MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 12 2003
Daniela Tabuani
Abstract In the present paper the potential use of hyperbranched (HB) aramids as metallic solution stabilisers and carriers for homogeneous catalysis is outlined. Aramids, synthesised either from A2,+,B3 reagents [namely, p -phenylenediamine (PPD) and trimesic acid (TMA)] or from an AB2 monomer [i.e., 5-(4-aminobenzamido)isophtalic acid, named ABZAIA], have been used to stabilise palladium nanoclusters dispersed in two solvent media, namely N,N, -dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The influence of the nature of the polymeric support as well as of the solvent medium on both cluster dimensions and stability of the solutions has been investigated. Indeed, the interactions between the polymeric support and the metallic precursor (PdCl2), as revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, involve only the amino groups of the HB aramids. Metal nanocluster dimensions and stability are strongly dependent on the polymer used as a stabilizer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has shown that the presence of HB polymer in the solution reduces cluster dimensions and allows the obtaining of stable systems. The low concentration of NH2 end groups in the poly(AB2) system leads to the formation of Pd particles of rather low dimensions with a high tendency to aggregate. All prepared solutions are stable under inert atmosphere for at least a month, with an improved stabilisation when using the poly(A2,+,B3) system for more than five months. A TEM micrograph of poly(ABZAIA)/Pd from a DMSO solution. [source]

The Role of Surface Oxides in NOx Storage Reduction Catalysts

CHEMCATCHEM, Issue 6 2010
Jelena Jelic Dr.
Monte Carlo or bust: First-principles kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are used to examine NO oxidation over Pd(101)/Pd(100). Under typical conditions for NO oxidation in a NOx storage reduction system (600,K, 105,Pa,O2, 100,Pa,NO), turnover frequencies are comparable to those of Pt(111) surfaces, implying that the surface oxide is similar in reactivity to an oxygen-covered metal surface. [source]

Construction of Tetrahydrofurans by Pd(II)/Pd(IV)-Catalyzed Aminooxygenation of Alkenes.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 46 2007
Lopa V. Desai
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source]

A General Method for the Rapid Synthesis of Hollow Metallic or Bimetallic Nanoelectrocatalysts with Urchinlike Morphology

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 15 2008
Shaojun Guo
Abstract We have reported a facile and general method for the rapid synthesis of hollow nanostructures with urchinlike morphology. In-situ produced Ag nanoparticles can be used as sacrificial templates to rapidly synthesize diverse hollow urchinlike metallic or bimetallic (such as Au/Pt) nanostructures. It has been found that heating the solution at 100,°C during the galvanic replacement is very necessary for obtaining urchinlike nanostructures. Through changing the molar ratios of Ag to Pt, the wall thickness of hollow nanospheres can be easily controlled; through changing the diameter of Ag nanoparticles, the size of cavity of hollow nanospheres can be facilely controlled; through changing the morphologies of Ag nanostructures from nanoparticle to nanowire, hollow Pt nanotubes can be easily designed. This one-pot approach can be extended to synthesize other hollow nanospheres such as Pd, Pd/Pt, Au/Pd, and Au/Pt. The features of this technique are that it is facile, quick, economical, and versatile. Most importantly, the hollow bimetallic nanospheres (Au/Pt and Pd/Pt) obtained here exhibit an area of greater electrochemical activity than other Pt hollow or solid nanospheres. In addition, the ,6,nm hollow urchinlike Pt nanospheres can achieve a potential of up to 0.57,V for oxygen reduction, which is about 200,mV more positive than that obtained by using a ,6,nm Pt nanoparticle modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. Rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry demonstrates that ,6,nm hollow Pt nanospheres can catalyze an almost four-electron reduction of O2 to H2O in air-saturated H2SO4 (0.5,M). Finally, compared to the ,6,nm Pt nanoparticle catalyst, the ,6,nm hollow urchinlike Pt nanosphere catalyst exhibits a superior electrocatalytic activity toward the methanol oxidation reaction at the same Pt loadings. [source]

Catalytic performance of chitosan-Schiff base supported Pd/Co bimetallic catalyst for acrylamide with phenyl halide

POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 4 2010
Wang Li-xia
Abstract The chitosan-Schiff base supported palladium and cobalt bimetallic complex was synthesized in a simple method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). It was found that the catalyst has great activity and stability in the coupling of acrylamide (AA) with the phenyl halide. The influence of various bimetallic catalysts, the different molar ratio of Co/Pd, the bases, the amount of the catalyst and base, and the molar ratio of iodobenzene/AA on the reaction were investigated. The results showed that the catalytic activity of the molar ratio of Co/Pd (3/1) was the best when the iodobenzene was used as a substrate. The yield of the cinnamamide did not change significantly after ten runs. It has been revealed that the catalyst was efficient for the reaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

IR-VIS-UV ellipsometry, XRD and AES investigation of In/Cu and In/Pd thin films

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2008
A. A. Wronkowska
Abstract Optical and compositional properties of In, In/Pd and Pd/In/Pd thin films evaporated on Cu and SiO2 substrates in vacuum were investigated by means of X-ray diffractometry, Auger electron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry methods. Auger depth profile studies were performed in order to determine the composition of InCu and InPd structures. In both systems interdiffusion of metals was detected at room temperature. The XRD patterns indicated formation of CuIn2 and PdIn3 phases in the samples. Optical properties of the composite layers containing intermetallic phases were derived from ellipsometric quantities , and , measured in the photon energy range 0.1-6.0 eV at different angles of incidence using suitable multilayer models for the examined samples. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Synthesis and Characterisation of ,3 -Octahedral [Ni36Pd8(CO)48]6, and [Ni35Pt9(CO)48]6, Clusters Displaying Unexpected Surface Segregation of Pt Atoms and Molecular and/or Crystal Substitutional Ni/Pd and Ni/Pt Disorder

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 9 2004
Cristina Femoni Dr.
Abstract The synthesis and structure, as well as the chemical and electrochemical characterisation of two new ,3 -octahedral bimetallic clusters with the general [Ni44,xMx(CO)48]6, (M = Pd, x = 8; M = Pt, x = 9) formula is reported. The [Ni35Pt9(CO)48]6, cluster was obtained in reasonable yields (56,% based on Pt) by reaction of [Ni6(CO)12]2, with 1.1 equivalents of PtII complexes, in ethyl acetate or THF as the solvent. The [Ni36Pd8(CO)48]6, cluster was obtained from the related reaction with PdII salts in THF, and was isolated only in low yields (5,10,% based on Pd), mainly because of insufficient differential solubility of its salts. The unit cell of the [NBu4]6[Ni35Pt9(CO)48] salt contains a substitutionally Ni,Pt disordered [Ni24(Ni14,xPtx)Pt6(CO)48]6, (x = 3) hexaanion. A combination of crystal and molecular disorder is necessary to explain the disordering observed for the Ni/Pt sites. The unit cell of the corresponding [Ni36Pd8(CO)48]6, salt contains two independent [Ni30(Ni8,xPdx)Pd6(CO)48]6, (x = 2) hexaanions. The two display similar substitutional Ni,Pd disorder, which probably arises only from crystal disorder. The structure of [Ni36Pd8(CO)48]6, establishes the first similarity between the chemistry of Ni-Pd and Ni-Pt carbonyl clusters. A comparison of the chemical and electrochemical properties of [Ni35Pt9(CO)48]6, with those of the related [Ni38Pt6(CO)48]6, cluster shows that surface colouring of the latter with Pt atoms decreases redox as well as protonation propensity of the cluster. In contrast, substitution of all internal Pt and two surface Ni with Pd atoms preserves the protonation behaviour and is only detrimental with respect to its redox aptitude. A qualitative rationalisation of the different surface-site selectivity of Pt and Pd, based on distinctive interplays of MM and MCO bond energies, is suggested. [source]

Factors associated with the development of panic attack and panic disorder: Survey in the Japanese population

PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 2 2005
HISANOBU KAIYA md
Abstract, Environmental factors, in addition to genetic factors, may be related to the development of panic attack (PA) and panic disorder (PD). Previous studies suggested that there may be seasonal variation in the onset of PA/PD and possibly a higher prevalence of PA/PD in colder areas. Also observed were lactate-induced PA and elevated serum cholesterol in PD patients. These suggest that living environment and lifestyle, such as weather conditions, preference of food and physical exercise, might play a role in the occurrence of PA and PD. The present study explored the association of such candidate factors with the development of PA and PD in 4000 Japanese subjects, using a questionnaire. The subjects were recruited from the general population of Japan, using stratified random sampling. Logistic regression with stepwise selection of variables was employed for statistical analysis. Variables including ,dislike of physical exercise', mostly in female subjects, and ,living in areas with longer winter', in male subjects, were suggested for associations with PA and PD among the candidate factors. The result is preliminary but indicates that lifestyle such as like/dislike of physical exercise and environmental factors including weather conditions could play a partial role in the development of PA and PD. Further investigations are required before firm conclusions can be reached. [source]

Indirect evidence for increased mechanosensitivity of jejunal secretomotor neurones in patients with idiopathic bile acid malabsorption

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009
A. Bajor
Abstract Aim:, The interdigestive motor rhythm, the migrating motor complex (MMC), is accompanied by active secretion of chloride during periods of distally propagating maximal motor activity (MMC phase III). We studied the behaviour of this system in bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a relative common cause of chronic diarrhoea. We measured motor activity and transmucosal potential difference (PD, reflecting active chloride secretion), in the proximal jejunum in healthy controls (n = 18) and in a group of patients with BAM (n = 11). The phase III-generated voltage was related to the degree of BAM quantified by the 75SeHCAT test. Methods:, We used a multi-channel intestinal infusion system to simultaneously measure jejunal pressure and PD. Saline passing calomel half-cells was infused into the jejunum and subcutaneously. Pressure and PD were recorded in the fasting state and after a test meal. Results:, In the absence of motor activity, jejunal PD was not significantly different from zero in either group. During MMC phase III, PD reached significantly higher mean and peak levels in BAM patients. The product of MMC phase III length multiplied by voltage, over 3 h, was also significantly higher in BAM patients (controls: median 307 mV × cm, range 70,398; BAM: median 511, range 274,2271, P < 0.01). This value was also significantly correlated with the degree of BAM as reflected by the 75SeHCAT test (P < 0.05). Conclusion:, Phase III induced jejunal secretion may be upregulated in BAM patients, resulting in overload of colonic reabsorption capacity. [source]

Similarity of permeabilities for Ficoll, pullulan, charge-modified albumin and native albumin across the rat peritoneal membrane

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
D. Asgeirsson
Abstract Aim:, Compared to neutral globular proteins, neutral polysaccharides, such as dextran, pullulan and Ficoll, appear hyperpermeable across the glomerular filtration barrier. This has been attributed to an increased flexibility and/or asymmetry of polysaccharides. The present study investigates whether polysaccharides are hyperpermeable also across the continuous capillaries in the rat peritoneum. Methods:, In anaesthetized Wistar rats, FITC,Ficoll or FITC,pullulan together with 125I-human serum albumin (RISA) or neutralized 125I-bovine serum albumin (nBSA) were given intravenously, after which peritoneal dialysis (PD) using conventional PD fluid (Gambrosol 1.5%) was performed for 120 min. Concentrations of FITC-polysaccharides and radioactive albumin species in plasma and dialysis fluid were analysed with high-performance size exclusion chromatography and a gamma counter respectively. Transperitoneal clearance values were calculated for polysaccharides in the molecular radius range 36,150 Å, and for RISA and nBSA. Results:, Ficoll and pullulan showed more or less identical permeabilities, compared to RISA and nBSA, across the peritoneal membrane. Although RISA-clearance, 5.50 ± 0.28 (,L min,1; ±SEM), tended to be lower than the clearances of Ficoll36Å (6.55 ± 0.25), pullulan36Å (6.08 ± 0.22) and nBSA (6.56 ± 0.23), the difference was not statistically significant. This is in contrast to the hyperpermeability exhibited by polysaccharides across the glomerular filtration barrier and also contrasts with the charge selectivity of the latter. Conclusion:, The phenomenon of molecular flexibility is more important for a macromolecule's permeability through the glomerular filter than across the continuous peritoneal capillary endothelium. Furthermore, it seems that charge plays a subordinate role in the steady-state transport across the combined peritoneal capillary,interstitial barrier. [source]

