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Hayakawa K, Kato TA, Watabe M, Teo AR, Horikawa H, Kuwano N, Shimokawa N, Sato-Kasai M, Kubo H, Ohgidani M, Sagata N, Toda H, Tateno M, Shinfuku N, Kishimoto J, Kanba S. Blood biomarkers of Hikikomori, a severe social withdrawal syndrome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2884. [PMID: 29440704 PMCID: PMC5811600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal syndrome, is a growing social issue in Japan and internationally. The pathophysiology of hikikomori has not yet been elucidated and an effective treatment remains to be established. Recently, we revealed that avoidant personality disorder is the most common comorbidity of hikikomori. Thus, we have postulated that avoidant personality is the personality underpinning hikikomori. First, we herein show relationships between avoidant personality traits, blood biomarkers, hikikomori-related psychological features, and behavioural characteristics assessed by a trust game in non-hikikomori volunteers. Avoidant personality traits were negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and uric acid (UA) in men, and positively associated with fibrin degeneration products (FDP) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in women. Next, we recruited actual individuals with hikikomori, and compared avoidant personality traits, blood biomarkers, and psychological features between individuals with hikikomori and age-matched healthy controls. Individuals with hikikomori had higher avoidant personality scores in both sexes, and showed lower serum UA levels in men and lower HDL-C levels in women compared with healthy controls. This is the first report showing possible blood biomarkers for hikikomori, and opens the door to clarify the underlying biological pathophysiology of hikikomori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Hayakawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro A Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Motoki Watabe
- School of Business, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Alan R Teo
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, United States of America.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hideki Horikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuki Kuwano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norihiro Shimokawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mina Sato-Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kubo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ohgidani
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sagata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Toda
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masaru Tateno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naotaka Shinfuku
- International Center for Medical Research, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junji Kishimoto
- Department of Research and Development of Next Generation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Kanba
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Gerlach G, Loeber S, Herpertz S. Personality disorders and obesity: a systematic review. Obes Rev 2016; 17:691-723. [PMID: 27230851 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies demonstrate an association between personality traits and obesity as well as their prognostic influence on weight course. In contrast, only few studies have investigated the association between personality disorders (PDs) and obesity. OBJECTIVE The present review summarizes through a comprehensive and critical evaluation the results of 68 studies identified by database research (PubMed and PsycINFO) covering the last 35 years that investigated the association between PDs, overweight and obesity as well as the predictive value of PDs for the development of obesity and the effectiveness of weight reduction treatments. RESULTS Adults with any PD have a higher risk of obesity. In the female general population, there is an association between avoidant or antisocial PD and severe obesity. Further, women with paranoid or schizotypal PD have a higher risk of obesity. Clinical studies including foremost female participants showed a higher comorbidity of PDs, especially borderline PD and avoidant PD, in binge-eating disorder. Regarding both genders, patients with PD show less treatment success in conservative weight-loss treatment programmes for obesity than patients without PD. CONCLUSIONS In prevention and conservative weight-loss treatment strategies, more care should be taken to address the special needs of patients with comorbid PDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerlach
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - S Loeber
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Otto-Friedrich-University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - S Herpertz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
