Bipolar spectrum in prostate cancer patients and its role in stress related symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Studies show significant co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and prostate cancer, as well as the presence of shared genes associated with both diseases. Our aim was to evaluate whether prostate cancer patients present bipolar spectrum symptoms and to establish their possible associations with stress related symptoms during diagnosis and the course of the cancer therapy. METHODS: 200 participants were enrolled to this study: 100 prostate cancer patients and 100 healthy males. Bipolar spectrum symptoms were measured with the use of Mood Disorder Questionnaire and Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32). Stress related symptoms were rated with The Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). RESULTS: In comparison to healthy controls group, prostate cancer patients have shown higher HCL-32 scores. Mood Disorder Questionnaire measures were associated with more severe stress related to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment reflected by higher scores of IES-R and its subscales (Avoidance, Intrusions and Hyperarousal). Mood Disorder Questionnaire, HCL-32, PSS-10, IES-R and GSES measures were not associated with clinical characteristics of prostate cancer severity. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional study model precluded identification of causal relationship among variables. Bipolar spectrum symptoms and stress related measures were based on auto-questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: To our best knowledge, this is the first study evaluating bipolar spectrum symptoms in prostate cancer patients. We have shown that this clinical group presents increased bipolarity traits compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, bipolar spectrum symptoms were associated with more severe stress related to the prostate cancer diagnosis and its treatment, reflected in avoidance, hyperarousal, and intrusions.

Skin autofluorescence as a novel predictor of acute kidney injury after liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Skin autofluorescence (SAF) reflects accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The aim of this study was to evaluate predictive usefulness of SAF measurement in prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver resection. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 130 patients undergoing liver resection. The primary outcome measure was AKI. SAF was measured preoperatively and expressed in arbitrary units (AU). RESULTS: AKI was observed in 32 of 130 patients (24.6%). SAF independently predicted AKI (p = 0.047), along with extent of resection (p = 0.019) and operative time (p = 0.046). Optimal cut-off for SAF in prediction of AKI was 2.7 AU (area under the curve [AUC] 0.611), with AKI rates of 38.7% and 20.2% in patients with high and low SAF, respectively (p = 0.037). Score based on 3 independent predictors (SAF, extent of resection, and operative time) well stratified the risk of AKI (AUC 0.756), with positive and negative predictive values of 59.3% and 84.0%, respectively. In particular, SAF predicted AKI in patients undergoing major and prolonged resections (p = 0.010, AUC 0.733) with positive and negative predictive values of 81.8%, and 62.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AGEs accumulation negatively affects renal function in patients undergoing liver resection. SAF measurement may be used to predict AKI after liver resection, particularly in high-risk patients.

Association between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sleep Quality of Patients with Depression.

Background and Objectives: In the general population, sleep disorders are associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including urinary incontinence (UI). This connection has not been explored fully in specific patient groups. Thus, we investigated the association between sleep quality and LUTS for patients with depression. Materials and Methods: This study was prospective and cross-sectional. We analyzed questionnaire data on depression, sleep quality, LUTS, and UI from depressed patients treated in our department of adult psychiatry. We used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, the International Prostate Symptom Score, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. Results: In total, 102 patients treated for depression were enrolled. We found a statistically significant correlation between depression severity and sleep quality. A significant correlation was also investigated for sleep quality and LUTS severity. The group of depressed patients with moderate or severe LUTS had greater sleep problems compared with patients who had mild urinary tract symptoms or no symptoms. With regression analysis, we further demonstrated that the relationships between LUTS and sleep quality as well as UI and sleep quality in depressed patients are independent from age and sex. Conclusions: In the cohort of patients treated for depression, sleep quality correlated with LUTS including UI. We suggest that the negative effect of LUTS and UI on sleep quality that we observed should lead to the re-evaluation of current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems among patients with depression.

Insomnia, postpartum depression and estradiol in women after delivery.

