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Catatonia is an underdiagnosed psychomotor syndrome that can occur in the context of various mental and somatic diseases. Malignant catatonia is particularly relevant in the context of intensive medical care. Clear recommendations in guidelines are missing.To present the current state of the diagnosis and treatment of catatonia, especially malignant catatonia.The literature was evaluated with respect to acute catatonic conditions, with a special focus on the differential diagnosis, relevance to intensive medical care and treatment of catatonia.In psychiatric inpatients, catatonic syndromes are relatively frequent with a prevalence between 9% and 17%, and in neurological patients somewhat less frequent with a prevalence of 3.3%. There is a clear recommendation for pharmacological treatment with lorazepam. Additional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should be considered as early as possible, especially in cases not responding to benzodiazepines. Response rates to ECT have been shown to be 80-100%. In malignant catatonia, ECT should be performed immediately as an emergency indication.Several factors lead to the underdiagnosis of catatonia. It is problematic that even life-threatening malignant catatonia is often not recognized as such, although there is a mortality of about 50% if untreated. The best treatment outcome is achieved with a combination of benzodiazepines and ECT. The treatment of severe malignant catatonia represents an emergency indication for ECT.HINTERGRUND: Bei der Katatonie handelt es sich um ein unterdiagnostiziertes psychomotorisches Syndrom, das im Zusammenhang mit verschiedenen psychischen und somatischen Erkrankungen auftreten kann. Es wird insbesondere in Form der perniziösen Katatonie intensivmedizinisch relevant. Hierzu gibt es nur wenige detaillierte Empfehlungen in Leitlinien.Darstellung des aktuellen Standes der Diagnostik und Therapie von Katatonien, insbesondere der perniziösen Katatonie.Die Literatur wurde im Hinblick auf akute katatone Zustände evaluiert, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Differenzialdiagnostik, intensivmedizinische Relevanz und die Therapie von Katatonien.Bei stationär psychiatrisch behandelten Patient*innen sind katatone Syndrome mit einer Prävalenz zwischen 9 und 17 % recht häufig, bei neurologischen Patient*innen mit einer Prävalenz von 3,3 % etwas seltener. Es gibt eine klare Empfehlung für eine medikamentöse Behandlung mit Lorazepam. Insbesondere bei fehlendem Ansprechen auf Benzodiazepine ist unbedingt zeitnah an eine zusätzliche Elektrokonvulsionstherapie (EKT) zu denken, die Ansprechraten von 80–100 % zeigt. Bei perniziösen Katatonien kann die EKT unverzüglich als Notfallindikation durchgeführt werden.Katatonien werden im klinischen Kontext deutlich zu selten erkannt. Problematisch ist, dass auch lebensbedrohliche perniziöse Katatonien häufig nicht als solche erkannt werden, obwohl deren Letalität unbehandelt bei ca. 50 % liegt. Das beste Behandlungsergebnis wird bei einer Kombination von Benzodiazepinen und EKT erzielt. Die Behandlung der schweren, perniziösen Katatonie stellt eine Notfallindikation zur EKT dar.

We present a case of a 23-year-old male Caucasian patient admitted to the emergency department because of an acute onset of difficulty of articulation, weakness of the left arm, throat- and neck pain. An emergency CTMRI of the brain showed no abnormalities. The Patient had started visiting a new neurologist three weeks before admission and received Sulpiride against Tourette syndrome (TS) in a rapid escalation manner over a short period. Sulpiride induced dystonia and other neurological symptoms that were clinically masked by dystonic and clonic tics of the known TS. 5 mg Biperiden (anticholinergic agent) was slowly injected intravenously under monitor condition. The Patient reported an immediate disappearance of articulation difficulties, left arm movement, and cervical and neck pain. After discontinuing Sulpiride the patient did not develop such attacks anymore and could be discharged the next day. This case shows the development of dystonia in correlation to the use of Sulpiride, which involved the cervical region, the laryngeal muscles, and the left upper extremity. Our case is of particular interest to neurologists and psychiatrists, because of their involvement in the treatment of TS. Therefore, young neurologists must be aware of such complications when thinking of differential diagnosis in movement disorders particularly in TS.Wir berichten über den Fall einer Sulpirid-induzierten Dystonie bei einem Patienten mit einem bekannten Tourette Syndrom. Aufgrund des plötzlichen Auftretens einer schlaganfallähnlichen Symptomatik während einer körperlichen Belastung war die eigentliche Dystoniediagnose erschwert. Nach Ausschluss einer vaskulären Ursache (Blutung, Gefäßdissektion, etc.) durch geeigneter Bildgebung wurde Biperiden infundiert, welche zum sofortigen Verschwinden der Dystonie führte.

