Symptoms In Female Patients Research Articles

Presence of eating disorder symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is common in patients with eating disorders (EDs). There is a lack of research investigating the presence of ED symptoms among patients with OCD, despite concerns that many of these patients may be at high risk for EDs. Our objective was to assess the presence of ED symptoms in patients receiving treatment for OCD.MethodsAdult patients with OCD (n = 132, 71% females) and controls (n = 260, 90% females) completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at admission to a specialized OCD outpatient unit. A small subset of patients (n = 22) also completed the EDE-Q 3-months after end of treatment.ResultsAt the group-level, mean EDE-Q scores did not differ significantly between female patients and controls. However, female patients compared to controls were significantly more likely to score above the EDE-Q cut-off (23% vs. 11%) and have a probable ED (9% vs. 1%), indicating elevated rates of ED symptoms in the clinical range. There was no evidence of elevated rates of ED symptoms in male patients, though sample sizes were small. Preliminary follow-up data showed that certain ED symptoms improved significantly from admission to 3-month follow-up.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that while ED symptoms are not generally elevated in female patients with OCD, a considerable subset of female patients may have a clinical ED or be at high risk of developing one. Clinicians should be alert to ED symptoms in female patients with OCD, and our findings raise the issue of whether ED screening of female patients with OCD is warranted.

Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin with Anticholinergics in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder

ABSTRACT Aims and objectives The main aims and objectives of this study were to study efficacy, safety, and quality of life with combination anticholinergics and desmopressin compared to anticholinergics alone. Materials and methods A total of 92 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 5 mg of solifenacin (group I) or 5 mg of solifenacin and 0.2 mg of desmopressin (group II) for 1 month. The patients were followed for 2 weeks to look for undesired side effect and then at 1 month with 3-day voiding diary. IIQ-7 questionnaire score was used to assess changes in voiding symptoms and quality of life. Results Out of 42 in group I and 50 in group II, one patient in group I and three patients in group II did not follow and were excluded from the study. Baseline parameters between the two groups were statistically similar. Posttreatment parameters such as mean number of voids in first 8 hours decrease from 5.53 to 3.48 in group I vs 5.7 to 2.13 in group II, p valve <0.01. The mean number of urgency episodes in first 8 hours in group I decreased from 4.23 to 3.11 vs 4.68 to 2.29 in group II, p valve <0.01. The mean number of nocturnal voids in group I decreased from 3.55 to 2.48 vs 3.35 to 1.34 in group II, p valve <0.01. The mean IIQ-7 score in group I decreased from 51.10 to 32.8 vs 54.63 to 18.82 in group II, p valve <0.01. Differences were statistically significant. There was statistically insignificant change in serum sodium level posttreatment between group I and group II. Conclusion Combination of desmopressin and anticholinergics was more effective and safe than anticholinergics alone in the treatment of female patients with overactive bladder. Therefore, desmopressin combined with anticholinergics could be considered feasible and safe method for relief of symptoms in female patients with overactive bladder. However, larger and long-term studies for proper evaluation are warranted. How to cite this article Qureshi A, Malik SA, Ahmad MS. Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin with Anticholinergics in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2020;12(3):178–181.

Zumba dancing and aerobic exercise can improve working memory, motor function, and depressive symptoms in female patients with Fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT Background: Patients suffering from the Fibromyalgia (FM) have impaired cognitive function, reduced physical activity and more marked depressive symptoms. While physical activity and exercise therapy are not typically part of the standard treatment for this syndrome, there is mounting evidence that regular participation in activities involving physical exertion has a positive impact on psychological functioning in people with FM. This study compares the impact of two different interventions, aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing, on working memory, motor function and depressive symptoms among female patients with FM. The design also included a control condition. Method: A total of sixty middle-aged female patients with FM (mean age: 35.76 years) and undergoing standard care took part in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three conditions: aerobic exercise training, Zumba dancing, or control. At baseline and 12 weeks later after the end of the intervention, participants’ working memory, motor function and depressive symptom severity were assessed. Results: Working memory, motor function and depressive symptoms improved over time, but only in the aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing conditions than in the control condition. Post-hoc analyses showed that improvements were greatest among participants assigned to Zumba dancing, followed by participants who engaged in aerobic exercise training; the scores of the control group remained virtually unchanged. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing can be recommended as add-ons to standard care to improve working memory and to reduce severity of depressive symptoms among female patients with FM. Although motor function improved in both intervention groups, the effects did not reach clinical relevance.

