Citation

Nishida M, Nakamura Y, Aosaki N. Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai Zasshi 2007; 76(1): 3-9.

Affiliation

National Sanatorium Tama Zenshoen, 4-1-1 Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo 189-8550, Japan. masaki@danishida.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Nihon Hansenbyō Gakkai)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17315746

Abstract

This report described the distribution of the patients who had been treated by psychiatrist in the National Tamazenshouen Sanatorium, a major leprosarium in Japan. We also investigated the characteristics of patients who had suffered a depressive episode during the last 5 years. Somatic symptoms were the predominant symptoms and were not limited to clinical signs unique to leprosy. The period of isolation was not significantly correlated with the geriatric depression scale. Forty-two residents had committed suicide since the leprosarium was established in 1909. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of psychosocial intervention to the residents.

Language: ja