• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2008

Background : It was not uncommon authors as psychiatrists faced women patients with somatoform disorders who expresses their symptoms has been started after the poor adherence to 'Doing the month' practices (DMP). DMP is known as a traditional ritual for Korean postpartum women. Aims : This study is an cultural approach to explore the practices of Korean women during the postpartum period are related with the formation of somatoform disorders. Methods : 41 multipara women with somatoform disorders diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria and 91 healthy normal control were enrolled. Subjects were given scales of SOM scale of SCL-90R, Somatic Symptom Scale-Korean version, Korean 'Doing the month' practices Scale(40 items), Postpartum Sick Scale(14 items), Beck Depression Scale and State Anxiety Scale. Results : 1) The period of DMP less than one week were prevalent in the patients group(43.9%) compared to the control group(7.9%, p<0.01). 2) The period of DMP after the abortions showed no difference between two groups. 3) Subjective rate for their poor DMP was significantly high in the patients group(73.2%) compared to the control group(33.0%), and the patients group showed high score in Postpartum Sick Scale as well(4.1, 1.6 respectively). 4) Poor DM was negatively correlated with SOM scale of SCL-90R(correlation coefficient r=-0.47, p<0.01). Conclusion : Poor DMP may make a crucial role for their heath condition after the deliveries and which would be one of the major factors of the somatoform disorders in Korean women. And postpartum physical symptoms after the poor DMP could be last long enough to be diagnosed as somatoform disorders. By understanding the cultural nature of the somatization phenomena the doctor-patient relationship could be enhanced.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2004

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous, chronic, progressive disease characterized by hyperglycemia and abnormality in protein, carbohydrate, fat metabolism. Recent studies have reorted two times prevalence of depression in individuals with diabetes compared to individuals without diabetics. This study was designed to investigate glycemic controls, anxiety, alexithymia, stress responses between depressed diabetic patients and non-depressed diabetic patients. Methods The subjects were 60 diabetic patients(mean age : $50.3{\pm}9.7$ years, 31 men and 29 women) who were confirmed to have diabetes depending on the laboratory findings as welt as clinical symptoms at the St. Vincent Hospital Diabetes Clinic, from Mar. 2004 to Sep. 2004. Laboratory test including, blood chemistry. glycated hemoglobin, urinalysis for proteinuria and Korean version of Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI), Toronto Alexithymia Scale(TAS) and Stress Response Inventory(SRI) were used for assessment. Based on BDI scores, all diabetics were divided into 13 depressed-diabetics group(above 20 point) and 47 non-depressed group(below 20 point). We compared demographic data. glycemic controls, STAI, TAS and SRI scores between two groups by independent t-test. Results : 1) Depressed diabetic groups were 13(mean age : $55.4{\pm}7.2$ years, 7 men and 6 women) and non depressed groups were 47(mean age $48.9{\pm}9.8$ years, 24 men and 23 women). In depressed diabetics, compared with non-depressed group, manifested aged(p=0.031), but other demographic data showed no difference between two groups. 2) No significant differences were noted in FBS, PP2h, Hb A1C, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, SGOT/SGPT, BUN levels between depressed and non-depressed groups. But, blood creatine levels of depressed group were significantly increased than non-depressed group(p=0.026). 3) No significant differences were found in the score of STAI, STAI-S, STAI-T, TAS between depressed and non-depressed groups. 4) The SRI scores of depressed groups were significantly higher than non-depressed groups$(59.7{\pm}24.9\;vs.\;31.5{\pm}22.0)(p=0.000)$. Conclusion : The above results suggest that depressed diabetic patients are have more stress responses and higher blood creatine levels. However, there were no differences in laboratory data related to glycemic controls, and anxiety. alexithymia levels between two groups. We suggest that physicians should consider integrated approaches for psychiatric problems in the management of diabetes.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.89-97
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• 2020

