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Biomedical subjects

S M Juergens

Publications and source records attributed to S M Juergens.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Alcoholism in a coronary care unit population.

To estimate prospectively the concordance between diagnoses of alcoholism by a physician and by use of a questionnaire-type screening test in patients in a coronary care unit, we studied 608 patients admitted to a coronary care unit in a 5 1/2-month period. The results from the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) were compared with the diagnoses by physicians recorded in the medical records for the same patients. A strong association (P < 0.001) existed between the clinicians' identification of an alcohol problem and the SAAST scores indicative of such a problem. However, 23 (4.2%) patients were identified as alcoholics by the SAAST but not by clinicians, and 16 (2.9%) patients were identified as alcoholics by clinicians but not by the SAAST. The SAAST was well accepted in this coronary care unit and can complement and extend the clinicians' impression, although each approach may identify some patients that the other will miss. Routine use of the SAAST in the coronary care unit or other hospital settings is feasible and, with appropriate clinician assessment and physician involvement, should yield more complete evaluation and case finding for alcoholism.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Benzodiazepines and addiction.

Benzodiazepines are medications that are addicting--both in combination with other drugs and alone. The scope of the problem is thought to be wide, but it has not been well documented for unclear reasons. Pharmacologic dependence has been documented in virtually all long-term users. Adverse effects occur secondary to their use and these effects are often subtle, but significant. Various benzodiazepines present differences in reinforcement, withdrawal, and adverse effects. Diagnostic issues, withdrawal, and treatment issues are discussed.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMed1990

Effect of inpatient psychiatry training on internal medicine residents. Results of a survey.

Forty-two residents in internal medicine completed an attitudinal survey at the beginning and end of a 2-month inpatient psychiatry rotation. Residents noted a significant increase in their confidence regarding the management of various psychiatric problems and personality problems, the conducting of supportive counseling, the making of psychiatric referrals, the usefulness of psychotherapy, and the ability to discuss emotionally difficult subjects with patients. The rotation was perceived as being worthwhile and enjoyable. Areas of uncertainty that remained included concern regarding the time demands, the perception that psychiatric patients are anxiety-provoking and difficult to treat, and that psychiatric knowledge was an extension of common sense.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Alprazolam dependence in seven patients.

The authors report on seven patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for psychoactive substance (alprazolam) dependence. All had withdrawal symptoms, six demonstrated tolerance, and at least four had substantial social or occupational impairment secondary to drug use. All seven patients had begun taking alprazolam as treatment for anxiety or depression. Six patients abused other drugs or alcohol, either in the past or concurrently. Doses of alprazolam ranged from 2 to 12 mg/day, and duration of use was 6 months to 3 years. The potential for dependence should be considered when prescribing alprazolam.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

ALS in Rochester, Minnesota, 1925-1977.

The incidence, trend, and survivorship of ALS in the population of Rochester, Minnesota, was determined for the years 1925 through 1977. The average annual incidence was 1.76 per 100,000 population. There was a small but nonsignificant increase in the rate during the 53-year period. The male:female ratio was 1.1, and the male:female ratio of incidence rates was 1.6. The median age at onset was 66 years; the incidence rates increased with increasing age. Median survivorship was 22.5 months, and was longer for younger patients than for patients with an advanced age at onset. The demographic characteristics in this total community experience are believed to reflect the pattern of ALS more accurately than previously reported clinical series.

Age Factors↗