Differential indications for desipramine--results of a controlled multiclinical study]

The antidepressants desipramine and imipramine were compared within the framework of a multiclinical study performed under the conditions of a controlled clinical experiment. There has been found a time-different remission of affective symptoms, which was not detectable for the inhibition of drive. The tachythymoleptic action of desipramine is discussed with reference to these results. Evaluation of the possibility of controlling affects shows different ranges of activity of desipramine and imipramine, with desipramine influencing especially negative psychoenergetic symptoms in the area of drives and emotions and imipramine, restrictive symptoms in addition to differential phenomena of the psychomotor expression.     

Expansion of the functional visual field and context skipping in a continuous search task

Summary A new experimental paradigm for the investigation of visual search processes is presented. In a continuous visual search task, the target occurs several times in each search list, and a response is required to each occurrence of the target. The analysis of the data is based on the regression of the interresponse intervals on the distance between successive target occurrences. With a view to measure the size of the functional visual field and the efficiency of skipping strategies, the size of letter groups and the minimal distance between successive target occurrences were varied. The rate parameter of the regression functions was used to infer the extent of the functional visual field; the efficiency of skipping was assessed on the basis of the intercept. A U-shaped relationship between the size of letter groups and the rate parameter of the regression functions was predicted and found; during practice, the minimum of the U-function shifted from small to large group sizes. This was taken as an indication that the functional visual field expands during practice in a continuous search task. Evidence for efficient skipping strategies was found at all stages of practice, subject to the constraint that there was a natural relationship between the size of letter groups and the minimal distance between target occurrences.Extended version of a paper given at the 19th Tagung experimentell arbeitender Psychologen, Konstanz 1977. This paper is based on experimental work reported in the Diplom-Arbeiten by Layla Hanning, Ursula Schmidt and Wolfgang Wojde (Psychologisches Institut, Ruhr-Universität Bochum 1977)     

The treatment of epilepsies with Convulsofin

The testing of Convulsofin carried out in 220 patients at 14 clinics over a period of six months confirms the international experience gained with valproic acid and sodium valproinate. The main field of application of Convulsofin according to the experience gained will again be the treatment of fits in generalised primary epilepsy for which it permits to carry out a monotherapy to a remarkable extent. The favourable effect of the preparation in photosensitivity could be confirmed. Also in generalised secondary epilepsy and in fits of partial epilepsy. Convulsofin is partly effective, so that it can recommended as a co-medication in the treatment of therapy-resistant forms of these epilepsies which are difficult to treat. Decrease in thrombocytes, transient increase in serum transaminases, gastrointestinal disorders, loss of hair and undesired increases in body-weight were the more frequently occurring side-effects.     

Glutamate as a transmitter in the CNS and its presumed significance in the pathogenesis of cerebral seizure forms--recent aspects

Glutamate is believed to be quantitatively the most outstanding of the excitatory transmitters in the CNS. Certain conformationally related analogues, e. g. kainate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, ibotenate, and homocysteate, act as glutamate agonists. The local or systemic administration of these "excitotoxic" compounds induces epileptiform activity pointing out new and deeper insights into the epileptic process. Additionally, the glutamate transmitter hypothesis is expected to give a chance of a causal comprehension for choreatic processes as well as for the mode of action of anticonvulsant and antispastic agents.     

The sociodynamogram--a contribution to the objectivization of group process

Two simple sociometric techniques for practical use are described which are derived from the data given in the sociogram. Compared with the conventional sociogram, the group rank score we use everyday therapy has the advantage that it can be published. It permits members of the group to better identify the social situations which cause specific psychic impulses. The sociogram is reserved for the therapist. In our opinion the sociodynamogram has certain advantages over both methods because it provides an insight into spheres which are inaccessible in the sociogram and group rank score.     

Subliminal stimulation, choice behavior and some personality correlates of subliminal sensitivity

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relations between specific personality variables and the effect of subliminal stimulation on choice behavior. It was hypothesized that subjects with low anxiety, less neuroticism, and external locus of control and the trait of extraversion would be more susceptible to subliminal stimulation. 38 undergraduate students were exposed to subliminal messages urging them to choose symbols instead of numbers or letters. Analysis showed that subliminal stimulation did not generate a preference for symbols over numbers or letters. No support was observed for the hypothesis of an association between susceptibility and personality variables. These results may be explained in terms of symbol choice being a neutral message that did not relate to the subjects' needs and motivation.     

Determinants of pride and shame: outcome, expected success and attribution

In two experiments we investigated the relationship between subjective probability of success and pride and shame. According to Atkinson (1957), pride (the incentive of success) is an inverse linear function of the probability of success, shame (the incentive of failure) being a negative linear function. Attribution theory predicts an inverse U-shaped relationship between subjective probability of success and pride and shame. The results presented here are at variance with both theories: Pride and shame do not vary with subjective probability of success. However, pride and shame are systematically correlated with internal attributions of action outcome.     

Some problems of Wilson's disease

The Leipzig Center for Wilson's Disease in the GDR is charged with the registration and diagnosis of all homozygous Wilson gene carriers, the clarification of all suspected cases, including the heterozygote test, and the co-ordination of long-term treatment. At present, there are 78 recorded Wilson gene carriers living. On the basis of our own comprehensive observations and investigations over prolonged periods of time, questions concerning pathogenesis, genetics, diagnosis and therapeutic measures, including their side-effects, are dealt with.