Higher Frequency Of Symptoms Research Articles

Sensory clusters of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: differences in affective symptoms

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) show variability in their sensory behaviors. In this study we identified clusters of toddlers with ASDs who shared sensory profiles and examined differences in affective symptoms across these clusters. Using cluster analysis 170 toddlers with ASDs were grouped based on parent rating of the Infant Toddler Sensory Profile (Dunn, 2002) under-responsivity, over-responsivity, and seeking scales. Affective symptoms were evaluated with the Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (Carter & Briggs-Gowan, 2005). Three clusters were identified: (1) low frequency of sensory symptoms (n = 44); (2) high frequency of symptoms (n = 49); and (3) mixed (n = 77); high frequency of under-and over-responsivity and low frequency of seeking). Relative to the low frequency cluster, parents rated toddlers in the high frequency and mixed clusters (both characterized by high frequencies of sensory under- and over-responsivity) as higher on negative emotionality, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Sensory and affective differences among clusters remained after co-varying severity of ASD symptoms. Interdisciplinary assessments are recommended for toddlers with ASDs in order to identify the interplay of sensory and affective symptoms.

Psychological Factors in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Measured by SCL-90-R Questionnaire

An association between psychological factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease has been recognized. Psychological distress can influence the outcomes of the disease. To determine the existence of psychological factors in our gastroesophageal reflux disease sample, as well as determine their influence on the outcome of the disease and treatment response. A cross-sectional study was performed from February 2006 to December 2007. Patients referred to gastrointestinal specialists who reported symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were asked to fill out the SCL-90-R questionnaire. All underwent endoscopy and pH-metry studies. Fifty-five patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were analyzed. Subjects with reflux symptoms had higher scores compared to healthy controls on sommatization, obsessiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, being phobic, being psychotic, and the global index (P < 0.05). Patients with high frequency of symptoms and long duration of disease have increased psychological distress. There was no relationship among pH-metry results, endoscopy findings, and SCL-90-R scores. Psychosocial factors can predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The SCL-90-R questionnaire can be useful in investigating psychological factors in those patients with unsuccessful outcome of the symptoms despite correct management.

Correlation of end plate shape on MRI and disc degeneration in surgically treated patients with degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus

The sagittal profile of the lumbar end plates on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been investigated in patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) or herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). To examine the shape of the end plates in patients treated surgically for a) low back pain or b) radiculopathy with HNP. Furthermore, to investigate the correlation between end plate shape and disc degeneration on the one, and end plate shape and symptoms on the other. Retrospective review of charts and radiographs. The charts, operative reports, preoperative lateral plain radiographs, and MRI scans of 178 patients (85 with low back pain and 93 with HNP) were reviewed. End plate shape was determined on midsagittal MRI cuts, disc degeneration was graded on T2 sequences, and disc height was measured on lateral plain radiographs from L1 to S1 in all patients. Student t-test and chi(2) test were used to detect significant differences and associations. Flat and irregular levels were most common in the lower lumbar spine. The L5/S1 segment was flat in most cases, due to a flat sacral end plate. In DDD patients, disc degeneration on MRI and plain radiographs worsened from concave to flat, to irregular levels. In HNP patients, MRI demonstrated concave levels to be less degenerated, whereas no difference was detected between flat and irregular levels. Disc height of irregular levels was well preserved in HNP patients. Comparing the two groups, flat levels were more degenerated on MRI in HNP patients. Despite similar degrees of degeneration on MRI, concave and irregular levels in DDD patients had lower disc heights. A higher frequency of symptoms was found in flat and irregular levels for both patient groups. The sagittal profile of end plates in the lumbar spine was described for patients with DDD on the one and HNP on the other. A higher association with symptoms was observed for flat and irregular levels in both patient groups. In DDD patients, disck degeneration on both MRI and plain radiographs increased from concave to flat, to irregular levels. In HNP patients, MRI demonstrated concave levels to be less degenerated, whereas no difference was detected between flat and irregular levels. Disc height of irregular levels was well preserved in HNP patients. Comparing the two groups of patients, flat levels were more degenerated on MRI in HNP patients. Despite similar degrees of degeneration on MRI, concave and irregular levels in DDD patients had lower disc heights. The correlation of symptoms and disc degeneration with the end plate shapes is not definitive evidence of end plate remodeling around degenerated discs. It may simply represent the higher rate of disc degeneration in the lower lumbar levels. This analysis did not provide any hints as to which degenerated discs are more likely to herniated and cause leg symptoms or cause predominantly low back pain.

