G Pakesch — Page 2 | PubMed Health

PubMed1985

[Classification of depression].

The results of recent research indicate that the traditional subdivision of depressive disorders into a "biological" ("endogenous") and a "psychosocial" ("neurotic") type cannot be upheld in this simple categorical form today. This is demonstrated by referring to such new developments as the construction of international compromise classification systems, the formulation of operational research diagnosis criteria, attempts at validating diagnostic formulations by external variables (such as biological markers) and the introduction of multiaxial diagnostic systems. The use of a "polydiagnostic" approach to psychiatric research is recommended, i.e. to use several diagnostic formulations for subtyping depression simultaneously in psychiatric research. It is anticipated that by applying the "polydiagnostic" approach the growing uncertainty and confusion in the subclassification of depression can be reduced.

Depression↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effect-kinetics on brain protection of two codergocrine-mesylate preparations (Aramexe retard and Hydergine) by EEG mapping and psychometry under hypoxia.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study the effect-kinetics on brain protection of a new retard formulation of codergocrine-mesylate (CDM) (Aramexe retard, 5 mg) were investigated and compared with a standard CDM drug (5 mg Hydergine) utilizing blood gas analysis, EEG mapping and psychometry. A transient, reversible hypoxic hypoxidosis (i.e. impairment of cerebral metabolism due to hypoxia) was experimentally induced by a fixed gas combination of 9.8% oxygen (O(2)) and 90.2% nitrogen (N(2)) (found at an altitude of 6000 m), which was inhaled for 23 min under normobaric conditions by 18 healthy volunteers. After an adaptation session they received randomized 5 mg Aramexe retard, 5 mg Hydergine and placebo. Evaluation of blood gases, EEG mapping and psychometry was carried out at 0,2, 4,6, and 8 h after oral drug administration - each time under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Blood gas analysis demonstrated a drop in SaO(2) from 99% under normoxia to 70% under hypoxia, in Po(2) from 100 to 33 mmHg, and in Pco(2) from 36 to 31 mmHg, while pH increased from 7.43 to 7.48. Base excess and standard bicarbonate remained stable. Under hypoxia EEG mapping exhibited an increase in delta/theta, a decrease of alpha and increase of beta activity, as well as a slowing of the centroid of the total power spectrum, which reflects deterioration of vigilance. Both CDM preparations significantly attenuated this vigilance decrement, with 5 mg Hydergine showing its encephalotropic peak effect in the second hour, 5 mg Aramexe retard in the sixth and eighth hours. At the behavioral level, hypoxic hypoxidosis induced a deterioration of the noo- and thymopsyche (by 53% under placebo), which was significantly mitigated by both 5 mg Aramexe retard (19%) and Hydergine (32%).

Clinical Trial↗