After childbirth, women may develop symptoms of depression with the associated sleep disturbances. This study assessed the relationship between insomnia and both depression symptoms and blood estradiol levels in women during the early postpartum period. 84 patients were assessed 24-48 h after labor. The main assessment methods were the following psychometric scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Serum estradiol levels were measured using ELISA assay. Women who developed postpartum insomnia significantly more often reported insomnia during pregnancy (P = 0.001), were more likely to have suffered from depression in the past (P = 0.007) and had significantly higher BDI (P = 0.002) and EPDS (P = 0.048) scores. Our study demonstrated no significant association between Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy and postpartum insomnia. The groups of women with and without postpartum RLS showed no significant differences in the incidence of postpartum insomnia. No significant differences in estradiol levels were observed in women with and without postpartum insomnia. The study showed the following factors to play a major role in development of postpartum insomnia: an increase in Beck Depression Inventory score, a history of depression and a history of insomnia during pregnancy.

Sexual activity in a large representative cohort of Polish men: Frequency, number of partners, correlates, and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual activity of men has been evaluated at the population-level in different regions of the world. However, reliable data are lacking for Eastern Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of sexual activity and the number of sexual partners in a large representative cohort of Polish men. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional investigation with computer-assisted web interviews. Participants were stratified by age (≥18 years) and place of residence. The most recent population census was used to produce a population-representative sample of respondents. Men's sexual activity was then correlated with multiple variables. RESULTS: We enrolled 3001 men, representative for age and place of residence, including adequate proportions of respondents from urban and rural areas. Most Polish men were sexually active, predominantly having had sex at least weekly with one partner. Almost 18% of respondents declined sexual intercourse and/or sexual partner in the prior year. The highest sexual activity was observed for men 35-44-years-old (for sex frequency) and 18-24-years-old (for partner number), living in medium-sized cities, employed, and married (for sex frequency) or divorced (for partner number). Erectile dysfunction negatively affected the frequency of sexual activity and lowered the number of sexual partners, although premature ejaculation did not have any effect. Frequency of sexual activity and number of sexual partners correlated well with psychological distress, quality of sex life, and overall life quality. Whereas lifestyle habits including smoking and alcohol intake decreased the likelihood of sexual activity, all analyzed comorbidities did not affect sex life. CONCLUSIONS: This study of men's sexual activity was the first population-representative and nationwide investigation performed in Poland. Most Polish men were sexually active and sexual activity correlated with multiple variables including sociodemographic factors, erectile functioning, mental distress, overall and sex-specific quality of life, and lifestyle habits.

Early post-operative prediction of morbidity and mortality after a major liver resection for colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND: An early prediction of poor outcomes is essential in the management of patients after a liver resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of selected biochemical parameters on post-operative day 1 (POD 1) in the prediction of morbidity and mortality after a liver resection for colorectal metastases. METHOD: This retrospective study was based on 236 major liver resections for colorectal metastases performed between 2006 and 2011. Results of biochemical tests of blood samples obtained on POD 1 were assessed as predictors of primary outcome measures (hepatic and overall morbidity, 90-day mortality) using multiple regression and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC). RESULTS: Hepatic morbidity, overall morbidity and 90-day mortality rates were 18.6%, 28.0% and 4.7%, respectively. On the basis of multiple regression analysis and comparisons of the prediction models, serum bilirubin was selected for the prediction of hepatic (>2.05 mg/dl, sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.2%) and overall (>2.05 mg/dl, sensitivity 61.1% and specificity 71.2%) morbidity, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was selected for the prediction of 90-day mortality (>798 U/l, sensitivity 62.5% and specificity 90.4%). DISCUSSION: Biochemical analyses of blood on POD1 enables stratification of patients into low- and high-risk groups for negative outcomes, with serum bilirubin associated with overall and hepatic morbidity and AST associated with mortality.