Delayed gastric emptying in patients with diffuse versus limited systemic sclerosis, unrelated to gastrointestinal symptoms and myoelectric gastric activity

Objective To study the gastric function in patients with diffuse and limited systemic sclerosis (SSc) in relation to the degree of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods Scintigraphic gastric emptying and recording of the myoelectric signals of the stomach were examined in 15 patients with diffuse SSc (dSSc), 13 patients with limited SSc (lSSc) and 15 healthy controls. The frequency of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was determined using a questionnaire.Results Patients with dSSc had slower gastric emptying (scintigraphic gastric half‐emptying time median (Md) 103 min, range 75–447 min) than control subjects (Md 70 min, range 38–94) and patients with lSSc (Md 76 min, range 43–460). Electrogastrographic recordings did not differ between dSSc, lSSc or controls. Symptoms tended to be more abundant in dSSc patients than in lSSc patients, however, patients with a high frequency of symptoms did not differ from patients with low frequency of symptoms in gastric function, as measured with scintigraphic gastric emptying or electrogastrography (EGG). Neither EGG nor a thorough review of upper gastrointestinal symptoms could predict delayed gastric emptying.Conclusion The higher prevalence of delayed gastric emptying in patients with dSSc in this study indicates a more severe involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in dSSc than in lSSc, and stresses the importance of differentiating between the subtypes of SSc patients. Since EGG dysrythmia did not correlate with gastric emptying we concluded that factors other than defective myoelectric signals might contribute to a disturbed gastric function.

Comparing Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Community-Based Versus Tertiary Care Sample

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by six or more months of prolonged or relapsing, unexplained fatigue of new or definite onset and at least four of eight associated somatic and cognitive symptoms. Almost all studies of samples with patients with CFS have relied on referrals from physicians or health facilities. Underserved minorities, who not only tend to manifest higher levels of chronic illness, but are also less likely to seek and receive adequate medical care, have not been adequately represented in these studies. The present study compared two groups of individuals with CFS, one from a community-based sample and another from a tertiary-based sample. Findings indicate that patients with CFS from tertiary care settings have a higher frequency of symptoms than those in the general population who have CFS.

Estrés laboral y salud en una muestra de ejecutivos chilenos

Most individual and organizational costs related to job stress are due to preventable health problems. To study the impact of occupational stress in Chile, an instrument that evaluates the different variables involved in the stress process is required. To study the effects of work stressors and psychological variables on health among Chileans managers. To study reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI-2). A translated version of the OSI-2 was applied to a sample of 264 white-collar managers. A high frequency of symptoms was reported by our sample. Back pain was the most frequently reported symptom in managers with high levels of stress. Regression analysis showed that, together, work stressors and psychological characteristics significantly explained self-perceived mental (27.6%) and physical (22.9%) health variance. Responsibilities of the executive role were the stressors most highly associated with poor stress outcomes. The psychological variables most strongly correlated with mental and physical health were Problem-focused Coping and the subscale Impatience of Type A Behavior. The reliability and validity of the OSI-2, Spanish version, were reasonably high. The transactional model of work stress was confirmed in a sample of Chilean managers evaluated with the Spanish version of the OSI-2.

Heartburn in Belgium: prevalence, impact on daily life, and utilization of medical resources.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a frequently occurring disease that may be considered a public health issue, particularly in developed countries. The specificity of heartburn for the diagnosis of GORD is good. Our aim was to define the prevalence of heartburn in Belgium, characterizing both its impact on everyday life and the ensuing use of medical resources. Two thousand people living in Belgium, selected randomly after stratification, were interviewed face to face. The main question in the questionnaire used in this interview concerned the presence over the previous 12 months of a burning sensation in the epigastric and/or retrosternal region. This was followed by 21 secondary questions on the characteristics of the population studied, the impact of heartburn on everyday life, and the medical resources used. Twenty-eight per cent of the population interviewed reported heartburn. This symptom was present at least once a week in 42% of sufferers. Heartburn was more frequent in women than men (P < 0.05) and was not distributed uniformly throughout the various regions of the country (P < 0.05). Seventy-seven per cent of the people with heartburn found that it had a significantly negative impact on their daily lives (in 27%, this effect was strong). Heartburn associated with a substantial negative impact on daily life was characterized by a higher frequency of symptoms (P < 0.0001), a longer duration of the problem (P = 0.006), and the presence of pain (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P < 0.0001). Fifty-six per cent of individuals with heartburn had already sought medical advice, 45% had undergone an upper-gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, and 59% were taking medications. Among patients complaining that heartburn had a substantial negative effect on their everyday lives, 21.6% had not sought medical advice and 22.2% did not take any medication. Heartburn is very frequent in Belgium and is associated with a considerable negative impact on everyday life. It also generates a significant use of medical resources. However, among the patients complaining of a substantial negative effect on their daily lives, one-fifth (which would represent 1.5% of the Belgian population) seemed to lack appropriate care.