What imaging tells us about violence in anti-social men

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2010
Mairead C. DolanArticle first published online: 8 JUN 2010
This paper provides an overview of imaging studies in samples of men with personality disorder (PD) who have been violent. Mention is also made of the work of two groups that have looked at the neural correlates of violence across diagnostic categories, including schizophrenia and anti-social PD given their relevance in the field. The paper focuses on the notion that aggressive behaviour can be conceptualised in terms of at least two types, reactive and pro-active, and that few studies separate them. The neuro-anatomical basis of aggression and associated neurobehavioural theories are discussed in relation to clinical disorders (mainly anti-social personality pathology) associated with these different types of aggressive behaviour. Structural (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and functional (positron emission tomography, fMRI, single-photon emission tomography) studies with violent people variously characterised as anti-social or having psychopathy will be critically reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The development of a specialist hostel for the community management of personality disordered offenders

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2009
Stephen Blumenthal
Background,Since the late 1990s, in England and in Wales, there has been increasing interest in the particular challenges of managing offenders with personality disorder (PD). In 1999, a specialist hostel, managed by the probation service but with a high level of forensic mental health service input, was opened to high-risk PD offenders. Aims,To describe the first 93 high-risk residents with PD who were completing sentences under life licence, parole or probation, and their outcome. Methods,We investigated the nature of the offences residents had previously committed, their psychological profile in terms of personality patterns on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-III) and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), as well as staff commentary on their progress, to establish whether these factors related to outcome in terms of completion of stay in the hostel or premature discharge. Curfew failures and rearrest rates were also measured. Results,Of the 80 men who completed their residency within the two years of the study, the majority (50) left the hostel for positive reasons under mutual agreement. One-fifth were rearrested while resident, which is a lower rate than would be expected for such a group of offenders. PCL-R scores were predictive of outcome, but so was previous offending history. Self-defeating traits on the MCMI-III and negative comments written by hostel staff were also associated with failure. Conclusions,The hostel development demonstrated that probation and health services can work together to manage violent offenders with high levels of psychological dysfunction, and the evaluation provided some indications of how such arrangements might be enhanced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Quality of life of male outpatients with personality disorders or psychotic disorders: a comparison

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2008
Yvonne HA Bouman
Background,Quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important as an outcome measure in community-based psychiatry. QoL refers to an individual's sense of well-being and satisfaction with his current life conditions. It is measured both through objective social indicators and life domain-specific subjective indicators. People with a personality disorder (PD) or a major mental disorder (MMD) tend to show poor social adjustment, but their relative subjective QoL is not known. Aim,To compare the QoL of male outpatients in treatment for PD or MMD overall and by means of specific social and subjective indicators. Methods,A sample of 135 men under treatment for PD in Dutch forensic outpatient facilities were compared with 79 men with MMD using the extended Dutch version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP). Results,Almost all of the objective indicators of QoL were significantly poorer among men with MMD than those with PD, but the groups did not differ on domain-specific subjective ratings of QoL. Indeed, global subjective QoL was lower in the PD than in the MMD patient group. PD outpatients seemed to have a more complex concept of QoL than the MMD outpatients for whom almost half of the variance in subjective QoL rating was related to their everyday activities and their objective sense of safety. Conclusions and implications for practice,Further study of QoL among PD patients would be warranted to test the extent to which subjective dissatisfaction is intrinsic to PD and to explore the possibility of improving it with targeted treatments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Growth and characterization of LiF single crystal fibers

CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2006
M. Alshourbagy
Abstract Single crystal LiF fibers have been grown by the micro-pulling-down (µ-PD) technique. The fibers are 0.6 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length and of good optical quality. We describe the experimental apparatus for growth and analyze the sample structure and its spectroscopic characteristics. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Fine needle aspiration cytology of follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
M. Powari
In this retrospective study, we tried to ascertain the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) features of six histopathologically proven cases of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid (FVPCT). These proven cases were diagnosed from 1998,2000. May,Grunwald,Giemsa and haematoxylin & eosin stained FNAC smears were studied independently by two observers (MP and PD) for detailed cytological features. A comparison of the cytological features was undertaken with those reported in the literature. There were six cases of which only one case was diagnosed as FVPCT while the other five cases were diagnosed as follicular neoplasm (four cases) and neoplasm unclassifiable (one case) on FNAC smears. All these cases showed abundant cellularity with a prominent follicular pattern. No papillae were identified in any of the cases. Syncytial clusters (five cases), nuclear grooves (six cases), nuclear inclusions (one case) and chewing gum colloid (three cases) were noted in variable proportions. We suggest that a differential diagnosis of FVPCT should be considered if the cytology smears show abundant cellularity, syncytial clusters and follicular arrangement along with thick colloid. [source]

