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Biomedical subjects

S C Dilsaver

Publications and source records attributed to S C Dilsaver.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Pharmacologic perturbation strategies in the study of the neurobiology of depression.

1. Psychological, behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and receptor binding measurements are useful as dependent variables when studying the biology of depression and mania. 2. Pharmacological perturbations of cholinergic mechanisms can produce changes mimicking aspects of the neurobiology of affective disorders. 3. These changes can be quantitated by measuring their impact on variables in each of these classes. 4. Pharmacological methods for inducing these changes in cholinergic systems and their application to clinical and basic research in the field of affective disorders are highlighted.

Animals↗

Implications of perturbation strategies: a philosopher of science's perspective.

Shifts in the classification of multiple variables can contribute to change in psychiatry's concept of a disorder. These shifts or transitions can occur as a consequence of the expansion of knowledge. A concomitant change in the literal form of diagnostic labels is not required. For example, the definitions of "mass" within the framework of Newtonian and Einsteinian theories are conceptually incompatible even though the same label is used to denote both concepts. Implications of the principles discussed for theory and practice in psychiatry are emphasized.

Biology↗

Antidepressant withdrawal syndromes: phenomenology and pathophysiology.

The literature reporting signs and symptoms produced by the abrupt or gradual withdrawal of antidepressants is reviewed. Patients with antidepressant withdrawal syndromes are presented and principles governing their care are highlighted. Finally, the author summarizes evidence that antidepressant-induced supersensitivity of central and peripheral muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms may account for commonly observed antidepressant withdrawal phenomena.

Adult↗

Generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a syndrome characterized by excessive anxiety or apprehension concerning two or more of life's circumstances. Presenting signs and symptoms often include somatic complaints, such as tremor, dyspnea, palpitations, lightheadedness and nausea. Treatment includes supportive psychotherapy and antianxiety drugs, primarily benzodiazepines. In some cases, antidepressants may prove beneficial.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Complications of phenylpropanolamine.

Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic agent present in over 100 proprietary and prescription anorectics, nasal decongestants, psychostimulants and treatments for premenstrual syndrome. It is often found in street drugs prepared to look like amphetamines. Phenylpropanolamine has precipitated paranoid psychosis, severe anxiety, cerebrovascular accidents and hypertensive crises. Hypertensive crises can be treated with phentolamine. Psychiatric symptoms and anxiety are managed with benzodiazepines.

Humans↗

Panic disorder.

Panic disorder affects an estimated 1.4 percent of the general population. Nearly 70 percent of patients with panic disorder may also suffer from a major depressive disorder at some time in their lives. Both disorders respond to tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Alprazolam is also an effective antipanic agent. Because avoidance behaviour (agoraphobia) often follows the onset of panic disorder, behavioral interventions are an important adjunct to management.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Cholinergic hypothesis of depression: a reappraisal.

Evidence for the cholinergic hypothesis of depression is reviewed, arguments directed against this hypothesis are set forth, and the strengths and weaknesses of these criticisms are discussed. The authors conclude that the cholinergic hypothesis is tenable but suggest new areas of study.

Acetylcholine↗

Bipolar disorder.

Bipolar illness is a serious heritable mood disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and mania. The mean age of onset is under 25 years of age, but the period of risk extends from prepuberty to senescence. Fifteen percent of persons with the disorder commit suicide. Bipolar disorder carries an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Chronic treatment with amitriptyline produces supersensitivity to nicotine.

The authors used a thermoregulation paradigm to evaluate effects of amitriptyline (AMI) on the sensitivity of a nicotinic mechanism involved in the regulation of core temperature in rats. Treatment with this tricyclic was associated with a significant increase in the hypothermic response to nicotine. Supersensitivity persisted for a minimum of 7.5 days following the last dose of AMI, and a significant proportion of animals displayed increased sensitivity after 14.5 days of abstinence. Implications for the mechanism of action of AMI are highlighted.

Amitriptyline↗