Adverse health outcomes and global quality of life in long-term testicular cancer survivors: a longitudinal 30-year perspective.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of self-reported adverse health outcomes (AHOs), track changes in AHOs, and examine their impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) who were diagnosed between 1980 and 1994. These assessments were conducted during two survey waves (SWs), with the first occurring ∼12 years after surgery-only or platinum-based chemotherapy (PBCT), and the second ∼28 years after initial treatment. The study primarily focused on 'typical AHOs', which included Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy (PSN), Raynaud's phenomenon, Tinnitus, and Hearing loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 427 TCSs were included in the evaluation, distributed as follows: surgery-only group (n = 155), PBCT-standard group with ≤850 mg cisplatin (n = 222), and PBCT-high group with >850 mg cisplatin (n = 50). For comparison of HrQoL, men from the general population served as a control group (referred to as 'Norms'). The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05, and clinical importance, in terms of testing HrQoL differences, was defined as Δ ≥2.5 points. RESULTS: A higher number of TCSs who underwent PBCT reported experiencing typical AHOs compared with those who had surgery only. The highest prevalence rates were observed among TCSs who had undergone PBCT-high. Further, the number of TCSs describing typical AHOs, except Raynaud's phenomenon, increased during the observation period of 16 years. At the last SW, a median of 4 AHOs (any type) were reported after PBCT-high compared with a median of 2 AHOs after Surgery-only or after PBCT-standard. With Surgery-only as reference, PBCT-high, but not PBCT-standard, was associated with decreasing physical HrQoL in the last SW (A2 Regression coefficient: -4.3; P = 0.008). When comparing all TCSs with Norms no clinically important difference in physical and mental HrQoL was observed at either SW. However, at the last SW, TCSs after PBCT-high therapy represented a subgroup of TCSs with clinically important impairment of HRQoL. Of the typical AHOs, only PSN reduced HrQoL. Chronic fatigue, pain, anxiety/depression, sexual dysfunction, unemployment, being single, and low education were additional covariates. CONCLUSIONS: After a median of 28 years since their treatment, HrQoL in TCSs was found to be comparable to that of Norms. This similarity held true even though AHOs, especially after PBCT-high, were becoming more prevalent among TCSs. The study revealed that individuals with a history of PBCT-high are at a high risk of experiencing a significantly increased prevalence of long-term AHOs, which subsequently leads to diminished HrQoL. It is crucial to recognize and provide specialized attention to these TCSs during lifelong follow-up care.

Pattern of employment and associated factors in long-term lymphoma survivors 10 years after high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation.

Background This study examined employment patterns and associated factors in lymphoma survivors treated with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT) from diagnosis to a follow-up survey at a mean of 10 years after HDT-ASCT. Patients and methods All lymphoma survivors aged ≥18 years at HDT-ASCT in Norway from 1987 to 2008, and alive at the end of 2011 were eligible for this cross-sectional study performed in 2012/2013. Participants completed a mailed questionnaire. Job status was dichotomized as either employed (paid work) or not-employed (disability and retirement pension, on economic support, home-makers, or students). Results The response rate was 78%, and the sample (N = 312) contained 60% men. Mean age at HDT-ASCT was 44.3 and at survey 54.0 years. At diagnosis 85% of survivors were employed, 77% before and 77% after HDT-ASCT, and 58% at follow-up. Forty seven percent of the survivors were employed at all time points. The not-employed group at survey was significantly older and included significantly more females than the employed group. No significant between-group differences were observed for lymphoma-related variables. Fatigue, mental distress and type D personality were significantly higher among those not-employed, while quality of life was significantly lower compared to the employed group. Older age at survey, being female, work ability and presence of type D personality remained significantly related to being not-employed at survey in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions Our findings show that not-employed long-term survivors after HDT-ASCT for lymphoma have more comorbidity, cognitive problems and higher levels of anxiety/depression than employed survivors. These factors should be checked and eventually treated in order to improve work ability.

Maintaining success, reducing treatment burden, focusing on survivorship: highlights from the third European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer.

