Search

Objective This study aimed to explore the characteristics and factors related to changes in cognitive function in vulnerable individuals with cognitive impairment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods Among patients who visited a local university hospital with subjective cognitive complaints, those who had been tested for cognitive function at least once after the onset of COVID-19 and tested regularly at least three times within the last 5 years were included (1st, the initial screening; 2nd, the test immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic; 3rd, the most recent test after the pandemic). Finally, 108 patients were included in this study. They were divided into groups according to whether the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was maintained/improved and deteriorated. We investigated the characteristics of the changes in cognitive function and related factors during COVID-19.Results When comparing CDR changes before and after COVID-19, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.317). Alternatively, the main effect of the time when the test was conducted was significant (p

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the sleep onset time (SOT), outing activities, and screen-based media device (SBMD) use by grade and to evaluate the differences in SOT according to outing activities and SBMD use. Methods: A total of 10,080 students from one district in Daegu Metropolitan City completed Survey for Outing and Time Usage for Children, Adolescents, and Parents, among which SOT, outing activities, and mobile phone usage time and behavior were analyzed. Results: There was a significant difference in SOT on weekdays and weekends according to grade level. The SOT of high school seniors was 2 hours and 20 minutes later than that of elementary school seniors regardless of weekdays and weekends. There was a significant difference in SOT according to outing activity time, mobile game usage time, and video-watching time. Conclusion: The SOT is significantly delayed by grade, and the SOT of students who use a lot of SBMD is significantly delayed. It is possible that students’ sleep health deteriorates depending on the grade due to various factors. It is considered that personal, educational, and socio-environmental efforts are needed to improve students’ sleep health.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) on height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in drug-naive children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over 24 months. The secondary objective was to investigate whether the age of MPH initiation and sex act as risk factors for growth retardation.Methods A total of 82 patients with ADHD were included. Weight, height, and BMI were measured at baseline and every 6 months up to 24 months. Weight, height, and BMI data were converted to z-scores and analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression.Results The z-score of height, weight and BMI decreased from the baseline values. The z-scores of height were at baseline 0.002; 6 months -0.100; 12 months -0.159; 18 months -0.159; 24 months -0.186. The z-scores of weight were at baseline 0.104; 6 months -0.155; 12 months -0.256; 18 months -0.278; 24 months -0.301. Here were no age and sex differences of height, weight, and BMI.Conclusion The use of MPH was associated with attenuation of weight and height gain rates in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Since the first outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in December 2019, we have experienced many changes that we have never experienced before. Governments around the world have instituted various forms of social isolation measures to prevent the spread of COV-ID-19. These measures include social distancing, home confinement, quarantine, and lockdown. Unfortunately, these measures have increased the ambiguity of the economic situation and the uncertainty regarding the future. For many individuals, these actions resulted in changes in routines at home, school, and work;changes in roles at home, mental health, and physical activity;and changes in circadian cues. All of these alterations resulted in disruptions in sleep patterns and sleep difficulties. In this paper, the alterations in sleep patterns and the sleep difficulties related to social isolation policies would be reviewed. These include social distancing and home confinement. Finally, methods to improve sleep problems also reviewed. Copyright © 2021 Korean Academy of Sleep Medicine

Active and prompt scale-up screening tests are essential to efficiently control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The goal of this work was to identify shortcomings in the conventional screening system (CSS) implemented in the beginning of the outbreak. To overcome these shortcomings, we then introduced a novel, independently developed system called the Yeungnam University type drive-through (YU-Thru), and distributed it nationwide in Korea. This system is similar to the drive-throughs utilized by fast food restaurants. YU-Thru system has shortened the time taken to test a single person to 2–4 minutes, by completely eliminating the time required to clean and ventilate the specimen collection room. This time requirement was a major drawback of the CSS. YU-Thru system also reduced the risk of subjects and medical staff infecting one another by using a separate and closed examination system. On average, 50 to 60 tests were conducted per day when using the CSS, while now up to 350 tests per day are conducted with the YU-Thru system. We believe that the YU-Thru system has made an important contribution to the rapid detection of COVID-19 in Daegu, South Korea. Here, we will describe the YU-Thru system in detail so that other countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks can take advantage of this system.

