A retrospective study was conducted that included all patients who in the previous 6 years had required admission to our hospital for medical reasons following attempted suicide (N = 253). Those diagnosed as schizophrenic (n = 43) in accordance with DSM-III-R criteria were compared with the other nonschizophrenic suicide attempters. Schizophrenic patients were significantly different in that they were younger and generally unmarried, usually used violent methods, made more attempts while in a psychiatric center, and presented a lower incidence of concurrent organic illness than the nonschizophrenics; almost all of them were chronic. A large majority (80%) showed delusional and hallucinatory symptoms at the time of the attempt. In contrast, depressive symptoms were noted in an appreciably lower percentage of subjects than that in other studies of suicidal behavior in schizophrenics.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Hyperviscosity syndrome and mental disorders].

The hyperviscosity syndrome has been described clinically as the triad of bleeding, visual signs and neurological manifestations associated with elevated serum viscosity. Several reports have recognised an association between hyperviscosity and altered mental status. Since to our knowledge only a case of hyperviscosity-induced delirium has been described (1), we raise the possibility of this diagnosis in the most of this reported cases, based on the nature of the symptoms, sudden onset and fluctuating course, and its resolution with plasmapheresis. In this paper we review the literature about hyperviscosity syndrome and altered mental status. In conclusion, serum hyperviscosity should be added to the large list of causes altered mental status, especially of delirium. Since plasmapheresis can reverse clinical symptoms, it early recognition and the measurement of serum viscosity is essential in patients suffering from diseases that may lead to this syndrome, and who develop psychiatric symptoms.

Blood Circulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Psychosocial aspects of AIDS. II: Sex habits of HIV patients].

A sample of 21 AIDS patients were interviewed in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona in order to assess their sexual behaviour. 12 were DAPV and 9 homosexual. The first sexual intercourse was before 16 years of age in 80% of the patients. 52% were highly promiscuous, an important factor in HVI infection. 57.1% referred anal coitus as a common sexual practice, most of them receptive (42.8%). Only 28.5% of the sample used preservatives, although not as a common practice. 38.9% never applied hygienic measures after sexual intercourse. This lack of preventive measures is extremely severe in IVDU patients, since sexual infection may occur in non-IVDU partners.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