bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality and Facial Dyskinesia
Authors: McClelland H. A. , Dutta D. , Metcalfe A. , Kerr T. A.
Published: August 2008

In 1965 a psychiatric in-patient population was surveyed for the prevalence of facial dyskinesia. The present investigation reports on their survival time. Among male and female patients with functional disorders (mostly schizophrenia) there was a strong association betweenmoderateorseverefacial dyskinesia and shortened survival, but no clinical factors were found to explain this.Mildfacial dyskinesia in functional disorders was not associated with reduced life expectancy and may be attributable to the general effects of ageing rather than to a specific pathological process. Among patients with primary organic brain syndromes, dyskinesia was not associated with reduced life expectancy.
Hypothyroidism as a Correlate of Lateral Ventricular Enlargement in Manic-Depressive and Neurotic Illness
Authors: Johnstone Eve C. , Owens D. G. C. , Crow T. J. , Colter N. , Lawton Claire A. , Jagoe R. , Kreel L.
Published: August 2008

Lateral ventricular size, as assessed by computed tomography, was not significantly greater in manic-depressive cases than in neurotic patients, but 19% of manic-depressive cases had ventricular brain ratios (VBR) more than two standard deviations above the neurotic mean. Few correlates of VBR were found in the features of the illness and the treatment given, apart from the fact that in the outpatient sample, there was a significant association between increased VBR and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism was relatively common in this sample, but was treated and not associated with cognitive impairment. There was no relationship between lithium administration and VBR.
Self-Esteem, Vulnerability and Psychiatric Disorder in the Community
Authors: Ingham J. G. , Kreitman N. B. , Miller P. McC. , Sashidharan S. P. , Surtees P. G.
Published: August 2008

One hypothesis concerning the nature of the link between negative self-appraisal and certain psychological disorders is that low self-esteem may be a consequence of both early and current experiences, and may predispose to breakdown. An alternative view is that the negative self-concept is only to be found in the presence of illness, which is the primary cause. Results are reported from a community survey, confirming the influence of certain biographical factors on self-esteem in the absence of illness, whereas other factors appear to operate only after the onset of illness. Anxiety as well as depression, has effects on self-esteem.
The Utility of a Single-Point Dosing Protocol for Predicting Steady-State Lithium Levels
Authors: Perry Paul J. , Alexander Bruce , Prince Randall A. , Dunner Frederick J.
Published: August 2008

Two methods for predicting steady-state serum lithium level were compared prospectively in in-patients suffering from affective disorder. A single-point prospective administration model that required a single 24-hour serum lithium level, following a test dose produced statistically similar predictions of the observed steady-state lithium levels as did a model that required 12- and 36-hour levels. However, the latter two-point method produced significantly more accurate predictions from clinical interpretation. Although the two-point approach is preferable, the single-point method is clinically acceptable if its limitations of accuracy are taken into consideration.
Women, Life Events and Drinking Problems
Authors: Allan Carole A. , Cooke D. J.
Published: August 2008

Do women drink excessively for the same reasons as men? A growing body of opinion suggests not. Beckman's (1975) views are representative— “Alcoholism and heavy drinking in women appear more likely to be linked to psychological stress and a specific precipitating circumstance or situation than is alcoholism or heavy drinking in men”.
Treatment of Prolonged Combat Reaction
Authors: Bleich Lt. Col. A. , Garb Ronald , Kottler Lt. Col. M.
Published: August 2008

Combat reaction is a clinical entity which is classified under one of the most complex diagnostic formulations in modern psychiatry-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of all the life experiences which may create trauma, war-related stress seems the most complicated and difficult to understand. Despite an abundance of clinical observation, this has been considered from such differing theoretical perspectives that a comprehensive therapeutic conceptualisation has proved elusive.
The Validation of the GHQ-28 and the use of the MMSE in Neurological In-Patients
Authors: Bridges K. W. , Goldberg D. P.
Published: August 2008

The routine use of screening instruments for psychiatric and cognitive impairment in hospital in-patients has been recommended in the United States. The validity of the scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the clinical utility of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were therefore evaluated in a consecutive series of neurological in-patients (N=102). Using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, the discriminating power of the GHQ was very good, and best when using a threshold score of 11/12. The patient sample turned out not to contain any with generalised cortical damage, which casts some doubt on whether the MMSE should be used routinely in all neurological in-patients units in the UK.
Depression, Hopelessness and Suicide in Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Drake Robert E. , Cotton Paul G.
Published: August 2008

Hospital records for 104 schizophrenic patients, 15 of whom subsequently committed suicide, were rated blindly for individual depressive symptoms comprising DSM III major depressive episode, and for hopelessness. Our results indicate that a large proportion of schizophrenic patients experienced major depressive episodes, and that these can be reliably identified. Presuicidal schizophrenics also experienced depressed mood, but only a minority developed the full syndrome; they typically exhibited the psychological, but not somatic symptoms. The relationship between depression and suicide disappears when hopelessness is taken into account.
Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Efficacy of Haloperidol Decanoate after Loading Dose Administration
Authors: De Cuyper H. , Bollen J. , van Praag H. M. , Verstraeten D.
Published: August 2008

