OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the association between 5-HT 2A receptor gene promoter -1438A/G polymorphism and schizophrenia in a Korean population. METHOD: 5-HT 2A receptor gene promoter -1438A/G polymorphism was typed with Polymerase Chain Reaction in 132 patients with schizophrenia and 138 healthy normal controls. RESULT: There was no difference in allelic frequency of -1438A/G polymorphism between patients with schizophrenia and controls(K 2=2.261, df=1, p=0.133). A difference was found in genotype distribution(K 2=6.157, df=2, p=0.046), but this difference was being given by the increased A/A in th controls and A/G in the patients. The genotype frequency, which is the sum of homozygosity and heterozygosity for the -1438 G allele, was significantly higher in the patients(K 2=5.880, df=1, p=0.015). However, there was no difference between the patients with schizophrenia and conrols in the frequency of homozygosity for the -1438 G allele. CONCLULSION: These results suggest that -1438A/G polymorphism of the 5-HT 2A receptor gene promoter is not causally related to the development of schizophrenia in a Korean population.
Alleles ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Schizophrenia* ; Serotonin*

No abstract available.
Solvents*

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psychopathology on the quality of life in dermatological outpatients.METHODS: A sample of 151 female dermatological outpatients was compared with a control group of 200 females. Symptom Check List-90-R(SCL-90-R) was used to screen for psychopathology and Skindex-29 for quality of life. We compared the scores of SCL-90-R and Skindex-29 between the two groups and examined the correlation between SCL-90-R and Skindex-29 in the patient group. We analysed the subscales of SCL-90-R that affect Skindex-29.RESULTS: There was statistically significant higher in the score of SCL-90-R in patient group than control group. In high score group of Skindex-29, the score of SCL-90-R was significantly higher than in low score group of Skindex-29. The correlation between SCL-90-R and Skindex-29 was positively correlated with moderate relationship on all subscales except paranoid ideation. Somatization and psychoticism of SCL-90-R were the factors affecting on the total score of Skindex-29.CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that psychological distress of the dermatological outpatients is more severe than control group, and somatization and psychoticism are suggested as predictors of the quality of life of dermatologic patients.
Female ; Humans ; Outpatients ; Psychopathology ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of day hospital care in hospitalized schizophrenic patients in terms of treatment adherence and treatment outcomes. METHODS: Among schizophrenic patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2012, 23 day hospital care patients and 40 control subjects were included in the study. All candidates underwent Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, Drug Attitude Inventory, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale when their symptoms were stabilized during hospitalization, and after being discharged, 23 patients received day hospital care for two months and then changed to out-patient care while 40 patients received out-patient care immediately after discharge. At the point of two months of out-patient care, the treatment adherence of the two groups was evaluated ; tracking observation was performed until February, 2013, and survival rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Treatment adherence was higher in the day hospital care group than in the control group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a higher survival rate for the day hospital care group compared to the control group. Levels of cognitive insight and quality of life were higher after day hospital care than before day hospital care in the day hospital care group. CONCLUSION: Through the study, it was confirmed that when hospitalized schizophrenic patients receive continuous day hospital care after being discharged, they receive further out patient care more faithfully. The study is considered to aid in the understanding regarding schizophrenic patients' treatment adherence issues and improvement of treatment outcomes.
Hospitalization ; Humans ; Outpatients ; Patient Care ; Prospective Studies* ; Quality of Life ; Schizophrenia ; Survival Rate ; Track and Field ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the gender differences in stress-coping methods that affect stress responses in graduate medical students.METHODS: The participants were 209 students of C medical school in Daejeon, Korea. Stress response was measured using the Stress Response Inventory. Coping methods were measured through the Ways of Coping Checklist and Problem-solving Style Scale. Data were analyzed using T-Tests, a correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation score of the stress response inventory was 23.56±20.20 in males and 32.34±23.44 in females. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the following factors related to stress response: helplessness, problem-solving control, approach style in males and helplessness, social readjustment rating scale, problem-solving confidence in females. No relationship between stress-coping style and academic performance was found in both genders.CONCLUSION: Hopelessness seemed to be the main reason for the stress response in medical students of both genders. We also found differences in coping methods affecting the stress response by genders. Future studies need to identify more such factors that lead to differences in coping methods and help adapt to stress in medical education.
Adaptation, Psychological ; Checklist ; Education, Medical ; Education, Medical, Graduate ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Methods ; Schools, Medical ; Stress, Psychological ; Students, Medical

OBJECTIVE: This open multicenter trial examined the effects of olanzapine on profiles of efficacy, safety, and subjective quality of life (QoL) in the maintenance treatment of stable outpatients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. METHODS: A total of 47 patients who had completed acute inpatient treatment with olanzapine were recruited from six centers. Information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was collected. A variety of measures for efficacy, safety, and QoL were administered at the time of discharge (baseline) and after 12 weeks of maintenance treatment (endpoint). RESULTS: Twenty (43%) patients discontinued olanzapine treatment for various reasons. Twenty-seven patients (57%) completed the study, and in this group, there was a significant additional reduction in overall psychotic symptoms, including negative symptoms. Olanzapine was generally well-tolerated, although substantial weight gain was observed. However, QoL was not improved further during the maintenance treatment. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine was generally effective and well-tolerated in the maintenance treatment of stable outpatients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Humans ; Inpatients ; Outpatients* ; Psychotic Disorders* ; Quality of Life ; Schizophrenia* ; Weight Gain