Panic disorder: a review of DSM-IV panic disorder and proposals for DSM-V,

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2010
Michelle G. Craske Ph.D
Abstract This review covers the literature since the publication of DSM-IV on the diagnostic criteria for panic attacks (PAs) and panic disorder (PD). Specific recommendations are made based on the evidence available. In particular, slight changes are proposed for the wording of the diagnostic criteria for PAs to ease the differentiation between panic and surrounding anxiety; simplification and clarification of the operationalization of types of PAs (expected vs. unexpected) is proposed; and consideration is given to the value of PAs as a specifier for all DSM diagnoses and to the cultural validity of certain symptom profiles. In addition, slight changes are proposed for the wording of the diagnostic criteria to increase clarity and parsimony of the criteria. Finally, based on the available evidence, no changes are proposed with regard to the developmental expression of PAs or PD. This review presents a number of options and preliminary recommendations to be considered for DSM-V. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Agoraphobia: a review of the diagnostic classificatory position and criteria,,

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2010
Hans-Ulrich Wittchen Ph.D.
Abstract The status of agoraphobia (AG) as an independent diagnostic category is reviewed and preliminary options and recommendations for the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) are presented. The review concentrates on epidemiology, psychopathology, neurobiology, vulnerability and risk factors, clinical course and outcome, and correlates and consequences of AG since 1990. Differences and similarities across conventions and criteria of DSM and ICD-10 are considered. Three core questions are addressed. First, what is the evidence for AG as a diagnosis independent of panic disorder? Second, should AG be conceptualized as a subordinate form of panic disorder (PD) as currently stipulated in DSM-IV-TR? Third, is there evidence for modifying or changing the current diagnostic criteria? We come to the conclusion that AG should be conceptualized as an independent disorder with more specific criteria rather than a subordinate, residual form of PD as currently stipulated in DSM-IV-TR. Among other issues, this conclusion was based on psychometric evaluations of the construct, epidemiological investigations which show that AG can exist independently of panic disorder, and the impact of agoraphobic avoidance upon clinical course and outcome. However, evidence from basic and clinic validation studies remains incomplete and partly contradictory. The apparent advantages of a more straightforward, simpler classification without implicit hierarchies and insufficiently supported differential diagnostic considerations, plus the option for improved further research, led to favoring the separate diagnostic criteria for AG as a diagnosis independent of panic disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Executive functioning in offspring at risk for depression and anxiety

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 9 2009
Jamie A. Micco Ph.D.
Abstract Background: Executive functioning deficits (EFDs) have been found in adults with major depression and some anxiety disorders, yet it is unknown whether these deficits predate onset of disorder, or whether they reflect acute symptoms. Studies of at-risk offspring can shed light on this question by examining whether EFDs characterize children at high risk for depression and anxiety who are not yet symptomatic. Methods: This study examined neuropsychological functioning in a sample of 147 children, ages 6,17 years (M age=9.16, SD=1.82), of parents with major depression (MDD) and/or panic disorder (PD) and of controls with neither disorder. Children were assessed via structured diagnostic interviews and neuropsychological measures. Results: Although parental MDD and PD were not associated with neuropsychological impairments, presence of current offspring MDD was associated with poorer performance on several executive functioning and processing speed measures. Children with current generalized anxiety showed poorer verbal memory, whereas children with social phobia had more omissions on a continuous performance task. Conclusions: Findings suggest that EFDs do not serve as trait markers for developing anxiety or depression but appear to be symptomatic of current disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Pain interference impacts response to treatment for anxiety disorders

