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Biomedical subjects

K Noreik

Publications and source records attributed to K Noreik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

[A troublesome privilege--physicians' loss of the right to prescribe].

This study includes 32 doctors (31 men) who in 1990 had lost or given up the right to prescribe habit-forming drugs. 11 were hospital doctors, while 21 were either in private practice or held other posts. The records of the Norwegian Board of Health were reviewed. 18 doctors agreed to be interviewed, while 14 declined or did not reply to our enquiry. The interviews indicate that many of the doctors were sick at the time. The loss of the right to prescribe habit-forming drugs came as one of several blows at a time of crisis. It was felt as a severe reaction, leading to loss of esteem, but not as a social or professional disaster. The majority of the doctors had managed to return to normal medical practice, some after specializing. Restricting the right to prescribe can be an effective way of stopping unwanted medical practice. Early identification and treatment of doctors who misuse or have problems with prescribing drugs is important. This should be a joint responsibility for the medical profession and the local health authorities.

Certification↗
PubMed1998

[Forensic psychiatric examinations of the mentally retarded].

3,343 forensic psychiatric examinations were recorded in Norway from 1980 to 1996. 294 patients were diagnosed as mentally retarded. The annual number of mentally retarded persons increased during the observation period, but the relative percentage remained stable. The majority of the retarded persons being discussed had been charged with sexual felony, and some with arson. About half had previous convictions. Few had problems with alcohol or other intoxicants. Every fourth retarded person examined was considered not only to be mentally retarded, but also to suffer from other psychiatric disorders. We discuss to what extent deinstitutionalization of retarded persons and the accompanying social isolation they experience could contribute to the increase in maladaption and criminal behaviour. It is stressed that many of the sexual felonies may be explained by the fact that the mentally retarded are mentally immature.

Female↗
PubMed1998

[How old can one become?].

We recorded the highest age at the time of death for both men and women in Norway for the years 1970 to 1995. During this period longevity increased by approximately one year; for women from 106 to 107 years and for men from 105 to 106 years. Based on Gumbel's theory, we have estimated the most probable highest age for the next 10, 20, and 100 years. For women this was found to be 109, 110 and 113 years, respectively; for men the corresponding ages were 108, 109 and 112 years. Our aim must be that as many men and women as possible live to a high age, that their latter years are meaningful, and that they enjoy a high standard of living.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Convicted sexual offenders. The risk of recidivism?].

332 persons, who in 1987 received sanctions for sexual offences, were observed in freedom for five years, or until recidivism at an earlier stage. 82 (24.7%) committed new crimes during the observation period. Sexual offences comprised about 1/3 (8.4%) of the crimes committed. Rapists had the highest degree of recidivism. There was no significant difference between the various subgroups of sexual offenders (sexual offences against minors, rapists and other offenders) with regard to the frequency of recidivism into sexual offences. Registered sanctions for sexual offences before 1987, and sexual abuse and obscene conduct toward minors registered i 1987, were found to be significantly correlated to sexual recidivism after 1987. Problems regarding the evaluation of the effects of treatment to forestall recidivism into sexual crimes are discussed.

Female↗
PubMed1997

[Is the governmental vocational rehabilitation program too ambitious?].

The Norwegian government has stressed the importance of supporting vocational training for clients with health problems in order to secure their active participation in the labour force. On average, 35,000-40,000 people were referred from the National Insurance Scheme to the Directorate of Labour to take part in vocational rehabilitation projects in 1995. The majority of the vocationally handicapped are young. Three out of four have a poor educational background, and close to 70% have health problems, mainly in the form of chronic musculoskeletal pain or psychiatric illness, usually depression and anxiety-states. So far, the success of the rehabilitation seems to be rather limited, since approximately 40% of the clients were referred back to the Insurance Scheme. They were considered unfit for training because of impaired health. Another 40% of the cases were considered fully or partly successful. Clients with psychiatric illness seem to be particularly difficult to rehabilitate to vocational activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Forensic psychiatry in Norway. A review of the period 1980-93].

2,533 persons charged for serious criminal offences during the years 1980-93 were submitted for forensic psychiatric examination. The purpose of the examinations was to decide whether the person, because of his or her mental state at the time of the offence, was liable or not to prosecution. The three most common criminal offences were murder, arson resulting in potential murder and serious cases of sexual offence like paedophilia. There was a sharp increase in the number of forensically examined persons from 1980 to 1993. This reflects the increasing crime rates in Norway, particularly as regards sexual delinquency and violence. A majority of the clients had severe chronic drinking and/or drug problems. 27% of the females and 19% of the males were psychotic, mainly schizophrenic, at the time of the offence. 50-60% had serious personality disorders, mainly of antisocial and immature nature. All forensic reports are monitored by the Forensic Psychiatric Commission in order to secure the quality of forensic assessments. 85% of the reports were accepted. In a few cases the psychiatrists were asked to reconsider either parts of or the entire conclusion.

Criminal Psychology↗
PubMed1996

[Sick women and men with disability pensions. Some reflections].

According to population studies, chronic disease leading to a disability pension is common in the Norwegian population, and has increased during the last 15 years. This trend is partly a consequence of the vast increase in the female work force during the last 20 years. Simultaneously, there has been a strong increase in health facilities and improvement in medical technology. Thus the increase in both morbidity and utilisation of the pension scheme seems paradoxical. Disability pensions function to secure people's purchasing power. The social benefit system in modern welfare states conforms with Keynesian economic principles, implying a redistribution of money from the well off on regular pay roll to members of the work force who are less adaptable due to disease and infirmity. However, there seems to be a substantial potential for further growth in the number of disabled persons receiving a pension, particularly among women. In many cases a pension serves as an alternative to unemployment benefit. From a welfare-state viewpoint such a development is politically and socially more acceptable.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Rehabilitation status at a regional social insurance office. Experiences with 103 clients at the Grünerløkka-Sofienberg office].