In November 2011, the Third European Consensus Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Germ-Cell Cancer (GCC) was held in Berlin, Germany. This third conference followed similar meetings in 2003 (Essen, Germany) and 2006 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) [Schmoll H-J, Souchon R, Krege S et al. European consensus on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG). Ann Oncol 2004; 15: 1377-1399; Krege S, Beyer J, Souchon R et al. European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the second meeting of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus group (EGCCCG): part I. Eur Urol 2008; 53: 478-496; Krege S, Beyer J, Souchon R et al. European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the second meeting of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus group (EGCCCG): part II. Eur Urol 2008; 53: 497-513]. A panel of 56 of 60 invited GCC experts from all across Europe discussed all aspects on diagnosis and treatment of GCC, with a particular focus on acute and late toxic effects as well as on survivorship issues. The panel consisted of oncologists, urologic surgeons, radiooncologists, pathologists and basic scientists, who are all actively involved in care of GCC patients. Panelists were chosen based on the publication activity in recent years. Before the meeting, panelists were asked to review the literature published since 2006 in 20 major areas concerning all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of GCC patients, and to prepare an updated version of the previous recommendations to be discussed at the conference. In addition, ∼50 E-vote questions were drafted and presented at the conference to address the most controversial areas for a poll of expert opinions. Here, we present the main recommendations and controversies of this meeting. The votes of the panelists are added as online supplements.

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: presentation, survival and second cancer in a population based Norwegian cohort (1953-2009).

PURPOSE: To quantify and compare survival in women with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) in Norway before and after the introduction of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (around 1980), and to explore the association between different types of treatment and the development of a second cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 351 patients diagnosed with MOGCTs from 1953 to 2009 in the Cancer Registry of Norway. Ovarian cancer-specific survival was calculated separately for patients diagnosed before and after 1980. Patients were divided into subgroups by histological subtype (pure dysgerminoma, malignant teratoma, other MOGCTs) and extent of disease (localized and metastatic). We estimated the cumulative incidence of a second cancer in 10-year MOGCT survivors. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used, and p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 20-Year ovarian cancer-specific survival increased from 59% (95% CI 51% to 66%) before 1980 to 88% (95% CI 83%-93%) thereafter. Significant improvement was observed in all subgroups. No second cancer was diagnosed in any of 31 10-year MOGCT survivors treated with surgery only; second cancer was diagnosed in 23 of 139 patients who underwent cytotoxic treatment (98 radiotherapy ± chemotherapy, 41 chemotherapy only; p=0.08). Patients aged >50 years had a significantly poorer ovarian cancer-specific survival than younger patients (HR=5.98, 95% CI 3.39-10.57) after adjustment for histological subtype and stage at presentation. Our results favor the treatment of patients with metastatic MOGCTs at large cancer centers. CONCLUSION: Today women with MOGCTs have an excellent prognosis if treated according to modern therapeutic principles.

Work status changes and associated factors in a nationwide sample of Norwegian long-term breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The study aims to describe work status at diagnosis and 8 years post-diagnosis in a nationwide sample of breast cancer survivors (BCSs), and investigate associated and self-reported factors of reduced work status. METHODS: Women aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer (BC) in 2011 or 2012 were invited to participate in a questionnaire study in 2019 (n = 2803), of whom 49% (n = 1361) responded. For this sub-study, we included 974 BCSs below the legal retirement age in Norway (< 67 years) at survey and with complete work status data. Reduced work status was defined as being in paid work at BC diagnosis and not working at time of survey. Logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with reduced work status. RESULTS: Of BCSs who were in paid work at diagnosis (n = 845), 63% maintained their work status to 8 years later. Reduced work status was associated with not living with children (OR .44, 95% CI .24-.82), age (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11-1.21), chemotherapy (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.24-6.61), > 2 comorbid conditions (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.16-4.32), cognitive function (OR .99, 95% CI .98-.99), fatigue (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and neuroticism (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.00-2.46). BC and late effects were reported as reasons for reduced work status and disability. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BCSs who were in paid work at diagnosis were working 8 years later. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our results suggest a need to focus on fatigue and reduced cognitive function among long-term BCSs, with the ultimate aim of improving work sustainability.

