bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Religious Attendance, Spirituality, and Major Depression in Canada: A 14-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Balbuena Lloyd , Baetz Marilyn , Bowen Rudy 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Although there have been numerous studies on the relation of religion or spirituality and major depression, few used a longitudinal, nationally representative sample. Our study sought to examine the effect of religious attendance, self-declared importance of spiritual values, and self-identification as a spiritual person on major depression. Method: Data coming from 8 waves (1994 to 2008) of the longitudinal Canadian National Population Health Survey were used. People ( n = 12 583) who were not depressed at baseline (1994) were followed during 14 years. Depression at each cycle was assessed using the Composite International Interview—Short Form for Major Depression. Weibull proportional hazards regression was used to model longitudinal risk of depression, with religious attendance or spirituality as a predictor. Results: At baseline, monthly religious attenders tended to be older, female, and married, compared with occasional and nonattenders. The Weibull regression model revealed a 22% lower risk of depression for monthly attenders (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95), compared with nonattenders, after controlling for age, household income, family and personal history of depression, marital status, education, and perceived social support. Neither self-reported importance of spiritual values nor identification as a spiritual person was related to major depressive episodes. Conclusion: Attending religious services at least monthly has a protective effect against major depression.
Sex Differences in Suicides among Children and Youth: The Potential Impact of Help-Seeking Behaviour
Authors: Rhodes Anne E , Khan Saba , Boyle Michael H , Tonmyr Lil , Wekerle Christine , Goodman Deborah , Bethell Jennifer , Leslie Bruce , Lu Hong , Manion Ian 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To describe sex differences in health service use among children and youth who died by suicide. Method: This is a retrospective study of children and youth (aged 10 to 25 years) living in Ontario who died by suicide between April 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007. Coroner records were individually linked to outpatient physician visit, emergency department (ED) presentation, and inpatient stay administrative health care records for 724 people (192 girls and 532 boys). Only 77 (10.6%) were aged 10 to 15 years. The health services types used, number of contacts made, and the last contact were compared in boys and girls. Results: About 80% of subjects had contact with the health care system in the year before their death, typically to an outpatient physician and (or) the ED. However, not all were seen for mental health reasons. Girls had more outpatient physician and ED contact than boys and closer in time to their death. Further, girls were more likely than boys to have contact in more than one setting. Still, boys and girls did not differ in their use of an outpatient psychiatrist, some ED presentations, and in the nature and number of inpatient stays. Conclusions: While most people were seen by an outpatient physician and (or) in the ED in the year before their death, not all received mental health care. Further research is needed to determine whether boys and girls who died by suicide differ from their peers in their health service use to guide preventive interventions.
Obstacles de l'accès au traitement rapportés par des personnes aux prises avec un trouble anxieux
Authors: Perreault Michel , Lafortune David , Laverdure Anick , Chartier-Otis Mariko , Bélanger Claude , Marchand André , Bouchard Stéphane , Milton Diana 
Published: January 2017

Objectifs: La présente étude traite des obstacles au traitement auxquels se butent des personnes qui sont aux prises avec un trouble anxieux (TA) et qui n'ont pas obtenu de services pour leur problème. Les recommandations que formulent ces personnes pour améliorer l'accès au traitement sont rapportées. Méthode: Un questionnaire diffusé sur le Web traitant de l'accessibilité du traitement pour les troubles anxieux a été rempli par 610 personnes domiciliées au Québec et ayant rapporté souffrir d'anxiété. Des chi-carrés ont été effectués pour comparer les réponses des personnes qui ont reçu des services ( n = 151) avec les réponses de celles qui n'en ont pas reçu ( n = 434). Résultats: Les délais d'attente trop importants pour obtenir un traitement (X2 = 29,66; dl = 1; P < 0,001), les difficultés éprouvées pour joindre un professionnel par téléphone (X2 = 13,75; dl = 1; P < 0,001) ainsi que la distance géographique des lieux de services (X2 = 4,34; dl = 1; P = 0,04) sont les obstacles qui ont nui aux participants qui n'ont pas reçu les services désirés davantage qu'à ceux qui les ont obtenus. Conclusions: Les obstacles et les recommandations des participants mettent en lumière le besoin d'accroître l'accès aux professionnels de la santé en ce qui concerne les délais d'attente, de former et informer davantage les professionnels de première ligne en matière de dépistage et de traitement des TA, ainsi que de développer l'offre de services psychothérapeutiques dans le réseau de santé public.