103 patients, mostly females, on rehabilitation measures mainly because of psychiatric conditions and chronic musculo-skeletal pain syndromes, were investigated with regard to outcome. In general, the patients had a low level of education, only 10% had vocational training, and most were unskilled labourers. Prior to the rehabilitation period they had been certified sick on several occasions. On average, the patients were followed up for three years. 84% were still on medical rehabilitation, i.e. they were under more or less systematic medical treatment, and were receiving benefits. 8% had been granted a disability pension, and only 4% had managed to become independent of the social insurance system. Until the recent years the rehabilitation system has functioned inefficiently as regards bringing people back to work. The patients remain inactive for long periods, owing to lack of planning and systematic implementation of rehabilitation measures, medical as well as vocational. In addition the vocational quality requirements of the labour market make it hard for people even with mainly minor health problems to obtain employment.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Therapeutic journeys to the South for patients with rheumatism--medical treatment alternative or alternative medicine?].

Therapeutic visits to a country with a warm climate can be an alternative to hospital treatment in Norway. We describe an evaluation based on analysis of data from three comprehensive questionnaires distributed to 130 patients. Response to treatment and duration of response were calculated from scores for patients' satisfaction and quality of life. The patients' scores were marked off on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Patients filled in their answers and scores at the start of the visit, after four weeks in Turkey, and three months after returning to Norway. Most of the patients enjoyed better quality of life during the period in Turkey. After three months the effect was considerably reduced. Patients with pronounced symptoms immediately before departure to Turkey benefit more than patients with lighter symptoms. The response to treatment is statistically significant but hardly specific to rheumatic diseases. We could not demonstrate any significant relation between treatment response and age, sex, place of residence in Norway, level of income, education or duration of disease. The placebo effect of this treatment modality presents a problem of priorities. Should we offer travel abroad for treatment to other groups of chronically sick patients as well, or should we use the money for other health purposes?

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Use of psychiatrists in security matters].

90 clients with uncertain symptoms and diagnosis, especially clients with pain in the musculoskeletal system or with minor neurotic symptoms, were examined by a psychiatrist ordered by Skedsmo Social Security Office. The number of clients with the diagnosis fibromyalgia was strongly reduced. The number of clients with somatic diagnosis increased from three to nine, and three cases of psychosis, not earlier diagnosed as such, were recorded. The number of clients on sick leave was reduced considerably. Rehabilitation for employment was proposed to many clients. The evaluation had little impact on clients applying for a disability pension. For 28 clients the examination resulted in necessary and important treatment. As a whole the examination produced the best results among clients under the age of forty.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Mental retardation and sexual abuse. 65 mentally retarded men submitted to forensic psychiatric examination because of sex offences].

65 mentally impaired men charged with different sexual crimes were submitted to judicial psychiatric examination. 37% of these men had previously stayed in institutions for the mentally impaired, two thirds had worked for a period. Half of the charged men were functionally retarded and the rest were assessed as functioning at an even lower level. Approximately every third man suffered from serious behavioural symptoms and personality disturbances. Most of the abuse was towards acquaintances or persons in the local environment. Almost half of the men used violence in connection with the abuse. Two thirds of the victims were under the age of 16 years. About half of the men were charged with sexual abuse of minors, and a few with rape. The majority were charged, and almost half were placed under preventive detention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Homicide and mental disease].

The number of homicides committed by insane persons has increased from 1980 to 1989. Among those charged with homicide and attempted homicide who have been subjected to judicial psychiatric observation, 60% are schizophrenic and 17% have paranoid psychoses. Other psychotic conditions are relatively rare. The homicides took place most frequently within the household and in most cases were psychotically motivated. The cause of the increased frequency of homicides is discussed. The liberal treatment strategy employed at psychiatric institutions, and the short duration of the treatment, are thought to be important in this connection.

Forensic Psychiatry↗
PubMed1993

[Sexual child abuse. 221 persons charged with sexual abuse of children examined by forensic psychiatrists].

The number of police reports of sexual abuse of children below the age of 14 increased fourfold from 1980 to 1991. Half of the charges were dismissed by the police. 20% of the charged, predominantly males, were examined by forensic psychiatrists. Mean age of the examined was 32 years, and close to 50% were unmarried. 40% had alcohol and/or drug addiction problems. One third had been sentenced by a court before, and 20% had experienced previous court reactions for sexual abuse or deviant behaviour. 7% were diagnosed as psychotic and 80% were considered to have personality disorders. In 10% of the cases no psychiatric diagnosis was made. Dynamic factors behind the abuse are discussed. Most of the abusers are psychosexually immature as part of a more comprehensive personality disturbance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Sexual relations in therapeutic situations].

Patients who feel sexually violated by their therapists may complain to the health authorities. During recent years there has been an increasing number of such complaints. 15 cases were under investigation at the Directorate of Health in July 1992. Most of the doctors and psychologists involved had long therapeutic experience. The sexual contacts were of highly divergent types. In the majority of cases the therapists lacked the capacity to draw clear borderlines between professional and private life. Some of the therapists had a tendency to belittle the contacts. Sexual contact between patient and therapist has a detrimental effect upon the relationship and the mental functioning of the patients. Therapists acquainted with colleagues' sexual violations should react swiftly. Too lenient and permissive ethical and social attitudes towards sexual relationships between therapist and patient may be conducive to further abuse. It is important to incorporate the study and discussion of these problems into both the basic and postgraduate education of therapists. Therapists who have violated the norms for decent behaviour need professional support.

Adult↗