For this open study, we selected 21 chronic psychotic female in-patients (16 of them schizophrenics) who were being maintained on oral neuroleptics. After a wash-out period, they were treated by intramuscular depot injections of haloperidol decanoate, once a month for four months. The dose was calculated from the previous oral dosage, and the amount of the first injection was double that of the three following injections. Relatively stable plasma levels of haloperidol were achieved with the first injection, and corresponded to those observed with oral medication. A very significant correlation was found between plasma level and the dose administered, but not between plasma level and therapeutic effect. The clinical condition of about two-thirds of the patients remained unchanged or improved, compared with the period of oral treatment. During the first two months of treatment, there was more rigidity and tremor, but from the third month, the extrapyramidal symptoms were less pronounced than during the period of oral neuroleptics.
Schneiderian First-Rank Symptoms Caused by Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Authors: Roberts Keith , Vass Neil
Published: August 2008

Benzodiazepine withdrawal has been found to give rise to numerous physical and psychological symptoms. This paper describes, for the first time, Schneiderian first-rank symptoms of schizophrenia caused by such withdrawal.
Electroconvulsive Therapy as a Contributor to the Production of Delusional Misidentification
Authors: Hay George G.
Published: August 2008

Evidence for an organic component in patients with delusional misidentification syndromes is reviewed and three described who developed the Capgras symptom after a course of ECT which produced a mild organic psychosyndrome. The delusion was a complicating factor during treatment, but remitted in all cases as the organic brain syndrome cleared and the underlying condition improved.
The Epidemiology of Life Events and Long-term Difficulties, with some Reflections on the Concept of Independence
Authors: Miller P. McC. , Dean C. , Ingham J. G. , Kreitman N. B. , Sashidharan S. P. , Surtees P. G.
Published: August 2008

A total of 576 women aged 18–65, drawn from an area in Edinburgh, were interviewed. Data on life events and long-term difficulties over a six-month period prior to interview were gathered and classified according to area of life, the Bedford system, the Edinburgh system, and the independence of the event or difficulty from the subject's own actions. The highest rates of Bedford system ‘provoking’ situations were found in the working class, among those not employed, among women with three or more children under 14, and in the separated, divorced, widowed or cohabitating group. Similar findings emerged for hopeless situations involving choice or loss. Dependent situations were four times more common in the youngest group than the oldest, and showed a high rate among those divorced, separated, widowed, or cohabiting. It is suggested that both dependent and independent life situations should be studied.
Hysteria, Play-acting and Courage
Authors: Taylor David C.
Published: August 2008

Levi-Strauss (1977) describes what happened to a child, in a primitive tribe, accused of sorcery–a crime punishable by death. The child invented more and more complex stories by way of self-justification. In the end his accusers believed his outlandish explanation because “the choice is not between this system and another but between this system and no system at all-chaos.” The child's plight can represent the close affinity between magic and hysteria; his accusers might represent those contemporary psychiatrists who would prefer any system of classification of hysteria, however absurd, to no system at all (Sheehan & Sheehan, 1982a, b; DSM-III, 1980).
The Formation of Maintenance of Delusions: a Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Hemsley D. R. , Garety P. A.
Published: August 2008

This paper argues that recent research on normal-belief formation is relevant to our understanding of the establishment and maintenance of delusions. Bayesian theory provides a normative model of the way in which evidence relevant to normal beliefs may be evaluated: this makes it possible to classify delusional beliefs in terms of deviations from optimal Bayesian inference. Some hypothetical forms of deviation appear to correspond closely to cognitive processes observed in some groups of deluded patients. Theories of the precise nature of the abnormal judgemental processes also have implications for psychological approaches to treatment of deluded patients. The role of hallucinations in the formation and/or maintenance of delusions and the extent to which the distortions of cognitive processes associated with delusions are content-specific or mood-specific are also considered.
Psychiatric Disorders in Mildly and Severely Mentally Retarded Urban Children and Adolescents: Epidemiological Aspects
Authors: Gillberg Christopher , Persson Eva , Grufman Marianne , Themnér Ulla
Published: August 2008

A total of 149 children aged 13–17 years were examined. 83 were mildly and 66 severely mentally retarded. These children, especially the severely retarded ones, are representative of all mentally retarded children born in 1966–1970 and living in Göteborg, Sweden. 64% of the severely mentally retarded and 57% of the mildly mentally retarded children were suffering from a handicapping psychiatric condition. Autism-like ‘psychotic behaviour’ was common in the severely retarded. 0.2% of the total child population aged 13–17 years suffering from the combination of mental retardation and ‘psychotic behaviour’. Epilepsy was associated with psychiatric abnormality, but Down's syndrome was generally not so associated.
Psychiatric Morbidity in First-Year Undergraduates and the Effect of Brief Psychotherapeutic Intervention—A Pilot Study
Authors: Szulecka T. Krystyna , Springett Nigel R. , de Pauw Karel W.
Published: August 2008

