Endocrine disorders in the elderly.

Abstract

of the Abortion Act, not only on religious grounds. Only 2% of terminations are carried out privately. The ConclusionsThe "sticking point" in the abortion decision and the most controversial issue seems to be the single, abandoned, girl. This group accounts for the refusals, which explains the discrepancies between the low figures for the region and the higher figures for the rest of the country, and yet it is the group (or part of it) which remains in a series where 85% of requests were granted.3It is the group most often terminated privately.9The findings in this group show that, while social problems preponderate, the decisions are made on clinical psychiatric grounds-that is, whatever the severity of the social problems the patient is expected to show a severe reaction to them before termination is advised. While psychiatric sequelae are uncommon in terminated and unterminated patients they are marginally more frequent in those refused.Some tentative conclusions about the operation of the Act are possible. Firstly, despite careful attempts at informed decisionmaking the bulk of women seeking an abortion achieve their end if not in one centre, then in another; if not under the N.H.S., then privately. Secondly, even when psychiatrists are making the assessment, social factors at best are given only secondary importance in reaching decisions, and at worst play no part at all. Thirdly, the hard core of dissent is the single girl. Probably this group provokes the most moralistic response from the profession.Lastly, the study confirms the sad state of contraceptive practice among married and single women and older and younger women, both before and after abortion or unwanted pregnancy. Evidence from other sources'0 suggests that this is unlikely to be remedied, and the number of unwanted pregnancies and hence of abortions is unlikely to decrease in future.

Does Age Play a Role in Clinical Presentation of Hypothyroidism?

“…Our results suggest that the presentation of hypothyroidism in the elderly is altered in 2 ways in comparison with young patients: (1) there are fewer signs or symptoms and (2) some classical signs.…”

“…The clinical presentation of hypothyroidism in young patients has been well described in classical medical textbooks 1–3 . Only a few studies have, however, been conducted on the presentation of hypothyroidism in the elderly.…”

A Clinico-Pathological Survey of Thyroid Glands in Old Age

“…Hyperthyroidism in the elderly frequently has an atypical clinical presentation (Jefferys, 1972;Green, 1973), and is associated with nodular rather than diffuse goitres (McKeown, 1965). Of our patients with hyperthyroid func tion tests, half had nodular glands.…”

Depression in the Elderly. I. Relationship between Depression, Psychologic Defense Mechanisms and Physical Illness*

“…Hyperthyroidism is more common than hypothyroidism in the elderly, and is more common in females than males (27). In a survey of 1,000 hyperthyroid patients, 124 (12 percent) were over the age of 60.…”