Biomedical subjects

N Nammalvar

Publications and source records attributed to N Nammalvar.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Dextropropoxyphene dependence: a cautionary note.

Drug abuse and dependence is common in patients with chronic pain. Of concern are the opioid analgesics prescribed commonly, and its availability over the counter. Often the cause of dependence is iatrogenic. We report a case of a patient with chronic back pain and dextropropoxyphene dependence. With chronic pain being a significant risk factor for drug dependence, increased caution by the prescribing physicians is advisable while treating such patients using opioid analgesics. The dangers of opioid dependence, associated risk factors, and issues regarding the prescription of such medication are discussed to aid prevention of prescription drug abuse seen in general practice.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed1981

Identity disturbances in drug addicts.

Identity disturbances in a heterogeneous group of drug addicts (n = 30) were studied. Hirvas' scale of identity, which is based on Erikson's epigenetic theory of personality development was used. An equal number of normal individuals formed the control group. The identity confusion was studied in three dimensions: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and capacity for objective self-appraisal. Among the addicts a significantly high degree of identity disturbances was found in these three dimensions regarding areas of time perspective, sexual identity, leadership polarisation and ideological polarisation. The possible interrelationship between these disturbances and addictive behaviour is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

The course and outcome in depressive illness. A follow-up study of 122 cases in Madurai, India.

One hundred and nine out of one hundred and twenty-two cases of endogenous depression were followed-up after their index diagnosis 3-13 years earlier. No recurrence occurred in 28 cases. Forty-two cases turned out to be bipolar and 21 remained unipolar. Manic episodes outnumbered the depressive ones. The change of polarity from depression to mania occurred within three years after the initial depression, though in others the shift occurred between three years and twelve years. The number of episodes of depression before the onset of mania varied from 1 to 3. While the onset of depression before the age of 40 years predisposed to recurrences, there was risk of chronicity in those patients who developed the illness after 40.

Bipolar Disorder↗