Results of liver transplantation in the Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C viruses infection.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Progress in prophylaxis of posttransplant HBV recurrence has led to major improvements in long-term outcomes of patients after liver transplantation. Conversely, impaired posttransplant survival of patients with HCV infection was reported in several studies, mainly due to recurrence of viral infection. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term results of liver transplantation between patients with HBV monoinfection, HCV monoinfection and HBV/HCV coinfection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1090 liver transplantations were performed in the Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery in cooperation with the Department of Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Transplantology at the Transplantation Institute Medical University of Warsaw between December 1994 and May 2012. After exclusion of patients with cirrhosis of non-viral etiology, patients with malignant tumors, and patients with acute liver failure, the final study cohort comprised 209 patients with HBV (HBV+/HCV- subgroup; n = 56) or HCV (HBV-/HCV+ subgroup; n = 119) monoinfection or HBV/HCV coinfection (HBV+/HCV+; n = 34). These subgroups of patients were compared in terms of long-term results of transplantations, defined by 5-year patient and 5-year graft survival estimates. RESULTS: Overall and graft survival rates after 5-years for the whole study cohort were 74.5% and 72.6%, respectively. Five-year overall survival was 70.4% for patients within the HBV+/HCV- subgroup, 77.8% for patients within the HBV-/HCV+ subgroup, and 68.5% for patients within the HBV+/HCV+ subgroup. The corresponding rates of graft survival were 67.0%, 76.3%, and 68.5% for patients within the HBV+/HCV-, HBV-/ HCV+, and HBV+/HCV+ subgroups, respectively. Observed differences were non-significant, both in terms of overall (p = 0.472) and graft (p = 0.461) survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: Both overall and graft survival rates after liver transplantations performed in the Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery in cooperation with the Department of Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Transplantology at the Transplantation Institute Medical University of Warsaw in patients with HBV and HCV infection are comparable to those reported by other European and American centers. In contrast to other studies, obtained results do not confirm the negative impact of HCV infection on long-term outcomes of patients.

Stapled Anastomosis for Side-to-Side Cavo-Cavostomy in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

In liver transplantation, a side-to-side anastomosis is one of the commonly performed techniques of the inferior vena cava reconstruction. The authors report a case of an application of an endoscopic vascular linear stapler for a side-to-side caval anastomosis during deceased-donor liver transplantation. The back table procedure was performed in a standard fashion for a side-to-side anastomosis. The linear vascular stapler was introduced during the temporary clamping of the recipient's inferior vena cava and the anastomosis was created without problems. Suturing of the resulting defect completed the anastomosis. The use of the stapler resulted in a shortening of the anastomosis time. The staple line after the reperfusion of the graft was completely sealed. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated and post-operative ultrasound and computed tomography confirmed the patency of the anastomosis. This case demonstrates a novel approach to a side-to-side caval reconstruction during liver transplantation that enables a shortening of the implantation time and may improve the quality of anastomoses.

Factors Contributing to Risk of Persistence of Positive and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia during Hospitalization.

The aim of the study was to evaluate factors that may contribute to the persistence of positive, negative and other psychopathological symptoms of schizophrenia. All patients were treated in general psychiatric wards between January 2006 and December 2017. The initial study sample comprised of the medical reports of 600 patients. The main, specified inclusion criterion for the study was schizophrenia as a discharge diagnosis. Medical reports of 262 patients were excluded from the study due to no neuroimaging scans being available. The symptoms were categorised into three groups: positive, negative, and other psychopathological symptoms. The statistical analysis comprised modalities such as demographic data, clinical symptoms, as well as neuroimaging scans linking them to a potential impact of sustaining the mentioned groups of symptoms during the period of hospitalization. The analysis revealed that statistically significant risk factors of persistence of the three groups of symptoms are the elderly age, the increasing toll of hospitalizations, suicidal attempts in medical history, a family history of alcohol abuse, the presence of positive, negative and other psychopathological symptoms on admission to the hospital, as well as the absence of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP). The study showed that addiction to psychotropic drugs and a family history of schizophrenia were more frequent in patients with persistent CSP.

Depression, anxiety, insomnia and interleukins in the early postpartum period.

Background: Some new mothers have been shown to suffer from anxiety and depression associated with insomnia during the postpartum period. Our study assessed the impact of demographic, psychopathological, and biochemical factors on the incidence of depression in women during the early postpartum period. Methods: A total of 119 women were evaluated at 24-48 h postpartum with the following psychometric scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). In addition, blood was drawn to assay interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Results: The factors that had the greatest impact on the risk of postpartum depression detected with the HDRS were high HARS scores and evidence of insomnia in the AIS. There were no significant differences in IL-6 or IL-10 levels in women with and without depression (based on either HDRS or EPDS scores) and insomnia (based on AIS) after childbirth. Considering demographic factors, divorced and single women were shown to be at higher risk of postpartum depression (based on EPDS scores). Limitations: Small sample size and short observation span. Conclusion: This study highlights the relationship between postpartum depression and both anxiety and insomnia and emphasises the importance to assess symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality as part of screening in women at risk of postpartum depression.

Lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual functioning in patients with depression. / Dolegliwosci z dolnych dróg moczowych oraz funkcje seksualne u pacjentów z depresja.

OBJECTIVES: A link between sexual functioning and depression has been reported. However, it is still unknown whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) coexist or correlate with sexual dysfunction (SD) in depressed individuals. Depressed patients represent a unique population because of a possible bidirectional relationship between SD and depression and between LUTS and depression. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships between depression severity, SD and LUTS for patients with depression. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on depression, sexual functioning and LUTS from depressed patients who were treated in our department of adult psychiatry. Data were obtained from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). RESULTS: We included one hundred two patients diagnosed with, and treated for, depression. The participants reported a high overall prevalence of SD (60.8%), and SD correlated with depression severity. LUTS were also highly prevalent with 86% of the participants reporting at least mild LUTS severity. Despite coexistence of LUTS and SD in multiple patients, we did not find a statistically significant relationship between LUTS and SD in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In our exclusive group of individuals diagnosed with, and treated for, depression, depression severity had a negative effect on sexual functioning. Although there was no statistically significant relationship between LUTS and SD, they coexisted in multiple patients. Therefore, LUTS and SD should still be systematically assessed in patients with depression.

Skin Autofluorescence Measurement as Initial Assessment of Hepatic Parenchyma Quality in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection.

Skin autofluorescence (SAF) can detect advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accumulate in tissues over time. AGEs reflect patients' general health, and their pathological accumulation has been associated with various diseases. This study aimed to determine whether its measurements can correlate with the liver parenchyma quality. This prospective study included 186 patients who underwent liver resections. Liver fibrosis and/or steatosis > 10% were found in almost 30% of the patients. ROC analysis for SAF revealed the optimal cutoff point of 2.4 AU as an independent predictor for macrovesicular steatosis ≥ 10% with an AUC of 0.629 (95% CI 0.538−0.721, p = 0.006), 59.9% sensitivity, 62.4% specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of 45.7% and 74.1%, respectively. The optimal cutoff point for liver fibrosis was 2.3 AU with an AUC of 0.613 (95% CI 0.519−0.708, p = 0.018), 67.3% sensitivity, 55.2% specificity, and PPV and NPV of 37.1% and 81.2%, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, SAF ≥ 2.4 AU (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.05−4.43; p = 0.036) and BMI (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.10−1.33, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of macrovesicular steatosis ≥ 10%. SAF may enhance the available non-invasive methods of detecting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients prior to liver resection.

Overactive Bladder Symptoms Negatively Affect Sleep Quality of Patients With Depression.

PURPOSE: An established link exists between overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and impaired sleep. However, earlier research on this subject only focused on the general population, and certain patient subgroups have not been examined adequately. Depressed patients constitute a unique population because of a possible bidirectional relationship between OAB and depression. Thus, we investigated the association between OAB symptoms and sleep quality in patients with depression. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on depression, sleep quality, and OAB symptoms from depressed patients treated at our department of adult psychiatry. Data were collected with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, the Athens Insomnia Scale, and the OAB Module of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients treated for depression were enrolled. Thirteen patients (12.7%) met the diagnostic threshold of OAB with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire OAB Module. Patients with depression and concomitant OAB had significantly higher scores on the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire than patients classified as nonOAB (P<0.01). OAB patients also had a higher risk of insomnia relative to non-OAB individuals (P<0.05). In addition, the relationship between OAB symptoms and sleep quality in patients with depression was independent from age and sex. CONCLUSION: In our cohort composed exclusively of individuals treated for depression, OAB symptoms were present in a significant proportion of patients, and OAB negatively affected sleep quality. Therefore, we recommend that OAB symptoms should be assessed collectively in patients with depression.

Pharmaco-Electroencephalography-Based Assessment of Antidepressant Drug Efficacy-The Use of Magnesium Ions in the Treatment of Depression.

