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Forest therapy and shinrin-yoku are concepts that have been appearing more and more often in the literature on the prevention of stress and immune disorders for over a dozen years. In the context of research, it can be said that it plays an important role not only in the prevention of somatic civilization diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, but also protects against development and helps in the treatment of mental disorders from the group of anxiety-depressive disorders. In the “Pub Med” database, the search terms “shinrin-yoku” were entered, 23 results and “forest bathing”, 90 results, of which 18 were rejected after repetitive and unrelated searches. Only original papers were analysed (30). Forest therapy eliminates the effects of stress caused by numerous external factors generated by lifestyle in an urbanized environment and, for example, by overworking. It increases immunity, affecting, among others on the amount and activity of NK cells, it has a positive effect on metabolic parameters in ischemic heart disease and hypertension. It supports relaxation, attention and convalescence after stress. In Asian countries, it is an official branch of medicine, which is dedicated to profiled medical centers. In European countries we often meet conferences dedicated to forest therapies and specialized trainings. Forest therapy is a well-documented therapeutic method that can be used in the prevention, support of treatment and rehabilitation of stress disorders and civilization diseases.

Cel pracy. Celem pracy była ocena realizacji dobowego zapotrzebowania na energię i wybrane składniki pokarmowe w diecie kobiet z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii w zależności od stopnia odżywienia badanych, ocenianego na podstawie wybranych parametrów antropometrycznych i metabolicznych.MetodaBadaniem objęto 102 kobiety (50 z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii i 52 zdrowych ochotniczek). W ocenie ilościowej żywienia wykorzystano 24-godzinny wywiad żywieniowy. W ocenie stanu odżywienia wykorzystano pomiary antropometryczne, biochemiczne i analizę składu ciała.WynikiRacje pokarmowe badanych pacjentek z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii cechowały się istotnie wyższą podażą kwasów tłuszczowych nasyconych oraz niższą witaminy C, B12, folianów i sodu w porównaniu z osobami zdrowymi. Jednocześnie odnotowano, iż racje pokarmowe pacjentek z obu grup dostarczały w zbyt niskiej ilości wielonienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych, witaminy D, folianów, potasu, wapnia, żelaza oraz błonnika pokarmowego. Tłuszczowa masa ciała ogółem kobiet ze schizofrenią korelowała istotnie z podażą nasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych natomiast zawartość tkanki tłuszczowej wisceralnej korelowała znamiennie z podażą węglowodanów, a zawartość tkanki tłuszczowej podskórnej z podażą tłuszczu ogółem i nasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych.WnioskiSposób żywienia kobiet z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii nie odbiegał od żywienia osób zdrowych, aczkolwiek popełniane błędy żywieniowe sugerują aby leczenie żywieniowe pacjentów dobierane było w sposób indywidualny, po przeprowadzeniu szczegółowego wywiadu żywieniowego.

Purpose Investigation of the longitudinal effect of schizophrenia on changes in various brain-metabolite levels and their relationships with cognitive deficits that have not been fully explained yet. Methods Five years subsequent to their first examination for their first episode of schizophrenia, eleven patients from an original group of 30 were reexamined. Their cognitive functions were assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were performed on a 1.5 T scanner. Voxels of 8 cm3 were positioned in the left frontal lobe, left temporal lobe, and the left thalamus. The study had a naturalistic design, and patients were treated with various antipsychotics. Results No significant statistical differences between the baseline and follow-up in N-acetylaspartate (NAA:creatine plus phosphocreatine [Cr] and NAA/H2O) levels were observed in any region of interest. We found a significant statistical correlation between 5-year difference in frontal NAA/Cr levels and duration of the last antipsychotic treatment in this period (R=0.908, P=0.012). We found a trend (P=0.068) toward lower choline-containing compounds (Cho/Cr ratio) in the temporal lobe over 5 years and a trend (P=0.079) in higher glutamate-glutamine- GABA (Glx/H2O) levels in the left thalamus. The patients showed social and clinical improvement at follow-up examination, and there were no changes in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test results. Conclusion The observed tendency toward decline in choline ratio might have been due to decreased temporal cell density or impaired neuron-membrane or myelin functions. A tendency for higher Glx levels suggest the involvement of thalamus dysfunction in the chronic schizophrenia process. The lack of NAA decrease might have been due to effective antipsychotic treatment. Further longitudinal studies on large patient groups are required to confirm these metabolic changes in schizophrenia.

Serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), an 80 kDa glycoprotein, is one of the most commonly employed biomarkers to detect alcohol dependence. Some salivary glycoproteins such as α-amylase, clusterin, haptoglobin, light/heavy-chain immunoglobulin, and transferrin, which alter glycosylation in alcohol-dependent persons, have been suggested to be potential alcohol markers. However, their identification is based on indirect analysis of lectin glycosidic bonds and molecular weight. We investigated the CDT content in the saliva of alcohol- and nicotine-dependent men. The CDT concentration (ng/mL, ng/mg protein) was determined by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) commercial kit in 55 men: 20 healthy social drinkers (C), 10 chronic cigarette smokers (S), 10 alcohol-dependent non-smokers (A), and 15 alcohol-dependent smokers (AS). Surprisingly, there were no differences in the concentrations of CDT between the studied groups. Salivary pH was the lowest in the AS and the highest in the A group. Therefore, salivary CDT cannot be used as an alcohol dependence marker as measured by ELISA. We suggest that direct identification of glycoproteins is necessary to search for potential salivary alcohol biomarkers. Molecules smaller than 40 kDa, which easily translocate from blood to the saliva, might be preferred as salivary alcohol markers.

Aim of the studyTo answer the question of what significance psychotherapists attach to failure.Subject or material and methodsThe study group included 100 psychotherapists. A qualitative method (open questions) and a quantitative method (Self Confrontation Method by Hubert Hermans) were used. An analysis of psychotherapists' comprehension and experience of failure, and an analysis of emotions felt when succeeding or failing in psychotherapy were performed.Results94% of psychotherapists declared that they experienced failures in the course of their professional work. The failures were accompanied by particularly negative emotions and were quantitatively and qualitatively different from the emotions felt when a patient's therapy was completed successfully. A failure was most frequently (76 out of 100 psychotherapists) perceived as premature termination of treatment by the patient where therapy cessation was attributed in 70% of cases to factors within the patient's control. Psychotherapists evaluated their competences highly - they claimed to possess qualities predisposing them to an average success rate of 73%. They rated their job satisfaction at the level of 80%. 61% of psychotherapists discussed their failures at counselling supervision meetings.DiscussionA tendency to preserve one's self-esteem and to strengthen one's self displayed by psychotherapists is evident in the process of analysing previously committed mistakes.ConclusionsPsychotherapists experience failures and they are most frequently inclined to attribute them to factors within patients' control.

