bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sexuallity in Ancient Greece
Authors: Mateus M. , Silva C. , Nogueiro O. , Redondo J.
Published: March 2009

It is often assumed that sexuality in the classical world was experienced in a free manner, without the censorship imposed during the midle ages. We also know that this culture is characterized by the symbolism and implicit messages, present in the speech, art, literature, always targeting a knowledge that would allow the spirit to achieve a higher level and be more perfect. But how was sexuality actually experienced by these people? What were their interests, what were their fears, and how were they transmitted? How did they related affection and sexuality? Using the metaphor of representations in erotic art, the authors seek to address the issue of sexuality in ancient world and how it may be compared to current affairs. Using for examples the art of ceramics (eg: the author Triptolemus), sculpture (eg: the statue from Herculaneum) and painting (eg: fresh Pompeii), the authors try to make a pictorial journey by the theme of sexuality and their role in society, as an interface between man with himself and with nature.
Motor Aptitude and Attention in Pacients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Parcias S.R. , dos Santos K. , da Silva M.E. Merlin , Bellé A.M. Belindo , de Souza A.L. Bertoncini , Oltramari B. Castro , Magro K.C.
Published: March 2009

An important part of the patients are affected with Mental Disorder associate with the cognitive alterations and its exercises an influence in the patient's daily routine.

This field study, a descriptive diagnostic encompassing the case and had as objective to evaluate the cognitive aspects: motor aptitude and attention.

The sample was the intentional kind, composed of female patients with diagnosis of Mental Disorder (major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) according to DSM IV, in depressive condition, from 22 to 55 years old, interned in a psychiatric hospital.

For the evaluation of the motor aptitude it was used the Motor Aptitude Rank for the Elderly (Escala Motora para a Terceira Idade - EMTI - Pink Grandson, 2002) adapted that evaluates the general and specific motor aptitude: Specific Motricity, Global Motricity, Balance, Corporal Design, Space Organization, Shedule Organization. It was used the TMT (Trail Making Test - parts A and B - neuropsychological battery Halstead-Reitan) to evaluate the attention (Reitan, 1958).

The data had been organized and analyzed through descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Results:

General Motor Aptitude (GMA) was classified as Normal Low; Global Motricity, Balance, Corporal Design, Space Organization and Schedule Organization had low output; the worse execution in the TMT indicating attention deficit disorder; the increasing of the time in the execution of the TMT proportional to the increase of the age; a negative value of the correlation of the GMA and the attention, a bigger slowness in the execution of the TMT tests shows minors values of GMA.
Institutionalized Child and Adolescent Population in a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic: A Review of 4 Years
Authors: Santos V. , Soares M. , Pedroso S. , Sousa F.
Published: March 2009

Background:

The Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges that the family is the natural environment for the upbringing of a child and that the parents have the primary responsibility for the child's education. However, it also mentions the need to find adequate substitute care whenever the child is temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or when the child's best interests cannot be secured within the family environment. This substitute care may include adoption, foster placement or, as last resort, placement in an institution suitable for child care. Although some institutions have high quality standards for child care, this is not always the case.

Institutionalized children are likely to come from unfavourable family environments, where they were victims of multiple psychosocial adversities, and studies show they present high scores of emotional and conduct disorders, together with cognitive problems.

Methods:

We examined medical files of all the institutionalized children and adolescents who attended the outpatient clinic of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Coimbra, Portugal, between the years 2005 and 2008, in order to characterize this population.

Results:

There was a male excess in our sample. The majority of the children and adolescents were institutionalized due to abuse and/or neglect and had conduct or oppositional defiance disorder. A considerable number had cognitive deficits.

Discussion:

Mental health services should work closely with these institutions to identify their strengths and difficulties, facilitating prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric problems.
Induced Delusional Disorder in Rural Areas: A Case of Folie a Quatre
Authors: Peritogiannis V. , Lekka M. , Papavassiliou N. , Mantas C. , Mavreas V. , Hyphantis T.
Published: March 2009

Background and aim:

Induced delusional disorder or folie a deux is characterized by the presence of similar delusional ideas in two or more individuals. The delusional system develops as a result of a close relationship with a person with an established psychotic disorder. Most commonly the affected persons are members of a family.

Methods:

An unusual case of folie a famille involving four siblings, brother and three sisters, (folie a quatre) is presented. This case was detected in the context of a community-based psychiatric service in Greece, the Mobile Psychiatric Unit of the prefectures of Ioannina and Thesprotia.

Results:

A 46-year-old woman was referred from primary care physicians for the management of a psychotic exacerbation. On the examination it was revealed that she and her three older siblings were sharing the delusional idea of being affected by their neighbors with magic. These siblings had been living in social isolation for long and have been querulant and aggressive toward their neighbors, against whom they had undertaken a succession of lawsuits. None of the rest siblings accepted to be examined so it could not be determined who the inducer was or what the diagnoses were for each of the affected persons. The patient did not receive the prescribed medication and did not engage in follow-up.