Functional dyspepsia: Physiology, diagnosis and treatment

AbstractOld classical studies and new investigations support the theory that functional dyspepsia (FUD) is a psychosomatic disorder with multifactorial genesis, where psychological, social and cultural factors interact with biological variables. In FUD there is a high frequency of symptoms from other organs, as well as mental symptoms. Drugs are not found to be effective in FUD except as placebo treatment. However, if depression is associated with FUD, an antidepressant agent may be useful. The treatment of FUD as well as other functional gastrointestinal disorders should be focused on psychological intervention and stress management. There is evidence of beneficial effects from short‐term psychotherapy in patients with symptoms of FUD in combination with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Cocaine use and post partum psychiatric symptoms.

The association of mental health symptoms with cocaine use was studied among post partum women. Gestational cocaine use was determined by confidential interview or urine assay. A structured Psychiatric Symptom Index was used to measure mental health symptoms. Among 155 women, 24 (15%) used cocaine. Cocaine-using women had less education, higher parity, less weight gain during pregnancy, and used more cigarettes, marijuana, and opiates in pregnancy than nonusers. High frequency of symptoms (standardized Psychiatric Symptom Index score greater than or equal to 20) was found in 71% of women for the Total Index score, 81% on depression, 61% on anxiety, 36% on cognitive disturbance, and 75% on anger. No differences in Psychiatric Symptom Index Total or factor scores were associated with cocaine use.

Evaluation of three methods of symptom reporting in a clinical trial of felodipine

251 patients from 23 primary health care centres were recruited to a clinical trial in which either felodipine or placebo was added to baseline metoprolol treatment. Three methods of symptom reporting were used in 191 patients, namely two previously documented self-administered questionnaires and an adverse event monitoring system (spontaneous reports to treating physician). Higher frequencies of symptoms were seen with the questionnaires compared to spontaneous reporting. However, the overlap between the methods was moderate and they were found to complement one another. The questionnaires were completed twice during the study and the adverse event monitoring system was applied on five occasions. The rate of application had consequences for the ability of each method to detect transient, dose-related symptoms, e.g. headache and dizziness. Regardless of method, the possibility of detecting dose-related symptoms was enhanced when symptoms were measured not only during active treatment but also during a run-in or other baseline period, and both phases were considered in the analyses.

Occurrence of schizotypal and borderline symptoms in parasuicide patients: comparison between subjective and objective indices

Seventy-six patients were interviewed within a week of admission following a parasuicide episode. Axis II diagnosis on DSM-III was made for schizotypal, borderline, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorder. In addition patients completed a self-rating questionnaire, the Schizotypy Questionnaire of Claridge & Broks (1984), which assesses schizotypal and borderline personality traits. The objective and subjective indices of schizotypal and borderline symptoms correlated significantly but allocation of patients to a diagnosis missed several patients who nevertheless rated themselves as having a high frequency of these symptoms. There was an asymmetry of symptom pattern reminiscent of Foulds & Bedford's (1975) hierarchy model. The presence of schizotypal symptoms appeared to be higher in the hierarchy: they predicted borderline symptoms, but a high frequency of borderline symptoms did not necessarily predict schizotypy. We suggest that the occurrence of schizotypal symptoms should become a more explicit focus of clinical assessment and treatment of these patients, especially those who repeatedly harm themselves and we suggest ways in which cognitive therapies may be adapted to do this.

Effects of Formaldehyde on the Nasal Mucosa

To investigate health effects of long-term exposure to formaldehyde a cross-sectional field study was performed. Seventy formaldehyde-exposed workers were compared with a control group. A higher frequency of symptoms from upper and lower airways, headache, and dermal discomfort was found in the formaldehyde-exposed group. Further, formaldehyde-exposed workers showed disturbances of nasal physiologic conditions, such as slow nasal clearance, impairment of the sense of smell, more pronounced nasal mucosal swelling, and by spirometry lower forced vital capacity than expected was found. Nasal biopsies from the concha media showed more frequent histologic changes such as loss of cilia and metaplasia in the formaldehyde-exposed group. Histologic lesions did not correlate to current or cumulative exposure doses to formaldehyde. In an experimental study of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to formaldehyde (12.7 mg/m3, 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 24 months), one rat developed a squamous cell carcinoma in the nose and another nasal dysplasia and in seven other rats pronounced nasal metaplasia was seen in the nasal mucosa. In a control group of rats no significant histologic lesions were found.