Cel pracyCelem pracy była ocena podaży wybranych witamin i składników mineralnych w całodziennych racjach pokarmowych pacjentów z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii.MetodaBadaniami objęto grupę 62 osób (32 kobiety i 30 mężczyzn w wieku 21-64 lata, średni wiek kobiet wynosił 41,3±11,2 lat, a mężczyzn 36,1±9,7 lat) chorujących na schizofrenię. W ocenie ilościowej sposobu żywienia wykorzystano wywiad 24-godzinny zebrany z 3 dni powszednich i jednego dnia weekendowego.WynikiW przeprowadzonych badaniach wykazano, iż pomimo zapewnienia średniej podaży energii wymaganej dla danej grupy wieku i płci, racje pokarmowe pacjentów obu płci cechował niedobór witaminy D, folianów, potasu, wapnia, a także witamin E i C, magnezu u mężczyzn oraz żelaza i jodu u kobiet. Nadmierną zawartość stwierdzono w przypadku witamin B2, B6, sodu, fosforu w racjach pokarmowych pacjentów obu płci oraz witamin A, B1, niacyny w racjach pokarmowych kobiet, a także witaminy B12 w racjach pokarmowych mężczyzn.WnioskiDowolna suplementacja diety pacjentów ze schizofrenią wydaje się niewskazana, ma ona uzasadnienie tylko w indywidualnych przypadkach chorych, u których stwierdzono na podstawie analizy nawyków żywieniowych niedobory w zakresie witamin i składników mineralnych. Niezbędne jest natomiast zapewnienie każdej osobie chorej na schizofrenię odpowiedniej edukacji żywieniowej, która umożliwi im dobór produktów zawierających wszystkie składniki pokarmowe potrzebne do prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu, w tym ośrodkowego układu nerwowego.

Cel pracyCel. Celem badań była ocena zawartości kwasów tłuszczowych oraz aterogenności całodziennych racji pokarmowych pacjentów z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi nawracającymi w aspekcie zagrożenia chorobami układu krążenia.MetodaMetoda. Badaniem objęto 126 osób (62 osoby z rozpoznaniem zaburzeń depresyjnych nawracających i 64 zdrowych ochotników). W ocenie ilościowej żywienia wykorzystano 24-godzinny wywiad żywieniowy. W ocenie stanu odżywienia wykorzystano pomiary antropometryczne, biochemiczne i analizę składu ciała.WynikiWyniki. Diety 40% badanych kobiet i 55% mężczyzn ocenione wskaźnikiem Keys'a były aterogenne. Proporcja między zawartością WKT a NKT wynosiła odpowiednio 0,3 (kobiety) i 0,2 (mężczyźni) przy wartościach zalecanych ≥1. Nie odnotowano w grupie kobiet istotnych korelacji pomiędzy wybranymi cechami klinicznymi choroby a składnikami diety i danymi biochemicznymi stanu odżywienia. Zaobserwowano jedynie, iż większe nasilenie objawów depresyjnych istotnie ujemnie wpływało na stężenie glukozy we krwi kobiet. Odnotowano również, iż w grupie kobiet z depresją wraz z wiekiem zmniejszało się spożycie tłuszczów ogółem oraz cholesterolu pokarmowego. W grupie badanych mężczyzn nie wykazano istotnych statystycznie korelacji pomiędzy ocenianymi zmiennymi.WnioskiWnioski. Nieprawidłowa struktura energii, jak i skład racji pokarmowych badanych może w przyszłości przyczyniać się do rozwoju chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego, utrudniając też utrzymanie zdrowia psychicznego.

Cel pracyNarodzenie dziecka stanowi ważne wydarzenie w życiu kobiety oraz w diadzie małżeńskiej/partnerskiej. Zmiany, które zachodzą wymagają przeorganizowania dotychczasowych stylów radzenia sobie i rozwinięcia nowych sposobów adaptacji, co nie zawsze przebiega łagodnie. W niniejszym badaniu oceniano, w jakim stopniu rozwinięcie objawów depresji poporodowej u kobiet jest związane z ich satysfakcją w zakresie funkcjonowania relacji.MetodaBadaniem objęto 100 kobiet w pierwszym miesiącu po porodzie. Ankietowane udzieliły odpowiedzi na temat danych socjodemograficznych oraz wypełniły kwestionariusze dotyczące depresji poporodowej (Postpartum Depression Screening Scale) i jakości relacji małżeńskiej/partnerskiej (Kwestionariusz Dobranego Małżeństwa).WynikiWystąpił statystycznie istotny związek pomiędzy poziomem doświadczania depresji poporodowej a jakością relacji w związku. Większe nasilenie objawów depresji poporodowej (kłopoty ze snem/jedzeniem, niepokój/niepewność, wahania nastroju, chaos psychiczny, poczucie utraty własnego JA, poczucie winy/wstydu, myśli samobójcze) występowało u osób mniej zadowolonych ze swego związku, to jest takich, które doświadczały mniejszego poczucia intymności, samorealizacji i podobieństwa oraz większego poczucia rozczarowania. Kobiety, które deklarowały większe zadowolenie ze swego związku, ujawniały jednocześnie lepsze samopoczucie psychiczne po narodzeniu dziecka. Nie zaobserwowano związku pomiędzy występowaniem objawów depresji poporodowej a zmiennymi socjodemograficznymi (wiek, wykształcenie, miejsce zamieszkania) i zmiennymi związanymi z historią położniczą kobiety (liczba dzieci, liczba ciąż, występowanie poronień, planowanie ciąży, wcześniejsze występowanie depresji, rodzaj porodu, stan dziecka po porodzie, sposób karmienia).WnioskiU pacjentek niezadowolonych z jakości relacji w związku obserwowano większe nasilenie objawów depresyjnych po porodzie. Większe zadowolenie ze związku deklarowały kobiety żyjące w związkach formalnych.