Psychotherapy, Antidepressants, and Their Combination for Chronic Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spijker Jan , van Straten Annemieke , Bockting Claudi L H , Meeuwissen Jolanda A C , van Balkom Anton J L M 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Recommendations for treatment of chronic major depressive disorder (cMDD) are mostly based on clinical experiences and on the literature on treatment-resistant depression (TRD) but not on a systematic review of the literature. Method: We conducted a systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with 17 comparisons between antidepressants (ADs), psychotherapy, or the combination of both interventions. Results: The best evidence is for the combination of psychotherapy and ADs, and especially for the combination of the cognitive behavourial analysis system of psychotherapy and ADs. Evidence is very weak for both ADs alone and psychotherapy alone. Assessment of TRD was mostly absent in the studies. Conclusion: The best treatment for cMDD is a combination of psychotherapy and ADs. However, there is a lack of well-performed RCTs in both ADs and psychotherapy and their combination for cMDD. Therefore, the conclusions are preliminary. Psychothérapie, antidépresseurs, et leur combinaison pour le trouble dépressif majeur chronique: une revue systématique
Comorbid Anxiety Disorders in Canadians with Bipolar Disorder: Clinical Characteristics and Service Use
Authors: Hawke Lisa D , Provencher Martin D , Parikh Sagar V , Zagorski Brandon 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine the impact of anxiety disorders comorbid to bipolar disorder (BD) in a large, nationally representative sample, to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of Canadians living with BD and with or without comorbid anxiety disorders, to identify the characteristics uniquely associated with comorbid anxiety, and to examine treatment patterns. Method: We analyzed data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being, conducted among 38 492 Canadians. People meeting the criteria for BD ( n = 808) were compared based on the presence or absence of an assessed anxiety disorder (that is, social phobia, panic disorder, and agoraphobia). Results: People with BD and a comorbid anxiety disorder fare worse in terms of BD relapses, suicidality, and sleep disturbance, and are more likely to be taking psychiatric medication. They have more impairment in their work and social functioning and rate their health and life satisfaction lower. Despite the greater severity, they are not receiving additional psychological treatment, they feel they are not receiving the treatment they need, and they report more barriers to treatment. Conclusions: This study confirms the critical impact of comorbid anxiety on the course of BD in a large, nationally representative sample and reveals that the psychological treatment needs of this population are not being met. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Effects of Methylphenidate on Acute Math Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Grizenko Natalie , Cai Emmy , Jolicoeur Claude , Ter-Stepanian Mariam , Joober Ridha 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Examine the short-term (acute) effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on math performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and what factors predict improvement in math performance. Method: One hundred ninety-eight children with ADHD participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover MPH trial. Math response to MPH was determined through administration of math problems adjusted to their academic level during the Restricted Academic Situation Scale (RASS). Student t tests were conducted to assess change in math performance with psychostimulants. Correlation between change on the RASS and change on the math performance was also examined. Linear regression was performed to determine predictor variables. Results: Children with ADHD improved significantly in their math with MPH ( P < 0.001). The degree of improvement on the RASS (which evaluates motor activity and orientation to task) and on math performance on MPH was highly correlated. A child's age at baseline and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)-Numerical Operations standard scores at baseline accounted for 15% of variances for acute math improvement. Conclusions: MPH improves acute math performance in children with ADHD. Younger children with lower math scores (as assessed by the WIAT) improved most on math scores when given psychostimulants. Les effets du méthylphénidate sur la performance aiguë en math chez des enfants souffrant du trouble de déficit de l'attention avec hyperactivité
Canada-Wide Effect of Regulatory Warnings on Antidepressant Prescribing and Suicide Rates in Boys and Girls
Authors: Rhodes Anne E , Skinner Robin , McFaull Steven , Katz Laurence Y 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine the impact of the Health Canada regulatory warnings regarding antidepressant (AD) prescribing on suicide rates in boys and girls under the age of 18 and aged 18 to 19 years in Canada between 2004 and 2009. We hypothesized that an increase in suicide rates would be specific to girls, reflecting higher AD prescribing rates in girls than boys. Method: We graphed and tested the difference between Canada-wide suicide rates before and after the regulatory warning periods (either from 1995 to 2006 or from 1995 to 2009) in boys and girls under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 19 years. For comparison with prior studies, we estimated rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals using either Poisson regression or negative binomial regression. Results: There was no statistically significant increase in suicide rates in girls under the age of 18, or aged 18 to 19 years in response to the AD regulatory warnings. In boys under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 19 years, suicide rates declined after 2003. Conclusions: We did not find increased rates of suicide after the AD regulatory warnings in boys or girls under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 19 years in Canada-wide rates. However, this does not rule out the possibility that such an effect occurred in some jurisdictions in girls and (or) the regulatory warnings prevented the trend toward declining suicide rates. Factors influencing the downward trend in boys merit further attention.
