A study of epileptic psychosis using magnetic resonance imaging

Article Abstract:

Speculations about a causal relationship between epilepsy and psychosis have been made for many years. Over 150 years ago an association was made between epilepsy and insanity. The debate continues, with evidence for a causal relationship found by some studies, and no evidence to support the theory from others. Modern brain imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), make further study of a relationship between epilepsy and psychosis possible by allowing researchers to see brain structures and look for evidence of irregularities (lesions). It is speculated that brain lesions may be responsible for the symptoms of epilepsy and psychosis. A group of 50 patients with epilepsy was identified, and a subgroup of 12 of these patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia, and five other subjects had hallucinations, but could be diagnosed as schizophrenic. This subgroup of 17 patients was compared with 17 epileptics with no psychiatric history; patients with hallucinations were compared with patients without hallucinations as well. Structural differences in the left temporal lobe of the brain were found between patients with hallucinations and patients without hallucinations. There were also differences between schizophrenics and nonschizophrenics. This supports the hypothesis that epileptics who developed the disorder as a result of damage to the left temporal lobe are more likely to suffer hallucinations than epileptics with damage to other areas of the brain. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Abnormalities, Complications and side effects, Brain, Epilepsy, Magnetic resonance imaging, Brain abnormalities, Hallucinations and illusions, Hallucinations, Psychoses, Psychotic disorders

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The motor disorders of mental handicap: an overlap with the motor disorders of severe psychiatric illness

Article Abstract:

Motor disorders are characterized by problems with basic movement, and often are neurological in origin. Associated with mental handicap, they take two general forms: retarded (apathetic or lacking spontaneity) and resembling cerebral palsy. Symptoms of motor disorder are significantly present in those with severe mental handicap and the symptoms are similar to motor disorders in the psychiatrically ill. To identify the differences and overlaps in the manifestations of motor disorder among psychiatric patients and those institutionalized for mental handicap, 236 patients in a hospital for the mentally handicapped were studied in a protocol identical to one used on psychiatric patients earlier. Nursing staff were questioned, and each subject was observed and interviewed by two investigators on such measures as posture, activity level, gait, eye movements, and speech production. All information was compared with results of the prior and virtually identical study of psychiatric patients. When age-related and other factors were statistically accounted for, it was found that the severity and range of motor disorders in both groups were similar, suggesting a possible cerebral basis in common rather than illness-specific behavior patterns. Neuroleptic medication, given to sedate agitated behavior, did not have an appreciable effect on motor behavior as it might have been expected to. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Psychotherapy patients, Mentally disabled persons, Movement disorders

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Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome in the Middle East: report of a cohort and a multiply affected large pedigree

Article Abstract:

Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) is characterized by motor tics of the neck, face, or lower limbs, and vocal tics, such as repetitive barking, throat clearing, or snorting. This disorder can be further complicated by repetitive swearing and profanity (coprolalia), and other obsessive-compulsive symptoms or thoughts such as self-injurious behavior and the feeling of being forced to touch things. Once thought to be a rare disorder, substantial numbers of GTS patients have now been reported in most parts of the world. However, only one case has been previously reported in the Middle East. While sporadic cases of GTS have been known to occur, most case studies strongly suggest that GTS has a genetic origin. The case reports of five GTS patients from the Middle East and their family histories are presented. In three cases, there was a family history of either tic disorder or GTS. In one of the cases, GTS-related disorders could be traced across six generations. While many Western patients with GTS demonstrate severe psychiatric dysfunctions other than obsessional symptoms, such as attention-deficit disorder or hyperactivity, this was not found in the Middle East cohort. Three of the five Middle East patients were female. In the West, almost all GTS patients are male. Further case studies and cross-cultural comparisons of GTS patients are needed to clarify these differences. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Middle East, Genetic disorders, Tourette's syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Psychiatry, Transcultural, Transcultural psychiatry

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