Zmiany morfologiczne mózgu w zaburzeniach afektywnych występują głównie w obszarach kory czołowo-limbicznej, hipokampa i ciał migdałowatych, struktur regulujących funkcjonowanie emocjonalne i poznawcze oraz rozwój symptomatyki somatycznej w przebiegu zaburzeń. Największa liczba doniesień dotyczących zmian strukturalnych kory mózgu dotyczy grzbietowobocznej kory przedczołowej, kory czołowo-oczodołowej oraz przedniej kory zakrętu obręczy. Wyniki badań neuroobrazowych i sekcyjnych ujawniają zmiany objętości struktur biorących udział w tworzeniu obwodów neuronalnych wpływających na powstawanie zaburzeń nastroju, a badania mikroskopowe wykazują występowanie zmian gęstości, liczebności i morfologii komórek w tych obszarach. Niektóre z obserwowanych zmian występują jedynie w określonych warstwach kory. Cenne uzupełnienie tych danych stanowią badania histochemiczne markerów przeżywalności neuronów, cytokin prozapalnych, czynników troficznych oraz markerów swoistych dla poszczególnych struktur komórkowych. Teorie patogenezy zaburzeń związanych z neuroprzekaźnictwem monoaminergicznym, GABA-ergicznym i glutaminergicznym znajdują potwierdzenie w wynikach badań stężeń neuroprzekaźnikow, ich receptorów i transporterów. Część uzyskiwanych wyników koreluje ilościowo z rodzajem i nasileniem występujących objawów, czasem trwania zaburzeń oraz ze stosowaną farmakoterapią i leczeniem niefarmakologicznym.

Introduction The research conducted among patients with depression shows that such patients commit a range of nutritional mistakes which may predispose them to the development of many diseases including obesity and its complications. Aim of the study Aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a balanced weight loss diet in a group of women with recurrent depressive disorders. Material and methods 60 women suffering from depression, aged 41-64 (mean 52 ±5.3) on a six-month weight loss diet took part in the study. The patients' nutrition was assessed both in terms of quality and quantity, they were also subjected to anthropometric tests and their body composition was analysed. Results An average reduction in the women's body weight was 4.1 ±3.1 kg. The percentage content of the fatty tissue was reduced by 2.5 ±1.1% on average after modification of the nutrition (a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of wheat bread, cream, fat pork and eggs was observed). A considerable reduction in the mean energy value of the diet and a decrease in the total fat supply was also implemented. Conclusions It seems that the dietary procedure which is aimed at obtaining the most advantageous effects of the reduction in the body mass of obese patients suffering from depression should be based not only on proper selection of food products and reduction in the energy value of the diet, but it should also take into account actions aimed at introducing permanent lifestyle changes including increased motivation of the patients to undertake physical activity.

Cel pracyCelem pracy była ocena wartości odżywczej racji pokarmowych w grupie kobiet i mężczyzn chorujących na zaburzenia afektywne nawracające oraz schizofrenię, a także określenie związku wybranych parametrów żywieniowych ze wskaźnikami antropometrycznymi świadczącymi o stanie odżywienia badanych.MetodaBadaniem objęto 219 osób (61 pacjentów z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi nawracającymi, 60 pacjentów ze schizofrenią oraz 98 zdrowych ochotników). W ocenie ilościowej sposobu żywienia wykorzystano 24-godzinny wywiad żywieniowy. W ocenie stanu odżywienia wykorzystano pomiary antropometryczne, biochemiczne i analizę składu ciała.WynikiWykazano, iż kobiety z depresją i schizofrenią posiadały istotnie wyższą zawartość zarówno tkanki tłuszczowej trzewnej jak i tkanki tłuszczowej podskórnej w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną. Dieta o większym udziale energii z białka, wyższej podaży wapnia sprzyjała mniejszej zawartości tłuszczu w organizmie kobiet chorujących na depresję (w grupie mężczyzn z depresją takiej zależności nie odnotowano). W grupie pacjentów ze schizofrenią dieta o mniejszej podaży energii sprzyjała mniejszej wartości wskaźnika BMI, obwodu talii, wskaźnika WHR i mniejszej zawartości tłuszczu w organizmie.WnioskiNieprawidłowa struktura energetyczna, jak i nieodpowiednia zawartość składników odżywczych może w przyszłości przyczynić się do rozwoju wielu chorób somatycznych doprowadzając tym samym do pogorszenia jakości życia badanych jak i utrudniając utrzymanie zdrowia psychicznego.

Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was evaluation of selected dietary habits of patients with recurrent depressive disorders.Subject or material and methodsThe study included 150 patients (75 patients suffering from recurrent depressive disorders. and 75 healthy people aged 18-64 years). The assessment of dietary habits was carried out by using a food frequency questionnaire.ResultsIt has been shown that in the compared groups of women, patients with depression consumed significantly less groats (pDiscussionThe correct food pattern requires both the proper balance of energy intake and food rations sufficient quantity and quality of products providing all essentials nutrients.ConclusionsIn the treatment of patients with depression during the declared change of diet, the need for nutrition education on the principles of rational nutrition should be taken into attention, including the selection of appropriate food groups in order to ensure an optimal supply of all necessary to the proper functioning of the body's nutrients.

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of weight reduction diet in patients with depressive disorders, including the assessment of changes in the intake of major nutrients that may promote alterations in body composition during a three-month observation.Subject or material and methodsThe study included 77 people with excessive body weight (45 women and 32 men; average age of women 49.3±10.3 years and men 47.1± 1.2 years) treated for recurrent depressive disorders and being on a 3-month weight reduction diet. The study patients underwent anthropometric measurements and their body composition was determined with electric bio-impedance.ResultsMean weight loss in women was 2.7±2.5kg, and in men 2.0±5.6kg. There was a decrease in fat mass in women by an average of 1.8±5.7kg and in men by 1.3±7.1kg. A statistically significant reduction was reported in the mean waist circumference (3.8±3.7cm) and hips (2.0 ± 1.9cm) among women. Diet modification brought a decrease in the energy value of daily diet and reduction in the supply of macronutrients.DiscussionDietary treatment consisting in reduced energy values, mainly by reducing fat intake, contributes to weight loss.ConclusionsThe long-term effect of the nutritional therapy indicates the need for intensified dietary education, both in terms of the number of dietary trainings and intensive cooperation between patient and dietician for proper selection of food products. The cooperation should not only be related to diet correction, but is also expected to motivate physical activity and lifestyle changes.

