Symptomatic reactions to undercover work

Article Abstract:

The literature alludes to a variety of 'occupational hazards' of undercover work, including identity strain from prolonged role playing, paranoia, too much sympathy for the criminal, and changes in the value system of the agent. One report found that over 50 percent of undercover officers admitted to suffering from work-related psychological problems. In the present study, designed to shed further light on this largely uninvestigated area, two hypotheses were tested: operational (currently on assignment), as opposed to nonoperational (recently completed assignment), undercover officers require more psychiatric services; and the length of the undercover assignment correlates with symptom severity. The psychological health of three undercover agent groups, five preoperational agents (trained but not yet assigned), nine operational agents, and 10 postoperational agents, was ascertained using two psychiatric survey instruments; demographic data were also gathered. Agents in the operational group had the highest incidence of psychiatric disturbance and their symptoms were the most severe. The profile of the most frequently disturbed agent consisted of a young individual with little or no prior undercover experience who was on a current, long-term assignment. Symptomatology patterns did not differ from other psychiatric outpatients, contrary to reports that undercover agents suffer psychological problems unique to their work. It is possible, however, that the traditional psychiatric assessment scales are not sensitive to unusual psychological reactions resulting from undercover work. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surveys, Hazardous occupations, Undercover operations

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A family case history of fluoxetine-induced skin reactions

Article Abstract:

Fluoxetine is often sucessful in treating depression, but not all patients respond to fluoxetine. The drug can also cause serious side effects in some patients, which include seizures, mania, and suicidal ideation. However, the most common side effect is a skin rash, which affects about 3 percent of patients treated with fluoxetine. The authors describe the cases of four related women, all of whom were treated for depression with fluoxetine. The patients were two sisters, their mother, and the mother's sister. All four women developed a skin rash within a few weeks of starting treatment with fluoxetine. Research has demonstrated that mood disorders are more common among the family members of patients being treated for depression. Allergies are also considered to have a strong genetic component. In the family described, four closely related women developed depression, and all four developed skin rash in response to fluoxetine treatment. No other family members have been treated with fluoxetine, so it is not possible to determine if only these four depressed family members share the hypersensitivity to fluoxetine. The authors recommend that other antidepressant drugs be tried first for patients with a family history of any drug sensitivity. If the other drugs prove ineffective and fluoxetine is indicated, it is recommended that the fluoxetine treatment proceed cautiously, preferably in consultation with a dermatologist or an allergist. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Genetic aspects, Allergy, Skin, Dermatitis, Fluoxetine, Rash (Dermatology), Rash

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Police corruption and psychological testing: a strategy for preemployment screening

Article Abstract:

Preemployment psychological testing for police officers could help prevent police corruption. The Revised NEO Personality Inventory and the Inwald Personality Inventory are reliable predictors of job performance.

Usage, Prevention, Psychological tests, Police corruption

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