A patient developed distinct episodes of major depressive illness, schizophreniform psychoses and mania as well as focal epilepsy following head injury. Head injury may be directly causative in the development of affective psychoses, in this case secondary bipolar (mixed) disorder.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 117–119

Mania secondary to advanced uraemia caused by polycystic disease of the kidneys in a 62–year-old woman involved a complex interplay of physical, psychological and social factors. Psychotherapy and thioridazine led to full recovery.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 119–121

The association of a puerperal psychosis with the removal of a trophoblastic tumour supports the hormonal hypothesis for the aetiology of puerperal psychosis and suggests new lines of investigation into this disorder.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 122–123

Dramatic response of major (psychotic) depression to verapamil in an 82–year-old woman suggests that further study of the use of the drug in affective disorders is required, particularly in the light of a possible aetiological role for calcium.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 124–125

In the development and management of a steroid-induced stupor, in a 17–year-old man, the dose and route of administration of steroid medication were felt to be important aetioiogical factors. A co-ordinated plan of management involving the physician, surgeon and psychiatrist is needed in such cases.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 125–127

Erotomanic delusions occurred in a depressed mentally handicapped woman. Although erotomania is generally classified with paranoid disorders, in people with mental handicap, depression may be the more commonly associated illness.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 127–129