Out of 1279 first-year undergraduates, two matched groups of students potentially vulnerable to psychological disturbance were identified. One was left to its own resources; the other was offered psychotherapeutic intervention, the effects of which were measured by the number of consultations with general practitioners, type of treatment and rate of withdrawal from university. Although the students in the intervention group had fewer consultations, lower General Health Questionnaire scores at follow-up, and fewer withdrew from university, due to the small numbers involved none of these differences achieved statistical significance.
Body Size Estimation in Bulimia
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew M. , Freeman Christopher P. L. , Annandale Annette
Published: August 2008

Body size estimation was studied in 22 patients with bulimia and 20 normal controls. Two methods of body size estimation were used, a distorting television image method (DTIM) and the image marking method (IMM). The subjects estimated body size of a dummy as well as their own body on the DTIM. When estimating body size on the DTIM the bulimics overestimated and the controls underestimated, there being a significant difference between the two groups. There was no difference between the groups when estimating the size of the dummy. On the IMM a significant difference was found between the bulimic and control groups, the bulimics overestimating body size and the controls being more accurate. Marked directional effects were found with the DTIM. The two methods of body size estimation are compared.
Behaviour Problems in Retarded Children with Special Reference to Down's Syndrome
Authors: Gath Ann , Gumley Dianne
Published: August 2008

Data were collected, using interviews with parents and teachers and rating scales, concerning the behaviour of two groups of mentally retarded children: 193 children with Down's Syndrome (DS) and 154 children with a similar degree of handicap were identified in the same schools. The proportions of children who had high scores on the Rutter or an additional behaviour check list, were similar in the two groups. Deviant behaviour was markedly more common in both sets of retarded children than in their siblings next in age; 31% of the children with DS and 29% of controls were judged to be well adjusted, while 38% of the DS children and 49% of the controls had significant behaviour disorder. Conduct disorders were most common in the children with DS. ‘Psychosis' was the most common diagnostic label in the control group, but was also found in the children with DS.
Psychiatric Disorder in the General Hospital
Authors: Mayou Richard , Hawton Keith
Published: August 2008

There have been many reports of psychiatric disorder in medical populations, but few have used standard methods on representative patient groups. Even so, there is consistent evidence for considerable psychiatric morbidity in in-patient, out-patient and casualty department populations, much of which is unrecognised by hospital doctors. We require a better classification of psychiatric disorder in the general hospital, improved research measures, and more evidence about the nature and course of the many different types of problem so that we can provide precise advice for their management of routine clinical practice.
Seasonal Hypomania in a Patient with Cold Urticaria
Authors: Harvey N. S. , Mikhail W. I.
Published: August 2008

The clinical and biochemical disturbances of a patient with seasonal hypomania and cold urticaria are described and discussed with reference to histamine metabolism in mental disorder.
Emotional Attitudes and Direct Communication in the Families of Schizophrenics
Authors: Strachan Angus M. , Goldstein Michael J. , Leff Julian P. , Burtt Carol , Doane Jeri A.
Published: August 2008

To examine how the measure of expressed emotion relates to family life, 30 relatives of schizophrenic patients were assessed for EE and then observed in ten-minute discussions with the patients. It was found that high-EE relatives express more negative emotional statements than low-EE relatives when face-to-face with the patient; they also talk more rapidly, and this speech rate is correlated with the patient speech rate. Whereas low-EE relatives expressed few criticisms or intrusive statements, high-EE over-involved relatives were more intrusive, and high-EE critical relatives were more critical as well as more intrusive in direct interaction. These findings emphasise the importance of understanding divergent EE sub-styles and the complementary behaviour of patients. The findings of an earlier Los Angeles study were replicated.
Inter-generational Conflict and Psychiatric Symptoms
Authors: El-Islam M. Fakhr , Abu-Dagga Sanaá I. , Malasi Taha H. , Moussa Mohamed A. A.
Published: August 2008

Secondary school pupils and their parents were investigated using the scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28) and by a questionnaire designed to study attitudes involved in inter-generational conflict in psychiatric patients. Parent-pupil and interparental conflict in answers to the attitude questionnaires were taken as measures of inter-generational and intra-generational conflicts respectively. The former significantly exceeded the latter. Parent-student conflict was higher when the students involved were females, Kuwaiti, or had less educated fathers. The tendency of the number of reported GHQ symptoms to be higher in members of families with higher inter-generational conflict did not reach statistical significance. There is an apparent discrepancy between this finding and the prominence of inter-generational conflict in clinical material.
Psychosocial Risk Factors and Urban/Rural Differences in the Prevalence of Major Depression
Authors: Crowell Bradford A. , George Linda K. , Blazer Dan , Landerman Richard
Published: August 2008

