bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social function, clinical symptoms and personality disturbance
Authors: Nur Ula , Tyrer Peter , Merson Stephen , Johnson Tony 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives:To investigate the relationship between psychiatric symptoms, personality disturbance, and social function.Method:Longitudinal study of 100 psychiatric patients presenting as emergencies originally entered to a randomised trial of community and hospital-based treatment strategies. Ratings of social function using the Social Functioning Questionnaire, personality status using the Personality Assessment Schedule, and clinical symptomatology using the Comprehensive Psycho-pathological Rating Scale were recorded at baseline with assessment of social function repeated at two, four and 12 weeks. Correlation, regression, and path analysis were performed to test the hypothesis that personality status had more influence than clinical symptoms on social function.Results:Path and regression analysis showed, that at baseline both psychopathology and personality pathology contributed to social dysfunction equally, but from two weeks onwards personality abnormality contributed to a greater degree than clinical psychopathology. Of the 100, 35 patients had a personality disorder and in these there was a strong correlation between social function scores at baseline and 12 weeks (48% of variation explained) whereas in those with no personality disorder the correlation was much weaker (14%); regression analyses confirmed this conclusion.Conclusions:Psychopathology and personality status contribute to social dysfunction in patients presenting as emergencies but persistent social dysfunction is more likely to reflect personality pathology than other forms of mental disorder.
Suicide-related bereavement and psychiatric morbidity in the elderly
Authors: Clarke Ciaran S , Wrigley Margo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives:We sought to determine whether elderly bereaved patients attending an old-age psychiatry service were more likely to have been bereaved through suicide than through other causes.Methods:We studied the demographic and clinical profiles of all patients attending an old-age psychiatry service who had experienced the death of an adult child. We compared the causes of the deaths of their children with the most recent figures for the national population.Results:Deaths from suicide among the children of the bereaved elderly were commoner than for the age-matched national population.Conclusions:Suicide is more likely than other causes of death to lead to psychiatric morbidity in elderly parents. The needs of elderly survivors should be considered in formulating national strategies for suicide prevention. Further studies are needed on risk factors for complicated bereavement in the elderly.
Luis Simarro and his friends Cajal and Sorolla: three men, one passion
Authors: Fernandez Nieves 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLuis Simarro, Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Joaquín Sorolla were friends who cultivated art and science in an unhappy Spain. Simarro was the country's leading psychiatrist at the turn of the 20th century, Ramón y Cajal, or simply Cajal as he came to be known in the wider world won the Nobel Prize for his work on the nervous system, and Sorolla is remembered as ‘the Velázquez of light’. All three felt a deep love of Spain and strove to bring freedom, science and the light of truth to their countrymen, each in his own unique way.
A tariff system for nervous shock: introducing the total impact score
Authors: Curran Peter , Miller Paul , Stevenson Michael , O'Neill Tony , Hamilton Stephen , McGowan Iain 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This study was designed to test a proposed relationship between the total impact score (devised by the authors) and the quantum of damages in compensation received by victims of criminal and political violence. In so doing, the authors sought to develop a mathematical formula which could be used to quantify damages in a simple and expeditious manner.Method: Data on 2,191 victims of violence was collated forming three databases of information, on the incident, on the victim and on the outcomes. A tool of measurement of the psychosocial impact of the traumatic event was designed (the Total Impact Score). Information on a subsample of the 208 survivors of attempted assassination was then selected and the TIS for each individual was calculated and examined for correlations with other variables including the quantum damages awarded.Results: The TIS was shown to have validity as a measure of the psychosocial impact of a traumatic event upon an individual. The analysis showed a significant relationship between the TIS and quantum awarded. This relationship was used to generate a mathematical formula which could be used to calculate quantum damages in any case. Compensation = £500 × (10(0037t+0.059y) -1), where t is the TIS and y is the number of years after 1985.Conclusions: The TIS can be taken as a valid tool for quantifying the psychosocial impact of a traumatic event or violent act. The tool consists of a checklist of readily ascertainable outcome variables each of which can be scored and a TIS calculated. From this score the amount of damages can be ascertained. The authors believe that this measurement tool represents a fair and equitable method of calculating a case's worth.