Objective Since the risk of suicide cannot be predicted by clinical symptoms alone, and suicide is known to have a genetic component, the discovery of genetic markers that can predict the lethality of suicide attempts is a clinically important topic. There have been many studies aiming to determine whether the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene is associated with suicidality; however, the results have been mixed, and there have been few studies investigating the relationship between this polymorphism and suicide attempt lethality.Methods We assessed suicide lethality in 258 individuals who had attempted suicide using the relative risk ratio (RRR) scale and by genotyping the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene.Results The RRR score for suicide attempts was higher in subjects with Met/Val and Val/Val genotypes than in that with a Met/Met genotype (p=0.015). The RRR score for suicide attempts was also higher in Val allele carriers (Met/Val+Val/Val) than in Met/Met homozygotes (p=0.006).Conclusion This study demonstrates the possibility that the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene could be used as a genetic marker to predict the lethality of suicide attempts, but more replication studies are needed for the application of this result in clinical practice.

Amputation changes the lives of patients and their families. Consequently, the patient must adapt to altered body function and image. During this adaptation process, psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, can occur. The psychological difficulties of patients with amputation are often accepted as normal responses that are often poorly recognized by patients, family members, and their primary physicians. Psychological problems can interfere with rehabilitation and cause additional psychosocial problems. Therefore, their early detection and treatment are important. A multidisciplinary team approach, including mental health professionals, is ideal for comprehensive and biopsychosocial management. Mental health professionals could help patients set realistic goals and use adaptive coping styles. Psychiatric approaches should consider the physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and spiritual functions and social support systems before and after amputation. The abilities and limitations of physical, cognitive, psychological, and social functions should also be considered. To improve the patient's adaptation, psychological interventions such as short-term psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, and group psychotherapy can be helpful.

In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of a drive-through (DT) screening system for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by comparing it with a conventional screening system. We reviewed and analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 screening data obtained at our university hospital. We compared the number of tests for SARS-CoV-2 (using real-time polymerase chain reaction) performed using two different specimen collection systems&mdash, DT and conventional&mdash, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Daegu. Based on the results, the DT screening system collected 5.8 times more specimens for testing than the conventional screening system. From January 27 to 31 March 2020, 6211 individuals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection using either the DT or conventional system. In total, 217 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (positive rate: 3.50%). Of the 6211 individuals, 3368 were symptomatic or had a history of contact with COVID-19 patients, and 142 of them tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (positive rate: 4.22%). Further, 2843 individuals were asymptomatic and had no history of contact with COVID-19 patients, and 75 of them tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (positive rate: 2.64%). In conclusion, the DT system allowed clinicians to collect specimens for SARS-CoV-2 screening more efficiently than the conventional system. Furthermore, as there might be several COVID-19 patients who remain asymptomatic, expanding the screening test to asymptomatic individuals would be necessary.

Background We evaluated the effects of neurofeedback as an augmentation treatment on depressive symptoms and functional recovery in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods We included 24 adult patients with TRD and 12 healthy adults. 24 TRD patients were assigned to the neurofeedback augmentation group (n = 12) and the medication-only (treatment as usual [TAU]) group (n = 12). The neurofeedback augmentation group underwent combined therapy comprising medication and 12-24 sessions of neurofeedback training for 12 weeks. To assess the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both groups, pre- and post-treatment blood samples were obtained. Patients were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), 5-level version of European Quality of Life Questionnaire 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D-5L), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) at baseline, and at the 1-, 4-, and 12-week. Results From baseline to week 12, neurofeedback training reduced mean scores on HAM-D, BDI-II, CGI-S, and SDS, and increased mean EQ-5D-5L tariff score. In the neurofeedback augmentation group, the response and remission rates were 58.3% and 50.0%, respectively, at week 12. Changes in HAM-D, EQ-5D-5L tariff score, and SDS were significantly larger in the neurofeedback group than in the medication-only (TAU) group. No significant difference in BDNF level was found pre- vs. post-treatment in any of the groups. Conclusion Despite the small sample size, these results suggest that neurofeedback treatment may be effective as an augmentation treatment, not only for depressive symptoms, but also for functional recovery, in patients with TRD. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0004183 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04078438.