Bullying in the workplace is considered an interpersonal stress factor. Occupational stress and mental health among physicians is increasingly becoming the focus of public attention. The extent to which mobbing plays a role in this has hardly been investigated yet. The aim of this study is to provide data on the prevalence of bullying among hospital physicians in Germany and possible correlations with occupational stress and mental health.Within the framework of two cross-sectional studies, 692 hospital physicians in the field of psychiatry/psychotherapy (P/PT) and 667 hospital physicians in intensive care (IM) were interviewed at conferences. Standardized questionnaires on mobbing experience, occupational stress and mental health (single item from COPSOQ, BDI-II, ERI, MBI) were used.Bullying was experienced by 4.6% (n=61) of the respondents. IM and women physicians were more often affected (not significant) and correlations with occupational stress (ERI), overcommitment (OC), emotional exhaustion (MBI) and depression (BDI-II) were found.Our data on a large cohort of physicians in specialties with different exposure profiles show that a relevant proportion is affected by bullying and that bullying is related to the experience of occupational stress as well as mental health impairments. From this, implications for institutional and individual prevention and support services can be derived.Mobbing am Arbeitsplatz gilt als interpersoneller Stressfaktor. Beruflicher Stress und mentale Gesundheit bei Ärztinnen und Ärzten rücken zunehmend in den Fokus der Öffentlichkeit. Inwiefern Mobbing dabei eine Rolle spielt ist noch kaum untersucht. Die Studie soll daher Daten zu Prävalenz von Mobbing unter KlinikärztInnen in Deutschland und möglichen Zusammenhängen mit beruflichem Stress und mentaler Gesundheit liefern.Im Rahmen zweier Querschnittstudien wurden 692 KlinikärztInnen des Fachgebietes Psychiatrie/Psychotherapie (P/PT) und 667 KlinikärztInnen der Intensivmedizin (IM) auf Kongressen befragt. Zum Einsatz kamen standardisierte Fragebögen zu Mobbingerfahrung, Berufsstress und mentaler Gesundheit (Einzelitem aus dem COPSOQ, BDI-II, ERI, MBI).Mobbing erlebten 4,6% (N=61) der Befragten. In der Tendenz sind IM und Frauen häufiger betroffen (nicht signifikant) und es zeigten sich Korrelationen mit Berufsstress (ERI), Overcommitment (OC), Emotionaler Erschöpfung (MBI) und Depressivität (BDI-II).Unsere Daten an einer großen Kohorte von Ärztinnen und Ärzten in Fachgebieten mit unterschiedlichem Belastungsprofil zeigen, dass ein nicht unerheblicher Anteil von Mobbing betroffen ist und Mobbing in Zusammenhang mit dem Erleben von Berufsstress sowie Beeinträchtigungen der mentalen Gesundheit stehen. Daraus lassen sich Implikationen zu institutionellen und individuellen Präventions- und Unterstützungsangeboten ableiten.