Seasonal Variation of Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Female Patients.

PurposeTo evaluate seasonal variations of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women who visited hospital clinics.MethodsMedical records of female patients treated for OAB symptoms from January 2011 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pyuria at the first visit, those who did not complete the questionnaire, and those with <3 overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS) were excluded. Uroflowmetric parameters, 3-day micturition diary, and OABSS were analyzed.ResultsA total of 582 patients with OAB symptoms who visited the hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were grouped into 1 of the 3 season groups (cold, intermediate, and hot) depending on the average temperature of the month that the patient first visited the urologic department outpatient clinic. The total OABSS was significantly different between the 3 season groups (cold [7.25±3.20] vs. intermediate [6.24±3.40] vs. hot [5.51±3.20], P=0.001). The proportion of patients who had moderate OAB symptoms (6≤OABSS) was higher in the cold season group (56.2%) than in the other season groups (intermediate, 42.1%; hot, 31.8%; P=0.002). Differences in the number of micturitions (12.12±4.56 vs. 10.95±4.39, P=0.021) and number of urgent urinary incontinence episodes (2.06±0.94 vs. 2.48±0.87, P=0.001) between the cold and hot season groups were also significant. However, differences in the nocturia episode, total daytime voided volume, and mean voided volume between season groups were not significant.ConclusionsDifferent urinary symptoms and uroflowmetric parameters were correlated with seasonal variation. OAB symptoms might be worse in cold season than in other seasons.

Obstructive voiding symptoms in female patients with overactive bladder syndrome

ObjectivesTo characterize obstructive voiding symptoms (OVS) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and normal postvoid residual volume (PVR) and assess their impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) and sexual function. Study designPatients with OAB and normal PVR who visited our urogynecologic clinic between November 2016 and June 2017 were asked to fill a questionnaire comprising of 14 statements regarding Obstructive VOiding Symptoms (the OVOS questionnaire). Patients additionaly completed the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each OVS and its correlation with the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores. ResultsThirty-eight women enrolled in this study. The OVOS questionnaire was found to have good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75) and construct validity. Thirty-six (95%) women reported having at least one, while 34 (90%) had at least two, and 31 (82%) had at least three OVS. The statement: `I feel that I am unable to empty my bladder completely` significantly correlated with the sense of frustration (r = 0.44, p = 0.006), as well as with the overall negative impact of urinary incontinence on QoL (r = 0.36, p = 0.03). The statement: `I feel a sensation of fullness immediately after I empty my bladder` significantly correlated with the total impact of urinary incontinence on sexual function (r = 0.42, p = 0.031). ConclusionsMost patients with OAB and normal PVR complain of OVS which may increase the burden on their QoL and sexual function. Some OVS correlate with various segments of the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaires, suggesting that storage and OVS may share common pathophysiological mechanisms.