Objectives : We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) patterns in patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and the relationships of these patterns with alexithymia. Methods : In total, 42 patients with SSD and 33 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic, psychological, and HRV data were assessed at baseline, and 24 patients with SSD were reassessed after 6 months of treatment. The psychological data included somatic symptoms and levels of depression, anxiety, and alexithymia as indicated by the somatic symptom subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90-Revision (SCL-12), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 (TAS-20), respectively. Results : Patients with SSD had a lower standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and lower proportions of adjacent R-R intervals greater than 50 milliseconds (pNN50) compared with controls. These HRV parameters were negatively correlated with alexithymia severity. After treatment, patients exhibited significantly decreased levels of somatic symptoms and reduced anxiety and depression, but there were no significant differences in the HRV parameters. In patients with alexithymia, a high baseline SDNN and pNN50 were associated with a decrease in somatic symptoms. Conclusions : Patients with SSD have different HRV patterns, and several HRV parameters are associated with alexithymia severity. These findings suggest that ANS regulation is involved in the pathophysiology of SSD, mediated by alexithymia. Furthermore, these results suggest that certain HRV parameters may be associated with clinical outcomes of SSD.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 1995

A on-off study was designed to evaluate the effects of addition of transdermal esrtradiol to tricyclic antidepressants on depression level, vasomotor symptom(hot flush), sexual functions and hormonal status, plasma 5-hydroxyindoleascetic acid(5-HIAA) level in postmenopausal women with depression. Plasma level of estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH, prolactin and 5-HIAA was measured by Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay and HPLC(High Performance Liquid Chromatography). To asses their symptoms, the BDI(Beck Depression Inventory) and modified symptom scale, extracted from women's health questionnaire were used. Depression score, sexual function score were decreased by the last 4-weeks of addition of transdermal estradiol to antidepressant treatment, not Significant, but vasomotor symptom (hot flushes) score was decreased significantly(p<0.05) by the last 4-weeks of the given treatment. Thus, during addition of transdermal estradiol to antidepressants treatment, only vasomotor symptom(hot flushes) was improved significantly, but depression level was not changed in postmenopausal women with depression. Plasma FSH, estradiol and prolactin level was not changed in postmenopausal women with depression. Plasma FSH, estradiol and prolactin levels were increased by the last 4-weeks of the treatment. There were not significant correlations between clinical symptoms and plasma hormonal status and 5-HIAA level in baseline. After the last 4-weeks of transdermal estradiol treatment, the change of depression score was correlated significantly with change of serum prolactin and 5-HIAA level and the change of vasomotor symptom score was correlated significantly with the change of plasma prolactin level.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.360-365
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of study was to investigate effects of dance sports in virtual reality on balance, depression, and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Methods: Subjects of the research consisted of 18 stroke patients who were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups, with nine patients each. All subjects underwent 30 minutes of Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and 15 minutes of Functional electrical stimulation (FES) five days per week for a period of six weeks. Subjects in the experimental group performed an extra 30 minutes of dance sports in virtual reality each day. Balance, depression, and ADL of patients before and after the experiment were measured using Berg's balance scale (BBS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Modified Barthel index (MBI), respectively. For comparisone of the state before and after the experiment, wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied and for comparison of the difference between the groups, mannn-whitney U test was applied. Results: Results of this study, showed significant difference in balance, depression, and ADL between the experimental and control groups(p<0.05). As a control of the two groups, the experimental group, which performed extra dance sports in virtual reality, showed a significant difference in balance, depression, and ADL(p<0.05). Conclusion: Depending on the result, a dance sport in virtual reality was verified to enhance balance, depression, and ADL in stroke patients. Therefore, from now on, need for effective program development and application using dance sports in virtual reality will arise.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2011