Summaries of product characteristics (SmPC) of same-substance medications may feature content-related differences. This may cause difficulties regarding informed consent in the case of prescriptions of drugs in the context of the aut-idem regulation. A survey among family doctors (FD) and pharmacists (PH) was conducted in order to evaluate the usage behaviour of SmPCs, sources used to obtain information about drugs and the awareness of the existence of differences between SmPCs of same-substance medications.An exploratory/non-representative, questionnaire- and telephone-based, semi-structured cross-sectional survey was performed (June to August 2018).Participation rate of FD and PH was 29.8 % (34/114) and 73.0 % (73/100), respectively. In the previous month, all PH and 82.4 % of FD said that they had used a SmPC at least once (p=0.001). FD used SmPCs 6.4±4.9 and PH 65.0±52.5 times a month (p0.001). In both occupational groups SmPCs were used most frequently to obtain information about dosing and/or type of application (FD: 97.1 %; PH: 98.6 %) and contraindications (97.1 % and 86.3 %, resp.). In both samples, the internet was the most frequently used drug information source (FD: 97.1 %; PH: 98.6 %), followed by the Rote/Gelbe Liste (97.1 % and 71.2 %, resp.) and the SmPCs of the original product (52.9 % and 65.8 %, resp.) or generic drug (52.9 % and 61.6 %, resp.). Only 32.4 % of the FD vs. 79.5 % of PH believed that differences might exist between SmPCs of same-substance medications (p0.001). FD stated that they never (11.8 %) or rarely (85.3 %) use SmPCs for informed consent. It was indicated that the aut-idem substitution is excluded in 10.3 %±5.0 (FD) and 9.6 %±6,1 (PH) of issued or received prescriptions.The results of the present survey indicate a low utilization rate of SmPCs by FD and little awareness of the existing differences of SmPCs of same-substance medications in this occupational group. Both aspects may impede proper information of patients, particularly in cases of aut-idem prescriptions of substances for which many same-substance medications with different SmPCs are available.Physicians should use SmPCs regularly and keep themselves informed about differences between SmPCs of same-substance medications.