Effect of Adjunctive Estradiol on Schizophrenia Among Women of Childbearing Age

Several lines of evidence suggest that estradiol influences the course of schizophrenia, and a previous randomized controlled trial demonstrated that transdermal estradiol improved symptoms in female patients of childbearing age. However, many initial positive findings in schizophrenia research are not later replicated. To independently replicate the results of the effect of estradiol on schizophrenia in women of childbearing age. An 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial performed in the Republic of Moldova between December 4, 2015, and July 29, 2016, among 200 premenopausal women aged 19 to 46 years with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as defined by the DSM-5. Patients were randomized to receive a 200-μg estradiol patch or placebo patch changed twice a week added to their antipsychotic treatment. The primary outcome was the positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; lower scores indicated fewer symptoms and higher scores indicated more symptoms), analyzed with mixed models for repeated measures on an intention-to-treat basis. A total of 100 women (median age, 38 years; interquartile range, 34-42 years) were randomized to receive an estradiol patch and 100 women (median age, 38 years; interquartile range, 31-41 years) were randomized to receive a placebo patch; the median age at baseline for the entire group of 200 women was 38.0 years (range, 19.5-46.0 years). At baseline, the mean positive PANSS score was 19.6 for both groups combined; at week 8, the mean positive PANSS score was 14.4 in the placebo group and 13.4 in the estradiol group. Compared with placebo, participants receiving add-on estradiol patches had statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome measure, PANSS positive subscale points (-0.94; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.24; P = .008; effect size = 0.38). Post hoc heterogeneity analyses found that this effect occurred almost entirely in 100 participants older than 38.0 years (46 in placebo group vs 54 in estradiol group; difference, -1.98 points on the PANSS positive subscale; 95% CI, -2.94 to -1.02; P < .001). Younger participants did not benefit from estradiol (difference, 0.08 points on the PANSS positive subscale; 95% CI, -0.91 to 1.07; P = .87). Breast tenderness was more common in the estradiol group (n = 15) than in the placebo group (n = 1) as was weight gain (14 in estradiol group vs 1 in placebo group). The results independently replicate the finding that transdermal estradiol is an effective add-on treatment for women of childbearing age with schizophrenia and extend it, finding improvements in negative symptoms and finding that the effect could be specific to those older than 38 years. The results should be viewed in the context of the differences in the natural course of schizophrenia between females and males. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03848234.

Changes in salivary oxidative status, salivary cortisol, and clinical symptoms in female patients with temporomandibular disorders during occlusal splint therapy: a 3-month follow up

BackgroundDifferences in the expression of oxidative stress (OS) markers between female patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and healthy individuals indicate that OS plays a role in the pathogenesis of TMD. Because chronic exposure to stress generates oxidative damage during continuous stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, we expected that higher levels of cortisol might be associated with higher oxidative damage. Our aim was to test the association between OS markers, stress perception, and salivary cortisol (SC) in chronic, female TMD patients. We tracked changes in OS markers and SC during occlusal splint therapy in order to evaluate the influence of treatment on oxidative status. We hypothesized that the effects of TMD therapy would differ among individuals depending on the source and intensity of pain.MethodsSixteen female patients were recruited, and 12 finished the study. Clinical assessment and saliva sampling were performed at the baseline and follow-up appointments. Repeated measures analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation were used for analyzing the data.ResultsAfter 3 months, a significant reduction in afternoon total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was observed (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in afternoon malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.021) and a decrease in afternoon MDA to superoxide dismutase ratios (p = 0.017) were present in high-intensity pain patients. At baseline, higher levels of perceived stress were significantly associated with higher morning cortisol (ρ = 0.67). At the end of the therapy, reduced perceived stress was positively correlated with morning SC changes when considering all TMD patients, but the association between perceived stress with OS markers was present only in myofascial pain (MP) group. The effect of treatment on the self-perceived quality of life was more pronounced in female MP patients while the reduction of spontaneous pain was significantly greater in high-intensity pain patients.ConclusionOur data indicate that occlusal splint therapy in female TMD patients contributes to increasing their capacity to remove free radicals. The question remains whether or not TAC decreases in this process as a result of avoiding unnecessary processes, once the increase in antioxidants effectively compensates for OS. The intensity and the source of pain should be considered important factors in future investigations evaluating salivary OS markers and their association with perceived stress and SC in TMD patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03029494. Registered on 2017-01-19.

Myocardial ischemia in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis assessed with single photon emission tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging.

Non-specific cardiac symptoms in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could indicate early cardiovascular disease. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), with 99mTc tetrofosmin stress-rest single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT), in 13 RA female patients with atypical cardiac symptoms, was compared to 44 weight- and age-matched females with similar cardiac complaints (control group). Smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity and cardiac heredity were recorded and compared between the study and control group. MPI was assessed using 17 segment polar map and with a scale of 0 to 5 scoring. Patients with RA demonstrated higher cardiovascular risk (46%) compared to control individuals (17%). In addition, patients with RA had more irreversible myocardial ischemic abnormalities in their MPI than the control group. Dyslipidemia and obesity was found more frequent in RA patients with MPI SSS ≥ 4. RA patients with atypical cardiac complaints are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease; early detection and monitoring of this patient group could potentially reverse or successfully manage the consequences of the upcoming cardiovascular disease.