A prospective study of neuropsychological functioning in testicular cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Whether systemic chemotherapy has a negative effect on cognitive function in patients, concern oncologists. In testicular cancer patients (TCPs) treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, only few cross-sectional studies have addressed this concern. We prospectively studied neuropsychological functioning in TCPs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a consecutive sampling, 122 TCPs were examined at baseline (after orchidectomy, before any additional treatment) and then at follow-up at a median of 12 months after end of treatment. The examinations included a neuropsychological test battery, interview on background variables and questionnaires on mental distress, fatigue and neurotoxic symptoms. Changes in neuropsychological functioning from baseline to follow-up were compared between three treatments groups: no chemotherapy (N = 31), one cycle of chemotherapy (N = 38) and two or more cycles of chemotherapy (N = 53). Variables associated with a decline in neuropsychological test performance from baseline to follow-up were explored. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in proportions of TCPs with a decline in neuropsychological test performance were observed between the three treatment groups. Decline in neuropsychological test performance was not associated with demographic variables, distress, fatigue or with chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: No negative effect of systemic chemotherapy on neuropsychological test performance in TCPs at 1-year follow-up was found in this study.

Metabolic syndrome and risk of mortality in middle-aged versus elderly individuals: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT).

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Recent reviews indicate that the metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, but evidence is scarce in elderly individuals. We therefore examined the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and mortality rates among individuals aged 40-59, 60-74 and 75-89 years. We also examined whether the syndrome was associated with mortality rates over and above the Framingham risk score. METHODS: We studied prospectively 6,748 men and women who participated in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway, from 1995 to 1997 (HUNT 2) and defined the metabolic syndrome by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: During 53,617 person-years of follow-up (mean per person, 7.9 years), 955 individuals died, of whom 585 died from cardiovascular disease. Among individuals who were 40-59 years of age at baseline, the presence of the metabolic syndrome was associated with increased relative risk of cardiovascular and total mortality (age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios 3.97 [95% CI: 2.00-7.88] and 2.06 [1.35-3.13], respectively, equivalent to population-attributable risks of 20.7 and 14.2%, respectively). The Framingham risk score accounted for less than one-third of the effect of metabolic syndrome on mortality rates. After the age of 60 years, the metabolic syndrome was not associated with increased mortality rates. We found a significant interaction between the metabolic syndrome and age on the relative risk of mortality. Results were confirmed in a sub-sample without cardiovascular disease at baseline. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for mortality, over and above the Framingham risk score, in middle-aged, but not in elderly individuals.

No association of depression and anxiety with the metabolic syndrome: the Norwegian HUNT study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of depression and anxiety with the metabolic syndrome. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 9571 participants aged 20-89 years in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2). We assessed anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the metabolic syndrome with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: Despite generous statistical power and use of both continuous and categorical approaches, we found no association between anxiety or depression and the metabolic syndrome in models adjusted for age, gender, educational level, smoking, physical activity and pulse rate. When adjusted for age and gender only, we found a weak positive association for depression when a continuous measure was used, but not at the case level. The findings were similar across sexes, and robust for exclusion of cardiovascular disease and antidepressants. CONCLUSION: In this largest study to date we found no association of anxiety and depression with the metabolic syndrome.

Health status at long-term follow-up in patients treated for extremity localized Ewing Sarcoma or osteosarcoma: a Scandinavian sarcoma group study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate late effects and symptom complaints in long-term survivors (>5 years) of Extremity Bone Sarcoma (EBS survivors). The results were compared with findings in age- and gender-matched individuals from the general population (NORMs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 155 EBS survivors approached, 133 (86%) were included, and 110 of them (83%) attended an outpatient examination. Health status was evaluated by a mailed questionnaire concerning demographic and current health issues, and physical examinations at the outpatient clinic. Age- and gender-adjusted normative controls were drawn from participants of the Health Study of Nord-Trøndelag County (HUNT 2). RESULTS: Median age at follow-up was 29 (15-57) years. Median follow-up was 12 (6-22) years. Of EBS survivors 42% had > or =1 somatic disease, 33% had ototoxicity and 13% had reduced renal function. EBS survivors were more likely to have heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 7.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.5-25.3; P = 0.001), hypertension (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1-10.1; P = 0.03) and thyroid disease (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-8.3; P = 0.04) compared to NORMs. EBS survivors reported more diarrhoea (29% vs. 19%, P = 0.02), palpitations (23% vs. 13%, P = 0.01) and shortness of breath (11% vs. 5%, P = 0.01) than NORMs. CONCLUSIONS: EBS survivors have poorer health status compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Long-term follow-up of these patients is therefore mandatory.