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 3 2009
Carrie Farmer Teh PhD
Abstract Background: Anxiety disorders and pain are commonly comorbid, though little is known about the effect of pain on the course and treatment of anxiety. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial for anxiety treatment in primary care. Participants with panic disorder (PD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (N=191; 81% female, mean age 44) were randomized to either their primary-care physician's usual care or a 12-month course of telephone-based collaborative care. Anxiety severity, pain interference, health-related quality of life, health services use, and employment status were assessed at baseline, and at 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up. We defined response to anxiety treatment as a 40% or greater improvement from baseline on anxiety severity scales at 12-month follow-up. Results: The 39% who reported high pain interference at baseline had more severe anxiety (mean SIGH-A score: 21.8 versus 18.0, P<.001), greater limitations in activities of daily living, and more work days missed in the previous month (5.8 versus 4.0 days, P=.01) than those with low pain interference. At 12-month follow-up, high pain interference was associated with a lower likelihood of responding to anxiety treatment (OR=.28; 95% CI=.12,.63) and higher health services use (26.1% with ,1 hospitalization versus 12.0%, P<.001). Conclusions: Pain that interferes with daily activities is prevalent among primary care patients with PD/GAD and associated with more severe anxiety, worse daily functioning, higher health services use, and a lower likelihood of responding to treatment for PD/GAD. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Anger experience and expression across the anxiety disorders

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2008
David A. Moscovitch Ph.D.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore possible differences in the experience and expression of anger across four anxiety disorder groups and non-clinical controls. Anger was assessed by two measures, the Reaction Inventory and the Aggression Questionnaire, in 112 individuals who met DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia (n=40), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; n=30), social phobia, (SOC; n=28), and specific phobia (SPC; n=14) as well as non-clinical controls (n=49). Patients with PD, OCD, and SOC reported a significantly greater propensity to experience anger than controls, whereas patients with SPC exhibited no differences in anger experience in comparison to controls. In addition, patients with PD reported significantly greater levels of anger aggression compared to both controls and patients with OCD, and patients with SOC reported significantly lower levels of verbal aggression than controls. Most, but not all, of these differences disappeared when symptoms of depression were controlled in the analyses. The implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed 0:1,7, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Memory deficits in children with and at risk for anxiety disorders

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2007
Roma A. Vasa M.D.
Abstract There are limited data on the neurocognitive correlates of childhood anxiety disorders. The objective of this study was to examine whether visual and verbal memory deficits of nonemotional stimuli are (1) a shared feature of three common childhood anxiety disorders (social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder) or whether these deficits are restricted to specific anxiety disorders, and (2) present in offspring who possess at least one of the following established risk factors for anxiety disorders, parental history of panic disorder (PD), or major depressive disorder (MDD). One hundred and sixty offspring, ages 9,20 years, were recruited from parents with lifetime diagnoses of PD, MDD, PD plus MDD, or neither illness. Different clinicians blindly administered semistructured diagnostic interviews to offspring and parents. Verbal and visual memory subtests of the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning were administered to offspring. The results showed that offspring with ongoing social phobia demonstrated reduced visual but not verbal memory scores compared to those without social phobia when controlling for offspring IQ, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. No other offspring anxiety disorder predicted memory performance. Neither parental PD nor parental MDD was associated with offspring memory performance. These findings are relevant to understanding the phenomenology of childhood anxiety disorders and may provide insights into the neural circuits underlying these disorders. Depression and Anxiety 24:85,94, 2007. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Panic and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts: results from the National Comorbidity Survey

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 3 2006
M.P.H., Renee D. Goodwin Ph.D.
Abstract Our objective was to determine the association between panic attacks (PAs) and panic disorder (PD), and suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs) in a nationally representative sample of adults in the community. Data were drawn from the National Comorbidity Survey (n=5,877), a representative household sample of adults ages 15,54 in the United States. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between current and lifetime PA and PD and SI and SA, adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics, comorbid mental disorders (major depression, alcohol dependence, and substance dependence), childhood trauma (physical and sexual abuse), and number of lifetime mental disorders. Past-year and lifetime PA and PD were associated with increased SI (both past year and lifetime), and persisted after adjusting for comorbidity and early trauma. Associations between PA and SA were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for comorbidity. Past-year and lifetime PD were associated with lifetime SA, but these associations were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for comorbidity. Past-year and lifetime PD were associated with past-year SA, and this association persisted after adjusting for demographics, comorbidity, and number of lifetime mental disorders. These findings are consistent with previous results, and further help to clarify the relationships between panic and suicide behavior by identifying potential methodological reasons for inconsistencies in results from previous studies. Depression and Anxiety 23:124,132, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Panic disorder and suicidal ideation in primary care