Background The suicide rate in Korea has been the highest among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries since 2003. However, there is a lack of in-depth data regarding the characteristics of suicide attempters. Understanding the intent of suicide attempters will help improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. Therefore, to provide a resource for developing the necessary interventions, this study aimed to examine the differences in suicide-related and clinical variables according to the strength of suicidal intent. Methods The subjects were 328 suicide attempters admitted to emergency departments at 5 university hospitals in Daegu-Gyeongbuk province between 2011 and 2014. We used various scales to examine suicide-related and clinical variables and a structured questionnaire to explore psychosocial characteristics. We evaluated suicidal intent using the Pierce Suicide Intent Scale and a clinician-rated scale that measured suicidal authenticity. Results Individuals with high suicidal intent were significantly older, had higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores, higher rates of premeditation, and sustained suicidal ideation. Furthermore, suicide methods, timing, and psychiatric treatment histories differed by the strength of subjects' suicidal intent. Moreover, multiple logistic regression showed that depressed mood as a reason for attempting suicide, premeditation, and higher HDRS scores were significantly associated with higher suicidal intent. Conclusion Depression, premeditation, older age, and sustained suicidal ideation were characteristics of individuals with high suicidal intent, and it is necessary to evaluate and monitor these factors to prevent repeated suicide attempts., Graphical Abstract

Few well-controlled studies have considered neurofeedback treatment in adult psychiatric patients. In this regard, the present study investigates the characteristics and effects of neurofeedback on adult psychiatric patients in a naturalistic setting. A total of 77 adult patients with psychiatric disorders participated in this study. Demographic data and neurofeedback states were retrospectively analyzed, and the effects of neurofeedback were evaluated using clinical global impression (CGI) and subjective self-rating scales. Depressive disorders were the most common psychiatric disorders (19; 24.7 %), followed by anxiety disorders (18; 23.4 %). A total of 69 patients (89.6 %) took medicine, and the average frequency of neurofeedback was 17.39 ± 16.64. Neurofeedback was applied to a total of 39 patients (50.6 %) more than 10 times, and 48 patients (62.3 %) received both β/SMR and α/θ training. The discontinuation rate was 33.8 % (26 patients). There was significant difference between pretreatment and posttreatment CGI scores (

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severely distressing disorder represented by obsessions and compulsions. A significant proportion of OCD patients fail to improve with conventional treatment methods. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as an alternative for OCD treatment. Functional neuroimaging studies indicate that OCD is associated with increased activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA), a region that plays an important role in the pathophysiology of this disorder. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of augmentation with 1Hz rTMS over the SMA in treatment-resistant OCD patients. The participants received 1Hz rTMS over the SMA in 20 daily sessions for 4weeks. We observed significant reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score at the 4th week of the treatment. Reduction in compulsion contributed to the reduction of global Y-BOCS whereas there was no significant reduction in obsession. Clinical global impression-global improvement also showed significant change at the 2nd and 4th week of the treatment. No additional significant changes or significant adverse effects were seen. These findings suggest that 1Hz rTMS over the SMA can be an efficient and safe add-on therapeutic method in treatment-resistant patients with OCD. Further controlled studies in larger samples are required to confirm the effect of 1Hz rTMS over the SMA in OCD.

Objective The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of methylphenidate-osmotic release oral delivery system (MPH-OROS) treatment on parenting stress in parents of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods Four hundred and ninety-five children and adolescents (391 boys and 104 girls), aged 7 to 18 years who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria for ADHD, were recruited at 48 psychiatric outpatient clinics across South Korea. Children's symptoms, parenting stress, and parental depression were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 of MPH-OROS treatment using the Korean version of the DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale (ARS), the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Parenting Stress Index, Short Form (PSI-SF). Results We found significantly decreased scores of ARS, parental BDI, and PSI-SF from baseline to week 4 and from week 4 to week 8. Also, there were positive correlations among baseline PSI-SF, ARS, and BDI scores. The changes in BDI and ARS scores were significantly associated with the PSI score changes, accounting for 20.1% and 10.0%, respectively. Conclusions We suggest that the increased parenting stress and depression in parents of children and adolescents with ADHD can be improved following the treatment with MPH-OROS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective This study was conducted to identify differences between people with narcolepsy and the normal control of delta and theta activity using electroencephalogram (EEG) spectrum analysis of nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). Methods Seven narcolepsy patients and seven age-sex matched normal controls underwent PSG and multiple sleep latency tests. Participants' non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep EEGs in PSG was analyzed using a Fast Fourier Transform technique. Results While NREM delta activity of people with narcolepsy declined during the first three periods of NREM, there was no change during the 4th period of NREM. The increase in NREM theta activity also lasted until the 3rd period of NREM but did not occur during the 4th period of NREM. In comparing sleep parameters, REM sleep latency in the narcolepsy group was significantly shorter than in controls. Conclusion These results suggest that people with narcolepsy are likely to have a delta and theta activity-related sleep disturbance mechanism in NREM sleep.

