Conclusions. Impaired insight is a significant feature of some ED patients. Insight in EDs seems to be partially dependent on intact mental flexibility.”
“Background. The stress response involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

(HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). As a role for stress in determining of the onset and the natural course of eating disorders (EDs) has been proposed, the study of the psychobiology of the stress response in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) should be helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders. The two neurobiological components of the stress response can be easily explored in humans by the measurement of Bromosporine research buy salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase response to a stressor. Therefore, we assessed salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in symptomatic patients with AN and BN compared to healthy controls.

Method. Seven AN women, eight BN women and eight age-matched healthy females underwent the TSST between 1530 and 1700 h. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent MLN2238 purchase assay (ELISA).

Results. Compared to healthy women, AN patients showed a normal cortisol response to the TSST, although this occurred at significantly increased hormone levels, and an almost complete absence of response of alpha-amylase. BN women, however, exhibited

enhanced pre-stress levels of salivary alpha-amylase but a normal response of the enzyme and cortisol to the TSST.

Conclusions. These findings demonstrate,

for the first time, the occurrence of an asymmetry between the HPA axis and SNS components of the stress response in the acute phase of AN but not in BN. The pathophysiological significance of this asymmetry remains to be determined.”
“Background. This study sought to determine the social and emotional impact of maternal loss on Aboriginal children and young people using data from the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS).

Method. Data were from a population-based random sample of 5289 Aboriginal children aged under 18 years. Interview Low-density-lipoprotein receptor kinase data about the children were gathered from primary carers and from their school teachers. Probabilistic record linkage to death registrations was used to ascertain deaths. Association between maternal death and subsequent psychosocial outcomes was assessed using univariate analyses and logistic regression.

Results. Of the 5289 Aboriginal children, 57 had experienced the death of their birth mother prior to the survey. Multi-variable adjustment accounting for age and gender found that, relative to children who were living with their birth mother, children whose birth mother had died were at higher risk for sniffing glue or other substances [odds ratio (OR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-8.7], using other drugs (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.8), talking about suicide (OR 2.