Personality problems are considerably associated with somatic morbidity and health care utilisation.

PURPOSE: To explore the associations between the presence of personality problems and somatic morbidity and health care utilisation. METHODS: The Iowa Personality Disorder Screen was administered in order to identify persons with personality problems in a Norwegian population survey (the Oslo Health Study - HUBRO). Cases consisted of 369 individuals, 30, 40 and 45 years of age with personality problems matched on age and gender with five controls each. Data on somatic morbidity and health care utilisation were collected by questionnaires. RESULTS: The cases more frequently reported persistent muscular pain, asthma, fibromyalgia and alcohol problems than the controls. They also more often used nonprescribed analgesics and antidepressants. The cases more frequently had consulted a general practitioner (GP) in the last 12 months, less frequently got referral to somatic specialist care and were less satisfied with their last visit to a GP. CONCLUSION: In this population based study, personality problems in young adults based on DSM-IV personality disorder criteria were associated with increased occurrence of somatic morbidity and primary health care utilisation. The relevance for GP to take personality problems into account during consultations is underlined and a method for doing so is suggested.

A prospective study of patterns of fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

We sought to identify clinical characteristics and socio-demographic variables associated with longitudinal patterns of fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A questionnaire including the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was mailed to a community sample of 502 MS patients three times 1 year apart. Three patterns of fatigue were defined: persistent fatigue (PF) (mean FSS score > or = 5 at all time-points), sporadic fatigue (SF) (mean FSS score > or = 5 at one or two time-points) and no fatigue (mean FSS score < 5 at all time-points). Among the 267 (53%) patients who responded at all time-points, 101 [38%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 32-44] had persistent, 98 (37%, 95% CI 31-43) sporadic and 68 (25%, 95% CI 20-31) no fatigue. Persistent and sporadic fatigue were more common in patients with, increased neurological impairment (P < 0.001), primary progressive MS (P = 0.01), insomnia (P < 0.001), heat sensitivity (P < 0.001), sudden-onset fatigue (P < 0.001) or mood disturbance (P < 0.001) compared with patients without fatigue. Multivariable analysis showed that depression (PF P = 0.02, SF P < 0.001), heat sensitivity (PF P = 0.04, SF P = 0.02) and physical impairment (PF P = 0.004, SF P = 0.01) were associated with both sporadic and persistent fatigue. About 75% of the patients had persistent or sporadic fatigue over a 2 years observation period. Multivariable analyses confirmed a significant association between levels of depression, physical impairment and persistent fatigue.

