Management of suicide in general practice - a practical approach

General practitioners often come into contact with patients with suicidal thoughts and behaviour An understanding of the etiologies and a proper psychosocial assessment are essential in the management of such patients. Suitable treatment and appropriate referral can be quite rewarding.published_or_final_versio

The interesting phenomena of delusional disorders

Delusional disorders are not uncommon psychotic disorders, yet they are not readily recognised by doctors. There are different types of delusional disorder, some of which are centered on issues of love, hate, obsession, persecution or physical illness. These patients sometimes present to non-psychiatrists and have no insight into their problems. Occasionally, aggressive acting out behaviour, including homicide and suicide, can be frightening. Although treatment is difficult, many do respond well to anti-psychotic medications.published_or_final_versio

Diagnosing and managing panic disorder in primary care

Panic disorder is a common and frightening disorder, but it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. It has a high morbidity and mortality including suicide. The causes are multi-factorial, both biological and psychosocial. Co-morbidities include agoraphobia, other anxiety disorders, depressive disorder and substance abuse. A diagnosis checklist is suggested. Management using medications and/or cognitive-behavioural therapy is not difficult and relatively safe. Prompt recognition and treatment can have a gratifying response and good prognosis.published_or_final_versio

The interesting but confusing phenomenon of neurasthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome

The term ‘neurasthenia’ is rather confusing, particularly for the Chinese. It has undergone metamorphosis, and is nowadays characterised by unexplained persistent physical symptoms especially chronic fatigue. It is a common presentation to primary care doctors, and these patients are frequent consumers of health care services of various types. There is a high association with psychological distress and other psychiatric disorders have to be ruled out in order to reduce confusion. Treatment is rather non-specific, though antidepressants and/or cognitive-behavioural therapy can be quite effective. The author recommends that the term ‘eurasthenia’ be used as a layman term while communicating with the patient, but to use ‘chronic fatigue syndrome’ as a medical terminology when corresponding with other colleagues.published_or_final_versio

Organotin contamination in market seafood and its implication for human health risk in Hong Kong

Theme: Building a better future: Responsible innovation and environmental protectionPoster presentation: TH101Organotins (OTs), in particular tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms ever since their wide application as biocides in 1960s. For instance, TBT can induce the abnormal development of imposex in marine gastropods, and inhibit growth and development in oysters. A mandatory global ban on the use of OT-based antifouling systems has been enacted by International Maritime Organization to mini...postprin

The diagnosis and management of obsessive compulsive disorders in primary care

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a unique psychiatric problem. It is common in the community but often hidden in the clinical setting. Scientific findings suggest an organic basis, but psychological explanations are also important. Diagnosis is not difficult if accompanied by assessment schedules. Treatment consists mainly of cognitive-behavioural therapies and serotonin reuptake blockers. The therapeutic response is good, but complete remission is uncommon.published_or_final_versio

The interesting phenomenon of dissociative disorder

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Diagnosis and management of phobic anxiety disorders in primary care

Fear or phobia is a common phenomenon, but many people develop specific types of phobic anxiety disorders. The more common ones are agoraphobia, specific phobias and social phobia. Agoraphobia is often associated with panic attacks, while specific phobia is often accompanied by fainting spells. Social phobia is often a neglected topic, but is now becoming more important. Each type of phobia has its own unique features and deserves specific forms of treatment.published_or_final_versio

Complete genomic sequence of Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line C666-1

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Profile changes of putative periodontal pathogens after non-surgical periodontal treatment

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