Cued Panic Attacks in Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Cued panic attacks in body dysmorphic disorder.

J Psychiatr Pract. 2013 May; 19(3): 194-203
Phillips KA, Menard W, Bjornsson AS

Background. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common and often severe disorder. Clinical observations suggest that panic attacks triggered by BDD symptoms may be common. However, to our knowledge, no study has examined such panic attacks in BDD. We investigated the preva- lence, clinical features, and correlates of BDD- triggered panic attacks in individuals with this disorder. Methods. Panic attacks and other vari- ables were assessed using reliable and valid measures in 76 individuals with lifetime DSM-IV BDD. Results. 28.9% (95% CI, 18.5%-39.4%) of par- ticipants reported lifetime panic attacks trig- gered by BDD symptoms. The most common triggers of such attacks were feeling that others were looking at or scrutinizing the perceived appearance defects (61.9%), looking in the mirror at perceived defects (38.1%), and being in bright light where perceived defects would be more vis- ible (23.8%). The most common panic attack symptoms were palpitations (86.4%), sweating (66.7%), shortness of breath (63.6%), trembling or shaking (63.6%), and fear of losing control or going crazy (63.6%). Compared to participants without such panic attacks, those with BDD-trig- gered panic attacks had more severe lifetime BDD, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as poorer functioning and quality of life on a number of measures. They were also less likely to be employed and more likely to have been psy- chiatrically hospitalized and to have had suicidal ideation due to BDD. Conclusions. Panic attacks triggered by BDD-related situations appear com- mon in individuals with this disorder. BDD-trig- gered panic attacks were associated with greater symptom severity and morbidity. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2013;19:194-203). HubMed – depression

Congruence in symptom assessment between hepatocellular carcinoma patients and their primary family caregivers in China.

Support Care Cancer. 2013 May 8;
Liu XY, Shen J, Ye ZX, Li J, Cao WT, Hu C, Xu Y

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore the agreement in symptom evaluation results between patients and their family caregivers and to search for the possible factors influencing the agreement. METHODS: A convenience sample of 280 dyads consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and their family caregivers was included in this study. All of them completed the symptom checklist of Chinese version of the M. D. Anderson symptom inventory and the evaluations of six common symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: The levels of agreement ranged from moderate to substantial. A number of factors associated with caregivers (particularly depression state, age, others helping to care for the patient or not, and the relationship with patient) and patients (traditional Chinese medicine treatment, religion, KPS scores, and educational levels) were significantly correlated with levels of disparity on some symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study illustrates that family caregivers of hepatocellular carcinoma patients can provide reasonable reports on patients’ symptoms. Healthcare providers need to pay special and sufficient attention to the caregivers’ depression. HubMed – depression

Allele-specific programming of Npy and epigenetic effects of physical activity in a genetic model of depression.

Transl Psychiatry. 2013; 3: e255
Melas PA, Lennartsson A, Vakifahmetoglu-Norberg H, Wei Y, Aberg E, Werme M, Rogdaki M, Mannervik M, Wegener G, Brené S, Mathé AA, Lavebratt C

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been implicated in depression, emotional processing and stress response. Part of this evidence originates from human single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies. In the present study, we report that a SNP in the rat Npy promoter (C/T; rs105431668) affects in vitro transcription and DNA-protein interactions. Genotyping studies showed that the C-allele of rs105431668 is present in a genetic rat model of depression (Flinders sensitive line; FSL), while the SNP’s T-allele is present in its controls (Flinders resistant line; FRL). In vivo experiments revealed binding of a transcription factor (CREB2) and a histone acetyltransferase (Ep300) only at the SNP locus of the FRL. Accordingly, the FRL had increased hippocampal levels of Npy mRNA and H3K18 acetylation; a gene-activating histone modification maintained by Ep300. Next, based on previous studies showing antidepressant-like effects of physical activity in the FSL, we hypothesized that physical activity may affect Npy’s epigenetic status. In line with this assumption, physical activity was associated with increased levels of Npy mRNA and H3K18 acetylation. Physical activity was also associated with reduced mRNA levels of a histone deacetylase (Hdac5). Conclusively, the rat rs105431668 appears to be a functional Npy SNP that may underlie depression-like characteristics. In addition, the achieved epigenetic reprogramming of Npy provides molecular support for the putative effectiveness of physical activity as a non-pharmacological antidepressant. HubMed – depression