Biomedical subjects

Gail H Manos

Publications and source records attributed to Gail H Manos.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Anxiety and abnormal eating behaviors associated with cyclical readiness testing in a naval hospital active duty population.

Studies of abnormal eating behaviors in active duty military personal have found rates similar to or higher than the general population. We have reviewed these studies and extended the research to examine abnormal eating behaviors in a heterogeneous population at a major military medical center. We found high rates of body dissatisfaction, abnormal eating behaviors, and worry about passing the semiannual personal fitness assessment in both men and women. Abnormal eating behaviors were associated with worrying about the personal fitness assessment, and these measures were associated with body mass index and gender. Our data extend previous research indicating that cyclic or external pressure to maintain body weight within specified standards can produce unsafe eating and dieting behaviors. We recommend changes to the current system to incorporate treatment programs aimed at recognizing and treating eating disorders with a goal of producing more fit and healthy service members.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Transient ischemic attack reported with paroxetine use.

OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) temporally related to the initiation of paroxetine. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old white man with a history of intermittent atrial fibrillation and hypercholesterolemia developed slurred speech and a facial droop 3 days after starting paroxetine. He was diagnosed with a TIA, hospitalized, and given anticoagulation treatment. The presenting symptoms resolved, but recurred when paroxetine was restarted 2 days later. DISCUSSION: Platelets secrete serotonin, which mediates vasoconstriction through stimulation of 5-HT2a receptors. This is counterbalanced by the release of the vasodilator nitric oxide upon serotonin stimulation of endothelial 5-HT1 receptors. In conditions such as atherosclerosis, the damage to the endothelium leads to a greater vasoconstrictive response. Paroxetine has been reported to weakly inhibit norepinephrine reuptake and nitric oxide production in addition to increasing serotonergic activity, potentially compounding the vasoconstrictive response. An objective causality assessment revealed that the TIA was probably an adverse event resulting from use of paroxetine. CONCLUSIONS: Use of paroxetine and other selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors may result in changes of the vasculature and subsequent ischemic events in predisposed patients.

Anticoagulants↗

PubMed2003

Psychosis related to ephedra-containing herbal supplement use.

Ephedra, a psychoactive substance with stimulant properties, is found in many herbal products. Often perceived by the lay public as benign, the potential health-related dangers of using these products are beginning to be recognized. We review four cases associated with ephedra-containing herbal products and report three additional cases. Unlike the previously reported cases, the patients presented in this report developed persistent psychosis that required psychopharmaceutical management.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Crisis intervention in a military population: a comparison of inpatient hospitalization and a day treatment program.

We describe transition from an inpatient psychiatric crisis intervention model to an outpatient program for nonpsychotic young adult active duty males presenting in crisis. We reviewed 300 medical records of comparable patients from each program. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and cost analysis are presented. Primary stressors were occupational and relational for both groups. Discharge diagnoses were similar with 98% patients in both groups having diagnosis adjustment disorder, personality disorder, occupational problem, or partner relational problem. Significantly more inpatients (59%) than outpatients (18%) were recommended for separation from the military for personality disorder or inability to adjust. Cost of inpatient treatment was $764 per day compared with $54.81 per day for outpatients. In the first year of operation of the outpatient program, inpatient admissions for crisis intervention in the population described declined by 195. Not only was the outpatient program much more cost-effective, it appeared to have superior clinical results.

Adult↗