• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2019

Since non-cardiac chest discomfort (NCCD) can result in substantial healthcare burden and lower quality of life, interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been investigated for the relief of NCCD. In this review, we aimed to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of the CBT for the treatment of NCCD while introducing a newly-developed computerized CBT program for NCCD. Studies applying CBT to individuals with NCCD were searched for from both English and Korean electronic databases. Among 37 studies, 11 randomized controlled trials, 4 case-control studies, 1 case series, and 2 review articles were eligible for this review. Efficacy of conventional CBT for NCCD was shown in a series of studies as most of them reported improved symptom severity of NCCD or NCCD-related anxiety. However, a substantial variability existed among these studies in participants, treatment procedures and durations. High attrition rates were also reported in these studies on conventional CBT. Computerized CBT could be an alternative to the conventional CBT as it can be standardized and more easily accessible, but it was only reported in one previous study. In addition to the literature review, we presented a newly-developed computerized CBT program for NCCD which may overcome some of the limitations of conventional CBT. A computerized CBT could be an alternative treatment of NCCD, however, need further studies on its usefulness.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.147-158
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• 2003

Objective:The differences of various neurocognitive functions, including attention, memory, motor function, and higher cognitive function were compared between PTSD patients and normal control subjects. Also, correlation with PTSD symptom severity and neurocognitive functions were evaluated between PTSD patients and normal control subjects. Method:We assessed the neurocognitive functions by computerized neurocognitive test(CNT) batteries. The visual continuous performance test(CPT) and digit span test, finger tapping test and Wisconsin card sorting test(WCST) were executed. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R) was used in the evaluation of the severity of PTSD. Result:The PTSD patients showed significantly impaired neurocognitive performance in all of the items, compared with normal control subjects. The relation between impairment in neurocognitive functions and symptom severity showed significant correlations. Conclusion:These results imply that PTSD patients have impaired neurocognitive functions concerning with specific brain areas, especially the frontal area. For the thorough evaluation of further neurocognitive functions, more detailed evaluation items of neurocognitive functions and brain imaging studies are necessary in the future study.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.89-96
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• 1997

This study was designed to determine whether cognitive impairment was evident in patients with SLE. Also, it aimed to examine the association of cognitive impairment with other clinical variables. The subjects consisted of 20 patients with mildly active SLE and 20 healthy controls. Methods : A total of 20 SLE patients and 20 normal controls completed a computerized neuropsychological test battery using Vienna Test System. These included Cognitrone test, Continuous attention test, Corsi block tapping test, Standard progressive matrices. Also, neuro-behavioral cognitive status examination was done. The symptom severity of depression was measured with Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and current medications were documented. Disease activity was rated using the SLE diasease activity index (SLEDAI). Results : SLE patients had poorer performance than normal controls on the tests of Cognitrone, attention, nonverbal IQ and memory, independent of age, education, disease activity, steroid use and depression status. Conclusion : Cognitive dysfunction was not uncommon in ambulatory SLE patients as measured by standardized neuropsychological tests. It seemed to occur independently of various clinical variables. These findings would suggest that cognitive dysfunction in SLE may be explained by reflecting subclinical central nervous system(CNS) involvement, rather than coexisting psychological distress due to chronic illness or side effect of medication.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.210-217
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• 2010

Objectives : We investigated a correlation of cognitive function, depression, suicidal idea and serum lipid levels in Korean elderly over 60 years old to find risk factors of deprssion and cognitive decline. Methods : 834 persons participated in this study. Clinical evaluation was done at a point by using Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of CERAD assessment packet(MMSE-KC). We also evaluated 165 persons that agreed to our exact examination for Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS), Scale for Suicidal Ideation(SSI), Hachinski Ischemic Score and serum lipid profile. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate correlation among serum lipid levels, MMSE-KC and SSI. One-way ANOVA was used for comparison of serum lipid levels and cognitive function, depression and SSI. We did a post-hoc analysis. Results : Depression and suicidal ideation were related with cognitive impairment in Korean elderly over 60 years old. Those who have more severe cognitive impairment and depressive symptom, have higher Hachinski ischemic score. We can see high HDL cholesterol levels only in the normal control group. Low total, HDL, LDL cholesterol were related with depression. Conclusion : There was high prevalence of depression in the Korean elderly over 60 years old and low serum lipid level was related with severity of depression and high suicidal ideation. In the normal control group, we can see high HDL cholesterol levels. To confirm this result, we need well-designed and wide range study.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.205-217
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• 2008

After recovery from acute carbon monoxide poisoning, some patients suffer from neuropsychiatric problems such as cognitive impairement, movement disorder, change of personality and mental disorder after lucid interval in which the patient has no symptom. This sequela of carbon monoxide poisoning is called delayed post-anoxic encephalopathy(DPE). No neuroprotective drug has yet demonstrated ecfficacy and hyperbaric oxygen treatment's effect have little scientific evidence in preventing and improving DPE. In such situation, korean traditional treatment may be helpful in treating the patient suffering from DPE. In this case report, we will describe the patient that has suffered from severe DPE involving cognitive impairment, gait disturbance and incontinence but has been improved successfully by korean traditional medicine treatment, especially Jowiseungchungtang. This case could present how we will study about DPE.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.187-196
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was performed to report the effect of oriental treatments for panic disorder with functional gastrointestinal disturbance. Methods : In this case, a 30 year-old female patient has been suffered by panic disorder with functional gastrointestinal disturbance for 10 years. This case can be caused by KanKiUlKyul(肝氣鬱結), KanKiBeomYi(肝氣犯胃) and KanKiSeungBi(肝氣乘脾). We treated the patient with Herbal medication, Cognitive-behavioral therapy and Relaxation therapy. The effects of treatment were measured by GSRS(Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale), BPI(Brief Pain Inventory) and VAS(Visual Analog Scale) Results : As a result of oriental treatments, the symptoms of Panic Disorder with Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance was improved. Conclusions : These results suggest that oriental treatments have an effect on Panic Disorder with Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.84-87
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• 2021

