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Biomedical subjects

P M Helms

Publications and source records attributed to P M Helms.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

Recurrent psychotic depression. Evidence of diagnostic stability.

A review of the research comparing psychotic and nonpsychotic depression gives considerable evidence to support the view that these groups are distinct diagnostic subtypes. A representative sample of the research favoring this view is presented. Particular note is made of Charney and Nelson's data on stability of diagnosis. Our finding of 92.3% of psychotic depressives experiencing previous and/or subsequent psychotic episodes is consistent with Charney and Nelson's findings. Additional support for stability of diagnosis is the rare occurrence of nonpsychotic depression found after the index psychotic admission. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Delusions↗
PubMed1982

Adverse effects of lithium therapy in the acutely ill elderly patient.

The incidence of adverse effects of lithium therapy was compared between inpatients age 65 and older and those under the age of 65 to determine if the elderly patients were more susceptible to adverse effects. A retrospective chart review was utilized to determine the respective incidences. While there is no significant difference between the groups with regard to overall incidence of adverse effects, there is a significantly greater (p less than 0.02) incidence of moderate to severe adverse effects in the elderly. An attempt was made to determine what predisposes the elderly patient to this apparent increased sensitivity, but due to sample size, only trends could be determined. Methods of decreasing the frequency of lithium toxicity in the elderly are suggested.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unipolar depression in the elderly. Reoccurrence on discontinuation of tricyclic antidepressants.

Nine of 15 elderly male VA outpatients receiving long-term tricyclic antidepressant therapy underwent gradual placebo substitution under double-blind conditions. Three of the 9 (33.3%) experienced a reoccurrence of depressive symptoms on placebo (at 4, 5 and 6 months). None of the 6 remaining on active medication experienced a reoccurrence. The Hamilton Depression Scale and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores indicate a significantly (P less than 0.05) worse outcome for those switched to placebo. The results suggest the need for close follow-up after discontinuation of antidepressant therapy in this population.

Aged↗