The Piedmont Health Survey interviewed 3798 adult community residents in a region of North Carolina. Current major depression was nearly three times more common in the urban than in the rural counties; rural residence decreased the risk of major depression for some, but not all, demographic subgroups. The risk of major depression was decreased for young rural residents, compared with their urban age peers; rural residence was more protective for young women than for young men. Rural residence appears to be a buffer against major depression.
Psychotherapy for Victims of Torture
Authors: Somnier Finn E. , Genefke Inge Kemp
Published: August 2008

Three groups of torture victims were studied with the aim of establishing a concept of psychotherapy for such victims. Analysis of the first group, consisting of 200 case-reports made by Amnesty International medical groups, resulted in a general outline of the psychological methods of torture and their main impact on the victims. A second group of 24 torture victims was examined by the authors, and a quantitative assessment of long-term neuropsychological complaints and a qualitative insight into these symptoms achieved. In-depth interviews with victims in the third group which, consisted of the victims from the second group and six others, together with the results from the other two groups, formed the basis of a concept of psychotherapy for torture victims.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Combat Exposure:
Authors: Bleich Avraham , Siegel Barry , Garb Ronald , Lerer Bernard
Published: August 2008

Post-traumatic stress disorder may follow combat stress or civilian psychological traumata. In 25 retrospectively studied patients, symptoms were severe in terms of number of DSM–III items fulfilled, chronicity, and severity of psychosocial disability. Antidepressants had good or moderate results in 67% of cases treated, but major tranquilisers were much less effective; response to drug treatment was not clearly related to somatisation symptoms, significant depression, or panic attacks. Pharmacotherapy appeared to have had a positive impact on psychotherapy in 70% of cases.
Childhood Encopresis extended into Adult Life
Authors: Fraser A. M. , Taylor D. C.
Published: August 2008

The late prognosis of childhood encopresis is unclear: our literature reviews have failed to reveal any studies of it. Halpern (1977), discussing the effectiveness of treatment, states that this is difficult to evaluate “since encopresis is a self-limiting symptom”. Bellman (1966) followed up 186 children with encopresis seen at two Stockholm clinics; their age range at follow-up was 6–19 years. She found a steady decline in encopresis from the age of six in boys and eight in girls. It disappeared by the age of 16, although there were two relapses—one at 17 and one at 19.
Multiple Pathology in a Mentally Handicapped Individual
Authors: Akuffo E. , MacSweeney D. A. , Gajwani A. K.
Published: August 2008

A doctor is trained, perhaps over-trained, to try to limit his diagnosis to a single disease process or entity. This may lead on occasion to a somewhat blinkered approach to the management of patients. The following case illustrates multiple and concomitant pathology in a single individual.
A Haven for the Severely Disabled Within the Context of a Comprehensive Psychiatric Community Service
Authors: Wing J. K. , Furlong R.
Published: August 2008

The priorities accorded severely disabled or disturbed long-stay patients in Regional and District planning strategies vary enormously. A scheme to cater for the needs of this group is described. The scheme includes: non-stigmatising housing; a domestic regime, daytime occupation and leisure activities offering forms of enabling and caring that foster the highest possible levels of functioning; a secure home; private and peaceful outdoor space; and graduated steps towards independence that allow for the possibility of relapse. The central concept is the establishment of a Community for people with severe difficulties in making social contacts. The importance of integrating the scheme into a comprehensive District psychiatric service is emphasised.
Providing Information to Relatives About Schizophrenia: Some Comments
Authors: Tarrier N. , Barrowclough C.
Published: August 2008

There has recently been an increased interest in providing relatives of schizophrenic patients with information about the illness and how to manage the patient at home, due partly to the development of psychosocial intervention programmes (which frequently include an educational component) and a consumer demand for such information in an era of community care. Studies which describe the effects of such educational programmes are reviewed, and two different models of information acquisition are contrasted. These models have different implications, in terms of outcome measures, on how educational programmes should be evaluated. Guidelines are offered for practitioners wishing to give information to relatives.
Depression and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Investigations for Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Davies A. D. M. , Davies C. , Delpo M. C.
Published: August 2008

Patients attending a regional head and neck Oncology Unit were assessed for depression and anxiety (using the Leeds self-assessment scales) before diagnostic biopsy investigations. At the time of the assessments, neither patients nor investigators knew the biopsy results. Patients whose biopsies subsequently proved positive (showing the presence of a tumour) had significantly higher depression scores than those whose biopsies were negative. Differences in mean anxiety scores did not differ between groups. It is suggested that depression is part of the clinical picture of head and neck cancer.
Post-ECT Blood Pressure Rise and its Relationship to Cognitive and Affective Change
Authors: O'donnell M. P. , Webb M. G. T.
Published: August 2008

