Serum cholesterol concentration and structured individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy in suicidal and non-suicidal male patients suffering from borderline personality disorder.

Findings from numerous studies suggest an association between low cholesterol levels and suicidal behavior in patients with different psychiatric diagnoses. The aims of this case-control study were to test whether cholesterol levels in male suicidal patients (N=20) with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are lower than in male non-suicidal patients (N=20) with BPD and male healthy control group (N=20), and to evaluate the influence of structured individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy on suicidal behavior. The groups were matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Results showed that serum cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between suicidal and non-suicidal BPD patients and healthy controls. The level of psychopathology (measured by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) was significantly higher in the group of suicidal patients, which indicates the importance of evaluating particular clinical symptoms in BPD, in order to prevent suicidal behavior. Non-suicidal male patients suffering from BPD received more frequently structured individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy prior to the hospitalization than suicidal group. These results emphasized the role of this type of psychotherapy in preventing suicidal behavior in BPD patients.

Countertransference in the therapy of suicidal patients - an important part of integrative treatment.

One of the central issues in the psychotherapy of suicidal patients is the countertransference. Key concepts in countertransference include projective identification, role-responsiveness and countertransference enactment. It is important to recognize that countertransference can be effective in understanding the emotional intensity of the suicidal person's internal world. There is a significant relationship between treatment outcome and the different countertransference feelings among the therapists. In this paper we have illustrated important factors for understanding psychiatrist's countertransference reactions when working with suicidal patients.

[Psychiatric comorbidity in veterans with chronic PTSD treated at Center for Crisis Intervention, Zagreb University Hospital Center]. / Psihjatrijski komorbiditet branitelja lijecenih zbog kronicnog PTSP-a u Centru za krizna stanja KBC-a Zagreb.

UNLABELLED: Epidemiological and clinical studies provide evidence that veterans with chronic PTSD can be at risk of relapse with respect to a number of high-risk behaviors, including attempted suicide, violence, and misuse of alcohol and drugs. AIM, PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in veterans with chronic PTSD treated at Center for Crisis Intervention, Zagreb University Hospital Center, for 4 years. The diagnosis of PTSD and comorbid psychiatric diagnosis were confirmed according to DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Study results showed PTSD without comorbid psychiatric diagnosis to persist in 25.3%, and PTSD with comorbid psychiatric diagnosis in 74.7% of study subjects. The most common psychiatric disorders were depression, personality disorders, and alcoholism. CONCLUSION: It is important to recognize other comorbid disorders because of the increased risk of suicidal behavior. Accordingly, therapeutic intervention should be adjusted to each individual case.