The outcome of treatment in hostels
Authors: Macpherson Rob , Williams Kelwyn , Elliot Helen , Brewer Anne-Marie , McGee Tom 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This paper aimed to examine the outcome of hostel treatment including the effect on hospitalisation rates.Methods: The work of the four medium/long term Gloucester hostels developed between 1983 and 1993, to provide 24-hour nursed care to ‘new long stay’ patients in Gloucester is described.Results: Fifty-eight patients with predominately severe mental illness were admitted to the hostels up to 1999, and demographic/illness data is presented. Mean duration of hostel stay was 4.8 years, and one third of patients were readmitted to hospital (most briefly) during their hostel admission, one patient 11 times. Thirty-four patients were discharged from hostels, 29 to less dependent settings, but four referred to hospital care. There was a significant reduction in the number of admissions and duration of hospitalisation in the time between discharge from the hostel to the present or death, as compared with the same time frame for each individual prior to entering the hostel system.Conclusions: The data adds further support to the potential value of 24 hour nursed care for patients with severe mental illness.
Withdrawal of antipsychotic drugs from adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Stevenson Claire , Rajan Lovely , Reid Gavin , Melville Craig , McGilp Robin , Cooper Sally-Ann 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: There is a view that antipsychotic drugs can be successfully withdrawn from people with intellectual disabilities with resultant health gain. This study critically examines whether antipsychotic drug withdrawal is beneficial.Methods: 119 adults with intellectual disabilities were included in a programme of antipsychotic drug withdrawal.Results: The clinical outcomes of this programme are poor. Only 7.6% completely withdrew from antipsychotic drugs, and 48.7% experienced onset/deterioration in problem behaviours or mental ill-health. Significant drug side effects with the introduction of new drugs were experienced by 23.3%. Resultant mean antipsychotic drug doses were higher compared with those at the start of the programme. The cost to the intellectual disabilities psychiatric service (over and above that of routine psychiatric care) was £258,050 (€391,693), and the human cost was considered high. Primary care, social care and family costs were not calculated. The only specific factors found to be associated with poor outcome were increased severity of intellectual disabilities and female gender.Conclusions: The successful role of antipsychotic drugs in the management of problem behaviours in people who do not have verbal communication skills may relate to the pathoplastic effect of intellectual disabilities on clinical presentation, with problem behaviours being markers of eg. psychosis and anxiety disorders. Our original findings challenge the view that routine withdrawal of antipsychotic drugs is good practice; we reinterpret the existing literature, and recommend caution and vigilance in pharmacotherapy.
Sertraline as a treatment for PTSD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mooney Paul , Oakley Janette , Ferriter Michael , Travers Raymond 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. Methods to alleviate its symptoms range from ‘talking therapies’ to pharmaceutical interventions. Our objective was to carry out a systematic review of the effectiveness of sertraline, an SSRI, as a treatment for PTSD.Method: Databases were searched to identify relevant research on sertraline as a treatment for PTSD.Results: Five randomised control trials were identified, along with seven open trials and case series studies.Conclusions: The review and meta-analysis supported the use of sertraline for PTSD though further research on sub-group differences (eg. gender) is required.
The relationship between bullying, depression and suicidal thoughts/behaviour in Irish adolescents
Authors: Mills Carla , Guerin Suzanne , Lynch Fionnuala , Daly Irenee , Fitzpatrick Carol 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation/behaviour, among bullied and non-bullied young people.Methods: Participants were 209 students, 97 male and 112 female, attending eight urban post-primary schools and aged between 12 and 15 years. Participants were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children – Present and Lifetime Version, the Hopelessness Scale for Children, the Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Suicide Intent Scale.Results: Data were analysed using a series of non-parametric comparison tests. Being a victim of bullying was found to be significantly associated with depression (χ2 = 10.986; df = 1; p = 0.001) and suicidal ideation (χ2 = 5.811; df = 1; p = 0.022). Results also indicated that victims were more likely to have reported a suicide attempt (χ2 = 5.995; df = 1; p = 0.022). Finally, those bullied were significantly more likely to have been referred to psychiatric services (χ2 = 6.661; df = 1;p = 0.011).Conclusions: These findings suggest that the issue of bullying needs to be re-addressed within Irish schools, with particular emphasis placed on further investigation into the psychological consequences thereof.