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2006
Daniel J. Pilowsky M.D., M.P.H.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether panic disorder (PD) and suicidal ideation are associated in an inner-city primary care clinic and whether this association remains significant after controlling for commonly co-occurring psychiatric disorders. We surveyed 2,043 patients attending a primary care clinic using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) Patient Health Questionnaire, a screening instrument that yields provisional diagnoses of selected psychiatric disorders. We estimated the prevalence of current suicidal ideation and of common psychiatric disorders including panic disorder and major depression. A provisional diagnosis of current PD was received by 127 patients (6.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, major depressive disorder [MDD], generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorders), patients with PD were about twice as likely to present with current suicidal ideation, as compared to those without PD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06,3.18; P=.03). After adjusting for PD and the above-mentioned potential confounders, patients with MDD had a sevenfold increase in the odds of suicidal ideation, as compared to those without MDD (AOR=7.00; 95% CI: 4.42,11.08; P<.0001). Primary care patients with PD are at high risk for suicidal ideation, and patients with PD and co-occurring MDD are at especially high risk. PD patients in primary care thus should be assessed routinely for suicidal ideation and depression. Depression and Anxiety 23:11,16, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Patterns of comorbidity in panic disorder and major depression: findings from a nonreferred sample

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2005
Joseph Biederman M.D.
Abstract Previous findings in referred adult samples document major depression as having important moderating effects on the patterns of comorbidity for panic disorder and major depression. This study evaluated whether these patterns of comorbidity are moderated by referral bias. Panic disorder (PD) and major depression (MD) were used to predict the risk for comorbid psychiatric disorders and functional outcomes using data from a large sample of adults who had not been ascertained on the basis of clinical referral (N=1,031). Participants were comprehensively assessed with structured diagnostic interview methodology to evaluate childhood and adult comorbid psychiatric disorders. PD increased the risk for anxiety disorders, independently of MD. MD increased the risk for mania, antisocial personality disorder, psychoactive substance use disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, overanxious disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, independently of PD. These results extend to nonreferred samples' previously reported findings documenting that MD has important moderating effects on patterns of comorbidity for PD and indicate that patterns of comorbidity for PD are not due to referral bias. Depression and Anxiety 21:55,60, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive-behavioural therapy for late-life panic disorder

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
G.-J. Hendriks
Hendriks G-J, Keijsers GPJ, Kampman M, Oude Voshaar RC, Verbraak MJPM, Broekman TG, Hoogduin CAL. A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive-behavioural therapy for late-life panic disorder. Objective:, To examine the effectiveness of paroxetine and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in elderly patients suffering from panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD(A)). Method:, Forty-nine patients aged 60+ years with confirmed PD(A) were randomly assigned to 40 mg paroxetine, individual CBT, or to a 14-week waiting list. Outcomes, with avoidance behaviour and agoraphobic cognitions being the primary measures, were assessed at baseline and at weeks 8, 14 (conclusion CBT/waiting list), and at week 26 (treated patients only) and analysed using mixed models. Results:, All outcome measures showed that the patients having received CBT and those treated with paroxetine had significantly better improvement compared with those in the waiting-list condition. With one patient (1/20, 5%) in the CBT and three (3/14, 17.6%) in the paroxetine condition dropping out, attrition rates were low. Conclusion:, Patients with late-life panic disorder respond well to both paroxetine and CBT. Although promising, the outcomes warrant replication in larger study groups. [source]

Cognitive mediation of panic reduction during an early intervention for panic

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
P. Meulenbeek
Meulenbeek P, Spinhoven P, Smit F, van Balkom A, Cuijpers P. Cognitive mediation of panic reduction during an early intervention for panic. Objective:, This study investigated cognitive mediation of improvement in panic disorder (PD) symptomatology during and after an early intervention for panic symptoms in subthreshold and mild PD. Method:, We executed a pragmatic, pre-post, two-group, multi-site, randomized trial of an early intervention for panic symptoms, based on cognitive-behavioural therapy, vs. a wait-list control group in a sample of 217 participants with subthreshold PD or mild PD. Results:, First, two of the three subscales of the mediator variable Panic Appraisal Inventory (PAI-anticipation and PAI-coping) significantly mediated residual change in PD symptomatology on the PD Severity Scale-Self Report. Second, preintervention to postintervention PAI-anticipation and PAI-coping change scores significantly predicted postintervention to follow-up change in PD symptomatology after controlling for other change scores. However, the converse association was also significant. Conclusion:, The results suggest that changes in cognitions may mediate changes in PD symptomatology and that the process of change is circular. [source]