Conclusions:

Cases of induced delusional disorder may be difficult to be detected and treated. Mobile psychiatric units in co-operation with primary care physicians may have an opportunity to provide appropriate treatment for such patients in rural areas.
A Case of Selective Mutism in an Eight-Year Old Girl with Thalassaemia Major After Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Plener P. , Gatz S.A. , Schuetz C. , Ludolph A.G. , Kölch M.
Published: March 2009

Objective:

Selective Mutism (DSM-IV: 313.23, ICD-10: F94.0) is a rare phenomenon in child and adolescent psychiatry, with prevalence rates below 1%. Patients limit their verbal communication and social functioning is severely impaired. Evidence for treatment strategies is scarcely available, especially in patients with concomitant pediatric disorders.

Method:

This case report provides information on the psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment of selective mutism in an eight-year old girl with thalassemia major. The patient presented to the psychiatric department after her second (successful) bone marrow transplantation for treatment of her selective mutism which was present already prior to transplantation. As permanent medications she received penicillin prophylaxis (500.000 IE/d) and deferasirox (Exjade; 20-25 mg/kg/d), a recently approved iron chelator.

Results:

Long term psychotherapy (CBT) in a day-time clinic, supported by the use of the SSRI Fluoxetine (10 mg), led to a decrease in the Selective Mutism score from 29 to 17 points - GAF improved by 21 points. Reintegration in the school context was established. Mean levels of Fluoxetin and N-Fluoxetin were 287,8 ng/ml without significant level fluctuations.

Conclusion:

This case adds further evidence, that a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacological interventions (SSRI) proves effective in treatment resistant Selective Mutism. Monitoring blood levels of the SSRI is crucial in providing treatment to patients receiving multi-pharmacological treatment.
The Scandinavian Solutions for Wellness Study - an Observational Study on the Effectiveness of the Lifestyle Program Solutions for Wellness
Authors: Porsdal V. , Kleivenes O.K. , Beal C. , Svanborg P.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

It is known that psychiatric disorders often lead to unhealthy life styles and reduced quality of life, which can lead to weight gain, possibly enhanced by psychotropic treatment.

Solutions for Wellness (SfW) is an educational program for life style changes for psychiatric patients. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness of SfW.

Method:

30 psychiatric clinics collected data for the study. Quality of life was measured by the Subjective Wellbeing under Neuroleptics scale (SWN), at baseline and at the end of SfW participation at 3 months. Demographic, disease and treatment data were also collected. A control group consisted of patients from centers that did not offer the SfW program.

Results:

314 patients were enrolled in SfW group, 59 in the control group. 54% of the total group had schizophrenia, 67% received atypical antipsychotics. The baseline mean BMI in the SfW group was 31.7 kg/m2.

SWN scores for the SfW group improved significantly from baseline to the end of the program (mean increase 3.3 ± 12.2), but not significantly more than for the control group (mean difference 1.4, p = 0.4158 (t-test)). The SfW group demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI, weight and waist circumference from baseline. The decreases were significantly larger compared to the control group for BMI (p = 0.0018) and weight (p = 0.0027) (t-tests).

Conclusion:

Patients in the SfW program improved in BMI, weight, waist circumference and SWN total score. Changes in weight and BMI were significantly larger in the SfW group compared to the control group.
A New Proposed Protocol to Evaluate Anxiety, Depression and the Needs of Cancer Patients
Authors: Torre E. , Zeppegno P. , Probo M. , Lavatelli L. , Colombo M. , Ferrante D. , Gambaro G. , Krengli M.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

To examine the perceived needs by patients and radiotherapists using a modified by us version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN).

Methods:

We eliminated 4/22 areas of the CAN scale -ideated for psychotic patients- in order to adapt it to oncological subjects (naming it CANo). Each of the scale areas values: the existence of a specific need; the help received from care-givers; the help coming from social services; the completeness of the help received. CANo was administrated to 30 solid cancer subjects consecutively admitted in 2007 to the Radiotherapy Department of Novara Hospital (Italy), and to their respective treating radiotherapists. Patients with cognitive impairment were excluded. Patients were also administrated the following protocol: HADS (Hospital anxiety and depression scale); Paykel's list of stressful events; MBTI (Mayer-Briggs Type Indicator); EORTC QLQ-C30.

Results:

Anxiety and depression occurred at any level in 15/30 of cases. There was a significant correlation (Spearman coefficient: SC) between the numbers of needs on CANo scale and anxiety (SC:0.4; p=0.002) or depression (SC:0.48; p=0.006) levels. Higher scores in all functional EORTC scales corresponded to lower needs detected by CANo. Patient needs were perceived less important by patients themselves than their physicians (mean satisfied need scores: 1.87 vs. 3; unsatisfied need scores: 0.63 vs. 1.03). The staff overestimated patient physical health needs (7/30 vs 3/30), psychological distress (20/30 vs 5/30), relationship difficulties (9/30 vs 2/30), received information correctness (7/30 vs 2/30).

