No abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to deepen the knowledge of how individuals with schizophrenia themselves describe what they need in order to increase their well-being in everyday life. Seven patients were interviewed. An open explorative approach was applied and grounded theory was used for the analysis resulting in five categories illustrating how patients with schizophrenia handle their struggle for a normal life. The patients stressed first the importance of receiving information about the disease: for themselves, for society, and for their families. Taking part in social contacts such as attending meeting places and receiving home visits were identified as important as well as having meaningful employment. They also pointed out the importance of taking part in secure professional relationships. Mainly they expressed the need for continuity in the relationships and the wish to be heard and seen by the professionals. Finally, interviewees addressed the need for support for sustaining independent living through practical housekeeping and financial help. To conclude, the participants in the present study described their need for help as mainly linked to activities in their overall life situation rather than just their psychosis.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Thirteen patients with major depressive illness received unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Memory and some other neuropsychological functions were studied concomitantly with changes in clinical symptoms. ACTH in plasma and cortisol, prolactin (PRL) and TSH in serum were measured 30 min before and 1, 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after treatment. Memory functions, impaired after the ECT series, were completely regained 1 month later. ACTH, cortisol, PRL and TSH were significantly increased by ECT. The maximum hormone level after ECT was lower at the last ECT in the series as compared with the first. After the last treatment, nonverbal memory performance was negatively associated with the maximum ACTH level after ECT and verbal learning was negatively correlated to the maximum cortisol level. The reason for these relationships is not known. Since both the ACTH secretion and memory function may be dependent upon the intracerebral catecholamines, the present findings may reflect variations in central monoaminergic receptor function.

No abstract