Symptoms of the neck and upper extremities in dentists.

Symptoms of the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands of 99 dentists and a reference group of 100 pharmacists were studied by means of a telephone interview. Forty-four percent of the dentists and 26% of the pharmacists reported symptoms of the neck [relative risk (RR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.4-3.1]. Symptoms of the shoulder were reported by 51% of the dentists and 23% of the pharmacists (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.3). Musculoskeletal symptoms in the forearm were present almost exclusively in the dentists (12 versus 1%). Numbness and paresthesia were more common among the dentists than among the referents (RR 4.2, 95% CI 2.3-7.7). Unilateral Raynaud's phenomenon in the dominant hand occurred in six dentists and one pharmacist. The high frequency of symptoms from the neck, shoulders, and upper extremities of the dentists was probably related to their difficult work positions with cervical flexion and rotation, abducted arms, and repetitive precision-demanding handgrips.

Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Girls with Untreated Asymptomatic or Covert Bacteriuria

A total of 50 to 80% of all girls with asymptomatic or covert bacteriuria will have recurrences after antibacterial treatment. Deficient bladder emptying is an important factor predisposing to urinary infections. We investigated lower urinary tract function in 57 girls with untreated so-called asymptomatic bacteriuria.Detailed questioning revealed a high frequency of symptoms, such as urgency and incontinence. The symptoms were not acute and no patient had dysuria. The urinary flow curve pattern indicated bladder emptying problems in 42% of the girls and residual urine of greater than 5ml. was seen in 71%. Cystometry revealed consistent detrusor instability in 75% of the patients.Lower urinary tract dysfunction may explain the marked tendency for recurrent infection after treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. With a detailed history, and noninvasive determination of urinary flow and residual urine, these abnormalities are easily detected. Bladder rehabilitation may offer a new method of treatment for these patients. (J. Urol., 143: 333–335, 1990).

Family survivors of homicide victims: Theoretical perspectives and an exploratory study

AbstractLittle empirical information is available on the impact of homicide on surviving family members. Existing descriptions fall into a dichotomy of grief theory and those reporting symptoms of Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder. This pilot study offers a multidimensional formulation which combines symptoms reported across previous studies. Participants were 19 survivors recruited through a victim witness program and a victim rights organization. A learning model, Mowrer's Two Factor Theory, was applied to explain the acquisition and maintenance of post‐traumatic symptoms. Consistent with this model, survivors reported recurrent homicide‐related intrusions and avoidance behaviors on the Horowitz Impact of Event Scale (IES). Comparison of survivors' IES scores with those of victims of rape, loss of a family member, and other trauma revealed a high frequency of symptoms. Mean length of time since homicide was 2.5 years. The Derogatis Symptom Check List 90‐Revised (SCL9O‐R) revealed a high level of general psychiatric distress, with 66% of survivors meeting “caseness” criteria, indicating a need for treatment intervention. A 7‐point Likert scale measure of satisfaction with the criminal justice system was highly correlated with SCL9O‐R subscales of depression (r = − 0.82) and anxiety (r = − 0.82). This link between distress and perceptions of the justice system provided preliminary support for an equity theory perspective on survivor attributions. Conceptual, research, and clinical implications were discussed.

Family survivors of homicide victims: Theoretical perspectives and an exploratory study

Little empirical information is available on the impact of homicide on surviving family members. Existing descriptions fall into a dichotomy of grief theory and those reporting symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. This pilot study offers a multidimensional formulation which combines symptoms reported across previous studies. Participants were 19 survivors recruited through a victim witness program and a victim rights organization. A learning model, Mowrer's Two Factor Theory, was applied to explain the acquisition and maintenance of post-traumatic symptoms. Consistent with this model, survivors reported recurrent homicide-related intrusions and avoidance behaviors on the Horowitz Impact of Event Scale (IES). Comparison of survivors' IES scores with those of victims of rape, loss of a family member, and other trauma revealed a high frequency of symptoms. Mean length of time since homicide was 2.5 years. The Derogatis Symptom Check List 90-Revised (SCL9O-R) revealed a high level of general psychiatric distress, with 66% of survivors meeting “caseness” criteria, indicating a need for treatment intervention. A 7-point Likert scale measure of satisfaction with the criminal justice system was highly correlated with SCL9O-R subscales of depression (r = − 0.82) and anxiety (r = − 0.82). This link between distress and perceptions of the justice system provided preliminary support for an equity theory perspective on survivor attributions. Conceptual, research, and clinical implications were discussed.

