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The articleʼs interest focusses on the relation of prudent acting and passions of soul in Daniel Casper von Lohensteinʼs political tragedy Cleopatra (1680). Therefore it explores the early modern discourse around manʼs fundamental reasonability and a maintained irreducible affectation of the human mind: For the first time, Lohensteinʼs jurisprudential doctoral thesis On Will (1655 ) is analysed in detail. Underestimated so far, this source gives a deep insight into contemporary theory of both appetites and affects as well as into its impact on juridical responsibility (imputability) and reason of state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research suggests similarities between obesity and addictive disorders on both phenomenological and neurobiological levels. In particular neuro-endocrine and imaging studies have shown a close link between homeostatic regulation involved in appetite regulation and regulation of motivation and reward expectancy, which are of special impact for addictive disorders. Based on findings on the neurobiology of reinforcement processes and on the role of classical conditioning in addiction, new interventions for prevention and treatment were developed that offer the opportunity for transfer to the treatment of obesity. A first step may be testing psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic interventions, which primarily target motivational processes. The relevance of this topic for general psychiatry is reflected by the fact that including obesity in the psychiatric chapters of disease classification systems is currently being discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocrine system plays a central role in the regulation of body weight and fat distribution. The influence of thyroid hormones, growth hormone, cortical undo sex steroids on body weight are described with a focus on hyper-and hypo function of these systems. In addition, sequela of therapeutic interventions aiming to restore homeostasis in dysfunction are discussed. Finally, neuroendocrine control of appetite and syndromes that are consequences of disturbed neuroendocrine control of food intake are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]