To our knowledge, these findings are consistent with and extend the findings of previous reports by providing the first available information on the association between physician-diagnosed asthma and DSM-IV mental disorders in a representative population sample of adults. Our results suggest an association between asthma and a range of mental disorders. Longitudinal studies that can examine the sequence of onset and the role of genetic and environmental factors in the association between asthma and affective and anxiety disorders are needed next to further elucidate possible shared causative mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE—To determine the relationship between mental disorders and diabetes in a representative community sample. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a cross-sectional study. Data on diabetes and HbA1c values were obtained by structured questionnaires and by laboratory assessments. Current psychiatric disorders were diagnosed by a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). RESULTS—People with diabetes (PWD) were not more likely to meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for at least one mental disorder than were individuals without diabetes. However, a different diagnostic pattern occurred compared with the general population: odds ratios (ORs) for anxiety disorders in PWD were higher (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.19–3.14). Although PWD had higher prevalence rates of affective disorders, the relationship between diabetes and affective disorders was not statistically significant after controlling for age, sex, marital status, and socioeconomic status. In contrast, the relationship between diabetes and anxiety disorders remained significant after controlling for these variables. In contrast to individuals without mental disorders, PWD with affective or anxiety disorders more frequently had adequate glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS—Diabetes was associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety disorders. The association between mental disorders, diabetes, and glycemic control should be evaluated carefully in terms of potentially confounding sociodemographic variables, sample characteristics, and definitions of the disorders.

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Sensitization to common aeroallergens as determined by a multiple allergen RAST test in adults below 45 years of age living in West Germany is increased compared to East Germany. This increase cannot be explained by genetic differences and is similar to the West to East decreasing gradient in allergies reported from studies in children employing skin-prick tests.

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SUMMARYBackground: Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to facilitate elimination of Helicobacter pylori infection. Aim: To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and infection with H. pylori, with particular consideration of the role of age, different alcoholic beverages and specific drinking habits. Methods: These issues were addressed in the German National Health Survey, conducted in a representative population sample between October 1997 and March 1999. Overall, 6545 subjects provided data on frequency and average amount of different alcoholic beverages consumed. H. pylori infection status was measured by serum immunoglobulin G antibodies.

An einer unausgewählten Population von 2040 Probanden (1075 Männer, 965 Frauen) wurden die Volumenaktivitäten der Enzyme* GOT, GPT und AP entsprechend den Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie bestimmt. Engen Zusammenhang mit den Enzymaktivitäten zeigten die Größen y-GT, Glucose, relatives Körpergewicht und Alter. Durch Eliminierung von Probanden mit pathologischen Werten der signifikanten Einflußgrößen y-GT, Bilirubin, Cholesterin, Glucose und Hämoglobin wurde eine Referenzgruppe von 1376 Personen (708 Männer, 668 Frauen) gebildet. Die bei diesen Probanden erhobenen Enzymaktivitäten dienten zur Schätzung der 0,05-und 0,95-Quantile unter zusätzlicher Berücksichtigung von Lebensalter und Gewicht. Es ergaben sich für Normalgewichtige folgende Referenzwerte im Serum: GOT < 19 U/l (Männer)

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