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Biomedical subjects

R Ketai

Publications and source records attributed to R Ketai.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1981

Family influence in the recruitment of schizophrenic research subjects.

While seeking research subjects to test the effect of hemodialysis on schizophrenia, the authors noted that the relatives of schizophrenic patients tried to involve themselves excessively in the selection process. Of 27 patients referrals meeting diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, only one contact was initiated by the patient; the rest were initiated by family members. In more than half of the family-initiated contacts relatives attempted to become excessively involved in the patient's decision making. The authors discuss these observations in light of family theories of schizophrenia. They urge caution in selecting subjects for research that attempts to test other researchers' earlier claims which may have stimulated premature hope of improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Family practitioners' knowledge about treatment of depressive illness.

Since nonpsychiatrists, particularly family practitioners, treat a large proportion of patients with depressive illness, their knowledge in this area should be assessed. An audience of 227 family practitioners at a postgraduate symposium were examined on basic principles of treatment of depressive illness, particularly the use of tricyclic antidepressants. Their responses were compared to a group of 17 university psychiatrists. The results showed that the family practitioners knew the right treatment for endogenous depression but tended to prescribe inadequate doses of tricyclics and gave too short a therapeutic trial as compared to psychiatrists. Both the psychiatrists and family practitioners tended to discontinue medications about three to six months after improvement, which is considered a somewhat short treatment span but not inappropriate. Family practitioners need to become better informed about tricyclic dosages and therapeutic trials.

Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic↗
PubMed1976

High-dosage and versatile drug therapy with treatment-resistant psychotic patients.

The author believes that many of the chronic patients in psychiatric institutions and mental health facilities could be helped if physicians were more willing to try different combinations and higher dosages of psychotropic drugs than are commonly used. He presents case studies of two chronic patients who were helped by innovative use of drugs and discusses factors to be considered in implementing high-dosage and versatile drug therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Psychotropic drugs in the management of psychiatric emergencies.

Antipsychotic drugs are the agents of choice for the management of acute functional psychoses. In most instances, hourly intramuscular injections of chlorpromazine or haloperidol will bring tranquilization within six hours or less. These drugs also are useful in amphetamine-induced psychoses. In psychosis resulting from hallucinogen, however, an antipsychotic drug should be given only as a last resort. In many organic psychoses, including psychosis due to ingestion of an atropine-like drug, use of anti-psychotic drug should be avoided. Before any drug is given to a psychotic patient, an effort should be made to identify an organic brain syndrome, characterized by clouded sensorium, disorientation, and poor recent memory.

Administration, Oral↗