• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.179-186
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• 2015

Objectives Adrenergic alpha 1 and 2 receptors work as pathways to control the serotonergic neuron moderation and mirtazapine acts as antagonist of these receptors. The adrenoreceptor alpha 1a (ADRA1A) gene, which encodes adrenergic alpha 1 receptor, has Arg-347Cys genetic polymorphism and the polymorphism has strong relationship with many neuro-psychiatric diseases. In this study, we explored the relationship between ADRA1A R347C polymorphism and mirtazapine treatment response in Koreans with major depression. Methods 352 patients enrolled in this study, and the symptoms were evaluated by 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD-17) scale. After 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of mirtazapine treatment, the association between ADRA1A R347C polymorphism and remission/response outcomes was evaluated. Results Treatment response to mirtazapine was significantly better in T allele carriers than C allele homozygotes after 12 weeks of mirtazapine monotherapy. The percentile decline of HAMD-17 score in T allele carriers was larger than that of C allele homozygotes. ADRA1A R347C genotypes were not significantly associated with remission. Conclusions The result showed that treatment response to mirtazapine was significantly associated with ADRA1A R347C genetic polymorphism. T allele carriers showed better treatment response than C allele homozygotes. It can be supposed that T allele carriers have a trend of better treatment response to mirtazapine monotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2012

Objectives : This study aims to identify temperament and characteristics of cannabis and methamphetamine abusers for elucidating psycho-biological variables related to certain substance abuse. Methods : A total of 320 patients who registered in the 'Hepatitis C cohorts study of intravenous drug users' between March 2006 and March 2010 participated in this study. Data on demographic variables were obtained and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and measures for nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety were assessed. After comparing TCI between cannabis, methamphetamine, and co-abusers, correlations between TCI and other clinical variables were examined. Results : The methamphetamine abuser group showed significantly higher scores in Novelty Seeking (NS2) and Harm Avoidance (HA3) in temperament than the cannabis abuser and co-abuser groups, whereas the cannabis abuser group had higher scores in purposefulness (SD2), congruent second nature (SD5), and self-directedness (SD) in character than the methamphetamine abuser group. In addition, temperaments and characters correlated with various psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions : We found the differences in temperament and characters among cannabis abusers, methamphetamine abusers. These findings might contribute to further understanding of mechanisms of cannabis and methamphetamine abuse.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.160-164
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• 2009

Notch signaling plays a crucial role in development of the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental hypothesis on etiology of schizophrenia has been implicated. The aim of this study is to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Notch homolog 4 (Drosophila) (NOTCH4) gene are associated with schizophrenia. This study included 283 schizophrenia patients diagnosed according to DSM-IV and 301 normal control subjects. Control subjects without history of psychiatric disorders were recruited. Four missense SNPs [rs915894 (exon 3, Lys117Gln), rs2071282 (exon 4, Pro204Leu), rs422951 (exon 6, Thr320Ala), and rs17604492 (exon 18, Gly942Arg)] of NOTCH4 gene were genotyped by the direct sequencing method. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, and recessive models) were employed to evaluate odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and p value. For analysis of genetic data, SNPStats, Haploview, HapAnalyzer, SNPAnalyzer, and Helixtree programs were also used. Of 4 SNPs, rs2071282 was weekly associated with schizophrenia in two alternative models (codominant model, P=0.049; dominant, P=0.041). However, these associations were not significant after Bonferroni correction. At 4 SNPs, one linkage disequilibrium (LD) block was made. This block consisted of rs915894 and rs2071282. In haplotype analysis, AC haplotype was weakly associated with schizophrenia (dominant, P=0.04). This association was disappeared after Bonferroni correction. Our result shows possibility that some SNPs of NOTCH4 gene may be weekly associated with development of schizophrenia in Korean population. However, replication result by other population will be needed.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2007

