Psychiatrische Praxis
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In this case report, we describe a 29 year-old male patient with a history of chronic cannabis abuse presenting with recurrent vomiting, intense nausea and abdominal pain. Abstinence from cannabis resolved both vomiting and abdominal pain. We conclude that in case of chronic cannabis abuse, patients presenting with severe and chronic nausea, vomiting, accompanied by abdominal pain and compulsive behaviour (hot bathing), in the absence of other obvious causes, the diagnosis of cannabinoid-induced hyperemesis syndrome should be considered.
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Psychiatrische Praxis · Feb 2011
Review[Computer-aided cognitive behavioral therapy for depression].
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature search in order to assess effectiveness of computer- and internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT). ⋯ CCBT provides an effective and potentially cost-effective interventional strategy for depressive disorders. Effects of no and minimal contact therapies are confounded with conditions of control groups and need further investigation. While patients with Major Depression seem to benefit from computer-based therapy with regular therapist contact, it remains unclear whether unattended self-help interventions over the internet are effective for this patient population. However, these interventions are effective in patients with mild to moderate depressive symptomatology. CCBT may serve as a first step of treatment within stepped care approaches and may help to offer treatment to individuals in remote areas and to decrease barriers to seek psychiatric care caused by stigma perception.
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Psychiatrische Praxis · Oct 2010
[Changes in mental health care by a regional budget: results of a pilot Project in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)].
In a region of Schleswig-Holstein, a regional budget was used to investigate which structural changes would be brought about by a financial plan which enables (clinical) treatment that defies rigid financial limits and makes flexible treatment in various settings possible. ⋯ A regional budget is suitable for bringing about fundamental changes in terms of content and structure in psychiatric care. The result is clearly improved flexibility as compared to previous care structures; incentives for disorders are reduced. The principle "outpatient before inpatient" is strengthened. The financial plan can be transposed onto other regions, whereby modifications according to the structure of the care region seem necessary.
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Psychiatrische Praxis · Sep 2010
Review Comparative Study[Diagnostics and therapy of alcohol withdrawal syndrome: focus on delirium tremens and withdrawal seizure].
Delirium tremens and withdrawal seizures are serious complications of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This review presents the diagnostic procedures required in case of the occurrence of a withdrawal seizure and delirium tremens as well as possible treatment options including prophylactic medication regimen for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Furthermore non-pharmacological procedures accompanying delirium tremens and a potential integration of viewing videotapes of delirium tremens in the course of alcohol-specific therapy are discussed. ⋯ Regarding the diagnostic algorithm in case of the occurrence of a withdrawal seizure or a delirium tremens basic diagnostic procedures and special diagnostics including neuro-imaging or cerebrospinal fluid puncture depending on patients' clinical condition have to be considered. Sedatives are important in treatment of alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens as well as in the prophylaxis of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A long-lasting prescription of anticonvulsant medication in patients suffering from withdrawal seizure should be considered critically and can be carried out only under certain conditions.