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: a focus on vasospastic angina

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is considered a broad diagnostic category including documented spontaneous episodes of angina pectoris produced by coronary epicardial vasospasm as well as those induced during provocative coronary vasospasm testing and coronary microvascular dysfunction due to microvascular spasm. The hallmark feature of VSA is rest angina, which promptly responds to short-acting nitrates; however, VSA can present with a great variety of symptoms, ranging from stable angina to acute coronary syndrome and even ventricular arrhythmia. VSA is more prevalent in females, who can present with symptoms different from those among male patients. This may lead to an underestimation of cardiac causes of chest-related symptoms in female patients, in particular if the coronary angiogram (CAG) is normal. Evaluation for the diagnosis of VSA includes standard 12-lead ECG during the attack, Holter monitoring, exercise testing, and echocardiography. Patients suspected of having VSA with a normal CAG without a clear myocardial or non-cardiac cause are candidates for provocative coronary vasospasm testing. The gold standard method for provocative coronary vasospasm testing involves the administration of a provocative drug during CAG while monitoring patient symptoms, ECG and documentation of the coronary artery. Treatment of VSA consists of lifestyle adaptations and pharmacotherapy with calcium channel blockers and nitrates.

The Association of IGF-1 with Clinical Symptoms in Female Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disease of unknown etiology, which is characterised by chronic pain. Disturbed growth hormone response, low serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may play a role in etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia and may be related to the severity of some symptom. The aim of this study is to investigate serum IGF-1 levels and relationship of clinical symptoms in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven patients with FMS and thirty healthy subjects were included in this study. All individuals were assessed for clinical findings, widespread pain (Visual Analogue Scale), functional disability and health state (health assesment questionnarie and fibromyalgia impact questionnarie), anxiety (anxiety State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Beck depression inventory). Likert scale was used for evaluate morning stiffness, level of fatigue, pain, muscle spasm and tenderness. Results: In this study, serum IGF-1 levels of patients with fibromyalgia were significantly lower compared to the control group (p=0.004). The IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with age (r=-0.496; p<0.01), muscle spasm (r=-0.333; p<0.05), tender points (r=-456; p<0.01) and morning stiffness (r=-0.463; p<0.01). Conclusion: Low levels of serum IGF-1 in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were associated with number of tender points, muscle spasm and stiffness. We have concluded that low levels of serum IGF-1 might play role in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia and might be related to severity of symptoms.

The phenotypic and mutational spectrum of Thai female patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X-linked urea cycle disorder affecting both males and females. Hemizygous males commonly present with severe hyperammonemic encephalopathy during the neonatal period. Heterozygous females have great phenotypic variability. The majority of female patients can manifest later in life or have unrecognized symptoms, making the diagnosis of OTCD in females very challenging. Here we report on three unrelated Thai female cases with OTCD presenting with different manifestations including aggressive behavior, acute liver failure and severe encephalopathy. Whole exome sequencing successfully identified disease-causing mutations in all three cases including two novel ones: the c.209_210delAA (p.Lys70Argfs*17) and the c.850T>A (p.Tyr284Asn). This study affirms variable symptoms in female patients with OTCD and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt management for favorable outcomes. In addition, identification of two novel causative variants expands the genotypic spectrum of OTC.

Effects of urine alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate orally on lower urinary tract symptoms in female patients: a pilot study.