Objectives : There has been substantial evidence that patients with chest pain have depression and anxiety, and show impaired quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to campare the QoL according to types of chest pain and to examine the impact of depression and anxiety on QoL in patients with chest pain. Methods : Forty-seven patients with chest pain were divided into Cardiac-Typical Chest Pain (CTCP, n=22) and Non-Cardiac-Atypical Chest Pain groups (NCACP, n=25) according to the pain characteristics and cardiovascular disease. Patients were assessed for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), for anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and QoL was assessed using the Korean version of the SmithKlein Beecham 'Quality of Life' Scale (KvSBQOL). Results : Compared with the CTCP group, the NCACP group reported significantly higher anxiety, and lower QoL. There was no significant difference in QoL between the two groups after adjusting for anxiety. The QoL was associated with depression and trait-anxiety in the CTCP group, and with trait-anxiety in the NCACP group. Conclusion : The findings suggest that there are different effects of depression and anxiety on QoL in individuals with CTCP and NCACP. Understanding about these differences can be important in the treatment of patients with chest pain. A large prospective study is needed to confirm these results.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1012-1020
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to describe physical health and depression status, as well as to assessing factors that influence the physical health status. Method: The data was collected from July to August 2000. Study participants were 252 community-dwelling elderly who were recruited from 10 senior centers located in Seoul, Korea. Their physical health status was measured using the Physical Health Status Measurement Scale developed by Choi and Jung (1991), and depression was measured using BDI-II developed by Beck et al. (1996). Results: 1) The physical health status score was 4.00 $\pm$0.68 (range :1- 5). The sub-dimension that showed the highest score was personal hygiene ability at 4.62$\pm$0.95, and the lowest score was sexual function at 2.20$\pm$1.38. 2. The depression score was 17.99+9.79 (range : 0-63). Regarding the sub-dimensions, the depression scores were higher in the domain of interest with sexuality, general weakness, difficulty in concentration, and fatigue. 3. Deeper levels of depression were correlated with a declining physical health status. 4. The most influential factor on physical health was depression, and the explaining variance was 31.68%. Conclusion: It is concluded that elder subjects in senior centers had fairly good physical health and self-care ability. Also, they did not have significantly high levels of depression. Therefor, health promotion of elderly, it is recommended that elder individuals should be regarded as a respectful and useful segment of our society. Along with this basic concept, there should be a social milieu that does not snow prejudice. Moreover, health care professionals should give more attention to helping the elderly achieve a minimal level of ALD, and, particularly, to raise sexuality and help energize the lives of elder individuals.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.168-173
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was conducted to compare emotional problems in children with neurosurgical diseases prior to surgery as well as levels of parenting stress experienced by mothers of children treated with surgery and those without surgery. The goals was to provide a basis on which comprehensive treatment interventions could be established. Methods: Subjects included 78 elementary school children who visited the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery as well as their mothers. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Revised Children Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) were administered to children. The Parenting Stress Indexs (PSI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to their mothers. Results: The children with neurosurgical diseases showed higher levels of depression prior to surgery. In their mothers, parenting stress was relatively higher and parenting competence was lower. In particular, for those children who underwent surgery, depression was significantly higher. Specifically, they exhibited more negative expectations, and negative self-image. In mothers of children who underwent surgery, depression was significantly higher. Conclusion: Our results suggest higher levels of emotional distress and parental stress in children who undergo neurosurgical operations and their mothers, respectively. Based on this, the necessity for surgical and comprehensive psychological intervention is suggested.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.136-145
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• 2004

Objectives:Genetic variations of the tryptophan hydroxylase(TPH) gene and the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR) polymorphism have been associated with its functional capacity. The authors investigated whether the allelic constitution of the TPH gene and 5-HTTLPR are associated in Korean panic patients. Methods:244 Korean patients with panic disorder and 227 normal healthy controls were tested for a genetic polymorphism of TPH A218C and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. To assess the severity of panic disorder during the last one month, anticipatory anxiety, panic difficulty, panic distress, agoraphobic difficulty and agoraphobic distress were measured with visual analogue scale(VAS) score, STAI-S & T, BDI, SCL-90-R, ASI-R, CGI, PDSS, and HAMD. Results:There was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of TPH A218C and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism between panic patients and controls. Although we observed some differences in genotype and allele frequencies of TPH A218C polymorphism among male subjects, these differences disappeared after Bonferroni correction. And there were no significant differences in clinical variables. Conclusion:Our results suggested that there are no association between the genetic polymorphism of TPH gene and 5-HTTLPR with panic disorder.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.113-120
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• 1999

Our aims is a exploration for relationship between father and male-adolescence. For this purpose, we have employed several self-reported questionnaires, including BDI, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Attitude for father etc. Our hypothesis is that the perception, the attachment, age and alcohol drinking, accademic career of father influences male-adolescent's self-esteem, mood, sex-role, academic accomplishment, satisfying of school life. We have surveyed questionnaire at one middle school, at Suwon city. We have get 196 samples. We have categorized subjective answers and analyzed relations. The result is that a positive relation is self-esteem, sex-role, and attachment, a neagtive relation is mood and no relation is age, academic career, alcohol drinking. Also, father's overprotection attribute on negative influences. We have many limitations. First limitation is a small number. Second is few previous study. Third is a relative analysis, not cause-effect analysis.