Introduction Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) enables the evaluation of in vivo brain function. The purpose of the study was to compare 1H MRS measurements in schizophrenic patients, who were clinical responders after short-term antipsychotic treatment, with non-responders and healthy controls. Methods We investigated a group of 47 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Patients were examined twice – once after a period of at least 7 days without neuroleptics and the second time at least 4 weeks after therapy with stable doses of medication. The follow-up was available in 42 patients. Baseline MRS measurements of clinical responders were compared with non-responders and the group of healthy controls (N = 26). We assessed the following metabolite ratios: NAA (N-acetylaspartate), Glx (complex of GABA, glutamine and glutamate), Cho (choline) and mI (myo-inositol) to creatinine (Cr) in the left frontal and temporal lobes and the thalamus. Results Responders showed a significantly lower baseline frontal Glx/Cr level than non-responders. Both groups had a significantly lower NAA/Cr ratio in the frontal lobe than the controls, but only non-responders had a significantly lower NAA/Cr ratio in the thalamus. Conclusions Our results confirm the relationship between the glutamatergic system and pathophysiology of schizophrenia and suggest a significant value of 1H MRS examination in the assessment of the future treatment effect.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) enables the observation of brain function in vivo. Several brain metabolites can be measured by the means of (1)H MRS: N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline containing compounds (Cho), myo-inositol (mI) and glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln) and GABA (together as Glx complex or separately). (1)H MRS measures have been found to be abnormal in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Here we specifically review the influence exerted by antipsychotic drugs on brain metabolism, as detected by (1)H MRS. We systematically reviewed the available literature and uncovered 27 studies, 16 before-after treatment and 11 cross-sectional. Most of them addressed the effects of antipsychotics in schizophrenia and mainly focusing on NAA alterations. Follow up studies indicated antipsychotic drugs may act by increasing NAA levels in selected brain areas (the frontal lobe and thalamus), especially during the short-time observation. This phenomenon seems to vanish after longer observation. Other studies indicated that glutamate measures are decreasing along with the duration of the disease, suggesting both a neurodegenerative process present in schizophrenic brain as well as an influence of antipsychotics. The above results were reviewed according to the most recent theories in the field accounting for the impact of antipsychotics (1)HMRS measures.

CelCelem naszego badania było określenie zmian neurochemicznych u pacjentów z zaburzeniem afektywnym dwubiegunowym przy użyciu spektroskopii protonowej MR (1H-MRS).MetodaZbadano 27 pacjentów z zaburzeniem afektywnym dwubiegunowym (z epizodem manii i mieszanym, depresji i w stanie remisji objawów) oraz 10 zdrowych osób. Badania obrazowe MR wykonano skanerem o natężeniu pola 1,5 T. Voxele o objętości 8 cm3 lokalizowano w przednim zakręcie obręczy oraz w obrębie płata czołowego i płata skroniowego po stronie lewej. W widmie wynikowym oceniano zawartość związków chemicznych w odniesieniu do kreatyny (Cr) i nietłumionego sygnału wody: NAA (N-acetyloasparaginian), Glx (kompleks glutaminian/glutamina/GABA), Cho (cholina), Cr (kreatyna i fosfokreatyna), mI (mioinozytol).WynikiW grupie pacjentów z zaburzeniem afektywnym dwubiegunowym w porównaniu do osób zdrowych obserwowano w przednim zakręcie obręczy istotne statystycznie podwyższenie proporcji Cho/H2O (p = 0,029) oraz trend w kierunku wyższej proporcji Cho/Cr (p = 0,096).WnioskiWyniki naszego badania potwierdzają, że w zaburzeniu afektywnym dwubiegunowym występują zmiany neurochemiczne w zakresie związków choliny w przednim zakręcie obręczy.

The effect of chronic alcohol intoxication and smoking on the output of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) was studied in 37 volunteers: 17 male smoking patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (AS) and 20 control non-smoking male social drinkers (CNS). The DMFT index (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival index and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed. Concentration of IgA in saliva was determined by ELISA. Salivary flow (SF) and IgA output were significantly decreased in AS compared to CNS. There were no significant correlations between the amount of alcohol/cigarettes as well as the duration of alcohol intoxication/smoking, and SF or IgA output, nor between IgA level and SF. Gingival index was significantly higher in AS than in CNS, and was inversely correlated with IgA salivary level. The worsened periodontal state in smoking alcohol-dependent persons may result from diminished IgA protection of the oral tissues due to its decreased output.

Salivary lactoferrin is a glycoprotein involved in the elimination of pathogens and the prevention of massive overgrowth of microorganisms that affect oral and general health. A high concentration of lactoferrin in saliva is often considered to be a marker of damage to the salivary glands, gingivitis, or leakage through inflamed or damaged oral mucosa, infiltrated particularly by neutrophils. We conducted a study to determine the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication on salivary lactoferrin concentration and output. The study included 30 volunteers consisting of ten non-smoking male patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (group A), and 20 control nonsmoking male social drinkers (group C) with no history of alcohol abuse. Resting whole saliva was collected 24 to 48 hours after a chronic alcohol intoxication period. Lactoferrin was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For all participants, the DMFT index (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival index (GI) and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed. The differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test. We noticed significantly decreased salivary flow (SF) in alcohol dependent patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (A), compared to the control group (C). Although there was no significant difference in salivary lactoferrin concentration between the alcohol dependent group A and the control group C, we found significantly decreased lactoferrin output in group A compared to group C. We found a significant correlation between the amount of daily alcohol use and a decrease in lactoferrin output. There was a significant increase in GI and a tendency of PBI to increase in group A compared to group C. We demonstrated that chronic alcohol intoxication decreases SF and lactoferrin output. The decreased lactoferrin output in persons chronically intoxicated by alcohol may be the result of lactoferrin exhaustion during drinking (due to its alcohol-related lower biosynthesis or higher catabolism) or to decreased function of neutrophils affected by the ethanol. The poorer periodontal state in alcohol dependent persons compared to controls may be a result of lower salivary flow and decreased protection of the oral cavity by lactoferrin.

