bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case of glenophobia
Authors: Briscoe James 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDoll phobia is a rare phobia that has only been reported twice in the literature, both times in male patients. The following case is the first to be described in a female patient. The characteristics of the dolls that caused most fear in all three cases are compared and the possibility that this indicates a similar genesis of the phobia that could be explored by psychodynamic psychotherapy is discussed. A Hellenic derivation of doll phobia for future use is suggested.
The outcome of elderly patients presenting with depressive symptoms
Authors: Lee Heidi , Lawlor Brian A 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: To examine the treatment of and outcome for elderly patients presenting with depressive symptoms.Method: 100 consecutive elderly patients presenting to an old age psychiatric service with depressed mood were studied, 51 met DSM-III-R criteria for major depression and 49 met criteria for a range of other diagnoses. Demographic details, psychiatric history and clinical examination including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale scores were recorded at first presentation. Treatment of index episode was recorded and outcome assessed at time of follow up (mean of 19.1 ± 9.1 months later).Results: 57% of the major depressives and 41% of the other diagnoses had a good outcome. Within the other diagnoses group 30% of the comorbid anxiety/depression patients and none of the patients with dysthymia or personality disorder had a good outcome. In the major depression group there was no clear association between outcome and any clinical or demographic measure. Within the other diagnoses group a good outcome was significantly associated with being younger, having had more psychiatric admissions and being less likely to require benzodiazepine treatment (p < 0.05). The two groups received similar treatment except that the other diagnoses group were more likely to have had psychotherapy and the major depressed patients to have had ECT (trend) than the major depressed group.Conclusions: The outcome for patients with major depression is similar to that found in previous studies. Patients with depressive syndromes associated with dysthymia, personality disorder, or comorbid anxiety/depression respond poorly to conventional treatments of depression.
Resolution of episode of major depressive disorder with emergence of Ganser syndrome symptoms
Authors: Arya Dinesh K 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA 48 year old housewife, admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive episode suddenly developed Ganser syndrome during the course of her illness. This resulted in spontaneous resolution of symptoms of depression. The resolution of intrapsychic conflict as a result of development of Ganser syndrome which led to sudden remission of major depressive episode is discussed.
Specialist psychiatric training in Britain: An Irish graduate's perspective
Authors: Lucey James V 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany Irish graduates chose to pursue specialist psychiatric training in Britain. Regulations governing UK specialist training are currently changing in response to European Union (EU) directives. Furthermore, over the past five years the UK national health service has undergone significant reforms. This paper reviews the current status of British postgraduate training and examines the options for Irish doctors who take this route to a career in psychiatry.
Residency training in psychiatry in the USA: an Irish graduate's perspective
Authors: Kirrane Richelle , Serby Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractResidency training in psychiatry in America is an option which has been little explored by Irish psychiatric trainees, although one which is readily available to them. This article attempts to illustrate this option by providing a brief outline of residency training, and by comparing this with psychiatric training in Ireland or the UK.
Chaos theory, psychiatry, and a quiet revolution
Authors: Tobin John 
Published: March 2016

What is probably one of the most exciting potential advances in psychiatry is occurring slowly, possibly too slowly and has gone unnoticed by many. I am talking about ‘Chaos theory’, which is a mathematical concept that has influenced the study of such diverse subjects as the weather, evolution and the electroencephalogram. Is it our lack of mathematical training that makes us so fearful? This may be so, but we can still understand chaos theory without having to learn large mathematical formulae.Chaos theory is about dynamic non-linear systems that are orderly at first, but may become completely disorganised over time. That is initial conditions that are alike in the beginning, may have markedly different outcomes over time. An analogy commonly drawn from weather studies is the butterfly effect. This draws on the premise of initial conditions which is a butterfly fluttering its wings in Tokyo can lead over time and distance to a storm for example over New York. In other words a small perturbation in a non-linear system can lead to great variations in outcome. The chaos theory is about how phenomena can vary between different kinds of states around what is called a ‘strange attractor’ and obtain from this a semblance of order out of what initially can be perceived as disorder.In this way chaos differs from random behaviour and causal systems. Eventual outcome in a random system is not determined by initial conditions. The eventual outcome in a causal system has a linear relationship with its initial conditions. In other words a small change in initial conditions will lead to a small change in the eventual outcome. But in Chaos theory a small change in the initial conditions can lead to major changes in the eventual outcome. These changes become exponential over time.The original example of a chaotic system was developed by Lorenz. In his early work on weather systems he found using computer simulations that started with similar, but slightly different initial data, orbits would stay close to each other for a while but would eventually diverged in a manner that turned out to be exponential over time. His model was deterministic, that is the orbits were unique in the sense that there was only one orbit passing through a given point of the space in which the orbit lay. The three variables he was measuring were convective air circulation in relation to vertical and horizontal temperature variations.