An Observational Study of Bullying as a Contributing Factor in Youth Suicide in Toronto
Authors: Sinyor Mark , Schaffer Ayal , Cheung Amy H 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Bullying has been identified as a potential contributing factor in youth suicide. This issue has been highlighted in recent widely publicized media reports, worldwide, in which deceased youth were bullied. We report on an observational study conducted to determine the frequency of bullying as a contributing factor to youth suicide. Method: Coroner records were reviewed for all suicide deaths in youth aged between 10 and 19 in the city of Toronto from 1998 to 2011. Data abstracted were recent stressors (including bullying), clinical variables, such as the presence of mental illness, demographics, and methods of suicide. Results: Ninety-four youth suicides were included in the study. The mean age was 16.8 years, and 70.2% were male. Bullying was present in 6 deaths (6.4%), and there were no deaths where online or cyberbullying was detected. Bullying was the only identified contributing factor in fewer than 5 deaths. The most common stressors identified were conflict with parents (21.3%), romantic partner problems (17.0%), academic problems (10.6%), and criminal and (or) legal problems (10.6%). Any stressor or mental and (or) physical illness was detected in 78.7% of cases. Depression was detected in 40.4% of cases. Conclusions: Our study highlights the need to view suicide in youth as arising from a complex interplay of various biological, psychological, and social factors of which bullying is only one. It challenges simple cause-and-effect models that may suggest that suicide arises from any one factor, such as bullying.
Neurocognitive Functioning in Overweight and Obese Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Data from the Systematic Treatment Optimization Program for Early Mania (STOP-EM)
Authors: Silveira Leonardo E , Kozicky Jan-Marie , Muralidharan Kesavan , Bücker Joana , Torres Ivan J , Bond David J , Kapczinski Flavio , Kauer-Sant'Anna Marcia , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Obesity is frequent in people with bipolar I disorder (BD I) and has a major impact on the course of the illness. Although obesity negatively influences cognitive function in patients with BD, its impact in the early phase of the disorder is unknown. We investigated the impact of overweight and obesity on cognitive functioning in clinically stable patients with BD recently recovered from their first manic episode. Method: Sixty-five patients with BD (25 overweight or obese and 40 normal weight) recently remitted from a first episode of mania and 37 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (9 overweight or obese and 28 normal weight) were included in this analysis from the Systematic Treatment Optimization Program for Early Mania (commonly referred to as STOP-EM). All subjects had their cognitive function assessed using a standard neurocognitive battery. We compared cognitive function between normal weight patients, overweight-obese patients, and normal weight healthy control subjects. Results: There was a negative affect of BD diagnosis on the domains of attention, verbal memory, nonverbal memory, working memory, and executive function, but we were unable to find an additional effect of weight on cognitive functioning in patients. There was a trend for a negative correlation between body mass index and nonverbal memory in the patient group. Conclusions: These data suggest that overweight-obesity does not negatively influence cognitive function early in the course of BD. Given that there is evidence for a negative impact of obesity later in the course of illness, there may be an opportunity to address obesity early in the course of BD.
Toward a Comprehensive Clinical Staging Model for Bipolar Disorder: Integrating the Evidence
Authors: Duffy Anne 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To describe key findings relating to the natural history and heterogeneity of bipolar disorder (BD) relevant to the development of a unitary clinical staging model. Currently proposed staging models are briefly discussed, highlighting complementary findings, and a comprehensive staging model of BD is proposed integrating the relevant evidence. Method: A selective review of key published findings addressing the natural history, heterogeneity, and clinical staging models of BD are discussed. Results: The concept of BD has broadened, resulting in an increased spectrum of disorders subsumed under this diagnostic category. Different staging models for BD have been proposed based on the early psychosis literature, studies of patients with established BD, and prospective studies of the offspring of parents with BD. The overarching finding is that there are identifiable sequential clinical phases in the development of BD that differ in important ways between classical episodic and psychotic spectrum subtypes. In addition, in the context of familial risk, early risk syndromes add important predictive value and inform the staging model for BD. Conclusions: A comprehensive clinical staging model of BD can be derived from the available evidence and should consider the natural history of BD and the heterogeneity of subtypes. This model will advance both early intervention efforts and neurobiological research.