Summary Background Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) allows for examining brain functions in vivo in schizophrenic patients. Correlations between N-acetylaspartate (NAA) level in the frontal lobe and cognitive functions and clinical symptoms have been observed. The aim of the present study was evaluation of relationship between clinical symptoms, cognitive outcomes and brain function in 1H MRS measures in schizophrenic patients. Material/Methods The study included a group of 47 patients with chronic schizophrenia. Patients were assessed by means of PANSS, CGI, and a battery of cognitive tests: WCST, TMT, and verbal fluency test. MRI and MRS procedures were performed. Regions of interest were located in the left frontal lobe, temporal lobe and thalamus. Metabolite (NAA, choline, myoinositol and Glx complex) ratios to creatine were calculated. Results We observed a significant negative correlation between myoinositol level in the frontal lobe and WSCT test performance. These data were confirmed by further analysis, which showed a significant correlation between WCST outcome, negative symptoms score, education level and myoinositol ratio in the frontal lobe. When analyzing negative symptoms as independent variables, the analysis of regression revealed a significant relationship between negative symptoms score and verbal fluency score, together with choline level in the thalamus. Conclusions The above data seem to confirm a significant role of the thalamus – a “transmission station” involved in connections with the prefrontal cortex – for psychopathology development (especially negative) in schizophrenia. Moreover, our results suggest that a neurodegenerative process may be involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

Objective: The aim of the study was the evaluation of risperidone effect on metabolite measures in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe and thalamus in schizophrenic patients on the basis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS). Methods: A group of 14 patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to DSM-IV, were examined in the study. The patients were examined twice, once after a period of at least 7 days without neuroleptics and for the second time at least 4 weeks after stable risperidone doses. Results: The significant differences in the metabolite levels before and after the treatment were observed only in thalamus: an increase in myoinositol (ml) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels. Positive symptoms before the treatment correlated positively with NAA level in the frontal lobes and negatively in the temporal lobes. Negative symptoms before the treatment correlated positively with Glx (a common signal for GABA, glutamine and glutamate) level in the temporal lobes. Conclusion: Our results seem to confirm the influence of risperidone on the brain metabolism, specifically in the region of thalamus.

Previous studies have shown that patients suffering from depression are more likely to adversely change their eating habits (eg. through increases in appetite, comfort eating and compulsive eating), which may result in an abnormal nutritional status.To evaluate selected dietary habits, such as the number and type of meals consumed during a normal day and comparing dietary calorific values and nutritional content between women suffering unipolar depression to those without this condition.Subjects were a group of 110 women aged 18-65 years consisting of a test group of 55 women undergoing treatment for unipolar depression at the Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok and a control group of 55 women, without depression, attending an Obesity and Diet Related Treatment Centre. A study questionnaire was used to determine their eating habits along with other relevant data. The 24-hour diet recall method was used to obtain quantitative data collected on 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day; results being averaged. The calorific values and nutrient content of selected components, according to mealtimes, were evaluated using the Diet 5.0 computer programme.Those patients with depression showed that the 3 meals/day model dominated whilst the 4 meals/day model was predominant in the control group. The most frequently missed meals for both groups were afternoon tea and the mid-morning meal. Abnormalities in the calorific intake and nutritional contents from various meals were observed in women suffering depression.It seems appropriate to recommend that those women especially suffering from depression should consult with dieticians about their changing dietary habits, particularly for achieving the proper calorific and nutritional values/ balance from their meals.

CelBadania sposobu żywienia przeprowadzane wśród pacjentów z depresją wskazują, iż ich sposób żywienia często odbiega od racjonalnego, przyczyniając się tym samym do niezgodnej z zaleceniami podaży składników odżywczych, zwłaszcza witamin i składników mineralnych, których niedobór wpływa na nieprawidłowe funkcjonowaniu układu nerwowego.Celem pracy była ocena zawartości wybranych witamin i składników mineralnych w całodziennych racjach pokarmowych pacjentów chorujących na zaburzenia depresyjne nawracające.MetodaBadaniami objęto grupę 69 osób (54 kobiety i 15 mężczyzn w wieku 18-65 lat, średni wiek kobiet wynosił 45,7±12,2 lat, a mężczyzn 46,0±12,2 lat) leczonych z powodu zaburzeń depresyjnych nawracających. Do zebrania danych dotyczących sposobu żywienia wykorzystano kwestionariusz ankiety opracowany w Zakładzie Dietetyki i Żywienia Klinicznego UMB. W ocenie ilościowej sposobu żywienia wykorzystano wywiad 24-godzinny zebrany z 3 dni powszednich i 1 dnia weekendowego.WynikiW przeprowadzonych badaniach wykazano niezgodną z zaleceniami podaż większości ocenianych składników odżywczych.WnioskiWyniki badań wskazują, iż konieczność stosowania suplementacji diety preparatami witaminowo-mineralnymi powinna być rozpatrywana indywidualnie. W momencie poprawy stanu klinicznego badanym pacjentom wskazana by była edukacja żywieniowa związana z właściwym doborem grup produktów w celu zapewnienia optymalnej podaży witamin i składników mineralnych.

A sufficient amount of testosterone (T) is essential for adequate sexual functioning but also for cognitive and psychological well-being. Most recent studies have demonstrated that higher BMI and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome are associated with alterations in sex steroid hormone concentrations. Although, neuroleptics are known to cause a significant and sustained weight excess, the relationships between body mass index and the level of testosterone in psychiatric patients have not been thoroughly studied. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the correlations between testosterone, estradiol BMI, and insulin in male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with olanzapine or risperidone.The study included 78 males diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV diagnostic classification hospitalized in psychiatric inpatient units (42 on risperidone and 36 on olanzapine). The initial and final evaluation of testosterone (T), estradiol, prolactin (PRL) and insulin serum levels were performed at week 3 and 8 after the onset of the new treatment, respectively.At week 3, the mean serum prolactin was markedly higher, whereas testosterone level was lower in risperidone patients compared to those treated with olanzapine. T level was negatively affected by the studied medication (risperidone), increased prolactin and a higher BMI. At week 8, the mean serum prolactin level was markedly higher in risperidone patients. Higher values of BMI and serum insulin were the most prominent factors independently associated with decreased plasma testosterone levels at that measurement point. Individual changes of T level between week 3 and 8 were positively correlated with the corresponding changes in estradiol levels.T serum levels appear to be independently linked with BMI, insulin and prolactin in both investigated neuroleptics. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia under neuroleptic treatment.

