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Biomedical subjects

R G Large

Publications and source records attributed to R G Large.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Self poisoning: who supplies the drugs? 100 examples.

One hundred self-poisoners, consecutively referred to the psychiatric liaison service at Auckland Hospital were questioned regarding the source of the substances taken, the taking of regular medication and their last contact with a doctor. In total, 82 percent took legitimately prescribed medications, in 67 cases prescribed for themselves, while 12 percent bought over-the-counter preparations. Alcohol was associated in one-third of all cases. In one half of all cases the substance ingested had been prescribed at the last visit to a doctor. These patients were statistically more likely to be depressed, to be taking regular medication and to have taken a previous overdose. Two-thirds of all cases had seen a doctor no more than a month prior to self-poisoning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Alcoholism today.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1978

Self-poisoning in Auckland reconsidered.

Data is presented describing 345 self-poisoners presenting at the accident and emergency department and 211 referred to the psychiatric liaison service at Auckland Hospital during the 12 month period between August 1976 and July 1977. Both groups show the age and sex distribution commonly seen in self-poisoning, with a preponderance of young females. Referral rates increased with age and with the implication of anti-depressants, neuroleptics and anticonvulsants. Only 20 percent of the referred patients had a serious psychiatric disorder. Personality disorder, depressive neurosis and transient situational disturbance accounted for 80 percent. The benzodiazepine group of anxiolytics was implicated in 40 percent of incidents and the use of this class of medication is discussed in relation to the problem of self-poisoning. It is suggested that if all Auckland doctors made a decision not to prescribe oral benzodiazepines, the incidence of self-poisoning in the city could be reduced to a half to two thirds of its present proportions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Chronic pain and the psychiatrist.

The contribution of psychiatry to the evaluation and treatment of chronic pain is described. Psychological profiles may predict the outcome of surgery, while the psychiatric interview enhances understanding and may disclose formal psychiatric disorder. The measurement of pain is dependent on factors affecting pain complaint, and the psychiatrist can only accept the patient's experience. The reaction inhibition test and Chapman's Somatic, Anxiety, Depression (SAD) index provide ways of elucidating the functional versus organic dilemma. This is further understood by attention to the concepts of operant pain, the sick role, and illness behaviour. Psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, behaviour therapy, biofeedback, and distractional methods are the tools available to the psychiatrist. The patient's attitude and a combined physical and psychiatric approach are important for successful therapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reduction in skin reactions to histamine after a hypnotic procedure.

This study sought to test whether a cognitive-hypnotic intervention could be used to decrease skin reactivity to histamine and whether hypnotizability, physiological variables, attitudes, and mood would influence the size of the skin weals. Thirty eight subjects undertook three individual laboratory sessions; a pretest session to determine sensitivity to histamine, a control session, and an intervention session during which the subject experienced a cognitive-hypnotic procedure involving imagination and visualization. Compared with the control session, most subjects (32 of 38) decreased the size of their weals measured during the intervention session, and the differences between the weal sizes produced in the two sessions were highly significant (N = 38; t = 4.90; p < .0001). Mood and physiological variables but not hypnotizability scores proved to be effective in explaining the skin test variance and in predicting weal size change. Feelings of irritability and tension and higher blood pressure readings were associated with less change in weal size (i.e., a continuation of reactivity similar to that found in the control session without the cognitive-hypnotic intervention), and peacefulness and a lower blood pressure were associated with less skin reactivity during the intervention. This study has shown highly significant results in reducing skin sensitivity to histamine using a cognitive-hypnotic technique, which indicates some promise for extending this work into the clinical area.

Adolescent↗