Pharmaco-electroencephalography (pharmaco-EEG) is a technique used to assess the effects of psychotropic medications on the bioelectrical activity of the brain. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment response with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and via EEG. Over an 8-week period, we analyzed electroencephalographic tracings of 91 patients hospitalized for major depression at the Medical University of Warsaw. Thirty-nine of those patients received tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), 35 received fluoxetine, and 17 received fluoxetine augmented with magnesium (Mg) ions. All patients had their serum drug levels monitored. The highest proportion of patients (88.2%) who showed adequate responses to treatment was observed in the fluoxetine+Mg group, whereas the lowest rates of treatment response were observed in the TCA group (58.3%). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029, Phi = 0.30). Our study demonstrated a relationship between achieving remission (HDRS ≤ 6 at week 8 of treatment) and obtaining a positive pharmaco-EEG profile 6 h after administration of the first dose in the group receiving fluoxetine augmented with Mg ions (p = 0.035, Phi = 0.63).

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct - A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts is a rare tumor type. Management decisions are currently based upon a small case series. The authors have large own experience with IPNB. OBJECTIVE: The review aims at reporting on clinicopathological features of IPNB in order to provide guidance for management. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, Microsoft Academic and Embase databases to identify studies of relevance. The analysis of own experience was also included. RESULTS: We analyzed 59 retrospective series and 25 cases from authors' clinical experience. The main sign was jaundice and cholangitis, 33% and 48%, respectively. CT's were performed in 63-76% and MR in 40-56%. Intraductal mass was found in 31-32% and duct dilatation in 27-30%. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) was performed in 48-62%. IPNB with invasive carcinoma was found in 35.7-60% and IPNB with intraepithelial neoplasia in 36-60%. Histopathological confirmation before surgery was rare. The main treatment of IPNB is resection, in our material, both, hepatectomy and hepatectomy plus bile duct resections were performed in 40% of patients. The percentage of postoperative complications was 20%. The 5-year survival rate of all IPNB's patients was 53.6%; in patients with associated invasive carcinoma - 22.2% and without invasive carcinoma - 100% (p â€‹= â€‹0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgery is advisable for radiologically suspected IPNB. The results of treatment depend on histopathology. They are worse at intraductal invasive carcinoma than at neoplasm with neoplasia.

[Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in schizophrenia]. / Zaburzenia snu i rytmu okolodobowego w schizofrenii.

AIM: In this study we investigated sleep and circadian rhythm, functioning and psychopathological symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. We looked for answers to the following questions: What percentage of patients with schizophrenia after a therapeutic process in the daily psychiatric ward suffers from insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness? What factors influence the functioning of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: 23 patients and 23 healthy controls matched for age and sex (14 women, 9 men; mean age 40.5 +/- 13.66) were examined. All subjects filled out sleep diaries, underwent actigraphy for 7 days, and ratings with scales for the assessment of sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, general clinical state and the degree of improvement, presence and severity of psychopathological symptoms and depression, drug side effects. RESULTS: Moderate insomnia was found in 6 (26%), severe insomnia in 2 (8%) patients. Four patients (17%) suffered from severe daytime sleepiness. Actigraphy showed a low activity level that had influence on the functioning of patients. The functioning of the patients was most negatively influenced by negative symptoms of schizophrenia and drug side effects. Older patients and those who were ill for a longer time presented more drug side effects and they were more depressive. The patients spent more time in bed and had longer sleep time than healthy controls. The patients presented highest activity at the time of therapeutic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvement of psychopathological symptoms, many patients with schizophrenia still present low daytime activity and clinically significant insomnia and/or daytime sleepiness, which deteriorates their functioning.

[Sleep medicine]. / Medycyna snu.

Approximately one third of adults report difficulty sleeping, and 10% to 15% have the clinical disorder of insomnia. Among primary care patients, approximately half have sleep difficulties, but these difficulties often are undetected. Sleep disorders, especially chronic insomnia, results in impaired occupational performance and diminished quality of life. Insomnia is associated with higher healthcare usage and costs, including a 2-fold increase in hospitalizations and physician visits. Insomnia is also a risk factor for a number of other medical and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, hypertension. This presentation describes different sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep related movement disorders, circadian rhythms sleep disorders, parasomnias), diagnostic methods available in sleep medicine. The various treatment options for these sleep disorders are also identified.