In the case of prescriptions of pharmaceuticals in the context of the aut-idem-regulation the physician frequently does not know, which same-substance medication is dispensed in the pharmacy; the contemplable same-substance medications may differ in numerous features which raises questions regarding the obligation to give information and medical liability for medical malpractice. Currently, systematic evaluations regarding differences between summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs) of same-substance medications are missing. To determine size and type of those differences SmPCs of most (neuro)psychiatric drugs that are approved in Germany were evaluated regarding the number of listed contraindications (CI).Basis for the selection of substances was the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System (group ATC N Nervous System). Substances that are approved in Germany for the treatment of mental disorders according to ICD-10 F were included. Brand-name medications and SmPCs were searched by means of further in- and exclusion criteria via the online services of PharmNet.Bund, Gelbe Liste, Rote ListeN = 941 SmPCs (=116 substances) were evaluated. Considering only the group of SmPCs with 1 brand-name medication (n = 78; 67.2 %) differences in the number of CIs were found in more than the half of substances (N = 43; 55.1 %). Considering indication groups most groups of SmPCs of same-substance medications with differences in the numbers of CIs were found in - considering only substances with 1 brand-name medication - hypnotics and sedatives (77.8 %), anxiolytics (75.0 %), drugs for treatment of substance use disorders (66.7 %), antidepressants (61,9 %), anticonvulsant drugs and mood stabilizers (53.8 %), followed by antipsychotics (41.2 %), antidementia-drugs (20.0 %), and psychostimulants (0 %). Largest ranges regarding the number of CIs were found in the SmPCs of morphine (14), amitriptyline (8), chlorprothixene (6), lorazepam (6) and citalopram (4).In numerous (neuro-)psychopharmacologic substances differences exists between the SmPCs of the associated same-substance medications regarding the number of CIs. Due to the outstanding evaluation of content aspects of these differences and legal evaluation the relevance of this result for clinical practice is not yet clear.Bei Verordnungen von Arzneimitteln im Rahmen der Aut-idem-Regelung ist für den Arzt häufig unklar, welches wirkstoffgleiche Handelspräparat in der Apotheke abgegeben wird; die in Frage kommenden wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparate können sich jedoch in zahlreichen Merkmalen unterscheiden, was Fragen in Bezug auf die Aufklärungspflicht und Arzthaftung aufwirft. Gegenwärtig fehlen systematische Auswertungen in Bezug auf Unterschiede zwischen Fachinformationen (FI) wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate. Zur Bestimmung von Größe und Art von derartigen Unterschieden wurden FI der meisten in Deutschland zugelassenen (Neuro-)Psychopharmaka exemplarisch hinsichtlich der aufgeführten Anzahl von Kontraindikationen (KI) untersucht.Grundlage für die Selektion von Wirkstoffen war das Anatomisch-Therapeutisch-Chemische (ATC) Klassifikationssystem (Gruppe ATC N Nervensystem). Eingeschlossen wurden Wirkstoffe, die in Deutschland zur Behandlung psychischer Störungen gemäß ICD-10 F zugelassen sind. Anhand weiterer Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien erfolgte die Suche von Handelspräparaten und FI mithilfe der Online-Dienste von PharmNet.Bund, Gelber Liste, Roter ListeEs wurden n = 941 FI (= 116 Wirkstoffe) ausgewertet. Bei alleiniger Betrachtung der Gruppen von FI wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate mit 1 eingeschlossenen FI (n = 78; 67,2 %) fanden sich bei mehr als der Hälfte der Wirkstoffe (n = 43; 55,1 %) Unterschiede in der Anzahl der KIs. Innerhalb der Indikationsgruppen fanden sich die meisten Gruppen von FI wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate mit Unterschieden in der Anzahl der KIs – nur Wirkstoffe mit 1 wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparat berücksichtigend – bei den Hypnotika und Sedativa (77,8 %), Anxiolytika (75,0 %), Mittel zur Behandlung von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen (66,7 %), Antidepressiva (61,9 %), Antikonvulsiva und Phasenprophylaktika (53,8 %), gefolgt von den Antipsychotika (41,2 %), Antidementiva (20,0 %) und Psychostimulantien (0 %). Die größten Spannweiten bei der Anzahl der aufgeführten KIs fanden sich bei den FI von Morphin (14), Amitriptylin (8), Chlorprothixen (6), Lorazepam (6) und Citalopram (4).Bei zahlreichen (neuro-)psychopharmakologischen Wirkstoffen bestehen zwischen den FI der zugehörigen wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparate Unterschiede in der Anzahl von KIs. Die Relevanz dieses Ergebnisses für die klinische Praxis ist infolge ausstehender Bewertung der inhaltlichen Aspekte und juristischer Bewertung dieser Unterschiede noch unklar.

International studies have shown that physicians have an elevated risk of developing depression or burnout syndrome. Gender aspects with regard to occupation are discussed in German politics and society. Currently, there is little data comparing female and male physicians with regard to stress at work, depression, and burnout.Are there differences between male and female physicians with respect to psychosocial strain, emotional exhaustion, and depression?In different cross-sectional studies, anaesthetists, psychiatrists and dentists filled out a questionnaire containing questions on personal data, occupation, past medical history and medication intake. Additional standardized questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)) were performed.The return rate was 51.8 % (n = 3782). Male and female physicians vary significantly in social data, participation in the job, and health status. Female physicians are on average not married (p 0.001) and have significantly fewer children (p 0.05). Leading positions are mostly held by male physicians (p 0.001); female physicians more often work in part-time jobs (p 0.001). Female physicians reached higher scores of emotional exhaustion (MBI) (p 0.01) and depression (BDI) (p 0.001).The study shows big differences between male and female physicians with respect to their occupation, personal life, and psychosocial wellbeing. Female physicians more often report burnout and depression. Causes might be family and job strain, gender aspects in hierarchy, as well as different recognition and interpretation of symptoms.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, contact-less imaging method which provides an "in vivo" representation of the retina. It allows the quantitative measurement of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and macula thickness (MT) and, in addition, is suitable to measure volumes (e.g., macula volume/MV). In the research of neurodegenerative diseases, OCT has been increasingly used and has shown its potential as a possible diagnostic tool over the course of the last few years. In recent years, the hypothesis that mental disorders like schizophrenia or unipolar depressive disorder have a degenerative component was established through a variety of volumetric MRI studies. This review article aims to present the method of OCT, to display its recent use in medicine and psychiatry, as well as to examine possible additional applications in the field of psychiatry.