Morphologic and dynamic changes of atherosclerotic plaque at the carotid artery bifurcation: Sequential imaging by real time B-mode ultrasonography

Occurrence of new symptoms of focal cerebrovascular disease, including completed cerebral infarction, transient cerebral ischemic attack and amaurosis fugax, was correlated with changes in size and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques at the carotid artery bifurcation visualized by real time B-mode ultrasonography. Bilateral serial images of 246 plaques in 123 patients were made in a time interval of 9 to 35 months between initial and follow-up studies. There was a significantly higher incidence of symptoms ipsilateral to plaques that grew [30 (25%) of 121] than of symptoms ipsilateral to plaques that diminished or remained unchanged [8 (8%) of 98] (p less than 0.001). Plaques that became hemodynamically obstructive by causing disruption of laminar flow or reduction of distal perfusion pressure at the ophthalmic artery were associated with a higher frequency of symptoms [12 (40%) of 30] than were nonobstructive plaques [26 (13%) of 201] (p less than 0.001). There was also a strong association between symptoms and plaque configuration. Mural plaques growing in a crescentic configuration along the wall of the carotid bifurcation between the first and second examination had a higher incidence of symptoms [22 (40%) of 56] than did plaques that grew but maintained a nodular configuration [8 (12%) of 65] (p less than 0.001), although the same proportion of each became hemodynamically obstructive. Sequential visualization of atherosclerotic plaques by real time B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid bifurcation may provide a method for studying the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis.

Studies Of The Association Between Exposure To Electric And Magnetic Fields And Human Cancer: A Review And Analysis

Research into possible health effect which might result from exposure to electric and magnetic fields has been conducted for several decades. Interest in this field increased during the early 1960’s as a result of reports from the Soviet Union of a higher frequency of symptoms among switchyard workers exposed to high electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Attempts to replicate these findings in a number of western countries failed to support these findings. Laboratory studies carried out in North America and Europe, largely with electric fields, generally failed to demonstrate any evidence of a hazard to human health. With a few exceptions, the state of knowledge that existed until quite recently has led to a general sense of complacency regarding possible health effects of EMF exposure [I I. Within the very recent past, that situation has changed. There are now a number of published studies of EMF exposure in human populations some of which suggest that EMF may increase the risk of cancer. The most important of these studies will be reviewed below. The publication of these new studies has stimulated certain changes in emphasis in EMF research. Briefly, those changes are: an emphasis on magnetic fields rather than electric fields, a reduced emphasis on high voltage transmission lines as the major source of exposure, and an interest in carcinogenesis. At the conclusion of this paper, I will describe some of the new research initiatives undertaken by the Electric Power Research Institute to resolve the large degree of uncertainty which characterizes this field of research. Because the studies to be reviewed here are epidemiological, I shall begin by offering some criteria for the evaluation of such studies particular with regard to causation. I will also offer some introductory comments on magnetic fields, their characteristics and sources.

The interpersonal basis of psychiatric symptoms

This paper concerns the kinds of complaints that are commonly identified and treated when psychiatric patients receive psychotherapy. Most patients in a first interview report both psychiatric symptoms’ (like anxiety, depression, and tension) and interpersonal problems (like problems with assertiveness, independence, and intimacy). Some investigators have emphasized the high frequency of symptoms (e.g., Siegel & St. Clair, 1977), while others have emphasized the high frequency of interpersonal problems (e.g., Horowitz, 1979). These two kinds of complaints, however, have different roles in treatment. Therapists seem to classify disorders and evaluate the severity of disorders in terms of symptoms (APA, 1980),2 but the actual work of treatment usually focuses on interpersonal events, conflicts, and goals (Weissman & Klerman, 1973). Researchers have been able to measure the severity of symptoms (Derogatis, Lipman, & Covi, 1973), but not that of interpersonal problems. Part of the problem is that instruments that help patients systematically describe specific interpersonal

Subjective Symptoms in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthrosis

Questionnaires about subjective symptoms were sent by post to 120 patients referred to the clinic for mandibular dysfunction. A group of 20 patients with crepitation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and a group of 19 patients with palpatory tenderness of the TMJ were compared with a reference group of 29 patients for any difference in local subjective symptoms, frequency of headache and symptoms in other joints. The patients with TMJ crepitation, which were considered to have TMJ osteoarthrosis, were older and reported a higher frequency of grating sound from the TMJ than the patients in the reference group. The patients with palpatory tenderness of the TMJ reported a higher frequency of toothgrinding, more severe symptoms of mandibular dysfunction and a higher frequency of symptoms in the hand joints. No correlation was found between subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction and those of other joints. The results of the study indicate that patients with TMJ osteoarthrosis do not differ from other patients with mandibular dysfunction with respect to subjective symptoms and that subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction in general develop independently of those in other joints.