Conclusions:

The CANo scale may be useful to detect oncological patient needs and to improve the quality of care.
Study of the Correlations Between Theory of Mind, Symptoms and Personality Characteristics of a Non-Psychiatric Population
Authors: Zeppegno P. , Probo M. , Antona M. , Gogliani A. , Torre E.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

A deficit in the theory of mind has been identified, although without univocal results, in various pathologies, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some personality disorders. Aim of the study was to evaluate, in a non- psychiatric population, the correlation of personological characteristics and symptoms with theory of mind and emotion recognition tasks.

Methods:

The following protocol was administrated to 130 voluntary students from Novara (Italy) School of Medicine: EPQ-R test for personality analysis; an intention-inferencing task for theory of mind (adapted from Happè's version); the emotion recognition test (adapted from Blair's version); and SCL-90 for symptoms evaluation. Spearman correlation coefficient (SC) was calculated; p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

No statistically significant correlations were found between the EPQ-R (psychoticism, estroversion and nevroticism) and theory of mind test scores. Better performances in the theory of mind test corresponded to lower scores in SCL-90 subscales: obsessive-compulsive disorder (SC:-0.248; p=0.004); depression (SC:-0.280; p=0.001); anxiety (SC:-0.276; p=0.001); hostility (SC:-0.178; p=0.042); phobic anxiety (SC:-0.197;p=0.025); paranoid ideation (SC:-0.191;p=0.03); and psychoticism (SC:-0.189; p=0.032). A lower capacity in the recognition of the happiness emotion corresponded to higher scores in the hostility (CS:-0.194; p=0.027) and phobic anxiety (CS:-0.211; p=0.016) SCL-90 subscales, while higher scores in the EPQ-R subscale psychoticism and somatisation SCL-90 subscales were respectively related to lower skills in the recognition of fear (CS:-0.226; p=0.01) and envy (CS:-0.193; p=0.028) emotions.

Conclusions:

Theory of mind skills seem independent from personological traits, but are inversely correlated to various symptomatological subscale scores. The recognition of specific emotions correlates selectively with various personological traits and symptomatological subscales.
Psychiatric Disorders in Childhood and Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Kevere L. , Purvina S. , Bauze D. , Zeibarts M. , Rizevs A. , Purvins I. , Caune M. , Andrezina R.
Published: March 2009

Background:

Homocysteine (Hcy) is studied in relation to gender dependent schizophrenia in young males and to affective disorders in females. In relation with Hcy also the level of Vit.B12 and folic acid is investigated as they have ability to decrease the level of Hcy essentially.

Aim:

The aim of our study is to get information about serum level of Hcy, Vit.B12 and folic acid in patients with schizophrenia's spectrum, autism, mood disorders and mental retardation and their possible link.

Material and methods:

In the study 91 patients of Children's Psychiatric Hospital with above-mentioned diagnosis were involved, 37 of them with schizophrenia's spectrum disorders. Patients were selected according to their diagnosis (in line with ICD-10) and current clinical state. Each diagnosis and clinical state was coded depending on its severity and course of disease.The level of Hcy was stated by isocratic HPLC system with fluorometric detection (Shimadzu LC-20, model RF-10AxL).

Results:

Correlation among diagnosis, severity of disease and level of Hcy was r = -0.401 (p < 0.01). It was found out that the level of Hcy was the highest in 14 schizophrenic patients with acute condition and adverse course of disease.

Conclusion:

First obtained data are indicative of potential link among the level of Hcy and schizophrenia and its severity, thereby it allows advancing hypothesis that Hcy can be as one of risk factors of schizophrenia.
Paraphilias
Authors: Ramos A. , Chaleira R. , Cintra P.
Published: March 2009

Paraphilias, in modern sexuality, are synonymous of sexual deviation, that were classified as aberrations and perversions by classic psychiatry and psychoanalysis.

Until recently, almost all sexual acts besides the introduction of penis inside vagina were considered a deviation.

The freedom of 60's and 70's and the developments of sexology have contribute to dissipate this concept to concrete and circumscribed situations.

The aim of this work is to present a revision of the epidemiology, diagnostic issues, clinical course, physiology, prognostic and treatment options of parafhilias.

The method used consists of bibliographic research and medline related articles research.

After the research we have considered the list ofl disorders having in account o the most recent investigations and progresses in the field of sexuality

Treatment options range from psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, adapted to the cilinical context of each patient.
Perception of Psychiatry and Mental Disease Among Lebanese Non Psychiatric Doctors
Authors: Richa S. , Naddaf M.
Published: March 2009

Objective:

Evaluate the attitudes of non psychiatrist doctors and residents working in Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital towards mental illness and medical students of Saint Joseph University.

