Behavioural problems

Risperidone and olanzapine have been widely used in patients with dementia exhibiting behavioural problems. Following the withdrawal of thioridazine from the market, old age psychiatrists and GPs were increasingly atypical antipsychotics, in particular risperidone as it was the only atypical which had been examined in randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with the elderly. In 2004, the advised that both risperidone... 

Stoppe G, Brandt CA, Staedt JH. Behavioural problems associated with dementia the role of newer antipsy-chotics. Drugs Aging 1999 14(l) 41-54. 

Adverse effects include impaired alertness, amnesia, drowsiness, lethargy, respiratory depression, salivary and bronchial hypersecretion in infants, behavioural problems, muscle weakness, vertigo, ataxia and dizziness. 

The case of alcohol illustrates how a drug-centred model can clarify the potential therapeutic uses of drugs for psychiatric or behavioural problems. Alcohol is a sedative drug that reduces nerve conductivity in the central nervous system. Ingestion of alcohol gives rise to characteristic physiological effects, such as dilation of blood vessels, smooth... 

We are all aware of the importance of tactile stimulation or touch. Babies and young anjmals do not thrive unless cuddled by their mothers, and individuals so deprived often go on to develop behavioural problems in adult life. When something hurts we instinctively rub it better, and the comforting hug directly conveys sympathy in times of crisis. 

Nova Scotia, Dr. Stephen Beauchamp studies toxic chemicals, such as mercury. Loons in Nova Scotia s Kejimkujik National Park are among the living creatures that he studies. Kejimkujik loons have higher blood mercury levels (5 pg Hg/1 g blood) than any other North American loons (2 pg Hg/1 g blood). Mercury is also found in high levels in the fish the loons eat. Mercury causes behavioural problems in the loons. As well, it may affect the loons reproductive success and immune function. 

R.O. Pehl and M. Parkes. Hair analysis on learning and behaviour problems. Hair, Trace Elements Human Illness. A.C. Brown and R. Crouse, Editors. Praeger Publishers, New York, 1980, pp. 128-143. 

Studies of these populations have suggested that there are effects on the immune system, which have also been observed in experimental animals. These changes (decreased levels of antibodies and of certain white blood cells) result in victims having lowered resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Other changes observed were delayed growth and development in children middle ear disease was more common in exposed children more behavioural problems were reported and in some boys the length of the penis was decreased. Some of these effects were only slight. 

Mineral Impurities in Coal Combustion - The Behaviour, Problems and Remedial Measures" Hemisphere New York, 1985. 

Treatment of lead poisoning depends on the blood lead level. Naturally optimal blood levels are zero but less than 10 meg/dl is considered normal. This is misleading however as even at these seemingly low levels, symptoms of toxicity may still be observed. These include lowered IQ and hyperactivity amongst various other neurophsychological and behavioural problems. Therefore it can be said that there is no true toxic threshold for lead and the full clinical piefure needs fo be considered. 

Low level chronic exposme to mercury vapour can also affect the peripheral nervous system, leading to pol)meuropathy (reduced sensory and motor nerve function) and neuropsychological symptoms of stress and behaviour problems. Longer exposures, around 15 years, have been shown in several studies to lead to alterations in pulse rate, blood pressure, memory, sleep disturbance and EEGs, probably as a result of kidney and CNS (central nervous system) dysfunction. 

Dopamine is a chemical messenger produced within the nerve cells that is essential for the transmission of the nerve impulse and hence involved in a wide range of important functions, including movement, cognition and behaviour. Dysfunctions in the central nervous dopamine system can lead to diseases such as Parkinson s and schizophrenia. Alterations in the levels of this neurotransmitter have also been implicated in a variety of behavioural problems such as attention deficit and hyperactivity. 

There is particular frustration for teachers regarding the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which has increasingly been applied to youngsters with behavioural problems, with estimates of prevalence ranging from one to six percent of children (Lloyd, 2003). Teachers have expressed doubts about the extent to which they feel they can contain these medicated and often violent youngsters within ordinary classrooms. Some suspicion has been cast upon the... 

Seejohn I. Kitsuse, Societal Reaction to Deviant Behaviour Problems of Theory and Method , Social Problems 9 (Winter 1962), pp. 247-56. 

Van der Knaap MS, Verhoeven NM, Maaswinkel-Mooij P, Powels PJW, Onkenhout W, Peeters EA, Stockler-Ipsiroglu S, Jakobs C. Mental retardation and behavioural problems as presenting signs in a creatine synthesis defect. Ann Neurol 2000 47 540-543... 

Why E.g. quick fixVcoping strategies versus understanding how their experiences relate to current feelings/behaviours/problems ... 

Consider a mixed affective state fTable 54.11 if depression or mania don t quite fit, due to a mix of mood, drive and behavioural problems, e.g. depression with over-activity or sexual disinhibition. 

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