Assessment of functioning of the marriages applying for marital therapy.The research included 44 marriages: 22 of them were qualified for the marital therapy and 22 constituted a control group - were not taking part in therapy. Participants evaluated themselves and their relation using: SCORE-15 (Systematic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation), UMACL (UWIST Mood Adjective Check List), KKM (Marriage Communication Questionnaire).Marriages applying for the therapy, when compared with control group, showed worse general functioning, lower adaptability, more disrupted communication and were overwhelmed by difficulties in higher degree. The lower level of engagement and support, as well as the higher level of depreciating behavior were present in their communication. In this group the lower mood expressed in lower degree of Hedonic Tone and higher degree of Tense Arousal was also recorded.The specific functioning of marriages in crisis applying for the marital therapy is an important indication for the family therapists, in respect to their interventions during therapy process. When working with couples, it is important to consider their difficulties in communication, the tendency to depreciating each other, the lower mood and estimating the therapy as helpful and needful with simultaneous devaluating of their own styles of coping.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of familial alcohol abuse, depressive symptoms and the quality of life on MAST score in schizophrenic patients, dependent from alcohol. Material and methods. 61 patients with dual diagnosis and 60 with single diagnosis of schizophrenia performed MAST In two groups with clinical scales, depressive symptoms and the quality of life were assessed.Significant correlates of higher MAST scores were family history of alcohol abuse and earlier onset of alcoholism. Dissatisfaction with the quality of life was correlated with higher MAST scores but only in dependent from alcohol female schizophrenic patients.Symptoms of depression accompanying alcohol dependence did not influence MAST score.

Recent studies have suggested that higher insulin levels are associated with better psychopathology profiles in cross-sectional samples of patients with schizophrenia. This study examines whether drug-induced fasting insulin changes between third and eight week of treatment are related to clinical improvement in non-diabetic patients receiving the atypical neuroleptics: risperidone or olanzapine.non-diabetic men with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV diagnostic classification were recruited from psychiatric inpatient units. Following a drug-free period, neuroleptic treatment was initiated (risperidone n=36, olanzapine n=35) and doses were adjusted to achieve maximal clinical efficacy. All patients were hospitalized throughout the study. Initial and final evaluations of serum insulin levels and psychopathology (assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS), were carried out at weeks 3 and 8 after the onset of treatment, respectively.There were no differences between and within the risperidone and olanzapine groups in changes of serum insulin level between the third and eighth week of treatment. In the olanzapine group, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between changes in fasting serum insulin levels and the PANSS-Total, Positive and General Psychopathology subscale scores. Only improvement in the PANSS-Negative Symptom subscale score was not correlated with insulin level change between the third and eighth week of treatment. In the risperidone group, correlations between PANSS subscales scores and the corresponding serum insulin levels change were positive, albeit statistically non-significant. In both groups the improvement in PANSS-Total scores was not correlated with changes in BMI.Olanzapine-related changes in endogenous fasting insulin levels were correlated with clinical improvement in acutely ill non-diabetic schizophrenic patients. Because the interesting linkage between insulin and positive and negative symptoms could be an epiphenomenon, randomized studies are needed to further explore the role of insulin in therapeutic responses in patients with schizophrenia.

Peroxidase is the most important antioxidant enzyme in saliva. Through peroxidation of thiocyanate in the presence of H₂O₂, peroxidase catalyses the formation of bacteriocidic compounds such as hypothiocyanate.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication and smoking on the activity of oral peroxidase (OPO). A total of 37 volunteers participated in the study. This cohort consisted of 17 male alcohol-dependent smoking patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (AS group, alcohol + smoking) (mean age: 42 years; range: 26-55) (100-700 g/day of alcohol; 10-20 cigarettes/day) and 20 control male social drinkers(CNS group, control non-smokers) with no history of alcohol abuse or smoking (mean age: 42 years; range:30-53). Salivary peroxidase activity was measured by the colorimetric method. The differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. There was significantly higher activity of OPO (p = 0.00001)and significantly lower salivary flow (SF) (p = 0.007) in alcohol-dependent smokers after chronic alcohol intoxication compared to the control group. OPO activity significantly correlated with the number of days of alcohol intoxication, but not with smoking. Gingival index (GI) was significantly higher in smoking alcohol-dependent persons than in the control group, and correlated with OPO activity. The sensitivity of the OPO test was 70% in smoking alcoholics, while specificity was 95%. The increased activity of OPO suggests chronic oxidative stress is more likely due to ethanol action than to smoking. Smoking alcohol-dependent persons have a worse periodontal status than controls. OPO activity as a marker of chronic alcohol abuse may help in the diagnosis of alcoholism.

INTRODUCTION: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) enables the observation of brain function in vivo. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of antipsychotic medication on metabolite levels in the brain of schizophrenic patients based on a 1 H MRS examination. METHODS: We examined 42 patients previously diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia twice: firstly, after the neuroleptic wash-out (baseline) and secondly, under stable medication (follow-up, after treatment). The study had a naturalistic design and several different neuroleptic medications were used during the treatment phase. The clinical evaluation, MRI and MRS procedures were performed. The group of 26 healthy controls were also examined to compare MRS results. RESULTS: We found a significantly lower NAA/Cr (N-acetylaspartate/creatine) ratio in the frontal lobe and thalamus in patients (after the wash-out) as compared to controls. After treatment a significant decrease of the Glx/Cr ratio in the temporal lobe and a trend for an increase of the NAA/Cr ratio in the thalamus were observed. CONCLUSION: >Our results confirm that antipsychotic medication modifies brain metabolism measured by means of 1 H MRS. The pattern of the changes suggests a neuroprotective action of antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia.