Successful Application of a Canadian Mental Health Curriculum Resource by Usual Classroom Teachers in Significantly and Sustainably Improving Student Mental Health Literacy
Authors: Kutcher Stan , Wei Yifeng , Morgan Catherine 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate whether the significant and substantive findings from a previous study of youth mental health literacy (MHL) could be replicated using the same methods in another population. Method: We examined the impact of a curriculum resource, the Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide (The Guide), taught by usual classroom teachers on students' knowledge and attitudes related to mental health and mental illness in Canadian secondary schools. Survey data were collected before, immediately after, and 2 months after implementation of The Guide by teachers in usual classroom teaching. We conducted paired-sample t tests and calculated the Cohen d value to determine outcomes and impact of the curriculum resource application. Results: One hundred fourteen students were matched for analysis of knowledge data and 112 students were matched for analysis of attitude data at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up time periods. Following classroom exposure to the curriculum resource, students' knowledge scores increased significantly and substantively, compared with baseline ( P < 0.001, d = 1.11), and this was maintained at 2-month follow-up ( P < 0.001, d = 0.91). Similar findings for attitude improvement were found ( P < 0.001, d = 0.66), and this improvement was maintained at 2-month follow-up ( P < 0.001, d = 0.52). Conclusions: These findings corroborate those from a previous study conducted in a different location. Taken together these results suggest a simple but effective approach to improving MHL in young people by embedding a classroom resource, delivered by usual classroom teachers in usual school settings.
Developing Effective Services for Patients with Personality Disorders
Authors: Links Paul S 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This review focused on empirical research that addressed the effectiveness of service models for the care of patients with personality disorders. Method: Services discussed included those delivering acute care, such as crisis and emergency services and acute psychiatric hospitalization; continuing care, such as outpatient services, day hospital treatment, and assertive community treatment programs; and other community programming, such as integrated treatment for comorbid substance abuse and psychoeducational interventions for families of patients with personality disorders. The review focused on studies that included patients with personality disorders, and it measured outcomes relevant to patients with personality disorders. Evidence from randomized controlled trials was highlighted. Results: Few systematic studies of acute services were available. Community programming can decrease the risk of suicide attempts and reliance on inpatient admissions. Services must develop methods of ensuring compliance with treatment. Assertive community treatment for Axis II patients should be developed, implemented, and tested. Comprehensive programming for patients with personality disorders must include integrated treatment for substance abuse and family psychoeducational programs. Conclusion: Promising new models of care for patients with personality disorders are ready for testing and wider application.
The First Asylums in Canada: A Response to Neglectful Community Care and Current Trends
Authors: Sussman Sam 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Humane treatment and care of mentally ill people can be viewed from a historical perspective. Intramural (the institution) and extramural (the community) initiatives are not mutually exclusive. Method: The evolution of the psychiatric institution in Canada as the primary method of care is presented from an historical perspective. A province-by-province review of provisions for mentally ill people prior to asylum construction reveals that humanitarian motives and a growing sensitivity to social and medical problems gave rise to institutional psychiatry. The influence of Great Britain, France, and, to a lesser extent, the United States in the construction of asylums in Canada is highlighted. The contemporary redirection of the Canadian mental health system toward “dehospitalization” is discussed and delineated. Results: Early promoters of asylums were genuinely concerned with alleviating human suffering, which led to the separation of mental health services from the community and from those proffered to the criminal and indigent populations. While the results of the past institutional era were mixed, it is hoped that the “care” cycle will not repeat itself in the form of undesireable community alternatives. Conclusion: Severely psychiatrically disabled individuals can be cared for in the community if appropriate services exist.
Impairment of Semantic Categorization Processes among Thought-Disordered Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Mesure Gérald , Passerieux Christine , Besehe Chrystel , Widlöcher Daniel , Hardy-Baylé Marie-Christine 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To explore semantic categorization strategies in patients with schizophrenia. Method: A short-term memory-recognition task that reveals the effects associated with categorization was created and applied to 2 groups of patients with schizophrenia and depression. Results: Only the schizophrenic subgroup with formal thought disorder (measured using Andreasen's Thought, Language, and Communication [TLC] scale) exhibited a deficiency in semantic categorization strategies during the task. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis of the impairment of the processes involved in the processing of contextual information inpatients with schizophrenia who suffer from formal thought disorder.