• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2125-2132
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• 2012

Fluoxetine and tianeptine are commonly used as antidepressants (AD), and haloperidol and risperidone are widely used as antipsychotic drugs (APD), and it modulates various ion channels. TREK2 channel subfamily is very similar to physiological properties of TREK1 channel which can play important roles in the pathophysiology of mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, therefore, the pharmacological effect of psychiatric and depression drug on TREK2 channel may be similar to those of TREK1. Using the excised inside-out patch-clamp technique, we have examined the effects of APD and AD on cloned TREK2 channel expressed CHO cells. Fluoxetine (selective serotonin release inhibitor, SSRI) inhibited the TREK2 channel in a concentration-dependent manner ($IC_{50}$ $13{\mu}M$), whereas selective serotonin reuptake enhancer (SSRE) tianeptine increased without reducing the TREK2 channel activity. Haloperidol also inhibited the TREK2 channel in a concentration-dependent manner ($IC_{50}$ $44{\mu}M$), whereas even higher concentration ($100{\mu}M$) of risperidone did not completely inhibit on the activity. This study showed that TREK2 channel was preferentially blocked by fluoxetine rather than tianeptine, and inhibited by haloperidol rather than risperidone, suggesting differential effect of TREK2 channels by APD and AD may contribute to some mechanism of adverse side effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2010

Objectives: Cocaine has been well known as a representative drug of abuse for its strong reinforcing effect linked to the mesolimbic reward system including dopamine, and such reinforcement leads to the addiction. Acupuncture has been used widely in eastern Asia for the treatment of various diseases including mental disorders and psychiatric problems, and is gathering more interest as one of the complementary and alternative medicines in western countries. In a previous study, we demonstrated that acupuncture at HT7 could affect dopamine release in the mesolimbic system of rats sensitized to alcohol and morphine. This study was designed to investigate whether acupuncture at HT7 could attenuate cocaine intake or not. Material & Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270-300 g at the start of experiment were trained to self-administer food pellets under a fixed ratio 1 schedule. After the success of acquisition of 100 pellets within 3 h for 3 consecutive days, animals were subjected to surgery whereby Silastic tubing was implanted into right jugular vein and secured with mesh under the anesthetization using pentobarbital injection (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Following recovery, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.25 mg/kg) in daily 2 h sessions under fixed ratio 1 schedule over 10 days. Each treatment was performed on the next day of each establishment of baseline. Results: Results show that acupuncture at HT7, but not at control points, reduced cocaine intake significantly. Acupuncture at HT7 decreased selectively active lever response from $63.15{\pm}3.35$ to $51.46{\pm}3.99$ corresponding $82.12{\pm}5.31%$ compared to basal level. Also, it was demonstrated that the effect of acupuncture was mainly occurred at the half period. Nevertheless, acupuncture at HT7 did not influence the food taking behavior. Conclusions: From the results of this study, it may be suggested that acupuncture at HT7, at least in part, could contribute to the treatment of cocaine abuse.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2010

Objectives: Ginseng has a long history of being used in insomnia treatment and there is some evidence from animal studies of its sleep-enhancing property. From this, it can be assumed that ginseng has sleep-promoting effect in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng on change of sleep architecture in humans. Methods: A total of 20 healthy young males with regular sleep and wake habits and without any psychiatric nor cognitive problems were selected based on review of sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries they completed followed by an interview with a board-certified psychiatrist. The subjects were randomly assigned to red ginseng or placebo for 2 weeks of trial. The total daily dose of ginseng was 4,500 mg. The polysomnographic recordings were made at baseline and at 2 weeks after. The effects of red ginseng and placebo on sleep were assessed by comparing the changes in polysomnographic variables between the two groups. Results: A total of 15 subjects, 8 from red ginseng group and 7 from placebo group, were included to undergo polysomnographic procedures. The red ginseng group showed tendencies to increase stage 3 sleep (p=0.087) and to decrease stage 2 sleep (p=0.071) from the baseline compared with the placebo group. Conclusion: Korean red ginseng tends to increase deep sleep and decrease shallow sleep. Our result is in line, at least in part, with previous findings that Korean red ginseng increased total and NREM sleep in rats. Further studies with higher ginseng dosage, larger sample size and longer trial duration should be conducted to confirm the sleep stabilizing and balancing effects of Korean red ginseng.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2010