Chronic fatigue and its correlates in long-term survivors of cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of chronic fatigue (CF) and associated variables in locoregional cervical cancer survivors (CCSs) surveyed > 5 years after radiotherapy. Demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics of the CCSs were compared with normative data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Department of Gynaecologic Oncology at Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Oslo, Norway. POPULATION: Seventy-nine CCSs aged < or = 79 years, treated between 1994 and 1999, representing 62% of those invited. Normative data were based on various population studies of Norwegian women. METHODS: Data were collected by means of a mailed questionnaire, which included demographic variables and instruments covering fatigue, mental distress, sexual functioning, somatic impairments and quality of life (QOL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported fatigue score and caseness of CF based on the fatigue questionnaire. RESULTS: CCSs showed 30% CF versus 13% reported in the general population (P= 0.001). CCSs with CF had a significantly lower QOL, higher levels of anxiety and depression and more physical impairments than those without CF. In a multivariable regression model, depression was the only variable significantly associated with CF in CCSs. CONCLUSIONS: More CCSs have CF than age-matched women in the general population. CF should be of clinical concern since these women also frequently have treatable mental and physical problems.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in relation to self-reported physical function in cancer patients after chemotherapy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between objective cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and subjective self-reported physical function, taking into account the influence of mental distress. We hypothesized an association between these parameters, since they might be thought to measure parts of the same phenomenon. METHODS: Approximately 1 month after discontinuation of all primary treatment, 90 cancer patients aged 18-50 years treated with chemotherapy were surveyed. CRF was determined by the Astrand-Ryhming indirect cycle ergometer test, which indicate peak VO2 in mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (predicted VO2max). Self-reported physical function was assessed by The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). The relation between VO2max and self-reported physical function was estimated by multiple linear regression. Mental distress (assessed by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), age, gender, body mass index (BMI), time from treatment to physical test and diagnoses were included as potential confounders. RESULTS: There was no association between predicted VO2max and self-reported physical function. Mental distress was negatively associated with self-reported physical function (P<0.001), but is not associated with predicted VO2max. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that predicted VO2max does not reflect self-reported physical function and vice versa in cancer patients after chemotherapy. If information about cardiac and/or pulmonary status is required, direct or indirect measures of VO2max should be used.

Robot-assisted versus open radical hysterectomy: A multi-institutional experience for early-stage cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative and clinico-pathological outcomes of patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent robot-assisted radical hysterectomy (RRH) and open radical hysterectomy (ORH). METHODS: This retrospective multi-center study abstracted demographic, clinico-pathological and perioperative outcomes data from medical records of 491 cervical cancer patients treated with RRH (n = 259) ORH (n = 232) between 2005 and 2011 at two American and one Norwegian University Cancer Centres. RESULTS: Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) and transfusion rates were less for RRH than for ORH (97 vs. 49 mL, p < 0.001, and 3% vs. 7%, p = 0.018, respectively). Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in RRH versus ORH (1.8 vs. 5.1 days, p < 0.001). Mean operative time was longer for RRH than ORH (220 vs. 156 min, p < 0.001). Although overall complications were similar (p = 0.49), intra-operative complications were less common in the RRH group than ORH (4% vs. 10%, p = 0.004). In multivariate regression analyses longer operative time, less EBL and intra-operative complications, shorter LOS, and more pre-operative cone were significantly associated with RRH versus ORH. Recurrence and death rates were not statistically different for the two groups at a mean follow-up time of 39 months (p = 1.00 and p = 0.48, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RRH had improved clinical outcomes compared to ORH in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer in terms of EBL, intra-operative complications, transfusion rates, LOS, and pre-operative cone. Disease recurrence and survival were comparable for the two procedures.

Does brief dynamic psychotherapy reduce the relapse rate of panic disorder?

BACKGROUND: Although panic disorder can be effectively alleviated by drug treatment, the relapse rate is high. By adding brief dynamic psychotherapy focused on the psychosocial vulnerability of patients with panic disorder to an established drug treatment regimen, we hypothesized that this would result in a lower relapse rate after pharmacotherapy. METHODS: Patients with panic disorder (defined by DSM-III-R) were randomized to treatment with either clomipramine for 9 months (n = 20), or clomipramine for 9 months combined with 15 weekly sessions of brief dynamic psychotherapy (n = 20). Measures of anxiety and depression were collected at intake and at regular intervals. The patients had blind follow-up interviews at 6, 12, and 18 months after beginning treatment. RESULTS: All patients in both groups became free of panic attacks within 26 weeks of the start of treatment. On termination of pharmacotherapy, the relapse rate was significantly higher in the clomipramine-only group during the follow-up period. There were significantly lower scores for most anxiety measures in the clomipramine plus psychotherapy group at the 9-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The addition of brief dynamic psychotherapy to treatment with clomipramine significantly reduces the relapse rate of panic disorder compared with clomipramine treatment alone.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients seen at the Norwegian Radium Hospital.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients seen at the Norwegian Radium Hospital, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the EORTC QLQ-C33 and an ad hoc designed questionnaire. In addition, information about the patients' malignant disease and treatment was obtained. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among 716 evaluable patients was 13% and 9% respectively, as assessed with HADS. In hospitalised patients, the risk of psychiatric distress was approximately twice that of patients in the outpatient clinic. Female patients reported significantly more anxiety than men. Patients < 30 or > 70 years old expressed less anxiety than all other patients. Age or gender had no influence on the occurrence of depression. Impaired ability to continue professional work and/or daily life activities, impaired social life and previous psychiatric problems were significantly correlated with anxiety and depression as were impaired physical function, fatigue and pain. The prevalence of depression, but not anxiety, increased in the presence of distant metastases, with less than a month since diagnosis, and with relapse or progression. In the logistic regression analysis, a history of previous psychiatric problems and impaired social life were correlated with both anxiety and depression. Female gender, impaired physical activity and impaired social role function were additional predictive parameters for anxiety, whereas fatigue predicted depression. Careful attention should be paid to cancer patients displaying these problems in order to diagnose and treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Uptake of genetic testing and pre-test levels of mental distress in Norwegian families with known BRCA1 mutations.