Panic disorder is a common psychiatric illness that causes considerable morbidity. However, the biological basis of panic disorder remains unclear. In this report, we present and summarize the current literature on functional neuroimaging studies related to the neurobiology of panic disorder. The findings were summarized and divided into six groups : (1) known brain structures related to anxiety, especially panic disorder ; (2) structural results ; (3) functional imaging studies at rest ; (4) functional imaging studies with challenge testing ; (5) neuroreceptor studies ; and (6) changes in the treatment of panic disorder. Based on the findings of these neuroimaging studies, it seems as though panic disorder involves the hippocampal and parahippocampal areas, including the amygdala, as well as some cortical regions, such as the temporal and prefrontal cortices. Panic disorder is known to be associated with an imbalance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain at rest or during panic attacks. During a panic attack, patients with panic disorder are likely to experience an increase in local activity in the cingulate, insula, midbrain, and so on. On the other hand, a widespread reduction in the cortical areas has also been reported in most provocation studies. Thus, panic disorder may be related to the excess activation of the fear networks in response to subtle environmental cues and insufficient inhibition from higher cortical control areas ; however ; further studies are recommended in order to fully understand the neurobiology of panic disorder.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2006

Objectives: To analyze the general characteristics and clinical differences of poisoning in children and adolescents and to take precautions of occasions. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated poisoning children and adolescents (less than 19 years) visiting to the emergency medical center of tertiary hospital in urban area. We collected demographic data, substance exposure data (materials, causes of poisoning and amount), and clinical outcome of poisoning for the past 2 years and 9 months. Results: 189 cases were reported of concerning poisoning in children and adolescents. The age groups were divided into four categories. (1) Infants group:<2 year, (2) Preschool age group: $2{\sim}5year$, (3) Children group: $6{\sim}12year$ and (4) Adolescents group: $13{\sim}18year$. The most vulnerable age group was the infants group. There were two-peaks of age distribution in poisoned patients on the whole. Various types of materials belonged to classes of druqs (56.6%). household products (34.4%) and industrial solvents (9.0%). On adolescents group, the frequency of drug poisoning was significantly high, in comparison with infants, preschool age, and children group (p=0.001). Most of the patient groups had been poisoned accidentally(73.5%), while most cases of adolescents poisoning had been intentional. 63% of the adolescents group had a suicidal purpose. Conclusion: The incidence of poisoning was most highly due to drugs. The cause of poisoning is most commonly accidental. while in adolescent group, intentional poisoning is mostly common. Special cares, like keeping children away from drugs, will be needed to prevent children poisoning, and psychiatric consultation and supportive cares can reduce the adolescents poisoning cases.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.7-17
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• 1981

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between family attitude about mental illness and their general characteristics. The subjects for this study were a sample of 120 families selected from psychiatric ward of one university hospital, which is one national hospital in Seoul. Data was collected from July 1th to August 10th in 3980 used by Opinion about Mental Illness Scale (O.M.I.). The materials were analized by S.P.S.S. program. The findings of the study were as follows: A. Families' attitude toward mental illness shown ay this study was more negative compared to those of Korea1 nursing professorss, nurses and nursing students. B. Variables which influence families' attitude about mental illness: 1. There is no significant between general characteristics and authoritarianism. (p＞ 0.05) 2. Benevolence (Factor B) was found to be significantly related to such variables as religion, eucation levels, existence of mental patient in their an intimate friends. (P < 0.01) Families' attitude about benevolence was mere positive in families who have not relegion or having christion beliefs: haying the higher education levels; not having a mental patient in their an intimate friends. 3. Mental health ideology (Factor C) was found to be significantly related to variable experience of mental illness. (P < 0.01). families' attitude about mental health ideology was more positive in families who had experience of mental illness. 4. Social Restrictiveness (Factor D) was found to be significantly related to variable relationship between families and patients(P<0.01). An intimate friend's attitude about mental health Ideology was mon positive than that of parent and couple. 5. Interpersonal Etiology (Factor E) was found to be significantly related to variable religion (P < 0.05). Families' attitude about interpersonal etiology was more positive in families who have relegion.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2015