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Gutiérrez-Bedmar M, Villalobos Martínez E, García-Rodríguez A, Muñoz-Bravo C, Mariscal A. Psychiatric Status across Body Mass Index in a Mediterranean Spanish Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145414. [PMID: 26684876 PMCID: PMC4686170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental and body weight disorders are among the major global health challenges, and their comorbidity may play an important role in treatment and prevention of both pathologies. A growing number of studies have examined the relationship between psychiatric status and body weight, but our knowledge is still limited. Objective The present study aims to investigate the cross-sectional relationships of psychiatric status and body mass index (BMI) in Málaga, a Mediterranean city in the South of Spain. Materials and Methods A total of 563 participants were recruited from those who came to his primary care physician, using a systematic random sampling, non-proportional stratified by BMI categories. Structured clinical interviews were used to assess current Axes-I and II mental disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). BMI was calculated as weight (Kg) divided by square of height in meters (m2). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between BMI and the presence of any mental disorder. BMI was introduced in the models using restricted cubic splines. Results We found that high BMI values were directly associated with mood and adjustment disorders, and low BMI values were directly associated with avoidant and dependent personality disorders (PDs). We observed an inverse relationship between low BMI values and cluster A PDs. There were not significant relationships between anxiety or substance-related disorders and BMI. Conclusion Psychiatric status and BMI are related in a Mediterranean Spanish population. A multidisciplinary approach to both pathologies becomes increasingly more necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Gutiérrez-Bedmar
- Department of Public Health and Psychiatry, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Carlos Muñoz-Bravo
- Department of Public Health and Psychiatry, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Mariscal
- Department of Public Health and Psychiatry, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Dockray S, Susman EJ, Dorn LD. Depression, cortisol reactivity, and obesity in childhood and adolescence. J Adolesc Health 2009; 45:344-50. [PMID: 19766938 PMCID: PMC2750854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Depression in childhood is associated with higher body mass index (BMI), a relative measure of overweight, and overweight is associated with cortisol reactivity, indexed by heightened secretion of cortisol in response to a stressor. The current study uses a mediation model to examine the associations between symptoms of depression, cortisol reactivity and BMI in a cross-sectional study. METHODS Children (N = 111) 8 to 13 years old and a parent completed structured interviews. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess symptoms of depression, and cortisol reactivity to the Trier Social Stress Test for Children was measured. Physical examinations were used to determine BMI (kg/m(2)) and pubertal stage. RESULTS Depression was positively associated with BMI in both sexes. Age and pubertal stage were not significantly associated with BMI, nor was physical activity and BMI in a model including depression. In girls, but not in boys, the association between depression and BMI was mediated by cortisol reactivity. CONCLUSIONS The current findings attest to the significance of psychologic states as potential components in models of childhood obesity, and provide conceptual and empirical support for the inclusion of cortisol reactivity in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dockray
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Lorah D. Dorn
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether, in the general population, individuals in numerous abnormal body weight categories had higher odds of having personality disorders (PDs) than normal-weight individuals. Although personality functioning is hypothesized to be associated with body weight, there is a dearth of empirical evaluation of this topic. METHODS The association of body weight (five categories: underweight [body mass index [BMI] <18.5]; normal [18.5 <or= BMI <25]; overweight [25 <or= BMI <30]; obese [30 <or= BMI <40]; and extremely obese [BMI >or=40]) with personality disorders was investigated using data from the nationally representative National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) (n = 43,093). Lifetime paranoid, schizoid, antisocial, histrionic, avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive PDs were examined, as assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV version (AUDADIS-IV). RESULTS After adjusting for sociodemographics, Axis I disorders, schizophrenia, physical health conditions, and comorbid PDs, extreme obesity was associated with antisocial or avoidant PDs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) range = 1.66-1.73), whereas underweight was associated with increased odds of schizoid PD (AOR = 1.89). The pattern of associations differed when stratified by gender. Overweight men had lower odds of paranoid PD (AOR = 0.73). Women with higher-than-normal body weights had higher odds of paranoid, antisocial, and avoidant PDs (AOR range = 1.33-2.50), whereas underweight women more often met the criteria for schizoid PD (AOR = 1.95). CONCLUSIONS Higher-than-normal body weight is associated with paranoid, antisocial, and avoidant PDs for women, whereas overweight men have lower rates of paranoid PD and underweight women have higher odds of schizoid PD. Possible clinical implications of this research are discussed.
