Body dysmorphic disorder in patients with anxiety disorders and major depression: a comorbidity study

OBJECTIVE

The authors evaluated the frequency of body dysmorphic disorder in patients with a primary diagnosis of anxiety disorders and major depression.

METHOD

Patients with social phobia (N = 54), obsessive-compulsive disorder (N = 53), generalized anxiety disorder (N = 32), panic disorder (N = 47), and major depression (N = 42) and normal comparison subjects (N = 33) were studied.

RESULTS

Body dysmorphic disorder was most common in patients with social phobia (11%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (8%); it was less prevalent among patients with panic disorder (2%), generalized anxiety disorder (0%), and major depression (0%) and among normal subjects (0%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that body dysmorphic disorder may share etiologic elements with social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Long forms of the dopamine receptor (DRD4) gene VNTR are more prevalent in substance abusers: no interaction with functional alleles of the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene

Substance abuse is a complex behavior that is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. Work to understand the genetic factors has focused on genes related to dopamine activity because of its critical role in rewarding and reinforcing behaviors. The DRD3 and other dopamine receptor subtypes are expressed in many areas of the limbic system, and have been the objects of study for their possible roles in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Interest in variants of the D4 gene was heightened by reports that some alleles were more frequent in individuals who score high on Novelty Seeking, an aspect of personality that may be related to drug seeking behavior. We now show that the long form of the DRD4 gene is more frequent in individuals with high quantity/frequency of drug use compared to controls (chi(2) = 5.7, df = 1, P = 0.017, odds ratio = 1.89, CI = 1.1-3.2). There is no difference in DRD3 allele frequencies in these samples, and there is no interaction of DRD4 alleles with those of the catecholamine-o-methyl- transferase gene (COMT) that we previously identified to be more frequent in substance abusers than controls [Vandenbergh, et al.: 1997: Am. J. Med. Gen. 74:439-442].

Gonadotropin dynamics in XX males

Hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropin function was evaluated in two postpubertal XX males. Serum levels of LH and FSH were moderately elevated, and the serum testosterone level was low. A subnormal response by testicular Leydig cells to hCG was observed. The LH and FSH responses to LRH were normal. A significant LH increase was observed after castration. Weekly administration of testosterone enanthate (250 mg) for 10 consecutive weeks caused a reduction (greater than 75%) in gonadotropins and abolishment of the LRH pituitary response. No differences were observed in terms of gonadotropin dynamics compared with other forms of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. These results indicate that XX males exhibit hypergonadotropic hypogonadism secondary to testicular failure with a preserved androgen responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit.

Induction of ovulation in a true hermaphrodite with male phenotype

Ovulation was induced in a 16-yr-old 46 XX/47 XXY true hermaphrodite with a male phenotype. The presence of testicular tissue was assessed by a normal androgen response to hCG. Administration of FSH and LH for 8 consecutive days, followed by a single dose of hCG, induced a biphasic serum profile of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone similar to that observed in normal menstrual cycles. In addition, a significant rise in serum testosterone was noticed during the luteal phase. Laparotomy revealed the presence of a uterus, with evidence of endometrial bleeding and absence of a vagina. These results demonstrated that gonadotropins were able to induce follicular maturation, ovulation, and endometrial bleeding in a true hermaphrodite resembling a normal ovulatory cycle. Gonadotropin administration can be used as a diagnostic tool for establishing the presence of ovarian tissue in this gonadal development abnormality.

Detection of neural signals with vertically grown single platinum nanowire-nanobud

We developed a nanoscale neural probing device for in vitro sensing of neural activity. Single vertical platinum (Pt) nanowires were fabricated on a microelectrode array by focused ion beam (FIB)-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in order to improve the spatial resolution of recording and to minimize damage to the cells. Rat neuroblasts were cultured on the electrode array. Electrodes in contact with cells detected prominent spontaneous electrical activity. Our experiments demonstrate the nanoprobes for the real-time detection of electrophysiological signals in neuronal cells.