Animal hoarding (AH) is a mental disorder that is characterised by an excessive number of kept animals, inability to maintain minimal standards of animal care and hygiene, and deficient insight into the thereby developing failures and problems. Although AH as a disease concept is neither represented in the DSM-5 nor the ICD-10, it may be classified as a subform of the hoarding disorder (DSM-5 300.3) that was implemented in the DSM-5 as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Due to the hygienic deficiencies of the living spaces and the insufficient keeping of animals there is an increased risk of epizootic diseases and zoonoses. Specific epidemiological studies do not exist, however, women seem to be affected more frequently. AH is diagnosed mostly in late adulthood. Besides thorough somatic and psychiatric medical diagnostics, cooperation with the veterinary offices and authorities is usually necessary. Comorbid mental disorders (particularly depressive, obsessive-compulsive and personality disorders) are frequent. Currently, no evidence-based therapies exist. Social therapy and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapeutic interventions as well as sufficient treatment of comorbid mental disorders are recommended.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) plays an important role in the treatment and prophylaxis of migraine and is also used for the treatment of focal dystonia, spasm, hypersalivation, and hyperhydrosis. Recent clinical trials suggest that BTX treatment of muscles involved in the development of negative emotions may also have an antidepressant effect. This article gives a systematic review of the literature regarding BTX in the treatment of major depression.We screened the databases of Medline and Scopus using the search terms [("botulinum toxin" OR "botox") AND ("antidepressant" OR "depression" OR "depressed")]. The website www.clinicaltrials.gov was screened with the same search terms in order to detect current studies.As of April 2013, we identified 3 studies that evaluated the antidepressant effects of BTX in the treatment of major depression. An improvement in mood after treatment with BTX was seen in a case series of 10 depressed patients. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study of thirty patients assigned to a verum (BTX, n = 15) or placebo (saline, n = 15) group, treatment with BTX has also shown a positive effect on mood. Another prospective, open-label study evaluated the antidepressive effect of BTX in 25 subjects with major depression. On www.clinicaltrials.gov we identified 2 ongoing studies, which are currently investigating the antidepressant effect of BTX.Recently published studies have shown a reduction of depressive symptoms after treatment of the glabellar frown lines with BTX injections. Further clinical studies in larger patient samples are necessary to prove the efficacy and safety of BTX injections used for the treatment of depressive disorders.

With particular focus on clinical, pathophysiologic and epidemiologic aspects this systematic review article presents the available data on nephrotoxic effects of a long-term treatment with lithium. Lithium may lead to tubular dysfunction (LITD = nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, increased natriuresis) and lithium-induced nephropathy (LIN) with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The histopathologic finding of LIN is chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis. LITD frequently presents with polydipsia/-uria and reduced urine osmolality, while LIN features a wide clinical spectrum ranging from clinically asymptomatic presentations with reduced GFR to end-stage renal failure. LIN seems to feature slow progression and is significantly less frequent than LITD. Regular monitoring of renal function is indispensable for patients treated with lithium. Patients with reduced GFR under treatment with lithium should always be presented to a nephrologist. Currently, there are no guidelines for the handling of patients with LIN and ongoing treatment with lithium. Thus, regarding continuation of lithium-treatment an individual benefit/risk assessment is necessary.