In this study, we planned to explore the effects of sodium bicarbonate orally (NaHCO3) treatment on female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who have acidic urine pH values (<6). NaHCO3 was given orally to 33 female patients for 4 weeks at a dose of 2×4 g/day. Laboratory values, bladder diary, the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition Score (PPBC), Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), Overactive Bladder-Validated 8-question Awareness tool (OAB-V8), Pelvic Pain and Urgency & Frequency Patient Symptom Scale tests (PUFSS), and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) scores before and after treatment were compared. A significant increase was detected in urine pH values measured after treatment (5.31±0.52 to 7.2±0.66, p<0.001), but not in blood pH values (7.369±0.33 to 7.384±0.28, p=0.14). After treatment, a significant decrease was detected in daily frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urge incontinence prevalence (p<0.001,p=0.003, p<0.001, p=0.002, respectively) and PPBC, PPIUS, PUFSS, and OAB-V8 symptom scores (p=0.004, p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). A significant decrease was detected in all KHQ subunit scores. Urine alkalinization with NaHCO3 orally in female patients with LUTS and acidic urine pH has a significant level of positive effects on symptoms and symptom scores. Our results show that this new treatment modality-which is inexpensive, easy to use, and has a low side-effect profile is effective in this chronic patient group.

Sexual violence associated with poor mental health in women attending Australian general practices

Objective:Sexual violence (SV) against adult women is prevalent and associated with a range of mental health issues. General practitioners could potentially have a role in responding, however, there is little information to help guide them. Data around prevalence of all forms of adult SV (not just rape) is inconsistent, particularly in clinical samples, and the links between other forms of SV and mental health issues are not well supported. This study aimed to address these gaps in the knowledge base. Methods:A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in Australian general practice clinics. Two hundred and thirty adult women completed an anonymous iPad survey while waiting to see the doctor. Results:More than half the sample had experienced at least one incident of adult SV. Most commonly, women reported public harassment or flashing, unwanted groping and being coerced into sex. Women who had experienced adult SV were more likely to experience anxiety than women who had not, even after controlling for other factors. Women who had experienced adult SV were more likely to feel down, depressed or hopeless than women who had not; however, this association disappeared after controlling for childhood sexual abuse. Conclusions:The findings support the association between SV and poor mental health, even when ‘lesser’ incidents have occurred. Implications for public health:General practitioners should consider an experience of SV as a possible factor in otherwise unexplained anxiety and depressive symptoms in female patients.

The relationship between impulsivity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in female patients with borderline personality disorder

OBJECTIVES: In this present study, we aimed to examine the relationship between impulsivity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and compare these symptoms with a healthy group.METHODS: The sample of this study was composed of randomly selected 90 female patients diagnosed with BPD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria and not receiving any medical treatment during the past six months since presented to the Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital and randomly selected 90 healthy controls who were free of any psychiatric disorders. Semi-structured sociodemographic data form, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) were administered.RESULTS: Total BIS scores were statistically significantly correlated with total ASRS (r = .557, p < .001) and its two subscales: Inattention (r = .593, p < .001) and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (r = .399, p < .001). The results of Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or not between patient and healthy group (χ2 = 46.667, df = 1, p = .000). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between the patients and the healthy controls in terms of total BIS-11 [t(178) = 10.444, p = .000] and total ASRS [t(178) = 9.697, p = .000]. The results of hierarchical multiple regression revealed that Motor subscale scores were significantly predictive of ASRS scores [R2 = .337, F(6,82) = 5.960, p = .00].CONCLUSIONS: In this present study, patients with BPD had higher rates of comorbid ADHD and impulsivity scores than healthy controls. ASRS scores and BIS scores were positively correlated, and motor subscale scores were significantly predictive of ASRS scores.

17α-Hydroxylase/17, 20-Lyase Deficiency: Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Eight Chinese Patients