Prevalence and detection of postnatal depression in an Irish community sample
Authors: Crotty Fiona , Sheehan John 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To establish the prevalence of postnatal depression using standardised methods of diagnosis and to evaluate early detection of postnatal depression.Methods: Prospective cohort study. Prevalence established using two-step screening with EPDS and semi-structured clinical interview for ICD-10 diagnosis. EPDS recorded at day three-five postnatal evaluated as predictor of depression at week six postnatal.Results: Prevalence established at 14.4%. EPDS recorded at day three-five postnatal when combined with past history of depression was a predictor of depression occurring at week six postnatal.Conclusions: We found a similar prevalence of postnatal depression in this Irish sample to other international prevalence studies. There are implications for hospital based screening to identify those at risk of developing a postnatal depression.
A retrospective analysis of the sentence writing component of Folstein's MMSE
Authors: McCarthy Frances , Kennedy Frances , Duggan Joe , Sheehan John , Power Dermot 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: Agraphia is the loss or impairment of the ability to produce written language as a consequence of brain damage and is a well recognised feature of dementia. However there is no generally accepted classification of agraphic disorders. Our aim was to determine the influence of writing style, lettercase and sentence polarity of the writing component of Folstein's MMSE on the overall test score.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the ‘write a sentence’ request of Folstein's MMSE of 280 randomly selected patients attending a geriatric day hospital. We analysed four sentence characteristics: 1 Number of words, 2 Writing legibility, 3 Sentence polarity, 4 Letter case.Results: 280 MMSE forms were examined, 165 were from female patients. Mean age was 81.7(± 6.6) years. Mean MMSE score was 21.6 (males: 21.9, females: 21.4). Significant correlation was detected between the overall MMSE score and both legibility and number of words. Legibility scores were significantly higher for females than for males (7.2 vs. 6.6, p < 0.03). The mean MMSE of females writing in lowercase was significantly higher than for those writing in uppercase (21.5 vs. 18.6, p < 0.05). The mean MMSE score of subjects writing sentences with a positive tone was significantly higher than that of those writing a neutral or negative sentence (22.6 vs. 21.0 p < 0.03).Conclusions: We have demonstrated a relationship between the content and structure of the writing assessment aspect of the MMSE and the overall test score.
Stimulant medication in ADHD: what do children and their parents say?
Authors: McElearney Catherine , Fitzpatrick Carol , Farrell Niamh , King Mary , Lynch Bryan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The prescription of stimulant medication to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder remains topical. Few reports target children's views about taking long-term medication. The aim was to assess child and parent views of stimulant medication. To compare attitudes to medication between two groups of children, those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder taking stimulant medication and those with epilepsy taking anti-epileptic medication.Method: Forty children (n = 40) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on stimulant medication, and 40 children (n = 40) with epilepsy on anti-epileptic medication formed the study population. A semi-structured interview was carried out with each child and parent. Each parent completed the Dosage and Side-effects Questionnaire and the Attitude to Medication Questionnaire. Each child completed the Attitude to Medication Questionnaire.Results: Sixty per cent of children (n = 24) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 62.5% (n = 25) of those with epilepsy knew the name and purpose of their medication. Forty per cent (n = 16) of children in the stimulant group and 32.5% (n = 13) in the anti-epileptic group reported themselves as being non-compliant with medication. In both groups children reported positive aspects to taking medication. More children with epilepsy reported negative aspects. Only 32.5% (n = 13) of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder said that they would tell a friend about their medication, while 55% (n = 22) of the children with epilepsy indicated that they would do so. In both groups parents were better informed than their children were about the purpose of the medication. Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tended to be more positive about medication than their children and than the parents in the comparison group.Conclusions: The majority of children and their parents express positive views about the stimulant medication. Children's views about medication compliance and side-effects should be sought, as they may differ significantly from those of their parents. Where parents have noticed positive changes, but children have not, this information can be used therapeutically to help children feel more in control of their behaviour.
Service response to benzodiazepine use in opiate addicts: a national postal survey
Authors: Williams Hugh , Handyside Doug , Bashford Kirsty , Oyefeso Adenekan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The study reports on benzodiazepine use among opiate dependent patients attending National Health Service community prescribing services and examines current practice in the clinical management of benzodiazepine dependence.Method: A postal questionnaire survey of 174 NHS substance misuse services in England and Wales.Results: A 71% response rate was achieved. Services estimated the prevalence of benzodiazepine use to be 40% and the prevalence of benzodiazepine dependence to be less than 25% among opiate dependent patients in treatment. Illicit supplies (street) and general practitioners were regarded as the most common source of benzodiazepines. The most commonly reported reasons for benzodiazepine use were for the direct intoxicating effects and for the treatment of anxiety/insomnia. The majority of services (93,75%) reported prescribing benzodiazepines to patients for benzodiazepine detoxification while 43 (35%) reported prescribing for benzodiazepine maintenance treatment. The variations in benzodiazepine prescribing practices across services are described.Conclusions: Benzodiazepine use remains common among opiate addicts in contact with treatment services. The majority of services surveyed reported prescribing benzodiazepines but there was much variation in clinical practice nationally. There is need for further research to identify effective treatment approaches for comorbid benzodiazepine dependence in opiate misusers.
