Two self-rating scales of psychological distress, the Symptom Rating Test (SRT) and the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ), have been validated in translations in Italy. They were administered in several studies to psychiatric patients (neurotics and depressives), matched controls, and patients suffering from various organic illnesses (dermatologic disorders, hypertension, secondary amenorrhea and patients undergoing amniocentesis). The SRT and the SQ sensitively discriminated between psychiatric patients and normals, between different levels of psychological distress in several of the somatic illnesses, and detected significant changes in the psychological status of patients participating in medical procedures such as amniocentesis. The scales were found to be useful in research in psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine. The findings suggest that the Italian translations are valid and sensitive scales of distress and can apparently be used as effectively in research as the original. They are likely to be of value in cross-cultural research in Canada. Both scales may be helpful in the psychological assessment of Italian immigrants in North America and Australia, especially in those whose English is poor.

In order to evaluate the relationship of psychological distress to hyperprolactinemia, 20 patients with secondary amenorrhea were evaluated by a semi-structured research interview and administered the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire. Group A (10 patients with amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia) reported significantly more symptoms of depression, hostility and anxiety than group B (10 patients with amenorrhea and normal basal levels of plasma prolactin). Both groups were significantly more anxious, depressed and reported more somatic symptoms than a normal control group (n = 10). 6 of the 10 patients in group A reported decrease in libido, while this was found only in 1 of the 10 patients of group B. The findings suggest that the syndrome of depression, hostility and anxiety in a woman complaining of amenorrhea, especially if associated with decreased libido and galactorrhea, can be a manifestation of hyperprolactinemia.

The bone mineral content was evaluated in 30 male subjects aged between 60 and 90 years using the relief of the percent cortical area (PCA) at the level of the second phalanx of the left-hand index finger, by Garn’s method. This was to evaluate the rate of bone loss with increasing age. Testosterone, androstenedione, estrone, 17β-estradiol plasma levels were determined in all subjects by the RIA method. 60% of our patients showed increased bone resorption (PCA < 55%); in these subjects testosterone and androstenedione plasma levels were significantly lower than in subjects not affected by osteoporosis. A positive linear correlation is evident between PCA and testosterone, androstenedione and estrone plasma levels. Thus, like in women, decline of gonadic function determines an increased bone resorption in men too.

In a previous study ten women with hyperprolactinemia and amenorrhea had significantly higher Symptom Questionnaire scores for depression, hostility and anxiety than patients with amenorrhea only and a matched nonpatient employees group. The hyperprolactinemic patients and employees were compared with ten women on their seventh day after childbirth who had been matched for sociodemographic variables and had similar prolactin levels. Hostility was significantly higher in postpartum patients than employees and did not differ significantly from that of women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Postpartum hyperprolactinemic women did not differ significantly from the employees for anxiety and depression, which was significantly lower than in the amenorrheic patients. In several mammals aggression occurs concurrently with lactation. The studies in humans suggest an association of high prolactin levels with hostility.

Bartsch et al. (1980) state that three possible pathogenic causes exist: 1) alterations of Material and Methods lateral spermatic cord torsion within the last seven years. The torsion was right sided in 15 and left sided in 10. AU patients were affected after puberty.Twenty-five patients, ranging from 16 to 26 years of age were studied. They hadmono-