17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase deficiency (17OHD) is caused by mutations in the cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) gene. To better understand 17OHD, a rare disease, we described the clinical features and performed CYP17A1 gene analysis in 8 affected Chinese patients. Patients with complete (7/8) or partial (1/8) 17OHD were derived from 6 families. The diagnosis was established according to their clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and radiological characteristics. Long-term follow-up of some patients was also designed. Patients with 17OHD suffered from varying degrees of hypokalemia and hypertension. Symptoms in female patients with partial 17OHD manifested as secondary amenorrhea, recurrent ovarian cysts, elevated estradiol level, and lower follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels; primary amenorrhea was typical in patients with complete 17OHD. Adrenal masses and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) were discovered in 2 patients, respectively. During long-term follow-up, 4 patients developed low BMD, while 3 individuals underwent respiratory infections and recurrent urinary tract infections. CYP17A1 gene analysis revealed 7 different kinds of mutation, including 1 novel mutation, L266V. The clinical characteristics of partial 17OHD were different from those of complete 17OHD. Low BMD and infections were common in patients with 17OHD on long-term steroid treatment. Seven mutations were identified in the CYP17A1 gene, and 1 was novel. ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone BMD = bone mineral density CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia CT = computed tomography DEXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry DEX = dexamethasone 17OHD = 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase deficiency.

Risk factors of anxiety and depressive symptoms in female patients experiencing intimate partner violence.

The aim of the study was to find factors associated with higher severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in female patients experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). The study was conducted in six randomly selected primary healthcare centers in Lublin province. The HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and a structured questionnaire designed by the authors were administered to a total of 350 consecutive female patients visiting a GP. Fully completed questionnaire forms were obtained from 200 women. 102 (51%) participants who confirmed experiencing IPV ultimately made up the study cohort. Sequential models were created using backward stepwise multiple regression to investigate the potential risk and the protective factors associated with higher severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the study group. 68% and 56% of the participants respectively had positive scores on the HADS anxiety and depression subscales. Living in a small town or in the countryside was associated with higher scores on the anxiety subscale (b = -1.18, p = 0.003), but not on the depression subscale. Chronic physical illness (b = 2.42, p = 0.013; b = 2.86, p = 0.015), being unemployed (b = 0.58, p = 0.024; b = 0.69, p = 0.008), and exposure to economic violence (b = 3.97, p < 0.001; b = 3.88, p = 0.001) were associated with higher scores on both subscales of the HADS. The fact of receiving financial support (b = 2.67, p = 0.002; b = 2.68, p = 0.003) was a protective factor against both kinds of symptoms. Exposure to physical violence was associated with higher scores on the depression subscale (b = 3.09, p = 0.005), but not on anxiety subscale. The type of violence and socioeconomic characteristics were more strongly associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in women experiencing IPV than demographic variables.

Intranasal oxytocin reduces provoked symptoms in female patients with posttraumatic stress disorder despite exerting sympathomimetic and positive chronotropic effects in a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disease accompanied by neuroendocrine changes such as adrenergic overdrive and hence an elevated cardiovascular morbidity. Current pharmacotherapeutic options for PTSD are less than suboptimal, necessitating the development of PTSD-specific drugs. Although the neuropeptide oxytocin has been repeatedly suggested to be effective in PTSD treatment, there are, to our knowledge, only three studies that have assessed its efficacy on the intensity of PTSD symptoms in PTSD patients – among them one symptom provocation study in male veterans.MethodsTo evaluate for the first time how oxytocin influences the intensity of provoked PTSD symptoms and, furthermore, cardiac control in female PTSD patients, we assessed their psychic and cardiac response to trauma-script exposure with and without oxytocin pretreatment in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. We used a within-subject design to study 35 female PTSD patients who received oxytocin and placebo in a 2-week interval. Furthermore, we performed a small pilot study to get an idea of the relation of the stress-modulated endogenous oxytocin levels and heart rate - we correlated oxytocin serum levels with the heart rate of 10 healthy individuals before and after exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).ResultsIntranasal oxytocin treatment was followed by a reduction of provoked total PTSD symptoms, in particular of avoidance, and by an elevation in baseline and maximum heart rate together with a drop in the pre-ejection period, a marker for sympathetic cardiac control. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between endogenous oxytocin levels and heart rate both before and after TSST challenge in healthy control subjects.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence that oxytocin treatment reduces the intensity of provoked PTSD symptoms in female PTSD patients. The small size of both samples and the heterogeneity of the patient sample restrict the generalizability of our findings. Future studies have to explore the gender dependency and the tolerability of the oxytocin-mediated increase in heart rate.This randomized controlled trial was retrospectively registered at the German Trials Register (DRKS00009399) on the 02 October 2015.