A novel operation scheme of a Brillouin/erbium fiber laser (BEFL) whose cavity consists of two metal-coated fiber planar mirrors (FPMs) and a Sagnac reflector is presented. Optical comb generation of both 10 and 20 GHz spacings is demonstrated by discrimination of the even order Stokes waves and the odd order Stokes waves. Theoretical analysis based on the reflection properties of the Sagnac reflector yields a good description of the multi-wavelength BEFL characteristics.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of methylphenidate-osmotic release oral delivery system (MPH-OROS) treatment on parenting stress in parents of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Four hundred and ninety-five children and adolescents (391 boys and 104 girls), aged 7 to 18 years who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria for ADHD, were recruited at 48 psychiatric outpatient clinics across South Korea. Children's symptoms, parenting stress, and parental depression were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 of MPH-OROS treatment using the Korean version of the DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale (ARS), the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Parenting Stress Index, Short Form (PSI-SF).We found significantly decreased scores of ARS, parental BDI, and PSI-SF from baseline to week 4 and from week 4 to week 8. Also, there were positive correlations among baseline PSI-SF, ARS, and BDI scores. The changes in BDI and ARS scores were significantly associated with the PSI score changes, accounting for 20.1% and 10.0%, respectively.We suggest that the increased parenting stress and depression in parents of children and adolescents with ADHD can be improved following the treatment with MPH-OROS.

Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the acute impact of methylphenidate (MPH) on sleep parameters in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children. The second aim was to investigate the different effects of intermediate- and longacting MPH on sleep parameters. The third aim was to test the different effects of dose and age on sleep parameters. Methods Ninety-three ADHD children were enrolled and randomized to two different MPH preparations. Baseline and daily sleep diaries were evaluated for four weeks after taking medication. Weekday and weekend bedtimes, wake-up times, sleep latencies and total sleep times were compared by weeks. Results After taking MPH, there was a significant delay in bedtimes and a significant reduction of total sleep time (TST) both on weekdays and at weekends. There was also a significant delay in wake-up time on weekdays. However, the difference was applied to younger age group children only. There was no difference in changes of TST between metadate-CD and OROS-MPH. There also was no difference in changes of TST with different doses of MPH. Conclusion MPH had negative impacts on sleep among young ADHD children, but different preparations and doses did not affect the result.

We propose an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) that has branched output waveguides for simultaneous multichannel monitoring purposes. The transmittances of two adjacent branched output waveguides are slightly different from each other. Thus, we can obtain crossover wavelengths, where the transmittances of adjacent output waveguides are the same with much smaller insertion losses than those of conventional AWGs. As a result, the proposed device can accurately monitor wavelength-division-multiplexed channel wavelengths in the presence of the amplified-spontaneous-emission noise.

In order to achieve the dense-wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) in bidirectional optical transmission systems, we present a beat-frequency-locking method to stabilize the relative channel frequency offset between two communicating nodes. Using the proposed method, we demonstrate a bidirectional DWDM transmission having 50-GHz channel spacing in both 2.5- and 10-Gb/s bit rates.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to assess memory dysfunction in patients with mild and moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) with and without frontal lobe injury (FLI). Methods : The subjects were 110 TBI patients, who had recovered from the acute clinical phase, and comprised 20 (18.2%) mild TBI (MTBI) patients with FLI, 16 (14.5%) MTBI patients without FLI, 51 (46.4%) moderate TBI (MOTBI) patients with FLI and 23 (20.9%) MTBI patients without FLI. All patients were administrated the Korean version of the Memory Assessment Scale (K-MAS). Results : Almost all the Summary Scale scores on the K-MAS failed to show any differences between TBI patients with and without FLI, but differences did emerge by types at severities. TBI patients with FLI showed higher Global Memory ability than TBI patients without FLI if their TBI was only mild, but when their TBI was more severe, this finding was reversed, and TBI patients with FLI showed lower Verbal and Global Memory abilities than TBI patients without FLI. Conclusion : Different kinds of assessment tools are needed for the measurement of memory abilities in TBI patients with FLI, and that the selection of the appropriate tool depends on the severity of the TBI. 10.3340/jkns.2009.46.5.459