Experience of trauma and conversion to psychosis in an ultra-high-risk (prodromal) group

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010
A. Bechdolf
Bechdolf A, Thompson A, Nelson B, Cotton S, Simmons MB, Amminger GP, Leicester S, Francey SM, McNab C, Krstev H, Sidis A, McGorry PD, Yung AR. Experience of trauma and conversion to psychosis in an ultra-high-risk (prodromal) group. Objective:, We aimed to replicate a recent finding of high prevalence of trauma history in patients at ,ultra-high risk' (UHR) of psychotic disorder and to investigate whether trauma predicts conversion to psychosis in this population. Method:, A consecutive sample of UHR patients was assessed. History of trauma was accessed with the General Trauma Questionnaire. Cox regression models were used to explore relationship between conversion to psychosis and trauma. Results:, Of 92 UHR patients nearly 70% had experienced a traumatic event and 21.7% developed psychosis during follow-up (mean 615 days). Patients who had experienced a sexual trauma (36%) were significantly more likely to convert to first-episode psychosis (OR 2.96) after controlling for meeting multiple UHR intake groups. Conclusion:, UHR patients have a high prevalence of history of trauma. Previous sexual trauma may be a predictor of onset of psychotic disorder in this population. [source]

Respiratory patterns in panic disorder reviewed: a focus on biological challenge tests

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009
V. Niccolai
Objective:, To provide a systematic review of studies investigating respiration in PD and comments on relative inconsistencies. Method:, A Medline search of controlled studies focusing on pCO2, respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume in PD patients was conducted for baseline/resting condition, challenge, and recovery phase. Respiratory variability and comparisons between panickers and non-panickers were also examined. Results:, Lower pCO2 levels in PD subjects are a consistent finding during the baseline/resting condition, the challenge, and recovery phases. Tidal volume and minute volume are increased in PD subjects relative to controls during the baseline/resting condition. However, the most robust finding is a higher than normal respiratory variability, which appears to be a promising factor for the identification of respiratory etiopathological pathways in PD. Conclusion:, Respiratory variability might be a candidate for a biological marker of PD: an abnormal breathing pattern as found in panic disorder (PD) patients compared with controls might indicate instability of the respiratory homeostasis. [source]

A randomized study of massed three-week cognitive behavioural therapy schedule for panic disorder

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009
M. K. Bohni
Objective:, To compare the efficacy of massed vs. spaced group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD). Method:, Thirty-nine PD patients were randomly assigned to massed group CBT (daily 4-h sessions in week 1, two 2-h sessions in week 2 and one 2-h session in week 3) or traditional spaced weekly group CBT (13 consecutive, weekly 2-h sessions). The content and number of hours in the two treatment schedules were identical. Outcome was assessed after treatment, and at 3, 6 and 18 months of follow-up. Results:, Both treatment groups achieved significant improvement on all measures with large pre- to post-treatment and pre-treatment to follow-up effect sizes. No between-group differences were registered. Adherence and patient satisfaction did not differ between groups. Conclusion:, The massed, 3-week group CBT schedule proved to be effective and feasible for PD patients with outcomes comparable with that of standard, spaced group CBT. [source]

Engagement and retention in specialist services for people with personality disorder

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2009
M. J. Crawford
Objective:, To quantify levels of engagement and retention in specialist services for people with personality disorder (PD). Method:, Demographic and clinical data were collected on referrals to 10 specialist services for people with PD. Follow-up data on retention and drop-out from services were collected over the following 30 months. Results:, Seven hundred and thirteen (60.1%) of 1186 people referred to services were taken by them, of whom 164 (23.0%) subsequently dropped out prior to the completion of an episode of care. Men, younger people and those with higher levels of personality disturbance were less likely to complete a package of care. Conclusion:, Specialist community-based services for adults with PD are able to engage most of those that are referred to them, but further efforts need to be made to find ways to engage younger people and men with PD. [source]