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Background: The defense mechanisms (DM) concept goes back to the foundation of psychoanalysis and is one of its theoretical cornerstones. Recently, with the introduction of this notion in an experimental item of categorical classification, DMs have become a new field in research and scientific communication. The increasing number of studies taking DMs into account matches the development of clinical evaluation scales that are easier to use than projective tests. To our knowledge, there is no comparative analysis of these tools. Objective: We aimed first to describe the operating mode and metrological qualities of the most recent scales and then to highlight the benefits and limitations of these clinical evaluation tools. Finally, this article aims to help clinicians choose a tool that is most convenient for their protocol. Method: We introduce the following tools through a literature review: Defense Mechanism Inventory, Defense Mechanism Profile, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Defense Mechanism Rating Scale, Life Style Index, and Response Evaluation Measure. Conclusion: Using clinical scales includes many limitations associated with the DM concept. Nevertheless, their feasibility and validity warrant their use. The DSQ stands out for its many qualities, but the other tools specificities are yet to be considered in regard to the chosen protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCSs) frequently occur in schizophrenia and seem to worsen prognosis. Many case studies suggest that OCSs appear or worsen with an atypical antipsychotic agent treatment (that is, with risperidone, olanzapine, and clozapine). Therefore, family or personal history of OCS should be investigated before initiating such treatment, and OCS onset should be monitored during treatment. Clozapine is involved in most such cases. When OCSs appear with clozapine, dosage can be reduced and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment added. Current studies suggest that patients with schizophrenia and OCSs should benefit from treatment with an antipsychotic and an antiobsessive medication. Two controlled trials deal with OCS treatment in schizophrenia: the first, with clomipramine; and the second, with fluvoxamine. Both have proven their efficacy, but these trials include a small number of patients with heterogeneous characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The factor structure of the Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS)-Form V was studied in 2 large French samples, using confirmatory factorial analyses (CFA) to test the 4-dimensional model of sensation seeking postulated by Zuckerman.Method: The study included 769 healthy subjects and 659 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for substance use disorders or eating disorders and completed the SSS. The correlation matrices for each of the samples were analyzed using CFA.Results: In each sample, we found the 4-factor model to be replicable.Conclusion: The multidimensionality of sensation seeking is supported by the results, and the 4-dimensional model of sensation seeking identified by Zuckerman can be explored in French-speaking people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about the use of bright light therapy to treat night eating disorder.