Contributions of social influences and psychopathological factors to cannabis use and dependence in high-school students
Authors: Chabrol Henri , Rey Aude , Cassan Delphine , Julliot Marianne , Carlin Edith , Rodgers Rachel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the relative contributions of peers cannabis use or non use, parental approval of such use, adolescents' own beliefs about use, self-esteem, and depressive and symptoms of borderline personality disorder, in the prediction of cannabis use and dependence.Method: Participants were 257 high-school students who completed questionnaires assessing cannabis use frequency, cannabis dependence, the number of peers using cannabis, the number of peers opposed to cannabis use, parental attitude toward cannabis use, participants' attitude toward use, self-esteem, depressive and borderline symptomatology. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict cannabis use, daily use and dependence.Results: The number of peers using cannabis, participants' approval of cannabis use, and the intensity of symptoms of borderline personality disorder were risk factors for use whereas the number of peers opposed to cannabis use was a protective factor. Parental attitudes toward use and participants' depressive symptomatology were not significant independent predictors of use. There were no significant predictors of probable cannabis dependence.Conclusion: To inform adolescents that a significant proportion of them disapprove of cannabis use may be an effective component of prevention of use. Symptoms of borderline personality disorder may account for the association between depression and cannabis use. The social influences and psychopathological factors evaluated in this study did not appear to play a major role in the development of cannabis dependence.
Gender and the children's depression inventory's (CDI) ‘crying’ question
Authors: Houghton Frank , Cowley Hilary , Kelleher Kevin , Houghton Sharon 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: Following disruption from students, particularly boys, during the administration of item 10, the ‘feel like crying’ question, of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), this study sought to explore the issue of non-response to this question. It was decided that particular attention should be given to gender differences in responses and non-responses, based on the experiences of researchers administering this measure.Method: Chi-square analysis of non-responses was conducted on CDI items collected from a total sample of 2,297 second year and pre-leaving certificate students from 23 randomly selected schools in the Mid-West region of Ireland.Results: Analysis identified item 10 as being significantly less likely to be completed than any other item. Further analysis revealed that boys were significantly less likely to respond to this question than girls.Conclusion: A modification of the wording to item 10 is suggested to ameliorate this difficulty.
Reasons for poor attendance at an MRCPsych academic programme
Authors: Greene Elaine , Parsons Brian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To examine potential reasons for poor attendance at the lecture programme and exploring possible alternatives to existing course structures.Method: A postal questionnaire was circulated to all basic specialist trainees and consultants in the Irish Psychiatric training committee Eastern RegionResults: Response rates were 73 % and 44 % for consultants and trainees respectively. Respondents expressed concern about the content, relevance and structure of the current lecture programme.Conclusion: Change is required to the current lecture programme which should give due consideration to the opinions of trainees and consultants. A number of suggestions are made based on the study findings.
Topical issues in old age psychiatry
Authors: Foley Sharon , Freyne Aideen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWith advancements in medical science over past decades, our aging population has increased substantially. Census studies in 2001 showed that 429,100 of the population of the Republic of Ireland were aged 65yrs and older, making up 11.2% of the overall population. While the overall population of the Republic is expected to remain stable over the next ten years, the demographic projections for the elderly population is for significant growth: numbers of over 65yrs are expected to increase by nearly 108,000 people between 1996 - 2011, comprising over 14.1% of the overall population. In particular, our communities will contain a much higher proportion of octogenarians and nonagenarians: at present 21% of our over 65's are 80 yrs or older; by 2011, it is projected that this number will increase to 25%. In tandem, the prevalence of dementia will increase.In 2000, it was estimated that 31,000 people suffered with dementia in the Republic of Ireland, and this figure is expected to increase by 5000 cases per year between 2001-2011. The ultimate outcome of this demographic shift, will be higher demands on medical services for older people, especially geriatric medicine and old age psychiatry. This paper will focus on two particular aspects of management which will increasingly impact on the work of old age psychiatrists – medicolegal issues and management issues in dementia.