Journal of psychosomatic research
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This study aimed to investigate the independent correlations of subjective sleep disturbances (insomnia and daytime sleepiness) with the severity of fatigue in patients with major depression. ⋯ Both sleep quality and daytime sleepiness correlate independently with fatigue severity, as measured with the FSS, in patients with major depression. The FSS does not appear to be a 'pure' measure of fatigue in depressed patients, a finding with potential implications for the choice of appropriate fatigue measures in this population.
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Comparative Study
Illness perceptions, mood and health-related quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
To divide amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in two clusters according to their illness representation, and to identify, between the two clusters, the differences in functional state, mood, and quality of life. ⋯ This study supports the Common Sense Model (CSM) of illness representation when considering ALS patients. Their psychological reactions to illness and quality of life depend not only on the severity of the illness but also on the way the illness is represented. Therefore, CSM could become the theoretical framework for psychological interventions in ALS patients.
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Clinical Trial
Somatic and psychiatric comorbidity in the general elderly population: results from the ZARADEMP Project.
In a representative sample of the elderly population in a southern European city, we tested the hypothesis that there is an association between general somatic and general psychiatric morbidity. ⋯ This is the first study to document that there is a positive and statistically significant association between general somatic morbidity and general psychiatric morbidity in the (predominantly) elderly population. CVAs and thyroid disease may have more weight in this association.
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The aim of this review was to summarize and critically evaluate the current literature regarding the safety and efficacy of drug therapy in delirium. We also identified recent research developments and highlighted some ongoing clinical trials to explore future directions in drug treatment and prevention of delirium. ⋯ Appropriate drug therapy should be considered part of systematic approaches to delirium treatment and prevention. There is a need for well-designed randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials investigating the drug management of various aspects of delirium, including delineating treatment by delirium subtype, dose ranging studies, and optimal duration of therapy.