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of aripiprazole to reduce the severity and frequency of tic symptoms and to evaluate the additional effects of aripiprazole on weight changes in children and adolescents with Tourette disorder (TD) or chronic tic disorders.A 12-week, open-label trial with flexible dosing strategy of aripiprazole was performed with 15 participants, aged 7-19 years. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale was applied and the baseline, week 3, 5, 9, and end point scores were compared. The mean body mass index (BMI) at baseline and end point were also compared.Significant decreases in the scores of motor and phonic tics, global impairment, and global severity were demonstrated between baseline and week 3, and the scores continued to improve thereafter. No difference was observed between the baseline and end point BMI.This study demonstrates that a relatively low dose of aripiprazole can be used to control tic symptoms effectively in children and adolescents with TD and chronic tic disorders without causing significant weight gain. Additional double-blind studies are needed to establish the definitive efficacy of aripiprazole in treating children and adolescents with chronic tic symptoms.

Taehoon Koo, MD, Kwanghun Lee, MD, PhD, Wan Seok Seo, MD, PhD, Jong Hun Lee, MD, PhD, Hee-Cheol Kim, MD, PhD, Sang Won Lee, MD, PhD, and Seunghee Won, MD, PhD Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Korea Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have been widely used in sensor systems that have been attracted to be used in the sensor applications for their small size, good sensitivity, and inherent characteristics of direct wavelength shifts of applied perturbations, such as temperature, strain, etc. A WSD (wavelength selective detector) offers a simple detection scheme, and minimizes the use of optical components, since a WSD can accommodate both wavelength discrimination and optical detection functions by itself. Therefore simple and low cost implementation of FBG sensors can be expected. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of a WSD on FBG sensors for temperature sensing.

Summary form only given. Multi-wavelength Brillouin/erbium fiber lasers (BEFLs) with several kinds of cavity configurations have been recently reported for a number of applications. An erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in a laser cavity of the BEFL compensates the resonator loss that is critical in ordinary Brillouin fiber lasers (BFLs), while still originating lasing action from the nonlinear Brillouin gain. We describe a novel operation scheme of a BEFL whose cavity comprises two metal coated fiber planar mirrors (FPMs) and a Sagnac reflector. By the adjustment of polarization controllers (PCs) in the Sagnac reflector, both 10 GHz and 20 GHz multi-wavelength operations can be supported.

－Abstract－Purpose：The purpose of this study was to find out cognitive function of the patients with subjective memory complaint. Material and Methods：From March 1st 2005 to May 31st 2009, 155 normal individuals without any medical illness who visited Yeungnam University Hospital to undergo medical checkup with neurocognitive test was enrolled, and checked by using Cognitive Assessment & Reference Diagnostic System.Results：107 of the patients had normal cognitive function, 21 patients (about 15%) were diagnosed with dementia, and 10 patients (about 7%) were diagnosed with considerable psychiatric illness, such as depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder. In amnesia, agnosia, aphasia, attention, calculation, dysexecution, Dementia group and Psychiatric illness group has worse score than Normal individuals group. But, in apraxia, Dementia group has worse score than Psychiatric illness group and Normal individual group.Conclusion：Because the patients with subjective memory complaint can be diagnosed as any psychiatric illness as well as dementia, sensitive screening test and early psychiatric approach is needed.

ObjectiveaaWe investigated executive functions (EFs), as evaluated by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and other EF between lower grades (LG) and higher grades (HG) in elementary-school-age attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children. MethodsaaWe classified a sample of 112 ADHD children into 4 groups (composed of 28 each) based on age (LG vs. HG) and WCST performance [lower vs. higher performance on WCST, defined by the number of completed categories (CC)] Participants in each group were matched according to age, gender, ADHD subtype, and intelligence. We used the Wechsler intelligence Scale for Children 3rd edition to test intelligence and the Computerized Neurocognitive Function Test-IV, which included the WCST, to test EF. ResultsaaComparisons of EFs scores in LG ADHD children showed statistically significant differences in performing digit spans back ward, some verbal learning scores, including all memory scores, and Stroop test scores. However, comparisons of EF scores in HG ADHD children did not show any statistically significant differences. Correlation analyses of the CC and EF variables and stepwise multiple regres sion analysis in LG ADHD children showed a combination of the backward form of the Digit span test and Visual span test in lowerperformance ADHD participants significantly predicted the number of CC (R 2 =0.273, p