Post-ECT blood pressure rise and its relationship to cognitive and affective change were studied in 29 depressed patients, using the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Leeds Self-Assessment Scale for Depression and Anxiety. No real difference was established in the Benton Test error scores before and after ECT, no correlation between rise in blood pressure and change in Benton Test error score with ECT was found, and no correlation was found between blood pressure rise and affective improvement following ECT. Previous studies which reported such correlations are not supported.
A Comparison of the Antidepressant Action of Citalopram and Amitriptyline
Authors: Shaw D. M. , Thomas D. R. , Briscoe M. H. , Crimmins R. , Harris B. , Lovett J. , Raj M. , Lloyd A. T. , Osborne C. , Hughes G. , Waheed W. , Davies J. , Rolfe A. B. , Satheesan E. , Snape A. , Evans V. M. , Patel N. , Bari M. A.
Published: August 2008

The response of patients with major depressive illness to citalopram of amitriptyline was compared in a double-blind multi-centre trial. No differences in efficacy were observed, but citalopram had less hypnotic effect and a remarkably lower profile of side-effects.
Psychotherapy by Reciprocal Inhibition: Joseph Wolpe
Authors: Lieberman Stuart
Published: August 2008

I first came across this particular book during my training at Boston City Hospital in 1970. It was by that time 12 years old. Skinnerian operant conditioning was the rage in the psychological and psychiatric circles; reciprocal inhibition seemed at the time to be considered passe. The psychoanalysts had already discounted any suggestion that the only effect of insight-oriented therapy was to provide a therapeutic setting in which reciprocal inhibition took place. Behaviour therapists were busy working out complex positive and negative reinforcement schedules for illnesses as diverse as schizophrenia and alcoholism. Dr Laing put in an appearance in Boston at that particular time, extolling the virtues of the existential benefits of madness. But, I imagine that in its day, this book was highly controversial, since it challenges the central premise of psychoanalysis-that the essence of psychotherapy is uncovering and expression of the repressed.
Long-term Psychiatric Patients in the Community
Authors: Jones K. , Robinson M. , Goughtlev M.
Published: August 2008

The reduction of mental hospital populations in Britain and the United States has generated a considerable amount of literature on policy, but detailed studies of the effects on patients and the conditions under which they live after discharge are rare. In the United States, a National Institute of Mental Health review of the literature commented that “the question of what actually happens to patients who leave mental hospitals and re-enter the community is largely unanswered” (Bachrach, 1976).
Childhood Hyperactivity
Authors: Taylor E. A.
Published: August 2008

Severe degrees of inattentive and restless behaviour in childhood are a risk factor for later psychological disorders. They have many causes, but a pattern of severe and pervasive hyperactivity with poor concentration in the absence of affective or psychotic disorders should be recognised as a hyperkinetic syndrome. The syndrome is often associated with developmental delays in abilities such as language and motor control. Powerful short-term treatments are available, but long-term ways of promoting normal personality development need more research.
The Prognosis of Depression in Old Age
Authors: Baldwin R. C. , Jolley D. J.
Published: August 2008

The initial features and progress of depressive symptomatology over 42 to 104 months are presented for 100 elderly patients admitted with severe, non-neurotic depressive states; none had experienced a previous hypomanie episode. Sixty per cent either remained well throughout or had further episodes followed by full recovery; only 7% suffered continuous depressive symptoms. Of potential prognostic factors, only male sex and poor physical health, both at presentation and developing subsequently, were associated with poorer outcomes. The view is supported that treatment with well established methods achieves worthwhile and sustained improvement for most patients.
Marital Adjustment, Intimacy and Needs in Female Agoraphobics and Their Partners: A Controlled Study
Authors: Arrindell W. A. , Emmelkamp P. M. G.
Published: August 2008

Female agoraphobics and their partners were compared with three groups of control couples (non-phobic female psychiatric patients and their husbands, maritally distressed couples, and happily married couples) on measures relating to marital adjustment, intimacy, and needs. Neither agoraphobics nor their partners rated their marriages as more maladjusted or unpleasant than non-phobic psychiatric patients or their partner controls. Instead, agoraphobics and their spouses were found to be more comparable to happily-married couples than to maritally-distressed controls. Non-phobic psychiatric patients and their partners were generally found to rate their marriages as being as distressing and unpleasant as those of maritally distressed controls.
Late Onset Involuntary Movements in Chronic Schizophrenia: Relationship of ‘Tardive’ Dyskinesia to Intellectual Impairment and Negative Symptoms
Authors: Waddington J. L. , Youssef H. A.
Published: August 2008

Intellectual impairment, negative symptoms, and medication history were assessed in chronic schizophrenic patients with and without abnormal involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia). Patients with involuntary movements had received neither longer nor more intensive treatment with neuroleptics or anticholinergics. However, the presence or absence of involuntary movements was prominently associated with the presence or absence of intellectual impairment/negative symptoms; these features are characteristic of the defect state/type II syndrome of schizophrenia, in which structural abnormalities of the brain may be over-represented. The role of subtle organic changes in conferring vulnerability to the emergence of such involuntary movements should be re-evaluated.
The Life Satisfaction Index - Well-being: Its Internal Reliability and Factorial Composition
Authors: James O. , Davies Ann D. M. , Ananthakopan S.
Published: August 2008

