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Biomedical subjects

L Sloman

Publications and source records attributed to L Sloman.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

The adaptive role of maladaptive neurosis.

A hypothesis is proposed which postulates that repeated failure in social competition may lead to a "neurotic" maladaptive vicious cycle. It is proposed that by magnifying genetically transmitted differences in fitness, this mechanism emphasizes the superiority of the better endowed, both in mate choice and in fitness of offspring. Species displaying high plasticity and flexibility, the concomitants of high intellectual ability, may be more susceptible to neurosis, hence may be more likely to be influenced by the vicious cycle mechanism operating at the ontogenetic level. Such species would display an accelerated rate of adaptation and intelligence. Some of the implications of the hypothesis for sexual selection, change in status, and preventive mental health are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1977

The role of attractiveness and mate selection in phylogenetic adaptation with particular reference to early man.

The author hypothesizes on the roles of sexual selection and assortative mating in human evolution. Basing his argument on a theory, which views neurosis as a maladaptive vicious cycle, he argues that there is dovetailing of the actions of neurosis and mate selection in promoting the phylogenetic adaptation of early man. He sees both neurosis and assortative mating as magnifying existing differences in viability. This process would, by favoring the most viable, have accelerated human evolution. The relationship between movement patterns and neurosis is also discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1976

The role of neurosis in phylogenetic adaptation, with particular reference to early man.

The author hypothesizes that neurosis results from maladaptation and leads to further maladaptation, thus creating a vicious cycle that can be viewed as having played a significant role in human evolution. Individuals who were less successful in the struggle for survival during prehistory would have been more likely to become neurotic, a maladaptation that would magnify existing genetically transmitted differences in their viability and affect both the choice of a mate and the viability of their offspring. This process would have accelerated human evolution by favoring the most viable. The author relates this theory to his concepts of assortative mating and to other theories of the role of neurosis.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1975

Individual responses to methylphenidate and caffeine in children with minimal brain dysfunction.

Eight children with minimal brain dysfunction were studied for their individual responses to two stimulant medications--methylphenidate hydrochloride and caffeine citrate. Four types of behavioural responses were observed in the double-blind crossover experiment: four children responded favourably to both psychostimulants, one responded to methylphenidate alone and two responded to the placebo. The behaviour of one child deteriorated while he was taking methylphenidate and caffeine. In general, methylphenidate was superior to caffeine in diminishing hyperactive and aggressive behaviour. It is apparent that such stimulant medication exerts its therapeutic effects in these two areas primarily and would therefore be useful as one aspect of a complete treatment program for children with this syndrome.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed1975

Methylphenidate and caffeine in the treatment of children with minimal brain dysfunction.

In this double-blind, crossover study of 8 boys with minimal brain dysfunction, 20 mg of methylphenidate daily was significantly better than 160 mg of caffeine in controlling behavior, especially impulsivity and hyperactivity, and methylphenidate alone was superior to decaffeinated coffee and placebo. The tentative results of this study confirm the primary position of sympathomimetics in the pharmacotherapy of minimal brain dysfunction and, in addition, suggest the involvement of dopamine pathways in this disorder. The authors urge further study of this hypothesis.

Administration, Oral↗