Correlation of urinary incontinence with depression severity of patients treated for depression.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major public health issue because of the high number of individuals affected, its adverse effects on job-related functioning, and the decline in quality of life. The association between UI and symptoms of depression has been evaluated extensively for the general population. However, relationships between UI and depression have not been adequately assessed for specific patient groups. Thus, we investigated the association between UI and depression severity in patients treated for depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional inquiry. We analyzed questionnaire data on UI and depression from depressed patients treated in our Department of Adult Psychiatry. Patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and General Health Questionnaire whereas psychiatrists administered the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. RESULTS: One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Most patients had mild depression. Patients who were incontinent mostly reported moderate UI and UI was statistically more prevalent in women than in men. Further, with the General Health Questionnaire, depression severity in women was significantly associated with the severity of UI. We did not observe correlation between depression severity analyzed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and UI. CONCLUSIONS: In the cohort of patients treated for depression, UI affected more women than men. In wo- men, UI was associated with the severity of depression. Because UI and depression may coexist and share the symptom burden, particularly in women, clinicians should be aware of the interconnection between these two conditions.

[Patients' and doctors' attitudes towards bipolar disorder--do we share our beliefs?]. / Lekarze i pacjenci wobec choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej--czy myslimy podobnie?

AIM: The aim of the presented study was an analysis and comparison of patients and psychiatrists beliefs regarding the most important aspects of bipolar disorder (BD) treatment. METHOD: A group of 100 psychiatrists (with at least 5 years professional experience) and a group of 100 remitted patients fulfilling ICD-10 and DSM IV-TR BD criteria (aged 18-65) were enrolled. Their beliefs were investigated with a 41-item structuralized questionnaire (doctors group) and 27-item self evaluation inventory (patients group). The construction of both tools made it possible to compare the results and was based on hierarchical ranking of answers included in each item. RESULTS: A number of important concordances were indicated between doctors and patients beliefs e.g. both groups considered that: 1) the depression is the most burdensome episode in the course of BD; 2) the pharmacotherapy is the most crucial element of treatment; 3) the improvement of life quality is the most important aspect of recovery. On the other hand the results revealed that patients are convinced that doctors consider improving their life quality as much less important than alleviating symptoms severity. The hierarchy of problems proposed by the patients as the main obstacles in taking drugs appeared to be the exact antithesis of doctors beliefs in this issue. The patients indicated drug side effects as the main cause whereas doctors considered compliance as a crucial problem. Discrepancies in beliefs were also observed regarding the perceived importance of different psychoeducation topics: coping abilities and life quality improvement--two most important issues in patients opinion, were placed on the remote rank in doctors hierarchy, giving place to early recognition of relapse symptoms and suicidality prevention. CONCLUSION: Discrepancies of psychiatrists and patients beliefs regarding crucial aspects of BD treatment that were revealed in the study may be responsible for worsening of compliance quality.

Coexistence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with depressive symptoms in patients suffering from depressive disorders. / Wspólwystepowanie objawów z dolnego odcinka dróg moczowych z objawami depresyjnymi u pacjentów leczonych psychiatrycznie z powodu zaburzen depresyjnych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and severity of depressive symptoms in patients treated for depression. METHODS: 102 patients (43 males, 59 females) aged 20-67 (M = 46.1) treated for depression were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report (QIDS-SR). LUTS were examined with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). In order to analyze the impact of presented symptoms, both urological and psychiatric, on quality of life of analyzed individuals the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) was used. RESULTS: The average IPSS score in women was significantly higher than in men (9.59 vs. 6; p = 0.04). Patients suffering from at least moderate depression assessed with QIDS-SR had significantly higher scores in IPSS (9.76 vs. 4.1; p = 0.002). Severity of all LUTS assessed with IPSS correlated with QIDS-SR score in examined men (p < 0.05). In women, the total IPSS score correlated with the QIDS-SR score (p < 0.05) and with the total GHQ-30 score (p < 0.05). Anumber of other significant (p < 0.05) correlations were observed between the total IPSS score and certain items' scores in the GHQ-30 both in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are common among patients with depression. There is a correlation between severity of depressive symptoms and LUTS. LUTS affect quality of life and well-being as well as cause marked distress in depressed patients. Comorbidity of LUTS and depression should draw attention of both psychiatrists and urologists and enhance interdisciplinary treatment approach. Further prospective and cohort studies are essential to reveal more details of the correlation between LUTS and depression.