Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Apr 2010
[Medication dependency and physician's role].
The administration of benzodiazepines in suicidal, anxious, or agitated patients with depression is common international practice. Nevertheless, the prescription of BZDs is recommended to be limited to a period of a few weeks. There are several epidemiological studies about the situation in Germany, but many questions are still unanswered. ⋯ As a new approach, data from a processing center for pharmacies were used; patient-years, a risk scale with six steps, and diazepam-equivalence dose instead of defined daily dose were used for the analysis. About 35% of prescriptions were long-term treatment. Even if several physicians prescribe the medication, the main physician prescribing the medication can identify the risk level of the patient in 80-90% of cases.
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Apr 2010
[Neurobiology and genetics of addiction].
Recent results on the neurobiological bases of addictive disorders allow new insights into the etiopathogenesis of addiction to be made and allow targets for new therapeutic strategies to be defined. An important advancement in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology derives from recent research results, showing similarities between addiction and physiological neural plasticity in learning and memory. ⋯ Genetic factors modulate the individual vulnerability. The challenge of future research will be to generate more efficient and individualized therapies based on the insights from neurobiology and genetics.
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Feb 2010
[Screening for intimate partner violence against women. International discussion, considerations for Germany].
Domestic violence and partner violence against women is a serious problem in many countries, including Germany. This type of violence has far-reaching social, economic, and health consequences for victims. The health sector can play a decisive role within intervention and prevention, if healthcare providers discover at an early stage that violence is the cause for injuries and disorders. ⋯ This article introduces the debate by referring to a Health Technology Assessment from the UK and giving an overview. The present findings also justify screening for partner violence against women in Germany. However, further research on the screening instruments used with women as well as other victims, such as men or elderly, is recommended.