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrognase deficiency (SSADHD) is a neurometabolic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. Although only about 450 cases are known worldwide, SSADHD is a frequent paediatric disorder of the neurotransmitter metabolism. SSADHD is caused by a mutation of the Aldh5a1-gene resulting in a dysfunction of the enzyme succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase. This is followed by an accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid and succinic semialdehyde that is alternatively metabolised via succinic semialdehyde reductase to γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The clinical phenotype is unspecific with pronounced interindividual variability. However, delayed acquisition of motor and language developmental milestones as well as epilepsy, mental retardation, sleep disorder, ataxia, muscle hypotonia, and behavioural disturbances are frequent. First symptoms frequently occur in the first year of life while the general course of the disease is non-progressive. Currently, no causal therapy exists.

In emergency medicine and anesthaesiology liquid ecstasy (LE), the street name for GHB, GBL or 1,4-B, has become infamous for causing severe intoxications and withdrawal. In general psychiatry, however, it is little known. Therefore, we set out to gather data about the role of LE in general psychiatry, typical users and common clinical problems associated with the use of LE.We retrospectively identified and studied all patients with a reported the use of LE seen at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Germany, between 1998 and 2011.In 14 years, 19 users of LE were identified, the first dating from 2005. The majority reported a use of GBL (63 %), GHB was less common, and 1,4-B was not reported. Patients were predominantly young men (median age 25 years, 79 % men) with a history of multiple substance abuse. Ten patients had only a former use of LE, the other nine patients used it at the time of presentation. Of these, every third patient had to be transiently treated in an intermediate care unit, usually because of very severe and sudden withdrawal symptoms. Otherwise, detoxification was possible in psychiatry, but often required high doses of benzodiazepines. Three patients met the criteria for dependence from GBL.In recent years, a small number of users of LE is seen also in general psychiatry, The problem is rather the severity of withdrawal than the number of cases. Close cooperation with intermediate care units is needed. In any case of coma of unknown origin or delirium with sudden onset LE use or withdrawal has to be taken into consideration, respectively. Many clinical problems result from the fact that LE cannot be detected in routine drug screenings. According to our experience, withdrawal from LE can be controlled with benzodiazepines.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) belongs to the group of amyloidoses and is characterised by the deposition and accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) in small arterial vessels of the brain. Hereditary forms of CAA exist but sporadic CAA is much more frequent. Deposition of Aβ induces degenerative changes of the cerebral vascular system (thickening of the vessel wall, constriction of vascular lumen, microaneurysms, dissection) that trigger the development of the typical clinical presentation of CAA, that is spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. Apart from haemorrhages, also cerebral ischaemia, transient neurological symptoms, leukencephalopathy as well as cognitive decline and dementia can occur in association with CAA. The definite diagnosis of CAA is only possible by means of pathological examination, even though neuroimaging and clinical findings allow the diagnosis of a probable CAA. Currently, no specific causal therapy exists. Although CAA is located in the range of neurological diseases psychiatric symptoms might occur. In the review, we discuss epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical and diagnostic aspects and possible psychiatric implications of CAA.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) belongs to the group of amyloidoses that are characterized by the deposition of insoluble and tissue-damaging amyloid proteins. Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is the common clinical presentation of CAA resulting from the degenerative effect of beta amyloid on the cerebral vascular system. Though CAA is rather a neurological disease psychiatric symptoms can occur and even dominate the clinical picture.A case report is presented in order to illustrate the association between CAA and psychiatric symptoms.We report the case of a 54-year-old female patient with radiologic references to a probable CAA and mild cognitive impairment who developed behavioural difficulties and personality change that necessitated a psychiatric treatment. Psychiatric symptoms were most likely due to CAA.CAA can be associated with psychiatric symptoms and hence should be considered in the treatment of elderly patients with behavioural problems or personality changes. Diagnostic neuroimaging and examination of cerebrospinal fluid is recommended.

Acamprosate and naltrexone are established strategies for pharmacologic relapse prevention in patients with alcohol dependence. Regarding pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic considerations the combination of both agents for this indication is a reasonable treatment option that has been described to be safe and effective in clinical studies. However, this combination is uncommon in clinical practice. We report the case of a patient with severe alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence who achieved the longest interval of abstinence under combined treatment with acamprosate and naltrexone since the development of addiction. In addition, the currently available evidence regarding efficacy, safety and tolerability of both agents is discussed. In summary the combined treatment with both agents should be considered in patients who did not achieve abstinence under monotherapy unless contraindications are present.