Objective : This study compared the psychological stresses of depressed patients' families with those of schizophrenic patients' families. We investigated the influence of depressive patients' clinical features and their families' demographic characteristics on the families' depressive symptoms and stresses. Methods : Participants were 23 family members of depressed patients and 20 family members of schizophrenic patients. We measured the patients' clinical features (duration of illness, number of previous hospitalizations, and satisfaction with medication), and each family member's socioeconomic status and psychological characteristics (depressive mood, anxiety, family stress, and stress response), analyzing the data via independent t-test, chi-square test, and correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results : The depressed patients' average clinical global impression (CGI) was significantly higher than that of the schizophrenic patients. The depressed patients' family members showed stress responses significantly higher than those of schizophrenic patients' family members. Furthermore, in depressed patients, frequency of hospitalization was positively correlated with family members' stat anxiety. For both patient types, family stress was positively correlated with the patient's severity of illness and the family's state anxiety, trait anxiety, and stress response ; socioeconomic status was positively correlated with the family's depressive symptoms ; the family's state anxiety positively correlated with the family's trait anxiety and stress response ; and the family's trait anxiety positively correlated with the family's stress response. Socioeconomic status predicted the family's depressive symptoms, and socioeconomic, illness severity and stress response predicted family stress. Conclusion : These findings suggest that both depressed patients' families and schizophrenic patients' families suffer from psychological stress. The study data also have important clinical implications, in that families of depressed patients need psychiatric intervention, as well as the patients themselves. In particular, family intervention should focus on psycho-education and stress coping strategies.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2008

Objective : Due to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the relative limitations in the treatment of patients with PTSD, a variety of medications and treatment algorithms for PTSD have been investigated. This study was conducted to investigate the trends in the pharmacotherapy used in the treatment of inpatients with PTSD at a single university hospital in Korea. Methods : Data from 75 patients diagnosed with PTSD according to the DSM-IV criteria from January 1998 to December 2007 were collected. Demographic data and clinical data, including medications prescribed, were investigated. Results : Thirty-three of the 75 subjects included in this study were male, and 42 were female. Considering psychiatric comorbidity, depressive disorder, cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder and anxiety disorder were reported in order. Approximately 97% of the subjects were treated with antidepressants, including paroxetine in 54.7%, and 24% of the subjects were treated with two different kinds of antidepressants. In addition, atypical antipsychotics were prescribed in 33.3% of patients, mood stabilizers in 17.3%, and anxiolytics in 94.7% of the subjects. Conclusion : In our study, various kinds of antidepressants were prescribed for most patients with PTSD. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers were added to the treatment regimens of some subjects, and anxiolytics were added to the treatment regimens of most subjects. Despite its many limitations, this study shows the prescription pattern and trends in PTSD treatment in Korea. We hope that these preliminary data would be helpful for the development and integration of a practical guideline for the treatment of PTSD in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2021

Objectives : The risk of weight gain is high when using antipsychotic drugs, and the prevalence of obesity in people with mental illness is high. Obesity management in psychiatric patients is important because obesity causes various complications and lowers treatment adherence and quality of life. Methods : In this review, we summarized the management strategies for obesity that can occur when using antipsychotic drugs through a web search. Results : Evaluate obesity-related risk factors and related indicators from the beginning of treatment, and conduct regular monitoring. If an antipsychotic drug is used and obesity is induced, a change to a drug with a low metabolic risk may be attempted. Sufficient interventions are also needed on the need to manage obesity, a healthy diet, and exercises in patients and their families. If weight loss is not achieved and obesity-related complications are associated, the use of anti-obesity drugs may be considered. Pharmacological treatment approaches should be carefully considered. Conclusions : Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies can be applied to manage weight gain and obesity caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs. When using anti-obesity drugs, the characteristics of mental disorders, drug safety, and drug interactions should be considered.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2019