Purpose : This study examined the social and environmental change in the outpatient department of psychiatry, were analyzed disease characteristics and using characteristics of the mental illness. Thus, this aims to provide a material that can be used for efficient spatial composition of psychiatry. Methods : This study was conducted through a literature review, observation surveys, interviews. Results : Psychiatry is aware of the need to respond to the current needs of ambulatory space, there are concerns that the spatial configuration for your needs. In accordance with the results of studies conducted are as follows: 1) Specialty care programs and space needs based on segmentation and specialization of the disease 2) Considered in conjunction with the layout of essential space and other departments 3) Spatial composition and furnishings for characteristic of psychiatry 4) Spatial configuration taking into account the patient's characteristic. Implications : This study looked at the change of social change and the environment related to psychiatry. Grasp the present state of spatial composition in psychiatry. And the use characteristics of patients and guardians were investigated. Meanwhile, studies of psychiatric outpatient department is still lacking. As a result, its significance is to analyze the spatial composition requirements.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.31-37
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• 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychopathological features such as depression and anxiety in schizophrenics with obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) as well as the severity of OCS according to duration of schizophrenia. Methods We randomly selected sixty four inpatients with schizophrenia. We classified the patients into two groups (OCS group, non-OCS group) according to the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Clinical and demographic features were evaluated. To assess OCS, Y-BOCS were performed. The Korean version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(K-PANSS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Korean version of the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (K-CDSS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were conducted. Independent t-test and chi-square test were conducted to compare the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the duration of schizophrenia and the Y-BOCS score. Results The Y-BOCS, K-CDSS, and BAI scores were higher in the OCS group. There was a significant correlation between the duration of schizophrenia and the Y-BOCS score. Conclusions Anxiety and depression symptoms were severe in the OCS group. In addition, the results of this study indicate that the longer duration of schizophrenia, the more severe the OCS. Therefore, the evaluation of OCS in schizophrenics should be accompanied by treatment intervention.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.146-152
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• 2012

Objective : Individuals with anxiety disorders experience a wide range of time to seeking treatment (TST) as well as various comorbid mental disorders. The present study examined the TST in social anxiety disorder (SAD) and panic disorder. This study aimed to find out the influence of comorbid mental disorder on TST of anxiety disorder through the comparison of SAD and panic disorder. Methods : This study included 311 SAD and 378 panic disorder patients at the initial visit of psychiatric clinic. Contribution of clinical (number of comorbidity, comorbid type and onset age) and demographic (current age) factors to TST were investigated by multivariate analysis. Results : The median length of TST was 14.03 years in SAD and 2.26 years in panic disorder. In social anxiety disorder, fewer comorbidity, younger onset age, and older age were factors associated with delayed TST. In panic disorder, only younger onset age was associated with delayed TST. In both disorders, comorbid depressive disorder was associated with shorter TST. Conclusion : Our data provided the differences in illness behavior needing help based on comorbid mental disorders between SAD and panic disorder. In addition to comorbid disorder, factors affecting TST of anxiety disorder requires future investigation.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.317-342
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current state of foodservice and clinical nutrition management in a hospital-based nutrition department. Nutritional guidelines and survey reports of hospital evaluation programs from 2004 to 2009 were analyzed. In total, 275 hospitals in the first period and 288 hospitals in the second period were evaluated. The division of knife and chopping board use decreased from 97.2% in 2005 to 89.7% in 2008, the maintenance of a proper freezer temperature (below $-18^{\circ}C$) increased from 82.1% in 2004 to 97.7% in 2007 (88.9% to 97.4% from large hospitals and 69.8% to 86.5% from small/medium hospitals in 2005 and 2008, respectively). In tube-feeding management, the performance rate of material cold storage and the offer rate of tube-feeding were 65.9% and 94.2% in 2007, respectively. The cold storage of material, proper use within 24 hours after opening or production, and the use of an appropriate label were 47.3%, 71.2% and 67.2% in 2009, respectively. The rate of a management system for undernourished patients was 86.0% in 2007 (56.4% for large hospitals, 18.9% for small/medium hospitals) and 14.3% in 2009. In standards of nutrition support management, the performance rates of constructing a nutrition support team, the nutrition support team activity, and organizing multidisciplinary team were 66.7%, 43.6%, and 64.1% respectively, in 2004. For large hospitals, those rates were 61.1%, 36.1%, and 58.3%, in 2005, 93.0%, 62.8%, and 91.9% in 2007, and 69.2%, 43.6%, and 69.2% in 2008, respectively. The results of this study suggest standards on sanitary foodservice preparation, production, and tube-feeding production need to correspond with HACCP regulations for small/meidium hospitals in standards of a healthcare accreditation system. It will be necessary to understand the operating conditions of nutrition departments in convalescent hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and geriatrics hospitals. As the application of accreditation is required from 2013, standards will need to be improved and continuously updated for healthcare accreditation.