The internal consistency and factorial composition of the eight-item Life Satisfaction Index-Well-being, adapted for use with elderly British samples, were examined. Crossvalidation was carried out with a randomly drawn community sample of 155 rural people aged 65–89 years. The scale was found to have acceptable internal reliability, but may require modification.
Severe Lactic Acidosis Following Paraldehyde Administration
Authors: Linter Christine M. , Linter Stephen P. K.
Published: August 2008

A case of severe lactic acidosis following paraldehyde administration is described, and the adverse effects of paraldehyde reviewed.
A Case of Anorexia Nervosa with Klinefelter's Syndrome
Authors: Hindler C. G. , Norris D. L.
Published: August 2008

This is the first reported case of anorexia nervosa in association with Klinefelter's syndrome. Although the patient was initially diagnosed as suffering from ‘atypical’ anorexia nervosa, Klinefelter's syndrome was cytogenetically proven and other organic pathology ruled out.
CAMDEX: A Standardised Instrument for the Diagnosis of Mental Disorder in the Elderly with Special Reference to the Early Detection of Dementia
Authors: Roth M. , Tym E. , Mountjoy C. Q. , Huppert F. A. , Hendrie H. , Verma S. , Goddard R.
Published: August 2008

A new interview schedule for the diagnosis and measurement of dementia in the elderly is described. The schedule named the Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination (CAMDEX), consists of three main sections: (1) A structured clinical Interview with the patient to obtain systematic information about the present state, past history and family history; (2) a range of objective cognitive tests which constitute a minineuropsychological battery; (3) a structured Interview with a relative or other Informant to obtain Independent Information about the respondent's present state, past history and family history. The CAMDEX Is acceptable to patients, has a high inter-rater reliability and the cognitive section has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity.
Computed Tomographic Density Numbers
Authors: Colgan J. , Naguib M. , Levy R.
Published: August 2008

Cranial computed tomography (CT) scans of 48 patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) and 40 normal elderly volunteers were compared. The demented group were found to have significantly larger lateral ventricles assessed planimetrically and by using a linear measure of the ratio of the maximum width of the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles to the maximum intracranial diameter. Attenuation density was computed for 1 5 brain regions. The demented group did not differ significantly from the normal controls with respect to attenuation density In any of the regions studied.
The Epidemiology of Deliberate Self-harm
Authors: Odejide A. O. , Williams A. O. , Ohaeri J. U. , Ikuesan B. A.
Published: August 2008

In a 6-month prospective study of the three main general hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria, 39 cases of deliberate self-harm were reported out of a total 23, 859 subjects attending the sections of hospital studied. Thirty (76.9%) were under 30 years of age and 36 (86.3%) were under 34 years of age. The male to female ratio was 1.4.1: more than half of the population (51.3%) were students and 25.6%, manual workers. The methods used were mainly ingestion of chemicals (24 patients) and psychotropic drugs (11 patients). Disturbed Interpersonal relationships, especially with parents, were mainly found to have motivated the acts. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A Survey of Practising Psychiatrists' Views on Treatment of the Depressions
Authors: Armstrong M. S. , Andrews G.
Published: August 2008

The views of practising psychiatrists on treatment of the depressions were investigated as part of a Quality Assurance Project. A one in six random sample of all Australian psychiatrists was mailed a questionnaire. This asked for treatment recommendations for each of five case descriptions of patients with depression. Respondents were asked to code their treatment plans from a glossary listing possible treatments for depression: 85% of the sample responded. Tricyclic antidepressants were the treatment of choice for two cases of endogenous depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) being recommended when psychotic features were present or when drug therapy had failed. Psychotherapies were the treatment of choice for cases with neurotic features, drugs being recommended when Improvement with psychotherapy did not occur.
Physical Illness
Authors: Patton G. C. , Wood K. , Johnson-Sabine E.
Published: August 2008

Reports have appeared in the literature suggesting an association between physical illness and the later development of anorexia nervosa. The histories of 326 patients with anorexia nervosa were examined for physical illness. A higher rate of severe physical illness was found in this group when compared with controls suggesting that it should be regarded as a risk factor for anorexia nervosa. No statistically significant differences were found when illness was examined by time in relation to onset of anorexia, system involved, or when subjects were stratified by age. Possible explanations for the observed association are discussed.
Conduct Disorder and Hyperactivity: I
Authors: Taylor E. , Everitt B. S. , Ruttermd M. L. , Thorley G. , Schachar R. , Wieselberg M.
Published: August 2008

The distinction between hyperactivity and conduct disorder was explored in a mixed group of 64 children referred to psychiatric clinics because of antisocial or disruptive behaviour. A semi-structured interview measure (the Parental Account of Children's Symptoms, PACS) proved to have adequate inter-rater reliability, internal consistency and factorial validity. The PACS scales of defiance and hyperactivity, and similar subscales from Conners' Teacher Rating Scale, were tested against laboratory and clinical measures of activity, attention, cognitive performance, psychosocial background and family relationships. The hyperactivity (but not the defiance) scales were associated with greater activity, younger age, poorer cognitive performance and abnormalities on a developmental neurological examination. The defiance (but not the hyperactivity) scales were associated with Impairment of family relationships and adverse social factors. It was concluded that a dimension of Inattentive, restless activity should be separated from one of antisocial, defiant conduct In children with psychiatric disorder.
Conduct Disorder and Hyperactivity: II
Authors: Taylor E. , Everitt B. S. , Rutter M. L. , Thorley G. , Schachar R. , Wieselberg H. M.
Published: August 2008