Method:

A 25-question-questionnaire about the perception of severe mental illness, of psychiatric treatments, of psychiatrists, and of psychiatry as a future career, which was distributed to Saint Joseph University medical students over the 7 years via the delegates of each class, to the doctors via their secretaries in their clinics, and personally to the residents between the period of November 27 and December 28, 2007.

Results:

We have found negative attitudes towards mental illness in the studied population but positive attitudes towards psychiatric treatments, psychiatry, and psychiatrists with higher scores among doctors than students towards mental illness (p = 0.0073) and towards psychiatric treatments (p = 0.0016) but no significant difference between different groups in the scores of perception of psychiatry (p = 0.78) and psychiatrists (p = 0.42). No difference was found between males and females for none of the scores.

Conclusion:

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that medical students’ attitudes are negative towards mental illness but positive towards psychiatric treatments, psychiatry, and psychiatrists during their first years of medical studies and stay the same after receiving a theoretical psychiatry course and after a clinical training in a psychiatric hospital and even when they become residents and that these attitudes become more positive when they become doctors.
Patients’ Self-Report as Predictor of Self-Harm and Violence in an Acute Psychiatric Unit. A Prospective Naturalistic Study
Authors: Roaldset J.O. , Bjørkly S. , Gøtestam K.G.
Published: March 2009

The risk of self-harm and violent behaviour by psychiatric patients is an important clinical research topic. However, a literature search on measurement of patients’ structured self-reported assessment of future risk of violent, suicidal or self mutilating behaviour failed to disclose any published empirical research. In the acute psychiatric ward at Ålesund Hospital in Norway we conducted a study of risk assessment of self harm and violent behaviour at admittance and at discharge, followed by prospective measurement of occurred episodes.

All admitted patients during one year (489 persons with 716 stays) were included. At admittance and at discharge the Violence Risk Screening-10 (V-RISK-10), items taping suicidal thoughts and behaviour, and patients’ structured self-reported risk of self-harm and violent behaviour (583 self-reports) were scored (six items: no risk-, little-, moderate-, high-, very high risk, don't know the risk, will not answer). The patients were asked to give a blood sample to measure lipids and serotonin. Incidents of aggressive behaviour (against others and self-directed) were monitored during hospital stay (phase 1) and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after discharge (phase 2).

Preliminary results pertaining to the relationship between the patients’ predictions of self-harm and violent behaviour and occurred episodes during the subsequent hospital stay (phase 1) and the first three months after discharge (phase 2), indicate that the predictive validity of patients’ self-report was highly significant both for violent behaviour, suicidal behaviour and self mutilation in phase 1 and phase 2. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to high.
Psychiatric Development in Huntington Disease
Authors: Roque M. , Craveiro A.
Published: March 2009

Huntington Disease (HD) is an untreatable condition with an hereditary basis, autosomal dominant, progressive and Neurodegenerative, with average beginning age in-between 35 and 44 years old. Choreic movements are the major feature of this disease, but the most precocious symptoms are psychiatric alterations. Studies reveal depression numbers to be double than those found in the general population, with disturbing numbers in suicide attempts. Behavioural alterations (psychotic symptoms, agitation, irritability, and insomnia) may become severe in long-term course.

Objective:

The authors’ aim is to approach the different psychiatric manifestations in HD, and Psychiatry's role in afflicted families.

Methods:

The authors undertake a revision of this topic in the literature.

Conclusion:

Familiar history is underestimated, and in the course of the disease, antidepressive treatments are underutilized. Atypical antipsychotic with minimal extrapyramidal side effects are welcome on motor as well as behavioural symptoms. Family counselling and psychological support is key.
The Effect of Psychiatric Clerkship on Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Psychiatry and Their Intention to Pursue Psychiatry as a Career
Authors: Samimi-Ardestani S.M.
Published: March 2009

Background:

The attitudes of medical students toward psychiatry have been studied extensively in other countries. A positive attitude to psychiatry may make future doctors more responsive to the psychological needs and comorbidity of patients in all branches of medicine.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine whether attitudes toward psychiatry improved during psychiatric attachment as well as the relationship between attitudes to psychiatry and intention to pursue psychiatry as a career.

Methods:

On the first and last day of their psychiatric attachment 109 fifth year medical students of SBMU were asked to participate in the study. They completed a demographic form and “Attitude toward Psychiatry Questionnaire”. They also responded to two questions which measured their intention to pursue psychiatry as a prospective career.

Results:

Students had favorable attitude toward psychiatry before the attachment with mean score of 84.14 on Attitude to Psychiatry Questionnaire (neutral score 72). These attitudes become more positive after attachment. Students’ intention to pursue psychiatry as a career increased during attachment (t=-4.85 df =107 p=0.000). Improvement in attitudes was related to an increased intention to pursue psychiatry as a career (rho=0.170 n=109 p=0.032).