Ethanol diffuses rapidly into saliva during the drinking, and immediately after its salivary concentration is temporarily much higher than in plasma. Within 30 minutes, salivary ethanol concentration equilibrates with the plasma level, thus suggesting that ethanol easily penetrates the whole body, including oral cavity tissues and salivary glands. After alcohol intake, the level of acetaldehyde in saliva strikingly exceeds the level in systemic blood. From saliva, acetaldehyde and ethanol easily reach all local tissues. Damage to the oral tissues seems to be ascribed mostly to the action of acetaldehyde, although some acute effects depend on a direct action of ethanol and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). It is known that the oral mucosal surface is the home of numerous normal flora microorganisms and is the portal of entry for the majority of pathogens. The oral cavity and salivary antimicrobial immune defense systems eliminate pathogens and prevent massive overgrowth of microorganisms. An oral defense system participate in the protection of not only oral tissues, but also in the protection of upper digestive and respiratory tracts, against a number of microbial pathogens. Saliva plays the role in the oral cavity lubrication, maintenance of mucosal and tooth integrity, esophageal physiology, digestion and gastric cytoprotection. As alcohol abuse affects the structure and function of oral cavity mucosa, salivary glands and saliva, the maintenance of oral and general health under normal conditions is seriously impaired during the drinking. The severe tissue damage occurs in particular when alcohol abuse coincides with smoking.

The influence of antipsychotic medication on brain alterations in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in schizophrenia can be the explanation of many discrepancies observed in the previous papers.The aim of this study was the evaluation of antipsychotic medication effect on the metabolite levels in the brain of schizophrenic patients based on 1H MRS examination.The group of 32 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV and 26 healthy controls were included into the study. The patients were examined twice--once after the period of at least 7 days without neuroleptics (baseline) and for the second time at least 4 weeks after stable doses ofneuroleptics (follow-up). 21 patients were receiving risperidone and 11--olanzapine. Proton resonance spectroscopy was performed on a 1.5 MR scanner. Each volume element (voxel) was localised in the left frontal lobe, in the left temporal lobe and in the left thalamus. Metabolite ratios: N-acetylaspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cr) and unsupressed water signal were analysed. Results. We found the significant increase of the NAA/Cr level in the thalamus in the group of patients treated with risperidone, we didn't observe similar changes in the olanzapine group.Our results confirm that the neuroleptic drugs, especially atypicals, modify brain metabolism measured by 1H MRS. The pattern of the changes suggest a possible neuroprotective influence of the antipsychototic treatment in schizophrenic patients. The small group of the olanzapine treated patients doses not allow to make any conclusions regarding this type of medication.

Approximately 15% of the Polish population abuse alcohol. Early detection of alcohol problems may prevent their further development and progression. The study reviews traditional biomarkers associated with alcohol abuse. The nature of biomarkers, their practical application and limitations in alcohol abuse detection, in assessment and monitoring of drinking, are reviewed. Despite the limited sensitivity and specificity in alcohol abuse detection, traditional biomarkers remain useful in alcohol abuse detection. They are widely available and relatively inexpensive, providing valuable data on complications of drinking and prognosis as well as on concurrent conditions affected by drinking.

An increasing number of new biomarkers of alcohol abuse appear in the literature. The most commonly used biomarkers (5-hydroxytryptophol, fatty acid ethyl esters, ethyl glucuronide, phosphatidyl ethanol, ethyl sulphate, mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, carbohydrate deficient transferrin, acetaldehyde adducts, beta-hexosaminidase, and sialic acid) were described. Then other known and less known biomarkers associated with alcohol abuse were described in brief (e.g. acetaldehyde, acetate, methanol, alpha-amino-n-butyric acid, dolichol, proteomics). Their sensitivity and specificity is generally higher than that of traditional biomarkers. The time of detection in biological fluids occur from one day to few months after alcohol consumption. Hence, their usefulness in clinical practice as well as in experimental studies is increasing.

The aim was to study the effects of a single large dose of ethanol (approximately 2.0 g/kg of body weight, as 40% vodka) on the specific activities of alpha-mannosidase, alpha-fucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and beta-galactosidase as well as on the total protein concentration in saliva in eight healthy young volunteers.Resting whole saliva samples were collected 12 hours prior to and 36 and 108 hours after alcohol consumption. Exoglycosidase activities were assayed in the supernatants by the colorimetric method. Protein content was determined by the Lowry method.Thirty-six hours after alcohol consumption the specific activities of alpha-fucosidase and beta-glucuronidase were significantly higher than before drinking. The specific activity of beta-galactosidase showed a greater tendency to increase than alpha-mannosidase after the drinking session. The total protein concentration was significantly lower after alcohol consumption than at baseline, even at 108 hr. Significant inverse correlations between total protein content and the specific activities of the exoglycosidases in saliva were found after the drinking session.Acute ingestion of a large dose of ethanol increased the activity of salivary exoglycosidases, which might be followed by subsequent degradation of proteins in saliva. The observed changes might contribute to salivary defense system malfunction as well as to oral malodor production.

In their article, Tariola and colleagues1 reported that binge drinking was not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among non-smokers, but among smokers it was. However, the number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers was relatively small and they concluded that larger studies are needed to clarify this controversial association. Generally, evidences of association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer seem to be insufficient; however, seven prospective studies suggested that the strongest effect of alcohol on …

