. Furthermore, low serum cobalamin values occur in a kindred with familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) and histopathological confirmation of AD neuropathology. The Cobalamin deficiency could be either a consequence or cause of amyloidogenesis. Cobalamin deficiency is also associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A common pathogenic mechanism may exist for AIDS dementia complex (ADC) and AD, but there is no explanation at present for these associations. This paper presents the hypothesis that protease inhibition is a common factor in AD and ADC resulting in protein-bound cobalamin malabsorption and disrupted cobalamin metabolism.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

PubMed1994

Propofol anaesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy. Reduced seizure duration may not be relevant.

BACKGROUND: The induction agent propofol is known to reduce electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure duration. It is assumed that outcome from depression is adversely affected by this agent. This study compares propofol and methohexitone as induction agents for ECT. METHOD: In a prospective, randomised, double-blind study 20 subjects with major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R criteria) received propofol or methohexitone anaesthesia. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess depression before therapy, at every third treatment, and at the end of therapy. Seizure duration was measured using the cuff technique. RESULTS: Mean seizure durations (P < 0.01) and mean total seizure duration (P < 0.01) were shorter in the propofol group. There was no difference in outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Use of propofol may not adversely affect outcome from depression and it is not necessarily contraindicated as an induction agent for ECT. Our results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger studies are needed.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1993

Propofol and ECT.

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Anesthesia, General↗