Conclusions:

The study confirms earlier reports of a significant positive impact of undergraduate psychiatric attachment on medical students’ attitudes toward psychiatry and their intention to pursue psychiatry. Thus, teaching psychiatry at an undergraduate level may well have important implications.
Determination of the Quality of Life in Medicine Students of Medical University of Zanjan (Iran) in Second Half of 2006
Authors: Shabani M.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

This study was done to determine the quality of life in medicine students according to the sex, residence, being native, marital status, being scholar, entrance share to the university, educational level and entrance year to the university in the second half of 2006.

Method:

It is a descriptive study that was done among medicine students of Zanjan"s medical university. Necessary data were extracted by distribution of QLQ questionnaire among the students. In this study, sample volume was 200 cases and sampling method was total sampling. The data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software.

Results:

In this research 200 medicine students, whose, entrance year to the university was 1999-2006, were studied. The highest quality of life was seen in students entered to the university in 2004 (105.1), married students (104.67), students in basic science level (99.7), scholar students (98.81), students residing outside of dormitory (96.95 (female students (94.81), students with free entrance share (93.35), and non-native students, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion:

According, to the analyzed data, the quality of life in medicine students of Zanjan medical university was in ‘intermediate level (93.19). The mean of quality of life in married students (104.67), scholar students (98.81) students residing outside of dormitory (96.95), female students (94.82), students with free entrance share (93.35) and non-native students was more than mean of other students. The most and least mean of score in scale fragments of QLQ questionnaire were related to the body health and parent - child relations, respectively.
Risk Assessment of Suicidality: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Practices & Requirements for Patient’s Safety
Authors: Shrivastava A.
Published: March 2009

Patients safety is of Paramount concern in clinical practice and administrative psychiatry. There is evidence of limitations in assessment of suicide for patients coming to services. Treatment of mental disorder in universally advocated for prevention of suicide as up to 90% suicides arise from mental illnesses. It is therefore important that patients who seek services are well looked after. Suicide behavior and suicidal ideation are with considerable risk for attempt of suicide. Suicidal ideation is common in about 4% in general population, in about 20% of psychiatric population & in about 60-70% of admissions in acute psychiatric wards. There are few tools available for risk assessment of such patients & almost always this is done based upon personal clinical judgment. The science of suicidology is constantly evolving with changing socio-cultural perspectives. Much more research is required in making judgments for suicidality.

Available literature suggests three main domains for origin of suicidal ideas i.e. Biological domain, Psychological domain and Social-Environmental Domain. The suicidal ideas have constant interplay with risk factors present in the individual to give rise to suicidal thoughts, which become morbid. The cognitive set changes and cognitive control is lost which gives rise to an attempt. For an adequate risk assessment one needs to take into consideration the three domains and known risk factors against the background of suicide protectors. The paper discusses findings of a new tool: SIS-MAP (Scale for Impact of Suicidality: management, Assessment & planning of care) with objective to improvise assessment and patient's safety.
The Women who Heard Folk Portuguese Music in the Right Ear: A Case of Unilateral Musical Hallucinosis
Authors: Ferreira P. , Simões S. , Cerqueira J. , Soares-Fernandes J. , Machado Á.
Published: March 2009

Introduction:

Although probably undereported, musical hallucinosis is very rare and usually bilateral. It refers to auditory complex hallucinations, for which the patient has full insight, and includes melodies, tunes, rhythms and timbres.

Clinical case:

A 71-year-old women was seen for a history of hearing music in the right ear. She had mild hypertension and auricular fibrillation, being chronically medicated with aspirine, bisoprolol and hydroclorothiazide. Three months previously she started hearing some popular folk Portuguese songs in the right ear. She could identify the lyrics and sing the songs she heard. Weeks later fado and classical music were added to the repertoire, and later on she started hearing less well-formed sounds like “dlam... dlam” or “uhh... uhh”. There were no other auditory or visual hallucinations. She was seen by an otorhinolaryngologist, and made an audiogram showing bilateral, right-predominant, pre-coclear deafness with normal evoked brainstem auditory potentials. An MRI showed small deep subcortical lacunar lesions. EEG was normal. PET scan showed left temporal hypometabolism. On benzodiazepines she had discrete improvement.

Conclusion:

Musical hallucinosis has been found mainly in deaf patients, and a similar mechanism to that of Charles-Bonnet syndrome has been proposed. Sensory deprivation of primary auditory cortex would “release” the secondary auditory cortex, to produce complex auditory hallucinations with full insight. In our patient we were able to demonstrate the integrity of the brainstem pathway, supporting a direct link between diminished right ear sound transmission and left temporal lobe diminished activation as ascertained by the pet scan.
A New Methodology of Assessing Adult Attachment: Exploring its Validity and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Sochos A. , Smith S. , Davies H. , Heidel V.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

Attachment research has provided useful concepts towards an interpersonal approach to psychopathology. Although it suggests that psychological processes are defined by three relational dichotomies (self vs. other, relatedness vs. autonomy, and dependent vs. dependent-on positions), it has not yet assessed separately and simultaneously the eight components generated by the intersection of these dichotomies (e.g. self requesting relatedness, self providing relatedness etc). The aim of the present research was to investigate the validity and potential clinical usefulness of such a neglected approach.

