ABSTRACT
In a group of 34 psychogeriatric patients (mean age 79 years) the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found to be 82%, taking 30 nmol/l as cut-off for calcidiol. We found 47% of the whole group to be severely deficient having values lower than 20 nmol/l. Results of related test are presented and discussed. Patient were treated with oral calcium and vitamin D3 medication. Origin, presentation and risks of hypovitaminosis D, including muscle weakness and the aggravating role of low calcium intake, are discussed with special attention to psychogeriatric patients. Suppletion of vitamin D and calcium is suggested for this patient group.
Subject(s)
Calcifediol/blood , Cholecalciferol/therapeutic use , Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology , Aged , Calcium/blood , Female , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Male , Netherlands/epidemiology , Nutritional Status , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/epidemiology , Pilot Projects , Prevalence , Treatment Outcome , Vitamin D/administration & dosage , Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives , Vitamin D/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapyABSTRACT
Thirty-eight subjects who met criteria for the DSM-III-R diagnosis late luteal phase dysphoric disorder (LLPDD) were compared with 18 controls in 5-HT uptake kinetics of the platelets in the premenstrual (day 26) as well as in the postmenstrual phase (day 4) of the cycle. Furthermore, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) was administered to LLPDD patients and controls in both phases of the cycle, to investigate pituitary sensitivity for serotonin. Plasma samples for the measurement of cortisol and beta-endorphin were taken before and after oral administration of 200 mg 5-HTP, and considered as an index of pituitary-adrenal function. LLPDD was not associated with a lower platelet 5-HT uptake and content in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, compared with the postmenstrual phase. Patients appeared not to be different from controls in 5-HT uptake kinetics of platelets in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. No main differences were observed between LLPDD patients and controls in their ability to respond with secretion of cortisol and beta-endorphin to 5-HTP stimulation, either in the premenstrual, or in the postmenstrual phase. This observation could not be attributed to differences in 5-HTP metabolism. The findings of the present study do not support a specific role for 5-HT in the pathophysiology LLPDD.
Subject(s)
Luteal Phase , Premenstrual Syndrome/physiopathology , Serotonin/physiology , 5-Hydroxytryptophan , Adult , Blood Platelets/metabolism , Female , Humans , Hydrocortisone/blood , Serotonin/pharmacokinetics , beta-Endorphin/bloodABSTRACT
Twenty women with premenstrual complaints were treated in a double-blind placebo controlled trial during two consecutive menstrual cycles with fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin uptake blocker. A beneficial effect was found on somatic and affective symptoms in both treatment groups, the effect of fluvoxamine being not different from placebo. The results of this study do not support a role for serotonin in menstrually related affective symptoms.
Subject(s)
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Menstruation , Mood Disorders/drug therapy , Oximes/therapeutic use , Anxiety/drug therapy , Double-Blind Method , Female , Fluvoxamine , Humans , Luteal Phase , Mood Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
The effects of hysterectomy--oophorectomy and life stress in regard to physical and psychological discomfort were investigated. Oophorectomized women reported more physical complaints and more frequent loss of sexual interest than a control group of cholecystectomized women. No differences between the groups were seen as regards general discomfort, anxiety and depression. In both oophorectomized and cholecystectomized women life stress contributed to general discomfort, anxiety and physical complaints.