Lack of gender differences in familial schizophrenia
Authors: Murphy Bernadette M , Burke John G , Bray Joseph C , Walsh Dermot , Kendler Kenneth S 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective:Gender appears to have a significant impact on the prevalence, age at onset, symptoms and outcome of schizophrenia. This study examines gender effects in a population of familial schizophrenic patients in Ireland.Method:Families with two or more siblings suffering from schizophrenia, as defined by DSM-III-R were ascertained in Ireland. The final sample comprised 169 siblings from 80 families. Siblings were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Strauss-Carpenter Levels of Functioning Scale. The difference between males and females for various clinical features were calculated.Result:There was a marked excess of affected males (65% male and 35% female). When the excess of male subjects was taken into account there was no significant excess of same-sex as compared to opposite-sex pairs. There were no significant difference between males and females for age at onset, age at first admission, symptoms or level of outcome.Conclusion:The excess of males and the lack of gender differences for clinical features found in this study may, in part, be due to the narrow diagnostic criteria used. Alternatively, at least some of these findings may be specific to this Irish sample. Further research is a need to see if these findings can be replicated in other countries.
Compulsive water drinking status reviewed after four years
Authors: Cooney John A , Zibin Terry O , Garbharran Hari N 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: 1) To ascertain the stability of a diagnosis of compulsive water drinking (CWD) among psychiatric rehabilitation inpatients after a period of four years. 2) To ascertain the discharge status of CWD inpatients in comparison with matched control inpatients after a period of four years.Method: A follow-up study was performed. Urine specific gravity testing was used to determine CWD status among psychiatric rehabilitation inpatients. Originally, 21 CWD subjects were identified, and 21 age and sex matched control subjects were selected from the non-CWD rehabilitation inpatients. Four years later those CWD and control subjects successfully traced (18 and 15 respectively) were retested for CWD. In addition each subject's living situation (inpatient or community resident) was recorded. Chi-square, Odds Ratio, and Fisher's Exact Test were used as tests of statistical significance.Results: While the original CWD status was associated with the follow-up CWD status using Chi-square (p < 0.05), there was no statistical association using Odds Ratio (95% CI was 0.95 to 71.6). Half of the 18 original CWD subjects retested negative for CWD. Two of the 15 control subjects retested positive for CWD. Original CWD status was not associated with subsequent living situation, however all seven community dwelling subjects (four original CWD, three original controls) that were successfully traced were negative for CWD.Conclusions: CWD status may not be as stable as implied in the literature.
False memory syndrome – balancing the evidence for and against
Authors: Critchlow Stephen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe false memory syndrome has been the subject of recent intense debate. Can false memories of child sexual abuse be engendered in the minds of susceptible individuals by well meaning therapists? This paper examines the evidence for false memories. Memory in childhood and adults is discussed, and the different processes involved in traumatic memory are emphasised. Evidence for amnesia following sexual abuse with subsequent recall is presented.It is important to weigh carefullythe evidence both for and against the false memory syndrome. Good evidence for false memories exists, but conversely amnesia and subsequent recall of sexual abuse undoubtedly occur. The principle of primum non nocere is particularly important in guiding therapeutic endeavours.
Early onset dementia – a catchment area study of prevalence and clinical characteristics
Authors: Freyne Aideen , Kidd Nick , Lawlor Brian A 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To identify the number of cases, and hence the prevalence of, early onset dementia within a defined catchment area in Dublin. To identify the associated clinical characteristics of those identified, and to measure service use and carer burden.Method: A comprehensive case finding study was carried out, and all those identified were contacted and sufferers and carers were interviewed using both standardised and semi-structured questionnaires.Results: Twelve cases were identified, yielding a prevalence rate of 45/100,000 in the 45-64 year age group. Sufferers exhibited a high level of cognitive impairment and associated psychiatric and behavioural symptoms, and carers exhibited a high level of stress, especially those still actively caring. Service provision for this group was patchy and did not tally with their level of dependency.Conclusions: Recommendations are made for appropriate provision of services for dementia sufferers, regardless of age.