Problems with impulse control and pathological gambling are known as possible side effects of dopaminergic therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. We report 2 cases of pathological gambling induced by dopamine agonists in patients without Parkinson's disease. The first patient, a 46-year-old man, was treated with ropinirole for restless legs syndrome and had lost huge amounts of money in the context of internet-based poker game. Another 46-year-old male patient developed pathological gambling under treatment with cabergoline administered for prolactinoma. The two cases implicate pathological gambling as a possible consequence of dopaminergic treatment and support the increasing evidence regarding pathological gambling as an adverse drug reaction of dopaminergic treatment, also in patients who do not suffer from Parkinson's disease.

Psychogenic tremor is the most common psychogenic movement disorder and accounts for up to 40 % of all psychogenic movement disorders. Patients suffering from psychogenic tremor may show positive clinical criteria like acute onset, distractibility, inconsistent frequency and amplitude of tremor or an intermittent occurrence. Moreover, there exist a few supportive clinical tests and diagnostic tools, which help to suggest a psychogenic origin of the disease, e. g., electromyographic or kinematic recordings. In this review the clinical presentation of psychogenic tremor and diagnostic approaches are discussed. In addition, novel therapeutic approaches, e. g., application of transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques are introduced.

Cognitive deficits are among the core symptoms of patients with Huntington's disease (HD). While impaired attention, visuospatial processing, and memory can be observed during early stages of the illness, HD patients exhibit deficits in executive function on tests requiring planning, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility with progression of the disease. Cognitive dysfunction is already present in individuals who carry the HD gene mutation but remain presymptomatic for motor and cognitive disturbances. This review provides an overview and a discussion of functional neuroimaging findings on cognitive dysfunction in patients with HD and presymptomatic HD gene mutation carriers. In HD patients, currently available evidence suggests a functional deficit of multiple cortical and subcortical regions extending beyond volumetric abnormalities. Early dysfunction of lateral prefrontal and cingulate regions has been shown in individuals with presymptomatic HD, while compensatory responses of posterior brain regions may occur closer to the onset of manifest clinical symptoms. While functional neuroimaging techniques may substantially contribute to defining neurodegenerative disease phenotypes and to identifying neural biomarkers in presymptomatic individuals, the extant data on cognitive function in HD patients and HD gene carriers however is sparse and has to be expanded through further studies.

Since 1 January 2004, the German Act for the Modernisation of Health Insurance (GMG) has regulated collection of a so-called practice fee-a charge to patients for their first outpatient health care in any given quarter. We report the case of a slightly inebriated patient who, against his will, was taken to a psychiatric outpatient department by local authorities, where he had to pay the quarterly charge of 10 EUR. Considering that he was forced and therefore had to pay the fee against his will, the present regulation is being discussed with respect to legal and moral implications in psychiatric emergency cases.

The present article reviews the syndrome of genital retraction (SGR) from the perspective of transcultural psychiatry. It is best known as a culture-bound syndrome in Asia, e. g. koro in Indonesia or suo yang in Southern China, where it can be also observed in so-called epidemics. The syndrome is characterised by the sensation that the genitals are shrinking and being pulled back into the abdomen; this perception is associated with fear of death, because the subjects expect to die as soon as the genital has disappeared completely. Particularly in the case of suo yang, the involvement of local traditional concepts of illness can be established. In the Western world, however, SGR is observed only in single cases. The symptoms are less dramatic and do not show a particular cultural context. This form of SGR is called "koro-like" (koro-like symptoms, KLS). In contrast to the Asian form, KLS are not observed in healthy subjects, but as an unspecific syndrome related to other neuropsychiatric illnesses. In this review, we compare both forms of the SGR in terms of symptoms, cultural aspects and therapeutic strategies.