title: Psychological and mental health problems in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to examine the presence of psychological and mental health problems in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan in order to develop and build future support systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study examined the presence/absence of electroencephalographic abnormalities, intellectual/cognitive functions, and mental health problems in 22 participants (nine men, 13 women) with thalidomide embryopathy. Participants completed the electroencephalograph instrument. Participants were also assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III; the Autism-Spectrum Quotient; the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results suggest the following: (i) electroencephalographic abnormality observed in several thalidomide embryopathy participants is unlikely to be the direct result of thalidomide; (ii) the cognitive functions of working memory and processing speed are lower in thalidomide embryopathy patients than in healthy individuals; and (iii) 40.9% of the thalidomide embryopathy participants have possible mental disorders, with more mental problems observed than in healthy individuals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Deterioration of mental health in patients with thalidomide embryopathy is indicated. Anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms were especially remarkable and may have resulted in restriction of social activities. Therefore, careful examination and active support of patients' psychological and mental problems is essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Koubun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imai
authors.forename: Toshiharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iida
authors.forename: Maki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Kensuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Komatsu
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nukui
authors.forename: Atsuto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yoshizawa
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013792:Thalidomide
keywords: Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview; cognitive performance; electroencephalography; psychological tests; thalidomide embryopathy