Methods:

In Study 1, thirty Cognitive Analytic Therapy outpatients at Guy's Hospital, London, were interviewed before treatment on their couple relationships and filled out the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). A content-analytic method was applied to the transcripts. In Study 2, a new attachment questionnaire was completed by 400 undergraduates, along with the BSI and IIP.

Results:

In Study 1, at a six-month follow-up, BSI scores were predicted by the Self Requests Autonomy [R Sq = .29, F(1,23) = 10.84, p = .003] and the Other Provides Closeness [R Sq = .23, F(1,23) = 9.72, p=.001] attachment dimensions, while IIP scores were predicted by Self Provides Support [R Sq = .11, F(1,23) = 7.87, p=.003]. In Study 2, factor analysis yielded eight components matching the theoretical expectations and correlating with BSI and IIP scores (rs ranging from .18 to.41).

Conclusions:

The present findings provide some preliminary support for the validity and potential clinical relevance of the method.
Effect of Co Morbid Psychiatric Disorders on Response to Methyl-Phenidate in ADHD Children
Authors: Soltanifar A. , Gharavi M. Modares , Mashhadi A.
Published: March 2009

Introduction:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is relatively common in children and has many co morbidities. Some studies have shown that co morbidities especially anxiety disorders may affect the response to stimulant medication. The object of this study was to investigate the relation of children's response to methyl-phenidate with their co morbid psychiatric disorders.

Method:

The sample included fifty 6 to 12 years old children with ADHD referred to Dr.Sheikh clinic of child psychiatry in Mashhad (north-east of Iran). The diagnoses were made by a child psychiatrist based on the DSM-IV -TR criteria, using clinical interview and K-SADS. ADHD children received methyl-phenidate for 4 weeks. ADHD- rating scales were completed by mothers and teachers of children before the treatment and after 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS -16 and statistical tests including chi-square and t-test.

Results:

The mean age of ADHD children was 8.7 years old. Most of the patients (74%) were boys. In 32 patients (64%) at least one co morbid psychiatric disorder was found. Anxiety disorders were the most common co morbidity of ADHD (in 56% of patients). Co morbid disorders did not have a significant affect on response to medication in ADHD children (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

In the present study disruptive behavior and anxiety disorders were the most common co morbidities in ADHD children. Presence of co morbid disorders including anxiety disorders did not change the response to methyl -phenidate.
Interaction of Psychological and Neurobiological Risk Factors in the Background of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Szkaliczki A. , Álmos P.Z. , Andó B. , Krivek E. , Kálmán J. , Janka Z.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

Many studies investigated social, psychological, existential and environmental risk factors in the background of suicidal behavior, while recent researches put emphasis on the neurobiological basis by revealing impairments in decision-making related to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In this ongoing study we aimed to integrate these approaches with examining the correlating factors of personality character traits, impulsivity and the function of ventromedial cortex.

Methods:

30 suicide attempters and 28 controls participated in our study. Data regarding the act of suicide, previous attempts, personal and family history, current medication and general health state were recorded. All participants received Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and they were asked to perform the computerized version of Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

Results:

Suicide attempters scored significantly higher on BIS. They achieved significantly higher harm avoidance and transcendence scores and lower self-directedness, social deviance and cooperation scores on TCI (p< 0.05). Suicide attempters selected less advantageous desks on both reward and punishment sensitive tasks of IGT (p< 0.05). Significant correlation was found between novelty-seeking personality trait and punishment sensitivity (p< 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study supports the previous findings regarding the impairment of ventromedial cortex in the background of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, we demonstrated relation between this alteration and specific personality traits of suicide patients. This approach may shed light on the interaction of psychological and neurobiological risk factors.
PIRAMHIDS - Positive and Innovative Resources. A Mental Health Interactive Database (Scotland) National Resource for Sharing Evidence Based Practice
Authors: Thomson D.
Published: March 2009

PIRAMHIDS is a multidisciplinary, multi agency database designed as a vehicle to promote and support the sharing of positive and innovative practice in mental health that is evidence based and quality assured. The use of technology as an information-sharing tool contributes to improved patient care by promoting an improved equitable service throughout Scotland and beyond.

The resource promotes a culture of local ownership of a national resource and encourages contribution from statutory and non statutory services. Consideration is given to the quality of submission in terms of identifying underpinning evidence and quality assurance processes. Networking opportunities are also promoted by encouraging contact with contributors from those considering adopting the examples of practice or developing services.