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the symptomatic emotional traits of elderly South Korean patients with hwa-byung and those with depression. METHODS: We enrolled 58 patients with hwa-byung, 180 patients with depression, and 181 healthy control subjects. All participants completed the Hwa-byung Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), Reaction Inventory (RI), and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Chi-square tests and a one-way analysis of variance with Games-Howell post-hoc tests were used to compare demographic variables and scores. RESULTS: A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine risk factors for hwa-byung. Scores in the hwa-byung group were higher than those in the depression group for the HDRS; BDI; GDS; trait anger STAXI subscale (trait anger temperament and trait anger reaction); state anger and anger expression STAXI subscales (anger-in, anger-out, and anger control); physical and verbal aggression as well as anger and hostility AQ subscales; and disturbance, embarrassing circumstances, personal disrespect, and unpleasant encounters RI subscales. A binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the state anger STAXI subscale, verbal aggression and anger AQ subscales, and unpleasant encounters RI subscale were significantly associated with hwa-byung. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with hwa-byung had more severe anger traits and states as well as higher depression severity compared to those diagnosed with clinical depression. Excessive anger and anger reactivity to unpleasant factors may be risk factors for hwa-byung, whereas the appropriate expression (rather than suppression) of anger may decrease the risk of hwa-byung.
Aged* ; Aggression ; Anger ; Depression* ; Ethnopsychology ; Hostility ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Risk Factors ; Temperament

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between suicidal ideation and its associated clinical factors among community-dwelling elderly in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the data obtained from the face to face interviews of 1,500 (mean age : 74.41±6.44, male : 41.0%) elderly people aged 65 or above living in the community. The questionnaire used in this study was composed of detailed questions about the clinical characteristics including sociodemographic, life style, physical status, and psychiatric factors. In order to assess the suicidal ideation, the subjects were asked questions about the suicidal idea in the past year. RESULTS: A total of 156 (10.4%) elderly reported the suicidal ideation over the last year. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlation with dissatisfaction with life [odds ratio (OR) 4.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-12.60], depression (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.62-5.07), cognitive decline (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.38-4.10), poor perception of health (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.04-5.24), and insomnia (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.31-3.84). CONCLUSION: These results showed the several clinical factors associated with suicidal ideation among community-dwelling elderly living in Korea. The present study suggested the necessity for the various aspects of approach.
Aged* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prevalence* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Suicidal Ideation*

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter, open trial with olanzapine was primarily designed to evaluate effects of olanzapine on profiles of efficacy, safety, and subjective quality of life (QoL) in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Secondarily, associations of changes in QoL measures with baseline characteristics and changes in efficacy and safety measures were examined. Finally, the optimal dose of olanzapine was investigated with respect to efficacy, safety and QoL profiles. METHODS: A total of 94 inpatients at nine centers in Chungchung and Honam areas of Korea was recruited. The administered dosage of olazapine varied between 5 to 20 mg/day according to each patient's clinical status. Information on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics was collected. A variety of measures on efficacy, safety and QoL was administered at baseline (admission) and at endpoint (discharge). RESULTS: Seventy-three (78%) patients completed the study. Their mean (SD) admission period was 42 (21) days. Olanzapine was effective for reducing overall psychotic symptoms including negative and depressive symptoms. It was safe and generally well tolerated, particularly in extrapyramidal symptoms, although weight gain was substantial (2.6 kg during admission period). Furthermore, it was beneficial for improving QoL. Changes in QoL measures were independently associated with improvement of nighttime sleep. The most favorable dosages of olanzapine were 17.5 or 20 mg/day in terms of efficacy, while were 7.5 or 10 mg/day with respect to safety and QoL. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of inpatients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Different optimal dosages of olanzapine might be recommended according to the target or goal of treatments.
Depression ; Humans ; Inpatients* ; Korea ; Psychotic Disorders* ; Quality of Life* ; Schizophrenia* ; Weight Gain

BACKGROUND: Restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling patterns after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) predict poor prognosis. Doppler indexes of LV inflow, especially peak velocity ratio of early versus late diastolic flow (E/A) and deceleration time, can predict heart failure or death. Doppler indexes of pulmonary venous flow are also used to diagnose restrictive LV filling, but their prognostic values after AMI are not known. METHODS: Doppler echocardiographic examination were performed in patients with AMI (n=122) between 7 to 10 days after attack, and followed for 30 months. Death group included 9 deaths (7.4%) during follow-up. 18 age-matched patients (control group) were selected from 70 patients without death, heart failure or readmission. Doppler echocardiographic indexes of peak systolic velocity (SV), peak diastolic velocity (DV), and peak reverse flow velocity associated with atrial contraction (AR) of pulmonary venous flow were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: Death group had lower SV (46.1+/-6.3 vs 57.0+/-14.7 cm/sec; p=0.059) and SV/DV ratio (1.26+/-0.50 vs 1.58+/-0.37; p=0.076). Death group had significantly more patients with SV/DV ratio less than 1.3 (67% vs 17%; p=0.026). AR was significantly different between death and control groups (29.7+/-7.8 vs 24.7+/-6.8 cm/sec; p=0.023). Death group had significantly more patients with AR greater than 25 (78% vs 33%; p=0.046). CONCLUSION: SV/DV ratio and AR of pulmonary venous flow predicted death after AMI.
Deceleration ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Prognosis