A five year follow-up study of dementia in persons with Down's syndrome: early symptoms and patterns of deterioration
Authors: Cosgrave Mary P , Tyrrell Janette , McCarron Mary , Gill Michael , Lawlor Brian A 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the development of dementia over a five year follow up period in a population of females with Down's syndrome; to examine age at onset and duration of dementia in the population; to document the clinical features of dementia and to highlight scores on functional and cognitive rating scales at diagnosis of dementia and at the onset of complete dependency.Method: A five year follow-up study of 80 female subjects on prevalence of dementia, early clinical features of dementia and patterns of scoring on rating scales at diagnosis and end-stage dementia was completed. Results: Over the five year study period the number of subjects diagnosed with dementia rose from seven (8.75%) to 35 (43.75%). Age related prevalence figures showed that dementia was more common with increasing age. The earliest recognisable symptoms of dementia were memory loss, spatial disorientation and loss of independence especially in the area of personal hygiene. These findings were confirmed by the rating scales used in the study.Conclusions: The earliest recognisable clinical features of dementia include memory loss and increased dependency. The results of this study should facilitate earlier diagnosis of dementia in DS.
I. A profile of attenders at psychiatric outpatient clinics in Ireland's Eastern Health Board Region
Authors: O'Neill Winifred , O'Boyle James H , Harford Violet , Cooper Conrad , Igoe Teresa , Farrell Martin , McKay Paula 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to determine the profile of attenders at psychiatric outpatient clinics in community health centres in Dublin.Method: A chart review was undertaken retrospectively on attenders at two clinics in different socioeconomic areas. Demographic data and information on services was recorded. Psychiatric outpatient clinic functioning in a community setting was observed during the period of the study.Results: The findings of this study suggest that attenders at psychiatric OPD clinics are more likely to be long-term, in the 40-50 year age group, female, unemployed and eligible for free medical care within the General Medical Services (GMS). Mood (affective) disorders was the largest diagnostic category. There were financial barriers to patient discharge to primary care and shared care with general practitioners.Conclusions: Opportunitie s have been identified to improve communication and optimise patient flow through the psychiatric OPD system. Such improvements in clinic function would be likely to lead to enhanced health gain for attenders.
Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS): use in an Irish psychiatric outpatient population
Authors: Browne Stephen , Doran Michael , McGauran Sheila 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the clinical utility and validity of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) in an Irish catchment area psychiatric service.Method: One hundred consecutive outpatients were assessed using the HoNO S and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scales.Results: It was feasible to administer HoNOS in day-to-day clinical practice. There was a statistically significant correlation between the HoNO S and GAF scores. Attenders at the outpatient department had significantly lower HoNOS scores compared to individuals assessed on domiciliary visits or at the day hospital. Individuals with schizophrenia had significantly higher HoNO S scores compared to affective disordered patients. However, this difference was confined to the Social subscale of HoNOS.Conclusions: Although these findings indicate that HoNOS has significant convergent and criterion validity as a measure of psychiatric morbidity, its widespread use in day-to-day clinical practice may be premature.
A survey of the self-rated quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia in community residential settings
Authors: Flanagan Siobhan , Doyle Mairead , Browne Stephen , Larkin Conall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the self-rated or subjective quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia in residential care settings.Method: Forty individuals who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia were interviewed using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile.Results: Fifty-two per cent of the sample reported their global subjective quality of life to be satisfactory. Global subjective quality of life was rated lower than the majority of life domains evaluated. The areas of least satisfaction included finances and work. However, the majority of patients were satisfied with their living situation, safety, health, religion, leisure, social and family relations. There was some evidence of a quality of life gradient across these residential settings.Conclusions: Although these patients were satisfied with the majority of life domains assessed, these data need to be interpreted cautiously given the limitations of the study design and the method used to evaluate quality of life.
Assessment of need in patients attending an inner city psychiatric service
Authors: Gannon Miriam , Ryan Martina , Kinsella Anthony 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The aims of this study were to identify the social and clinical needs of patients attending an inner city psychiatric service, to examine the relationship between need and various demographic and social parameters, and to demonstrate the usefulness of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) in an Irish population.Methods: A random sample of patients was selected from a census of patients attending the Mater Hospital (Dublin) sector psychiatric service on March 1, 1997 for inclusion in the study. Needs were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need.Results: Fifty-seven patients agreed to participate in the study. The mean number of needs identified by patients was 2.14 (+/− 2.09) and by staff 1.92 (+/−1.18). There was a high level of correlation between staff and patients. The areas where patients most frequently expressed a need were ‘psychological distress’, ‘company’, ‘physical health’, ‘information’ and ‘looking after the home’. Eighteen patients (32%) identified needs that were not being met.Conclusions: This study confirms the usefulness of the Camberwell Assessment of Need in the identification of clinical and social needs in psychiatric populations and demonstrates its usefulness in an Irish population.