The distinction between hyperactivity and conduct disorder was explored in a mixed group of 64 children referred to psychiatric clinics because of antisocial or disruptive behaviour. A semi-structured interview measure (the Parental Account of Children's Symptoms, PACS) proved to have adequate inter-rater reliability, internal consistency and factorial validity. The PACS scales of defiance and hyperactivity, and similar subscales from Conners' Teacher Rating Scale, were tested against laboratory and clinical measures of activity, attention, cognitive performance, psychosocial background and family relationships. The hyperactivity (but not the defiance) scales were associated with greater activity, younger age, poorer cognitive performance and abnormalities on a developmental neurological examination. The defiance (but not the hyperactivity) scales were associated with Impairment of family relationships and adverse social factors. It was concluded that a dimension of Inattentive, restless activity should be separated from one of antisocial, defiant conduct In children with psychiatric disorder.

Sixty boys, aged from 6 to 10 years, were studied after their referral to psychiatric clinics for antisocial or disruptive behaviour. Their scores on reliable measures of hyperactivity, defiant behaviour, emotional disorder and attention deficit were taken for the home, school and clinic settings; and subjected to two techniques of cluster analysis. Both gave a similar set of clusters, one of which had high scores on all measures of hyperactivity and attention deficit. Membership of this cluster was associated with a lower IQ, a younger age of problem onset and referral, an abnormal neurological examination, a history of developmental delay, smaller family size, poor peer relationships and a high rate of accidental injuries; and It predicted a good response to stimulant medication In a controlled trial. Other research on the classification of hyperactivity is discussed, and proposals are made for the criteria of a rather narrow definition of ‘hyperkinetic conduct disorder’.
A Self-rating Scale for Bulimia the ‘BITE’
Authors: Henderson M. , Freeman C. P. L.
Published: August 2008

A new brief questionnaire, the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), for the detection and description of binge-eating is described. Data from two separate populations demonstrate satisfactory reliability and validity. The scale has measures of both symptoms and severity. All items in the DSM-III definition of bulimia and Russell's definition of bulimia nervosa are covered but the questionnaire is more than just an operationalised checklist of these diagnostic criteria.
Suicide Risk Factors
Authors: Michel K.
Published: August 2008

Fifty cases of attempted suicide were compared with 50 cases of completed suicide on variables reported to measure suicide risk: the seriousness of the attempt, and the circumstances in which the act occurred discriminated best. Depressive symptoms were more frequent in the suicide group and in the serious attempters' group than in the nonserious attempters' group.
Depression in the Elderly Living in the Community
Authors: Ben-Arie O. , Swartz L. , Dickman B. J.
Published: August 2008

A prevalence of depression of 13% was found among 139 coloured persons aged 65 years and over, living in the community in Cape Town, which accords with figures elsewhere. A high rate of hypochondriasis was found, but there was a low rate of suicidal intent, which could be explained by good social support. Observed depression and a depressed mood occurred in almost all depressed patients; as defined in the Present State Examination, these items appear to be an excellent screen for depression.
Influence of the Day of the Week and the Weather on People Using a Telephone Support System
Authors: Hribersek E. , van de Voorde H. , Poppe H. , Casselman J.
Published: August 2008

The calls to a telephone counselling service at Louvain, during a 21-month period, from one telephone zone were analysed. Data were studied in relation to the type of weather, which was recorded every day. Calls made by women about health and interpersonal problems showed a relationship to the weather, while calls apparently motivated by masturbation intentions from male callers increased when the weather improved.
Measuring the Rising Tide
Authors: Ineichen B.
Published: August 2008

Numerous surveys have attempted to estimate the prevalence of dementia. Despite difficulties of measurement, evidence suggests figures may be lower than is generally realised. Factors which are likely to affect prevalence rates are discussed. Forthcoming changes in the demography of old age indicate that increases in the prevalence of dementia may have been seriously underestimated.
CSF Neuropeptides in Euthymic Bipolar Patients and Controls
Authors: Berrettini Wade H. , Nurnberger John I. , Zerbe Robert L. , Gold Philip W. , Chrousos George P. , Tomai Thomas
Published: August 2008

Levels of vasopressin, somatostatin, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, corticotrophin-releasing factor and adrenocorticotrophin in CSF were determined in lithium-treated and unmedicated euthymic bipolar patients and controls, in a search for a trait marker in affective disorder. No group differences in levels of these peptides were found. Highly significant positive correlations were found among these peptides (with the exception of neurotensin), suggesting that their presence in CSF is functionally significant, as opposed to the result of random diffusion from the interstitial space of the brain.
The Psychological Effects of Service in British Antarctica
Authors: Bell J. , Garthwaite P. H.
Published: August 2008

