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Biomedical subjects

Gerd Laux

Publications and source records attributed to Gerd Laux.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Pharmaco-economic aspects of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs].

This review summarizes results of cost-utility analyses done with newer versus older antidepressants as well as atypical versus conventional/typical neuroleptics/antipsychotics. Following descriptions of the methodological priniciples, the currently available studies (stimulation models) are presented and discussed critically. It can be stated that the economic value of different antidepressants and the atypical neuroleptics can not be decided definitively at the present time due to methodological reasons (e.g. lacking of randomized prospective studies). Increased quality of life of patients and their family seems true for the newer psychotropics, measurement is difficult, however, and a challenge for social and ethical discussions.

Antidepressive Agents↗
PubMed2003

[Plasma prolactin level and incidence of adverse endocrinologic effects during therapy with atypical neuroleptics].

Elevations in prolactin plasma concentration occur with antipsychotics due to their dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Hyperprolactinemia may be associated with both acute (galactorrhea, amenorrhea, decreased libido etc.) and chronic (predisposition to osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease) treatment emergent effects in both men and women associated with apparently impaired compliance. The aim of our study was to investigate these supposed effects regarding clinically relevant endocrinologic symptoms under routine treatment conditions with newer, atypical antipsychotics. Our findings confirm that amisulpride frequently leads to a remarkable elevation of prolactin plasma concentration, same--in minor degree--for risperidone. Under treatment with quetiapine and olanzapine just temporary elevated prolactin levels were registered. However, no correlation between prolactin levels and dosage could be found. In females treated with amisulpride acute hormonal side effects were seen in a clinically relevant manner. Features of illness itself, stress factors, concomitant medication or other patient's conditions are supposed to be relevant factors for acute endocrine symptomatology.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Driving capacity and antidepressive drugs].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of antidepressants on psychomotor function related to car driving abilities. METHOD: Depressive inpatients (n = 64) were investigated under steady state plasma level conditions. Data were collected with the ART 90 (Act and React Testsystem) measuring visual perception, reactivity, stress tolerance, selective attention and vigilance and were analyzed according to medication, severity of illness and age. RESULTS: Only 23.8% of the sample reached the criteria of at least 15% of normal controls performance. We also observed that treatment with newer antidepressants (n = 31) was altogether associated with a better performance than treatment with tricyclics (n = 33). CONCLUSIONS: These findings have important implications for a systematic examination of driving ability in depressive patients and data show that newer antidepressants may have more salutary effects on psychomotor function than tricyclic antidepressants.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Neuroleptics and cognition].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of atypical antipsychotics on cognitive function in schizophrenic patients under clinical routine conditions. METHOD: Schizophrenic patients (n = 78) were evaluated on neuropsychological tests of attention, short-term- and working memory, learning, long-term memory (retention) and executive function. Data were analyzed according to medication, severity of illness and age. RESULTS: We observed that treatment with atypical antipsychotics compared to conventional neuroleptics was significantly associated with a more favorable effect on cognitive function. Especially in short-term memory and retention a clear advantage of atypical antipsychotics could be seen. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggest that even under clinical routine conditions atypical antipsychotics have an advantage on cognitive function when compared with conventional neuroleptics.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Aggression of psychiatric patients--first results of a standardized documentation at the Gabersee district hospital].

After a cluster of severe assaults against our staff we performed a standardized documentation concerning aggressive behaviour of in-patients at the BZK Gabersee, a major District Hospital with a typical spectrum of psychiatric patients. From July 1996 to March 2001 23037 patients were admitted and 1618 cases of aggressive behaviour were documented. About 75% of the patients were males, more than 50% were treated involuntarily. The aggressions were most frequently directed against the nursing staff, severe injuries occurred very rarely. We tried to analyse triggers and the individual motivations of aggressive behaviour. Countermeasures were often aggressive as well (reinforced medication, restraint e.g.). The results are discussed in the context of the literature, approaches to cope with and to reduce aggressions are mentioned briefly.

Adult↗