Female Functional Constipation Is Associated with Overactive Bladder Symptoms and Urinary Incontinence.

This noninterventional cross-sectional study aims to assess the association between functional constipation (FC) and urinary symptoms in female patients with no treatment for urination and defecation. The Rome III criteria for evaluation of defecation, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) for evaluation of urinary symptoms, and clinical features were investigated in 145 female patients. Latent FC and moderate to severe overactive bladder (OAB) were defined on the basis of positivity for two or more of the Rome III criteria and an OABSS ≥ 6 with OABSS Q3 ≥ 2, respectively. In 60 latent FC patients, the OABSS was higher (5.0 versus 3.2, p = 0.001), and concurrent moderate to severe OAB symptoms and OAB with urinary incontinence were more frequent than those in 85 nonlatent FC patients (33.3 versus 10.6%, p = 0.001, and 31.7 versus 7.1%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that moderate to severe OAB symptoms were a significant associated factor of latent FC (odds ratio (OR) = 4.125, p = 0.005), while latent FC was the only associated factor of moderate to severe OAB and OAB with urinary incontinence (OR = 4.227, p = 0.005 and OR = 4.753, p = 0.004). In conclusion, moderate to severe OAB symptoms are correlated with FC. Moreover, FC is related to moderate to severe OAB symptoms and to OAB with urinary incontinence.

Changes in intraocular pressure and tear secretion in patients given 5mg solifenacin for the treatment of overactive bladder.

To investigate the effect of solifenacin succinate on intraocular pressure (IOP) and dry eye in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The study was conducted prospectively between October 2014 and November 2015. A total of 93 female OAB patients with a mean age of 48.59 ± 11.28years (range 19-75years) were evaluated. A full ophthalmic examination, including the Schirmer I test and IOP measurements, was conducted. Solifenacin succinate (5mg/day) was started orally. All procedures were repeated at the 4- and 12-week follow-up, and the effects and side effects were documented. No statistically significant difference was observed in IOP (p = 0.282, p = 0.189) and tear secretion (p = 0.122, p = 0.071) values from the baseline (day 0) to the 12th week in OAB patients using solifenacin succinate. Solifenacin succinate treatment was terminated in 3 patients owing to dry eye in 1 patient, increased IOP in 1 patient, and systemic side effects in 1 patient. Constipation and dry mouth at various rates were the most common systemic side effects observed. Solifenacin succinate is useful in eliminating OAB symptoms in female patients, but can cause systemic side effects. It had no significant side effects on tear secretion (Schirmer I) and IOP. We concluded that solifenacin succinate could be reliably used in pure OAB patients without comorbidity in terms of dry eye and IOP. We believe that prospective studies with larger series are still needed to reach a definite conclusion.

Metabolic syndrome and its relationship with negative symptoms in female patients with schizophrenia

Introduction: High prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been reported in patients with schizophrenia. Factors that contribute to the development of physical and biochemical abnormalities due to this syndrome are: sedentary lifestyle, antipsychotic medication, mental disorder related issues, including negative symptomatology and genetic factors. A significant association between negative symptoms, obesity and metabolic syndrome has been reported in recent studies. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of metabolic syndrome and to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and negative symptoms in female patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Forty for female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited from psychiatric out-patient clinic. Patients underwent one assessment for metabolic syndrome parameters which included anthropometrical measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose level. The presence of the metabolic syndrome was determined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used for characterizing symptoms. Results: Mean duration of illness was 13.93 years and mean duration of education was 13.15 years. Metabolic syndrome was found in 52.27% of the patients (36% with hypertriglyceridemia, 86% with high waist circumference, 59% with low HDL cholesterol, 20.45% with high fasting glucose and 11% with hypertension. The frequency of metabolic syndrome in group patients with predominant negative symptoms was significantly higher (p= 0.0026) compared to the group without predominant negative symptoms. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is common in female patients with schizophrenia. Systematically assessment of the various components of metabolic syndrome and adequate treatment should help to reduce the cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with schizophrenia.