This study follows the psychological profile of a group of Antarctic explorers on a remote base in British Antarctica. Each month for 1 year the 60-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was administered to the 12-man complement and the results compared to those of a control group. Three men resigned and left, 4 months later, at the end of winter. Their scoring showed marked differences from the others, including the highest scores in the severe depression factor scale. The GHQ was accepted by the men despite the intrusive threat it offered in such a small community; there was also a seasonal variation in scoring, with higher scores in the winter, and no evidence of long-term psychological sequelae in those who stayed.
Hysterical Personality Disorder
Authors: Thompson D. J. , Goldberg D.
Published: August 2008

A study of the case notes of 52 patients with a diagnosis of hysterical personality disorder showed that 27 had no recorded features of that condition, but were frequently described as aggressive, uncooperative, or attention-seeking. Although 60% were recorded as depressed, only 17% received antidepressant treatment. In an experimental study, the core traits of the disorder were found to have a low inter-rater reliability. Two patients, who had received hospital diagnoses of hysterical personality disorder, were shown to display behaviour that caused psychiatrists to make a diagnosis on wholly inadequate information.
Deliberate Self-harm and Predictors of Out-patient Attendance
Authors: O'Brien G. , Holton A. R. , Hurren K. , Watt L. , Hassanyeh F.
Published: August 2008

Kreitman (1979) reported that up to one-half of patients given out-patient appointments one week after an episode of deliberate self-harm (DSH) fail to attend, and gave a number of possible explanations for this. Firstly, parasuicide is often the result of a crisis which may have resolved (albeit temporarily) by the end of a further week. Secondly, someone in a state of heightened tension may find one week too long to wait, and may resort to other strategies to deal with his problems. Thirdly, many parasuicides may find a psychiatric label unacceptable in the context of their problems, and fourthly, an appoint ment made for a fixed day and a fixed hour may not fit the need for immediate action which the subjects subculture had inculcated in him as a habit pattern. Morgan et al (1976) reported that up to 40% of their DSH patients either did not attend any appointment or failed to complete their treatment. Two possible explanations for this were that they either felt that they did not need psychiatric treatment, or else believed that psychiatric treatment was not an answer to their problems. Kessel and Lee (1962), probably in line with much psychiatric practice, did not give a follow-up appointment to 40% of their self-poisoners; this was for two reasons. Firstly, these patients did not have a problem for which psychiatric treatment was appropriate and secondly, many of these patients had an entrenched personality disorder, which made it unlikely that psychiatric intervention would be beneficial.
Ephedrine Psychosis Rediscovered
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew M. , Duncan Janice M.
Published: August 2008

The use of ephedrine for medicinal purposes dates back over 5000 years, when native Chinese physicians Ma Huang in the late 1800s, but was considered too toxic for clinical use; it was rediscovered by Chen & Schmidt (1930), who demonstrated its sympatho mimetic action and introduced it into Western medicine, where it was found to be a big improvement on adrenaline in the treatment of asthma. That the structure of ephedrine is very similar to that of amphetamine is not a coincidence, since Alles (1933) synthesised the latter as a synthetic substitute for ephedrine.
The Psychological Well-being of Supporters of the Demented Elderly
Authors: Eagles J. M. , Craig A. , Rawlinson F. , Restall D. B. , Beattie J. A. G. , Besson J. A. O.
Published: August 2008

Interviews were conducted with the co-resident supporters of 79 elderly subjects. Forty of these elderly subjects had been diagnosed as being demented (20 mildly, 12 moderately and eight severely) following psychiatric assessment. The supporters were screened for psychological well-being with the 60-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Relatives' Stress Scale (RSS). Supporters of demented relatives showed significantly raised levels of stress on the RSS, but no increase in psychiatric morbidity on the GHQ, when compared with the supporters of non-demented relatives. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Cerebral Ventricular Enlargement in Chronic Schizophrenia: Consistencies and Contradictions
Authors: Farmer A. , Jackson R. , McGuffin P. , Storey P.
Published: August 2008

A study of cerebral ventricular size measured as ventricle to brain ratio (VBR) using computerised tomographic brain scan in chronic schizophrenics provided no support for suggestions that there are significant differences between patients who fall into different clinical subtypes. We found no significant difference in VBR between patients with and without a family history of schizophrenia or between those with or without paranoid symptoms. Applying Crow's classification, contrary to expectations, Type 1 patients had significantly larger ventricles than those with ‘mixed’ symptomatology (both Type 1 and Type 2 features). We also applied a variety of operational criteria which attempt to define schizophrenia as a whole: of these only Schneider's first-rank symptoms (FRS) yielded conclusive results - FRS-positive patients had significantly larger mean VBR than those without such symptoms. Previously, it has been suggested that ventricular enlargement is more closely associated with ‘negative’ than with ‘positive’ symptoms.