Research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has advanced substantially since the DSM-IV was published in 1994. It is time to reexamine the nosology of this disorder, reviewing conflicting views regarding the classification as well as subtypes and specifiers of OCD. Although there is ongoing debate, OCD experts have suggested that OCD be retained in the section related to anxiety disorders and also that along with OCD, this section include obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSD), a group of disorders closely related to OCD. A combined 'anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum chapter' has also been proposed to include OCSDs. A growing body of scientific data has provided empirical support for the inclusion of a 'tic-related' subtype of OCD in the DSM-V. However, it remains controversial as to whether to introduce OCD symptom dimensions as specifiers as well as items in the diagnostic criteria. With regard to compulsive hoarding, there has been sufficient evidence to recommend that it be classified in the DSM-V as a separate disorder. Much work remains in order to ensure that the DSM-V is as evidence based as possible. It is necessary to strive toward integrating the biological and psychological data related to OCD and OCSD based on their endophenotypic features.

Objective : Although studies have explored responses to fear had been assessed using various psychophysiological methods, results have been inconsistent. The present study examined psychophysiological responses in healthy subjects after viewing fear stimuli in a video clip for set up future fear related psychophysiological studies. Methods : We monitored three psychophysiological variables (electroencephalography, skin temperature, and heart rate variability) in adults who watched either a control stimulus movie clip or a fear-inducing movie clip. Results : In 16 healthy adults, theta activity decreased significantly after the fear stimulus as compared to the normal stimulus. However the participants showed no differences in heart rate variability or skin temperature between the fear and normal control stimulus situations. Conclusion : In the limbic area, theta activity corresponds with information processing, integration into previous memories and long-term potentiation. In this study, we suggest decreased theta activity represents amygdalo-hippocampal activity, associated with fear, short-term memory, and memory extinction in the healthy adults. Further studies are needed to evaluate the interaction of fear, memory, and the pathophysiology of anxiety disorder in patient with anxiety disorders.

Objective : Being overweight or obesity impairs quality of life and often causes treatment noncompliance in patients with bipolar disorder. This preliminary study evaluated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in inpatients with bipolar mania. Methods : Inpatients with bipolar mania, who were treated with adequate medications at least 4 weeks were included in a retrospective study. The body weight of each patient was measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results : Of the 80 patients, 16.4% (N=13) were overweight, and 35.0% (N=28) were obese at discharge. Female patients had higher prevalence rates of overweight and obesity. Being overweight or obesity was associated with the number of previous episodes of depression and combination treatment with atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Conclusions : Being overweight or obesity is highly prevalent in patients with bipolar mania. Clinicians should pay more attention to weight gain and obesity when prescribing combination therapies. More research is required to identify the impact of specific risk factors for overweight and obesity in patients with bipolar mania.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to survey the degree to which people use the Internet prior to joining the army and mental health. Methods : The author assessed Internet addiction and mental health using an Internet addiction diagnostic scale for soldiers and the Symptoms Check-list-90. A total of 508 subjects were included in the final analysis. Collected data were analyzed by independent t-test. Results : The Internet addiction risk group (n=19, 3.7%) had significantly higher mean scores for obsessive-compulsion (t=-2.43, p=0.02) and interpersonal-sensitivity subscales (t=-2.30, p=0.03) than the control group. Conclusion : Internet addiction was related to soldiers' mental health. An assessment focused on internet use would be useful in the evaluation of a person potential adaptation to the military.

Objective : The reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ- 9) was examined in Korean patients with depressive symptoms. Methods : Eighty six outpatients diagnosed as major depressive disorder or depressive episode of bipolar I disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria were assessed with the PHQ-9, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report (QIDS-SR), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results : The Cronbach's alpha coefficient from the PHQ-9 was 0.81. And the correlations of each item with the total score were statistically significant (r=0.28-0.70, p<0.01). The test-retest correlation coefficient (r=0.89, p<0.01) was relatively high and correlations of the PHQ-9 with the HDRS, QIDS-SR and CES-D were 0.70, 0.81, and 0.81 respectively. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that the Korean version of PHQ-9 could be a reliable and valid tool for the screening and assessment of depressive patients. The Korean version of PHQ-9 will be a useful tool for screening depressive symptoms in Korea.

Objectives : In this study, we aimed to elucidate the demographic and psychological characteristics of maladaptive soldiers in the Republic of Korean Army. Methods : Study participants included 110 male conscripts who had participated in the Green camp, which was a form of group psychosocial treatment program for maladaptive soldiers. All participants were interviewed and diagnosed by a psychiatrist, and classified into two groups according to whether they left or rejoined the army. We analyzed the differences between these two groups in terms of demographic features, psychiatric diagnosis and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) subscores. Results : Compared with soldiers who rejoined their units, those who left military service exhibited significantly lower educational level (p=0.041) and a higher rate in psychiatric treatment prior to enlistment (p=0.011). Among the 106 subjects, 63 (59.4%) and 23 (21.7%) were diagnosed with personality disorder and adjustment disorder, respectively. Further, those who left military service were diagnosed more frequently with mood disorder (p=0.001) and schizophrenia (p=0.014) than those who rejoined their units. Additionally, the MMPI scores of soldiers who left military service were significantly higher on the psychasthenia (p=0.028) and schizophrenia (p=0.039) scales than those of soldiers who rejoined their units. Conclusion : Most of the maladaptive soldiers were diagnosed with mental disorders. The results of this study suggest that systematic, consistent psychiatric evaluation and intervention for maladaptive male conscripts is crucial in the Republic of Korean army.