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate consensus relative to treatment strategies for psychosocial treatment in panic disorder, that represents one subject addressed by the Korean guidelines for treatment of panic disorder 2018. Methods : The executive committee developed questionnaires relative to treatment strategies for patients with panic disorder based on guidelines, algorithms, and clinical trials previously published in foreign countries and Korea. Seventy-two (61.0%) of 112 experts on a committee reviewing panic disorder responded to the questionnaires. We classified the consensus of expert opinions into three categories (first-line, second-line, and third-line treatment strategies), and identified treatment of choice using the Chi-square test and 95% confidence intervals. Results : For psychosocial treatment of panic disorder, individual and group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) were recommended treatments of choice, and mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was recommended as first line strategy. There was statistically significant consensus among experts regarding usefulness of each component of CBT and MBCT, for treatment of patients with panic disorder. Conclusion : Results, that reflect recent studies and clinical experiences, may provide the guideline for psychosocial treatment strategies for panic disorder.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.69-76
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and its association with suicide attempts among clinically depressed adolescents in Korea. Methods : In total, 113 depressed adolescents aged 12-18 years in South Korea were enrolled in this study. We assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) using various self-reported scales and semi-structured interview for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were compared between NSSI and non-NSSI groups. We examined significant predictors of suicide attempts using logistic regression analysis. Results : Among 113 depressed participants, 48 (42.1%) adolescents were classified into the NSSI group. In the NSSI group, there were significantly more females, showed higher depression, higher state-anxiety, and more suicide ideation. The most predictive factors of suicide attempts were history of NSSI, observed suicide/NSSI behaviors of their family or friends, and total state anxiety score. Conclusions : NSSI is more common problem among clinically depressed adolescents and history of NSSI is a significant predictor of present suicide attempts. To include the assessment of NSSI for clinically depressed adolescent may be crucial for intervention programs for high risk adolescents of suicide in Korea.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2019

Objective : GRIT is a non-cognitive trait which is defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It predicts success, performance and thedifference from other traits. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the GRIT scale. Methods : A total of 92 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients received psychiatric assessment including Clinical Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS), Clinical Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and GRIT as well as demographic assessment. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of total GRIT score and the split-half reliability of each item was calculated to assess test reliability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to select the best fitting model and assess construct validity. Finally, a correlation analysis was performed to check convergent and discriminant validity. Results : Cronbach's alpha coefficient for GRIT was found to be 0.85 and all Cronbach's alpha were more than 0.8 even in cases where all items were deleted. We found 3 appropriate factor models in exploratory factor analysis, compared them with 3 models and chose the 2-factor model as the most suitable based on the best fit test. Finally, correlation of the GRIT with CUDOS, CUXOS, PHQ-15, CDRS and BRS were statistically significant (all p<0.01), with relatively low correlation coefficient. Conclusion : This study indicates that the Korean version of GRIT is a reliable and valid instrument for investigating individual power of passion and perseverance.

• Psychiatry investigation
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.1046-1052
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• 2018

Objective The aims of the present study were to explore the occurrence of childhood trauma and importantly to determine the impacts of childhood trauma on psychosocial features in a Chinese sample of young adults. Methods A survey was carried out in a group of 555 university students by using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Dysfunctional Attitudes Questionnaire (DAS), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The moderate-severe cut-off scores for CTQ were used to calculate the prevalence of childhood trauma, and then psychosocial features were compared between individuals with and without childhood trauma. Results A proportion of 18.6% of university students had self-reported childhood trauma exposures. Subjects with childhood trauma reported higher scores of SDS, SAS, DAS, and psychoticism and neuroticism dimensions of EPQ (t=4.311-5.551, p<0.001); while lower scores of SSRS and extraversion dimension of EPQ (t=-4.061- -3.039, p<0.01). Regression analyses further revealed that scores of SAS and DAS were positively (Adjusted B=0.211-0.230, p<0.05), while scores of SSRS were negatively (Adjusted B=-0.273- -0.240, p<0.05) associated with specific CTQ scores. Conclusion Childhood trauma is still a common social and psychological problem. Individuals with childhood trauma show much more depression, anxiety, distorted cognition, personality deficits, and lower levels of social support, which may represent the social and psychological vulnerability for developing psychiatric disorders after childhood trauma experiences.