Background: This study assessed the mental health, in order to determine the effect of the subject's spiritual well-being on anxiety depression and quality of life in active old people, and to verify whether or not spiritual well-being is a new factor for comprehensive health in old people. Materials and Methods: This study selected 184 old people aged over 65 years. The subject's spiritual well-being was assessed by the Korean Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWS) that was composed of the Religious Well-being Scale (RWS) and Existential Well-being Scale (EWS). The quality of life was assessed using Quality of Life Scale, which was composed of the subjective feeling about life and the subject's satisfaction of their whole life. Results: Among the psychosocial factors, the educational level and physical health, showed significant discriminative score in the SWS. A prior medical history was associated with a significantly low SWS score. Satisfaction with life was associated with a significantly high SWS score. These factors a showed significant discriminative EWS score rather than a RWS. Among the religion factors, the satisfaction with their religion showed significant difference in the SWS. The SWS score especially the EWS affected the anxiety and depression of the Korean Combined Anxiety and Depression Scale (CADS). The subjective feeling of life score was associated with a significantly EWS low score and the subject's satisfaction with their whole life score was associated with a significantly high EWS score. Conclusion: Spiritual well being has significantly effects on anxiety depression and the quality of life in active old age people, and the subject;s spiritual well-being might be a new factor for assessing health in old age.

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the prognostic factors of postpsychotic depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were selected based on the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV, PANSS and ESRS. For all patients information was collected on demographic and clinical characteristics. The subjective depressive symptoms and the objective depressive symptoms, as well as patients insight regarding psychosis were evaluated. The subjective depressive symptoms were evaluated by BDI and ZDS; the objective depressive symptoms were evaluated by HDRS and CDSS, and patient insight into the psychosis was evaluated by KISP. Results: The comparisons using demographic and clinical characteristics showed that HDRS and CDSS had significant difference with regard to gender and suicide attempts; the BDI was associated with difference in education level and age of onset. The patients with scores above cuff-off score for each scale were 20(25.0%) for the BDI, 16(20.0%) for the ZDS, 18(22.5%) for the CDSS and 6(7.5%) for the HDRS. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the scores for the KISP, education levels, gender and suicide attempts were the main prognostic factors in patients with the psychotic depressive disorder of schizophrenia. Conclusion: The main prognostic factors in psychotic depressive disorder of schizophrenia included: insight into psychosis, suicidal attempts. Insight into the psychosis was the most reliable prognostic factor but this characteristic had a negative relationship to the with depressive symptoms.

Background: The causes of ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are various, so it is impossible to understand the whole characteristics of ADHD, only with simple intelligence testing scales. We compared cognitive characteristics of ADHD group with normal controls with Korean Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children(K-ABC). It is well known to evaluate neuropsychological and cognitive aspects of the children. Materials and Methods: Age and sex matched 40 ADHD patients and 40 normal controls tested with the K-ABC. Each subscales compared between pre-treatment patients and controls, pre-treatment and post-treatment in patient group, post-treatment patients and controls. Results: Significant differences are observed in sequential processing, simultaneous processing, cognitive processing and achievement between pre-treatment patients and controls, and in gestalt closure between pre-treatment and post-treatment patients group. But there are no significant differences between pre-treatment patients and controls in gestalt closure and reading/decoding. Conclusions: Methylphenidate improved the scores of simultaneous scale, which means improvement of executive functions such as divided attention, analysis and organization. Methylphenidate also reduced distractibility.

A novel method to simultaneously detect failed channels in WDM systems is proposed based on binary notation. The method can easily be implemented using a wavelength selective detector and may also be applied to gain control of erbium-doped fibre amplifiers and system performance monitoring.

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a Korean form of Childhood Attention Problem(CAP) scale. CAP were administered to 98 normal elementary school students as control group and 98 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients. Male students showed high scores than female students in both subscale and total scores, but not statistically significant. There were no significant difference in CAP scale between male students and female students in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients. In the reliability test, the test-retest reliability coefficient was highly satisfactory and that of inattention subscale was 0.83, impulsivity subscale was 0.70 and total score was 0.82. In the reliability test by internal consistency, the Cronbach coefficient was highly satisfactory and that of inattention subscale was 0.91, overactivity subscale was 0.89(p