A descriptive study of juvenile delinquents
Authors: Barnes Jim , O'Gorman Noel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to describe the social, physical, intellectual and psychological characteristics of juvenile delinquents in Dublin.Method:One hundred consecutive admissions to the St. Michael's Assessment Centre between March 1,1989 and May 31, 1991 were studied. Information was gathered on a wide range of personal, family and social aspects of the delinquents' lives, together with data on their physical, intellectual and psychological profiles.Results:The majority of subjects came from deprived social and economic backgrounds. 62% of the delinquents were below the 50th percentile for height while 21% were classified as mentally handicapped. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were socialised conduct disorder and mixed disorder of conduct and emotions. Depressive symptoms were endorsed by 12% of the boys and this subgroup tended to engage in more serious offences.Conclusions:This retrospective study demonstrates the high degree of social, physical, intellectual and psychological disadvantage experienced by Dublin juvenile delinquents and underscores the need for further prospective studies in this poorly understood section of our society.
Commentary on: “Training in psychodynamic psychotherapy: the psychiatric trainee's perspective”
Authors: Clare Anthony W 
Published: March 2016

The concerns expressed by Dr. Trigwell and his colleagues are not new. They have been expressed by many critics of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy including within the past decade Frederick Crews and Robert Wilcocks. What gives them a particular relevance and urgency is the fact that they have been articulated by young psychiatrists in training, individuals exposed to the actual practical application of psychoanalytic theory as distinct from theoretical explorations of it. The depressing thing is the reaction of one of the course supervisors. It may well serve only to reinforce their critical view.The criticisms can be summarised as follows. First, the theories of Freud and his successors were taught on this course at any rate as scientifically established facts rather than as theories or constructs concerning human behaviour, helpful insights in certain instances but not always relevant. These theories and related interpretations were formulated in a way that made it impossible to refute them. They tended to be used in a way that suggested that they explain everything from the most trivial and reflex of thoughts and responses to the most complex and profound.These criticisms, it might be said, relate to the actual content of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, to what is being taught. Raymond Tallis has put the same general criticism with somewhat more force, observing that the manner in which psychoanalytic conclusions are drawn from clinical case histories “is reminiscent of how a first year medical student or a hypochondriac, using a few observations to light a gunpowder trail of inference primed with his own preconceptions, might arrive at a wrong diagnosis”.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following self-induced starvation
Authors: Arya Dinesh K 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA non-alcoholic patient is reported who as a result of self-induced starvation was found to have nystagmus, gait ataxia and severe deficits in recent and remote memory and new learning, with intact immediate recall, abstraction and judgement capabilities. This pattern of cognitive deficit with nystagmus and ataxia suggests the diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Screening for depression in hospitalised elderly medical patients
Authors: Farragher Barbara , Wrigley Margo , Donohoe Orla , Duggan Joseph 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to screen a group of medically ill elderly hospitalised patients for depression and to facilitate this using a new screening questionnaire called the Evans Liverpool Depression Rating Scale (ELDRS).Method: The questionnaire was administered by a geriatric registrar to a consecutive series of 37 acutely ill elderly medical inpatients admitted to an acute hospital ward. They were subsequently interviewed by a member of the psychiatry of old age team.Results: Seven of the 37 acutely ill elderly patients admitted to hospital were found to be suffering from a major depressive illness according to DSMIIIR criteria. Of the patients screened, two were already on antidepressant medication. Five of the depressed patients were identified by using the ELDRS. All of the depressed group were judged to require antidepressant medication and two were referred to a psychiatry of old age day hospital.Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a raised prevalence of depressive illness in elderly acutely ill medical patients which remains undetected. Use of a screening questionnaire such as the ELDRS would increase the likelihood of its identification in this group.
Clozapine induced encephalopathy
Authors: Hennessy Michael J , Pugh Catrin N , Wiles Charles M , Watkins Sarah E 
Published: March 2016

AbstractClozapine has become a widely used drug in therapyresistant schizophrenia and, increasingly, in the levodopa-induced dyskinesias and the psychoses of chronic Parkinson's disease. We report the case of a 43 year old male patient who developed a reversible encephalopathy associated with clozapine therapy.