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The phenomenon of nocturnal panic was examined by comparing individuals with panic disorder who reported the experience of nocturnal panic (N = 37) with those who did not (N = 56). Variables that were assessed included frequency and intensity of daytime panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and responses to a standardized physiological assessment. In addition, the most recent nocturnal panic was rated on measures of intensity, duration, and circumstances. Nocturnal panic occurred in individuals who were equally avoidant and distressed as individuals who did not experience nocturnal panic. However, nocturnal panickers experienced daytime panics and general somatic sensations more frequently than other panickers. The similarity of nocturnal panic to sleep apnea, dream-induced anxiety attacks, and night terrors is discussed. The nature of nocturnal panic is described within the context of an explanatory model that combines behavioral and physical factors.

Eight presurgical male-to-female transsexuals emitted significantly more feminine behaviors on a validated sex role motor behavior checklist than eight feminine women. Transsexuals also emitted more masculine behaviors than feminine women, although the total number of masculine behaviors in each group was far less than the total number of feminine behaviors. Indications for the management of transsexuals as well as the functions of sex role motor behavior in our society are discussed.

Revisions to DSM-III cite apprehensive expectation or 'worry' as a defining feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The quality and focus of worry reported by groups of GAD patients (n = 19), and nonanxious 'controls' (n = 26) were examined using self-monitored data. Content categorizations by independent raters showed that GAD patients worried more about illness, health and injury issues and displayed a tendency to worry more about miscellaneous 'minor' issues. These descriptor ratings differentiated the worries of GAD patients from those of non-anxious controls: perceived control over worrying, the extent to which the worry was considered realistic, and perceived success with which worry was alleviated using corrective/preventative actions. The data are related to the DSM-III-R criteria for GAD and to conceptualizations of the nature of excessive worry.

Gender identity change in a conservatively diagnosed 21-year-old transexual after faith healing was fortuitously observed, was objectively and independently measured, and is reported. This case, and other recent developments, suggests a reexamination of the possibilities of psychosocial intervention to modify atypical gender identity.

Five infertile women, with normal menstrual rhythm who had been investigated previously by daily hormone analyses throughout at least one complete menstrual cycle and had shown poor luteal-phase steroid-hormone profiles were treated by a new approach. They were rendered hypogonadotrophic with large doses of a luteinizing hormone releasing-hormone analogue (Hoe 766) and were then treated with exogenous gonadotrophins to induce follicular growth and ovulation. Progesterone production after ovulation in all cases was superior to that observed in the individual patients' without treatment. One patients conceived in her first conception cycle and another in her fourth. This regimen offers a systematic approach to the treatment of unexplained infertility in women with deficient luteal-phase steroid-hormone profiles.

The squamocolumnar junction is frequently not visible in the postmenopausal patient. This study attempts to identify some of the changes in the cervix that may account for this observation. Twenty-four cervical biopsy samples taken at the squamocolumnar junction were analysed for hydroxyproline (collagen) and water content. There was significantly more hydroxyproline (collagen) in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Similarly, there was higher percentage of water in the biopsies in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Further samples obtained deeper in the cervical stroma did not confirm these differences. It appears likely that differences in cervical water and cervical collagen near the surface of the cervix account, at least in part, for the lack of visibility of the squamocolumnar junction in the older woman.

The erections of rapists and nonrapists were measured during audio descriptions of rape and nonrape sexual scenes. On the basis of their erection measures, rapists were separated from nonrapists in that the former developed erections to rape descriptions while the latter did not. The method also discriminated those rapists with the highest frequency of rape, those who had injured their victim, and those who chose children as victims.

Among 10 patients with endometriosis CA 125 was increased (greater than 35 U/ml) in endometriotic cyst fluid in all the patients, but only two had increased serum concentrations. Gel electrophoresis of serum, endometriotic cyst fluid, and endometriotic tissue resolved the CA 125 immunoreactive fragments from the three sources into bands of similar electrophoretic mobilities. Electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions showed immunoreactive fragments of apparent masses of 55,000 and 140,000 daltons, respectively. Analysis under reducing conditions did not result in loss of activity. CA 125 antigen is thought to be a high molecular weight glycoprotein complex. As far as is known, this is the first report describing lower molecular weight immunoreactive determinants of CA 125.

Heterosexual responsiveness, measured by penile responses and reports of behavior, was strengthened in three homosexuals through a fading procedure. Using two slide projectors, colored slides of nude females were superimposed on colored slides of nude males. As the sexual response was emitted, the nude male was faded out and the nude female faded in. Heterosexual arousal decreased when the fading procedure was reversed or stopped and increased once again when fading was resumed. Homosexual arousal remained high during this experiment but had decreased in two subjects at follow-up. The results suggest that fading was responsible for altering stimulus control of sexual arousal and that aversive techniques may not be necessary in the treatment of sexual deviation.