To study the effect of drugs on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis we compared the endocrine actions of two neuroleptics with different receptor affinity profiles-risperidone and olanzapine in male schizophrenic patients.We investigated the levels of prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH and testicular peptide hormone-inhibin B, and we assessed psychopathology (PANSS), sexual function (ASEX) and treatment adherence (DAI-10) in 89 male schizophrenic inpatients treated with olanzapine or risperidone administered orally. The initial and final evaluations were carried out at weeks 3 and 8 after the onset of treatment, respectively.At initial evaluation the mean serum prolactin and inhibin B levels were markedly higher, whereas testosterone level was lower in patients treated with risperidone, than in those treated with olanzapine. In 5 out of 50 subjects from risperidone group (10%) and in 1 from olanzapine group (2.6%) testosterone levels were below the lower limit (241ng/ml), which reflected Leydig's cell impairment. In one patient receiving risperidone and in three receiving olanzapine, inhibin B level was below 80pg/ml, indicating Sertoli's cell dysfunction. At the final evaluation the mean serum prolactin level was markedly higher in patients taking risperidone, whereas their FSH levels were lower than in patients receiving olanzapine. In all investigated groups, except for the risperidone-hyperprolactinemic group inhibin B levels were negatively correlated with serum FSH. The mean LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol levels were within the normal reference range at initial and final evaluation. The non-adherence to medications and ASEX scores were significantly higher in risperidone groups. Sexual dysfunction and medication non-adherence was not related to prolactin or gonadal hormone levels.Risperidone elicited higher PRL elevation than olanzapine. Treatment with this medication can be associated with disturbances in reproductive hormones (testosterone) and gonadotropins (FSH). The cause of olanzapine-elicited reduction of inhibin B level and the lack of negative correlation between FSH and inhibin B in patients with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia require further investigation. Patients receiving risperidone showed higher level of sexual dysfunction and treatment non-adherence than those treated with olanzapine.

Human sexual function is complex and effected in many different ways by schizophrenia and the antipsychotic drugs used in its treatment. Although not extensively researched, sexual dysfunction seems to be frequent in patients with schizophrenia, especially in men. They appear, in significant part, to be a direct consequence of dopamine antagonism, combined with indirect effects due to increased serum prolactin (PRL) concentration. All of the typical antipsychotics and risperidone can cause substantial PRL elevation. Hyperprolactinemia in male schizophrenics might decrease libido, cause anorgasmia and lead to erectile dysfunction. These sexual side effects are closely associated with the patients' willingness to take antipsychotics, and can affect compliance.

The study was undertaken to investigate possible influence of alcoholism on the course and psychopathology of schizophrenia.A representative sample of 61 subjects was selected from schizophrenic patients with a history of alcohol dependence (dual diagnosis) registered in the period of 1997-2000. They were compared with 60 control patients with a single diagnosis of schizophrenia. In two groups, with the interview and clinical scales, the onset, course and psychopathology of schizophrenia were assessed.Male patients with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence had a later mean age at onset of mental illness, women--a higher rate of alcohol abuse in the family compared to the control groups. In men with dual diagnosis, the negative symptoms were less prominent. Women with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence reported more depressive symptomatology.

NAA, marker of neurons integrity and viability, is one of the most important brain metabolites visible in 1H MRS. In most studies of schizophrenia, the decrease of NAA level was observed in the temporal, frontal lobes and in the thalamus. This finding was observed more often among chronic patients, what suggests the influence of disease duration or the effect of neuroleptic treatment. The aim of the present study was the comparison of NAA levels in brain of schizophrenic patients taking typical and atypical neuroleptics.We analyzed the NAA levels in selected brain areas in 58 schizophrenic patients and 21 healthy controls. 10 patients were treated with typical neuroleptics, 10 patients with clozapine, 17 received olanzapine and 21 - risperidone. 1H MRS was performed on a 1,5 MR scanner with PRESS sequence. Voxels of 2x2x2 cm were localized in the left frontal, left temporal lobe and left thalamus.There were no differences in NAA levels between patients on typical and atypical medications analyzed together and separately (olanzapine, clozapine and risperidone groups). We also did not find any differences between patients taking selected atypical neuroleptics and controls. The NAA level in the thalamus in the group of patients receiving typical antipsychotics was the lowest among all groups and differed significantly from healthy controls.The results of our study suggest that atypical neuroleptics may have favorable effect on NAA concentration in brain of schizophrenic patients. Decrease in NAA level in patients taking typical medication may be caused by the progression of the disease or by the direct action of these drugs.

In the last decade the number of patients with Lyme disease has been continuously growing worldwide including Poland. Psychiatric examinations with the help of psychometric tests were performed in the group of 77 patients with arthritis, in 20 with neuroborreliosis and 26 with erythema migrans. First evaluations started before antibiotic therapy, second 5-6 months after the treatment, third one year since the first assessment. Mental state examinations and psychometric testing revealed in majority of the patients, mainly in those suffered from neuroborreliosis and erythrema migrans evidence of various psychiatric symptomatology. The range of psychiatric presentations included: mild cognitive deficits, organic mood disorders, mild dementias, depressive and anxiety episodes with non organic etiology.

Earlier studies suggest that psychoeducation as a form of psychosocial care is of value in improving the patient's attitude towards mental illness as well as in reducing and delaying the relapse rates of both--psychotic and depressive disorders.The aim of this study was the evaluation of influence of psychoeducation on clinical symptoms, quality of life and drug attitude in schizophrenic and depressive patients.52 patients, aged 18-50 years, hospitalized in the Department of Psychiatry of Medical Academy in Białystok, were involved in the study. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups: on medication without psychoeducation (12 schizophrenics, 12 depressive patients) and on medication and psychoeducation (16 schizophrenics and 12 depressive patients). The patients were assessed by means of BPRS, BNS, IMHC 2000, Raskin/Covi Scale, DAI-10. The assessment was performed twice--shortly after admission and before discharge from the hospital.The patients in both groups showed improvement in symptoms and in quality of life. Patients on psychoeducation changed their drug attitude positively significantly more often.Knowledge about the positive influence of medication on psychiatric symptoms helps to improve compliance and improves the course of disease.

The study was undertaken to investigate, reported in earlier studies significant link, between schizophrenia, alcohol dependence and penalty. A representative sample was selected from schizophrenic patients with diagnosis of alcohol dependence hospitalized in psychiatric hospital in Choroszcz in the period of 1998-2000. They were compared with non-alcohol-abusing control patients with schizophrenia. All subjects were assessed for life-time legal problems using detailed questionnaires, family interviews and case histories. Patients with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence engaged more often in criminal activity. Personality disorders and history of head traumas might have contributed to an increase of antisocial behavior.

North-East of Poland is an area endemic for borreliosis. Psychiatric disorders, the most common for the late stage, are more and more frequent manifestations of Lyme disease. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of different psychiatric complications and identify the spectrum of symptoms and psychopathological syndromes associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Lyme disease causes a variety of psychiatric symptoms. They are less common in skin type of borreliosis manifested by skin erythema.