The Practice Development Unit of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is leading this work following recommendation from the National Review of Mental Health Nursing in Scotland, ‘Rights, Relationships and Recovery’ (2006). The database ensures sharing of evidence based practice in a manner which is useful, accessible and user friendly with open access to all. Initial response is enthusiastic from service users, clinicians and educators. This model of sharing practice may be adopted across any national service and have value when sharing practice on an international plane. A process of evaluation including impact on care outcomes is considered and ongoing.
Alexithymia Association with Chronic Prostatitis
Authors: Moussas G. , Tsiodras S. , Gourgoulis G.-M. , Panagopoulos P. , Korkoliakou P. , Christodoulou C. , Sympardi S. , Paraschakis A. , Fineti K. , Giamarellou H. , Lykouras L.
Published: March 2009

Background:

Chronic prostatitis has been long considered a psychosomatic illness, however the psychological profile of patients suffering from it, has not been fully elucidated yet.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis at a tertiary care ID clinic are evaluated for the presence of alexithymia, with the use of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, as part of a prospective cohort. Patients were categorized according to the NIH Consensus Classification System for Prostatitis Category. Association of psychiatric symptoms with prostatitis category was performed.

Results:

Preliminary results are reported for 30 patients (median age 43 years old; IQR= 36-52). According to the NIH Prostatitis Classification System patients were categorized as type II : 48.2%, type IIIa: 6.9 %, type IIIb: 38%, type IV: 6.9%. Median CPSI score was 16 (IQR: 11-25). Abnormal TAS score was noted in 72% of the population. Specifically, 90% had high scores in external orientation of emotions, 25% in identification of emotions and 38% showed reduced expression of emotions. It is of notice, that mean TAS scores were significantly higher in type IIIa prostatitis cases (p=0.002, ANOVA).

Conclusions:

High rates of alexithymia were noted in prostatitis subjects especially in type IIIa cases. These findings need further prospective evaluation.
Social Competence and Motor Function in the Asperger Syndrome, a Hypothesis
Authors: Coetzee M. , Verbeeck W. , Tuinier S.
Published: March 2009

The precise nature of social impairments in Asperger syndrome is still in need of investigation and is less severe than in autism. Patients with Asperger show impairments in receptive and expressive language, social perception and social skills. Moreover deficits in empathy, motor disturbances and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities are often observed. An important finding is the association between motor disabilities and the degree of social withdrawal and the severity of autistic symptoms. Major motor control abnormalities are impaired gait, balance, manual dexterity and grip. It is hypothesized that specific deficits reflect impairment in the ability to integrate sensory input with appropriate motor commands and this is consistent with cerebellar dysfunction found in Asperger syndrome. It is important to emphasize that most theories of emotion stress that emotions arise from bodily sensations and are in essence preparations for (motor) action. Recently the importance of cerebellar function for emotional processing was rediscovered after a long time during which the cerebellum was considered to have no function at all in emotion regulation. These considerations might be of importance for further research and treatment. We present a review on this topic and some hypotheses about treatment modalities.
The Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Self-Reported Reading Difficulties in a Large Representative Population Sample
Authors: Undheim A.M. , Sund A.M.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships in early adolescence between self-reported reading difficulties (RD) and psychosocial and socio-demographic factors in a large representative population sample of 2464 adolescents (50.8% girls) with a mean age of 13.7 (SD: range: ) in Norway.

Methods:

Sub-sample: Students with self-reported RD; 7.5% (N = 191) of the total sample, 7% girls (N= 88) and 8.5% boys (N =103).

Standardized self-report measures of depressive symptoms based on DSM-IV symptom criteria, (The Mood and Feelings Questionnaire), and on self esteem (The Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents) and attachment (The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment) were used.

Results:

Adolescents with RD were compared to classmates. In univariate analyses RD adolescents demonstrated higher levels of depressive symptoms, more school stress, had lower school grades and lower attachment to parents. They also scored lower on Global Self-worth and on Social Acceptance scales. Further, they reported reduced levels of psycho-functioning during the previous year because of mental health problems. They also had received more help and had used more medication for such problems.

In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, receiving help for mental health problems and reduced psycho-functioning showed the strongest association with student RD status (OR=2.32 and OR=1.75, respectively). No gender differences were found.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated important differences between adolescents with and without RD. Adolescents with RD might be more at risk for mental health problems than others.
The Poster of Posters: Evaluation of the 20th ECNP Congress [P02-303]
Authors: Versonnen F.
Published: March 2009

Basic and clinical research are both of importance for psychiatry. In psychiatric care, both neurobiological and psychosocial underpinnings of clinical diagnosis and treatment. To come to a meaningful intervention, one is in need of different levels of explanation. Moreover, in a clinical setting, an integration of the so called Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and Narrative Based Medicine (NBM) seems to be most appropriate. Basic research is sometimes seen as ‘more scientific’ and this may be reflected by granting more awards for these posters. A simple quantitative analysis is done by comparing the basic and clinical posters at the 20th ECNP Congress in Vienna. The total of submissions, the basic versus clinical ‘awards’- and Odds-ratio are calculated. Some corrections are needed. First, 10 psychology posters, were classified as basic and were reattributed to the clinical category. Second, after a qualitative analysis and correction for preclinical narratives or basic research methods for 7 awarded clinical posters, they were reclassified to the basic science category. All awarded basic posters were labeled correctly. After this double correction the Odds ratio was calculated. A total of 725 posters were submitted, 426 clinical and 299 basic. Fifty posters were awarded. The Odds ratio of getting an award was 5, 8 in favor of basic science posters. This is an expression of the current undervaluation of clinical research.
Differences Between Patients of a Medium Stay Unit Depending on the Derivation Unit
Authors: Sánchez N. , Euba O. , Merino R. , Torreblanca M. , Zallo E. , Barreiro A. , Arroita A. , Pinilla E.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