232 family members from 27 Norwegian families with BRCA1 mutations were offered genetic testing. 180/232 (78%) chose to be tested, 14/232 (6%) have not yet decided and 38/232 (16%) declined. All 232 persons were invited to fill in the following questionnaires when offered testing: Impact of Event Scale (IES), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). 207/232 (89%) responded to the questionnaires. Of those declining to be tested 23/38 (61%) answered the questionnaires compared to 170/180 (94%) of those wanting the test (p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of females with a history of cancer than females without such a history had abnormal scores on the IES-intrusion and GHQ questionnaires (p < 0.001). Healthy females who were deciding on predictive testing had the same or lower prevalence of mental distress compared to the general population, between 4.3% and 18.0% as measured by the different questionnaires. Males did not differ from healthy females on any of the measures. According to their HADS scores, women without a history of cancer deciding on predictive testing for breast-ovarian cancer had lower or equal levels of mental distress compared to the general population. The high uptake of genetic testing combined with the lower than normal prevalence of mental distress indicates that the activity may continue as practised, awaiting longitudinal data concerning the levels of mental distress after genetic testing.

The use of continuous-wear silicone contact lenses in the optical correction of aphakia.

Forty-two aphakic eyes of 37 patients were fitted with oxygen-permeable silicone rubber corneal contact lenses. Thirty-four eyes had the lens after two to 11 months of continuous use. Visual results, comfort, and patient acceptance were good, but the deposition of mucus on the lenses remains a problem.

Screening for postnatal depression. Validation of the Norwegian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and assessment of risk factors for postnatal depression.

OBJECTIVE: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a self-rating scale developed to screen for postnatal depression. The aim of this study was to validate a Norwegian translation of the EPDS, study its psychometric properties, and identify risk factors for postnatal depression. METHOD: EPDS was filled in by 411 women at 6-12 weeks postpartum. Of these, 100 were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV major and minor depressive disorders. RESULTS: When using a cut-off of 11 on the EPDS, 26 of 27 women with major depression were identified (sensitivity 96%, specificity 78%). An aggregate point prevalence of 10.0% of major and minor depression was found. A one-factor model accounted for 46.6% of the variance. Strongest risk factors for postpartum depression were previous depression, depression in current pregnancy, and current somatic illness. LIMITATIONS: Women screened using the EPDS who had a score above threshold, yet did not attend the diagnostic interview could cause the point prevalence of depression to be higher than indicated here. CONCLUSION: The Norwegian translation of EPDS functions equally well as other translations as a screening tool for postnatal depression. The risk factors that were found are compatible with other studies.

The relationship between social phobia and avoidant personality disorder: workshop report 3.

Social phobia and avoidant personality disorder were new diagnoses in the third version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) and were considerably changed in the revised third version (DSM-III-R). A high rate of comorbidity between these disorders was observed, which can be explained by the use of the same diagnostic criteria for both conditions. While there has been considerable research activity on social phobia, little has been done on avoidant personality disorder. The relationship between these disorders, therefore, cannot be clearly stated at the moment. All of the empirical evidence so far supports a spectrum concept of social phobia with avoidant personality disorder rather than seeing the latter as a valid mental disorder.