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Roberts TL, Weinfeld AB, Bruner TW, Nguyen K. “Universal” and Ethnic Ideals of Beautiful Buttocks are Best Obtained by Autologous Micro Fat Grafting and Liposuction. Clin Plast Surg 2006; 33:371-94. [PMID: 16818095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2006.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients seeking buttocks enhancement and in the degree of augmentation requested. To fulfill these requests,aesthetic plastic surgeons must understand the patient's personal requests and ethnic identity, as well as any universal ideal of proportions and contours that create the impression of beautiful buttocks. "Universally" perceived ideal buttocks are 1.4 times the circumference of the waist, which is consistent cross-culturally and throughout history. Beyond this are important ethnic differences in the image of perfect buttocks shape. The combination of autologous micro fat grafting and liposuction is the best and possibly only way to obtain various ideal shapes, and offers a lower incidence of complications compared with buttock implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Roberts
- Medical University of South Carolina at Spartanburg, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
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Oswald LM, Mathena JR, Wand GS. Comparison of HPA axis hormonal responses to naloxone vs psychologically-induced stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2004; 29:371-88. [PMID: 14644067 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although the naloxone challenge has been used to draw inferences about the dynamics of the stress response, this procedure has never actually been compared "head to head" with a psychological stressor. In the present study, we asked 14 healthy volunteers to complete the naloxone challenge and the Trier Social Stress Test in an outpatient GCRC laboratory setting so that the degree of correspondence between the two procedures could be examined. Findings indicated that subjects who had greater ACTH responses to naloxone also had greater ACTH responses to the psychologically-induced stressor. This was true for both ACTH peak (r=0.57; p<0.04) and ACTH AUC response (r=0.64; p<0.02) measures; none of the cortisol summary score measures correlated significantly across the two challenges. Associations were also found between subjects' baseline personality characteristics and their ACTH responses to each of the challenges. Furthermore, the kinds of characteristics that predicted greater ACTH response to the pharmacological challenge were similar to the kinds of characteristics that predicted ACTH response to the psychological challenge. In general, higher scores on the NEO dimensions of Extraversion and Openness predicted greater ACTH responses. These findings give preliminary evidence that novelty-seeking behavior may be associated with HPA axis lability. The commonalities in personality predictors between the two challenges further support the notion that a common biological substrate may be, at least partially, responsible for the similarities in responses. However, caution should be used in assuming that responses to naloxone directly parallel responses to physiological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Oswald
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ross Research Building, Room 863, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Baghaei F, Rosmond R, Björntorp P, Holm G, Landén M, Westberg L, Hellstrand M, Eriksson E. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of women in relation to personality traits. Int J Behav Med 2003. [DOI: 10.1207/s15327558ijbm1004_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Niaura RS, Stroud LR, Todaro J, Ward KD, Spiro A, Aldwin C, Landsberg L, Weiss ST. Associations between repression, general maladjustment, body weight, and body shape in older males: The normative aging study. Int J Behav Med 2003; 10:221-38. [PMID: 14525718 DOI: 10.1207/s15327558ijbm1003_03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
We examined relationships between repression, general maladjustment, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The participants were 1,081 healthy older men from the Normative Aging Study. Repression and General Maladjustment Scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory were composite measures of personality. Repression was associated with lower BMI and WHR, and maladjustment with higher BMI and WHR. However, associations between WHR and personality dimensions were no longer significant when controlling for BMI, but associations between BMI and personality dimensions remained significant when controlling for WHR. These effects were explained by differing relationships between WHR, repression, and maladjustment for normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals. Specifically, associations between repression, maladjustment, and body shape were significant for normal weight and overweight individuals, but not for obese individuals. Health behaviors including smoking did not mediate relationships between repression, maladjustment, and body shape, but might be considered in future studies as mechanisms underlying links between personality and body shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond S Niaura
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Brown Medical School and the Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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Resta O, Foschino Barbaro MP, Bonfitto P, Giliberti T, Depalo A, Pannacciulli N, De Pergola G. Low sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in obese patients without obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. J Intern Med 2003; 253:536-43. [PMID: 12702031 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2003.01133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate sleep quality, sleep-related symptoms, and degree of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in severe obesity, independently of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Primary-care setting. SUBJECTS, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anthropometric parameters, respiratory function data and sleep related symptoms were evaluated in 78 severely obese patients (aged 16-75 years) without OSAS and in 40 healthy sex- and age-matched normal weight subjects, who underwent a full-night polysomnography. RESULTS Obese patients and control subjects had similar sleep latency and rapid eye movement (REM) latency, but they showed lower percentage of REM (P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (P < 0.05) than controls. All sleep-related symptoms (observed or reported apnoea, awakenings, choking and unrefreshing sleep) were significantly more frequent in obese patients than in control subjects. Loud snoring was present in 46.7% of the obese patients and in 8.1% of the control individuals (P < 0.01). Excess daytime sleepiness was reported by 34.7% of the obese patients and by 2.7% of the normal weight subjects (P < 0.01). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was higher in the obese group than in the control group (P < 0.01), whereas arousals were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS This study clearly shows that severe obesity, even in the absence of OSAS, is associated with sleep-related disorders and EDS. All these alterations may be partly responsible for a lower quality of life, a higher prevalence of medical complications, an increased risk of occupational injury, and both social and family problems characterizing obese patients, independently of the presence of OSAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Resta
- Respiratory Pathophysiology, Department of Clinical Methodology and Medical-Surgical Technologies, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
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Youn T, Lyoo IK, Kim JK, Park HJ, Ha KS, Lee DS, Abrams KY, Lee MC, Kwon JS. Relationship between personality trait and regional cerebral glucose metabolism assessed with positron emission tomography. Biol Psychol 2002; 60:109-20. [PMID: 12270587 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-0511(02)00047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
There have been no studies systematically investigating relationships between biogenetic temperament dimensions and patterns of brain glucose metabolism. Nineteen healthy subjects were evaluated regarding the biogenetic temperament using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). In addition, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was used to measure regional brain glucose metabolism. Voxel-based correlation analysis was used to test correlations between regional brain glucose metabolism and scores on the TCI. We identified that each temperament dimension, such as Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, and Reward Dependence, was significantly correlated with specific brain regions. The majority of correlations were observed in the areas of paralimbic regions and temporal lobes. The current study provides evidence linking each biogenetic temperament dimension with specific brain areas and provides a promising base for future personality research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tak Youn
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, 28 Yongun-dong, Chongno-gu, 110-744, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Fassino S, Garzaro L, Peris C, Amianto F, Pierò A, Abbate Daga G. Temperament and character in couples with fertility disorders: a double-blind, controlled study. Fertil Steril 2002; 77:1233-40. [PMID: 12057734 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)03115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the personality features of infertile patients. DESIGN A double-blind, controlled study. SETTING An outpatient facility for diagnosis and care of infertility. PATIENT(S) We assessed 142 infertile couples with obstetric-gynecologic clinical and instrumental examinations. The couples were divided into three groups: organic infertility, functional infertility, and infertility of uncertain origin. The third group was excluded. INTERVENTION(S) Organic infertility and functional infertility were ascertained with gynecologic and andrologic clinical examinations, seminal liquid examination, postcoital testing, progesterone assay, hysterosalpingography, biopsy of endometrium, and laparoscopy. Personality traits were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Results of the Temperament and Character Inventory. RESULT(S) Infertile women showed lower Cooperativeness than control women. Women with functional infertility had lower scores in Cooperativeness and Self-Directedness than women with organic infertility. Men belonging to the functional infertility group had a lower Novelty Seeking score than did those of the organic infertility group. Men and women in the functional infertility group showed higher Harm Avoidance than those in the organic infertility and control groups. CONCLUSION(S) The results emphasize that the study of personality in the diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of infertility might provide useful predictive elements for functional infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Secondo Fassino
- Outpatient Service for Fertility Disorders, St Anna Hospital, Turin, Italy.
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Thakore JH, Mann JN, Vlahos I, Martin A, Reznek R. Increased visceral fat distribution in drug-naive and drug-free patients with schizophrenia. Int J Obes (Lond) 2002; 26:137-41. [PMID: 11791159 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2001] [Revised: 06/06/2001] [Accepted: 07/02/2001] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate visceral fat distribution in patients with schizophrenia. DESIGN Cross sectional study using CT scanning in patients with drug-naive and drug-free schizophrenia. SUBJECTS Fifteen (13 men and two women) subjects with schizophrenia (mean age 33.7 y; mean body mass index (BMI)=26.7 kg/m(2)), and 15 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age 30.5 y; mean BMI=22.8 kg/(2)). MEASUREMENTS Various fatness and fat distribution parameters (by CT scanning and anthropometry) and 16:00 h plasma cortisol. RESULTS In comparison to controls, patients with schizophrenia had central obesity and had significantly higher levels of plasma cortisol. Furthermore, previous neuroleptic exposure did not appear to influence these findings as both drug-naive and drug-free patients had equally high levels of visceral fat deposition. CONCLUSION Central obesity is a well recognized risk factor in developing certain general medical conditions. This study shows that patients with schizophrenia have increased intra-abdominal fat which may provide one explanation for why they die prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Thakore
- Neuroscience Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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