The medium stay unit of the hospital of Zamudio is a psychiatric hospitalization unit where serious patients are admitted, specially those with psychotic and affective disorders. The complexity of the pathology extends the average stay of hospitalization with an average of 60 days to improve.

There are 2 derivation units from which medium stay takes patients:

•

Short stay unit from the Hospital of Cruces;

•

Short stay unit from the Hospital of Zamudio.

Methods:

It is analyzed, retrospecitvely, the profile of patients in a medium stay unit comparing the derivation unit they come from in 2007.

Results and conlusions:

There are no statistically significant differences in the number of patients derived from the diverse units.

The sociodemographic and administrative profile of the patients is similar in both groups: a single middle aged (between 45-50 years old) that is hospitalized knowlingly (63%). The average stay at hospital is 55 days.

Attending to the clinical profile we concluded that patients derived from the Hospital of Zamudio suffer from Bipolar disorder as main diagnosis. The rest of disorders remain similar comparing both units.
Profile of the Hospitalized Patients in a Medium Stay Unit
Authors: Euba O. , Sánchez N. , Barreiro A. , Torreblanca M. , Zallo E. , Merino R. , Arroita A. , Pinilla E.
Published: March 2009

Aims:

A medium stay unit is a psychiatric hospitalization unit where serious patients are admitteded, basically those with psychosis and affective disorders. The complexity of the pathology extends the average stay of hospitalization with an average of 60 days to improve.

The general profile of patients in a medium stay unit is characterized by:

•

Psychotic and affective disorders that need longer hospitalization.

•

Disorders that are resistant to treatment and need specific strategies.

•

Patients that give up the treatment.

•

Patients that require sessions of electoconvulsive therapy.

Methods:

It is analyzed, retrospectively, all admission to a medium stay unit in 2007 and described the clinical and sociodemographical features of each patient entering the unit.

Results:

209 people enter the unit in 2007, most of them single and in average they are 47 years old. The relation between men and women is similar.

The 65% of the patients agree about being hospitalized with an average stay in hospital of 54 days.

Schizophrenia is the most frequent diagnosis, followed by Major Depression.

The 56% of the patients are referred to an outpatients' department.

Conclusions:

What we observed in our study fits in with the general profile of patients that entered a medium stay unit.
Incidence of Hyper Lipidemia with Atypical Antipsychotic Treatment
Authors: Amaladoss A. , Balram C. , Wang A.
Published: March 2009

Background:

Atypical Antipsychotics(AAPS) have been found to be effective in various psychiatric conditions however evidence of treatment emergent hyperlipidemia limit their clinical benefits.

Objective:

To determine the treatment effects of AAPS onTriglyceride.

Method:

Patients with schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic conditions were randomly started on AAPS. Weight, BMI, and triglycerides were measured every 3 months from base line for one year.

121 enrolled, 119 completed 1 year follow up.

Olanzapine =51 Risperidone = 59 Quetiapine = 8 Clozapine = 1

Data analysis:

Descriptive and inferential analysis was carried except Clozapine to examine effects on weight, BMI and triglycerides.

Results:

WEIGHT GAIN more than 7%

Males :

Risperidone 46% > Quetiapine 33% >Olanzapine 16%

Females:

Quetiapine 40% >Olanzapine 35% >Risperidone 9%

BMI:

OBESITY:

Males:

Quetiapine 33.33% >Olanzapine 32.26%> Risperidone 16.22%

Females:

Risperidone 50%> Quetiapine 20% >Olanzapine 20%

MEAN TRIGLYCERIDES:

Male:

Risperidone 1.92> Olanzapine 1.7

Females:

Olanzapine 1.97 > Risperidone 1.78

HYPERLIPIDEMIA:

Male:

Olanzapine 54.84% >Risperidone 43.24%>Quetiapine 33.33%

Female:

Quetiapine 80% > Olanzapine 65% > Risperidone 45.45%

Higher incidence with Risperidone in 20 to 40 age group; with Olanzapine in 61 plus. Higher incidence in Schizophrenia obesity 42.42% and hyperlipidemia 37.10%.

Conclusion:

Results show that AAPS do affect weight, BMI and Triglycerides in varying degree to age, gender and disease, having significant clinical implications that warrant close monitoring with ongoing education on life style, diet and exercise in a heuristic manner.