Morsicatio buccarum is a condition caused by chronic cheek biting. It means frictional hyperkeratosis by repetitive cheek biting, which may be associated with obsessive compulsion. Clinically it presents as rough, shaggy, whitish, often peeling surface. We report a 9-year-old female patient who complained oral ulceration on both buccal mucosa. The initial diagnosis was oral candidiasis because of whitish plaques which were peeled off. Topical antifungal agent was ineffective and the symptom did not disappear. By incisional biopsy, she was diagnosed with morsicatio buccarum. A soft oral appliance was placed in the patient's oral cavity. Although morsicatio buccarum improved significantly when the appliance was used, the oral lesion had a tendency to recur, when the patient stopped using the appliance. In case of recurrence, cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder is needed for the fundamental treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1677-1684
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• 2016

Background: Among the factors reported to determine the quality of life of breast cancer patients are socio-demographic background, clinical stage, type of treatment received, and the duration since diagnosis. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life (QOL) scores among breast cancer patients at a Malaysian public hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients was conducted between March to June 2013. QOL scores were determined using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23). Both the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 assess items from functional and symptom scales. The QLQ-C30 in addition also measures the Global Health Status (GHS). Systematic random sampling was used to recruit patients. Results: 223 breast cancer patients were recruited with a response rate of 92.1%. The mean age of the patients was 52.4 years (95% CI = 51.0, 53.7, SD=10.3). Majority of respondents are Malays (60.5%), followed by Chinese (19.3%), Indians (18.4%), and others (1.8%). More than 50% of respondents are at stage III and stage IV of malignancy. The mean Global Health Status was 65.7 (SD = 21.4). From the QLQ-C30, the mean score in the functioning scale was highest for 'cognitive functioning' (84.1, SD=18.0), while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for 'financial difficulties' (40.1, SD=31.6). From the QLQ-BR23, the mean score for functioning scale was highest for 'body image' (80.0, SD=24.6) while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for 'upset by hair loss' (36.2, SD=29.4). Two significant predictors for Global Health Status were age and employment. The predictors explained 10.6% of the variation of global health status ($R^2=0.106$). Conclusions: Age and employment were found to be significant predictors for Global Health Status (GHS). The Quality of Life among breast cancer patients reflected by the GHS improves as age and employment increases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.544-554
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• 2023

Background: Postural hypotension refers to a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more within three minutes after standing up from lying down. Symptoms of postural hypotension not only include dizziness and blurred vision but also fatigue, cognitive decline, leg weakness, headache, and, in severe cases, fainting. Postural hypotension is a phenomenon that occurs in about 6% of the total population, and in Korea, the number of patients with postural hypotension is continuously increasing. Both pharmacological and non-drug therapies, which are treatment methods for this disease, do not show a satisfactory symptom improvement effect. Case summary: A 65-year-old male patient who visited the hospital complaining of dizziness and paresthesia due to postural hypotension was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. For symptom evaluation, the numeric rating scale (NRS) of each symptom was used, and blood pressure change according to posture was measured. After treatment, the NRSs of dizziness and dysesthesia were decreased, and blood pressure changes according to posture was improved. Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean medicine treatment, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, can be an effective treatment for dizziness with postural hypotension.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the prevalence and composite score of the neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCI), and dementia of Alzheimer's type(AD). The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between the result of Korean Neuropsychiatric Inventory(K-NPI) and cognitive function. Methods : A total of 163 patients diagnosed with MCI or AD was divided into three groups(55 MCI patients, 56 dementia patients with mild stage, and 52 dementia patients with moderate, severe stage). We examined neuro-psychiatric symptoms by K-NPI and compared the prevalence and composite score of each subdomain in K-NPI among three groups. Results : The most common symptoms in the MCI group were depression/dysphoria, sleep/night-time behavior, anxiety, and irritability/lability. In mild AD group, the most frequent disturbance was agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, anxiety, apathy/indifference, and sleep/night-time behavior. In moderate to severe AD group, the most frequent disturbance was apathy/indifference, depression/dysphoria, agitation/aggression, and delusion. The frequencies of delusion, hallucination, agitation/aggression, apathy/indifference, aberrant motor behavior, appetite/eating change were statistically significant. The total NPI score showed a negative correlation with MMSE-KC and a positive correlation with GDS. Conclusions : Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common features of MCI and AD. These symptoms observed in MCI are similar to those of mild AD. Psychosis is most common in moderate to severe AD, leading to a faster rate of cognitive decline. Therefore, proper management according to the neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI and three stages of dementia is needed.