Gary D. Tollefson

Hypersomnia in major depressive disorders

Hypersomnia was experienced by 17 of 102 patients with major depressive disorder. Comparisons between hypersomnic and non-hypersomnic depressives demonstrated significant associations between hypersomnia and increased appetite, weight gain, agitation, headaches, depression in a first-degree relative, and earlier age of illness onset.

Elevations of urinary MHPG in depressed patients with panic attacks

Anxiety may be associated with increased norepinephrine activity. Urinary levels of the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were examined in depressed patients with and without panic attacks. Depressed patients with panic attacks had significant elevations of MHPG.

Is chronic primary major depression a distinct depression subtype

Abstract Eighteen chronic primary major depressives differed little from 106 nonchronic primary major depressives when compared on multiple clinical variables, including symptoms, longitudinal course, and family history. Chronic depressives had an earlier age of illness onset, more depressive episodes and were more likely to have attempted suicide at some time in their life. It is our interpretation that this data leaves open the issue of whether chronic depression is a distinct depressive subtype.

Comparison of major depressions with and without panic attacks

Abstract Panic attacks occur in some patients with major depressive disorder. To examine whether this group of patients might represent a unique depressive subtype, we compared 18 depressives with panic attacks to 85 depressives without panic attacks, using multiple clinical variables. Few differences were found. Depressives with panic attacks had an increased number of first-degree relatives with alcoholism, and they experienced increased levels of anxiety, dysphoria, guilt, and initial insomnia.

Is the Distinction Between Situational and Nonsituational Primary Depression Valid

Abstract Fifty-one patients with situational major depression were compared to 75 nonsituational depressives, using multiple clinical variables. Very few differences were found between the two groups for the 75 tested variables. The study data is most consistent with the postulate that the division of depressives into situational and nonsituational categories may not be valid.

Does cold winter weather produce depressive symptoms

To examine whether harsh winter weather is associated with depressive symptoms, 45 healthy subjects from Minnesota were compared to 42 subjects from California near the end of the winter season. No differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms were found between the two groups.

Association of affective disorder with migraine headaches and neurodermatitis

Two patients experienced multiple affective episodes that were consistently preceded by migraine headaches and neurodermatitis. Evidence is reviewed that suggests a possible role for abnormalities of serotonin metabolism for the reported association of affective disorder, migraine, and neurodermatitis.

Distinguishing myasthenia gravis from conversion

Abstract The distinction between myasthenia gravis and conversion disorder is a difficult diagnostic challenge partly because the physical disorder is often accompanied by psychological symptoms. Emotional disturbances have been associated with prolonged myasthenic symptoms and with the increased anticholinesterase requirements resulting from the condition. Further, psychic distress has been reported to precede the onset of myasthenia gravis in some cases. To ascertain whether neuromuscular weakness represents conversion, the author suggests a thorough physical examination and an evaluation based on several criteria including denial, poor compliance, and the presence of primary or secondary gain. In the case of myasthenia gravis, supportive, comprehensive psychotherapy should help patients mobilize their resources and allay their fears.