Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie
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The correlates of suicide rates were determined by conducting a multivariate study of sociodemographic indicators and suicide rates of 261 Canadian census divisions. Twenty-one sociodemographic variables were entered into a stepwise multiple linear regression to develop a model for suicide rates. ⋯ This spatial ecologic analysis highlights the importance of cultural differences in explaining the variation of suicide rates. The analysis supports the previously found negative relationship between income and suicide while contrasting from previous studies in determining a inverse relationship with unemployment and an inverse relationship with the age distribution.
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A case is presented in which a young man with no psychiatric history and no previous exposure to psychotropic medication rapidly developed severe catatonia and autonomic hyperactivity, and an elevated creatine kinase level. He was treated with electroconvulsive therapy and recovered completely. This case suggests that a subgroup of patients who presented with symptoms resembling those of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and who have been treated with neuroleptics may suffer from severe psychogenic catatonia.
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There is an increasing demand in Canada for improved care of elderly patients with psychiatric disorders. We report one year's experience, with a one year follow-up, of 130 consecutive admissions to the psychogeriatric service at Alberta Hospital, Edmonton. Approximately one-half of the patients came from the community and one-half from long term care institutions; 3 % were admitted via an acute care hospital. ⋯ Approximately one-half of the patients were discharged back to their original residence. These results suggest that even very severely disturbed behaviour can be managed successfully and that a close link between medical diagnostic and treatment services is important. Innovations between these services and long term care facilities may reduce the need for prolonged hospitalization.
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A research strategy which integrates known biological aspects of schizophrenia is proposed. The strategy includes genotype and phenotype components and emphasizes interactions. ⋯ Examples of research from each area and the potential interactions with other aspects of the strategy are presented. The expectation is that a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia will result from the application of the genotype-phenotype strategy and that consequently more efficacious treatments will ultimately be developed.