bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female Genital Mutilation [FGM] and Emotional Support: A Research Study Exploring the Value and Sustainability of Offering Emotional Support to Women Exposed to FGM
Authors: McAndrew S. , Warne T. , Mulongo P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionGlobal estimates suggest over 130 million girls and women have undergone FGM. While practiced in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, due to immigration trends it is now prominent in Western society. While studies have focused on physical health consequences, post-2000 a small but growing number of studies have reported on the psychological impact of FGM. This paper reports on a project exploring the mental health consequences of FGM, the effectiveness of therapeutic support, and the sustainability of a new service through training peer mentors.ObjectivesTo establish and evaluate 3 drop-in clinics, offering emotional support to women who have experienced FGM. Build capacity through training peer mentors to continue the work of supporting women.MethodCommunity-based participatory research (CBPR) was used for this two-part project. In part 1, 30 women participated, data being collected via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWS) and follow-up interviews. Part 2 involved the training of 12 peer mentors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis and evaluation respectively.ResultsImprovement was found in the women's mental well-being, with themes (1) Speaking the unspoken (2) Emancipation of emotion (3) Harnessing hope, being identified. Of the 12 peer mentors successfully completing the course, 9 are now volunteering.ConclusionMental health professionals are best placed to enable women to address FGM traumas and improve their mental well-being. Additionally, they can raise public and professional awareness and, through research, can help develop more appropriate and sensitive services for migrant women from practicing communities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Describing and Comparing Quality in Psychiatric Care Across the Globe with the QPC-Instrument
Authors: Schröder A. , Lundqvist L.O. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThere is a lack of cross-cultural comparison of patients and staff perceptions of quality of care in the psychiatric care. One reason is the absence of standardized instruments.ObjectivesThe international research programme “Quality in Psychiatric Care” aims at adapting the instrument QPC versions for patients and staff to different international settings.AimsThe aims are to test the psychometric properties and equivalence of dimensionality of the different language versions of QPC and also to describe and compare the quality of inpatient, outpatient and forensic in-patient psychiatric care across different countries.MethodsThe QPC is a family of self-reported instruments from the patients’ perspective. In this programme, we used different languages versions in three areas for patient and staff; inpatient (QPC-IP/IPS), outpatient (QPC-OP/OPS) and forensic inpatient care (QPC-FIP/FIPS).ResultsThe Danish versions for QPC-FIP and QPC-FIPS show that the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the factor structure was equivalent to the original Swedish version. Patients rated the quality of care generally lower than staff and lowest in the participation dimension. The Indonesian version of QPC-IP is under analysis. The first result show that patients rated the quality of care lower than Swedish inpatients and lowest in the discharge dimension. Several studies in Indonesia are still ongoing as well as in Brazil and Spain.ConclusionsThere are few standardized instruments for measuring quality of care in the psychiatric care. Therefore, QPC is expected to makes an important contribution to the development in this field.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Risk of Depression and Anxiety in the Post-diagnostic Period of Multiple Sclerosis Measured by Screening Instruments and Structured Interviews
Authors: Hoang H. , Stenager E. , Stenager E. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the risk of depression and anxiety in MS patients in the post-diagnostic period by using clinical screening instruments and a diagnostic structured clinical interview.MethodA population of 134 MS patients was examined for the risk of depression and anxiety in the post-diagnostic period of MS using the clinical screening instruments Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Within six weeks of diagnosis, patients with cut-off > 12 for BDI and > 7 for HADS were offered a clinical structured interview using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry/SCAN Version 2.1.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression in the post-diagnostic period of MS was 49.2% when using the screening instruments, but only 15.2% when using the SCAN interview. For anxiety, the prevalence was 3.4% for both the screening instruments and the SCAN interview in the post-diagnostic period of MS.ConclusionMS patients have a risk of depression and anxiety in the post-diagnostic period of MS, but it is crucial to consider which tools to use in a clinical setting to investigate depression and anxiety in MS patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Effectiveness of the Inference Based Approach to Treating Obsessive-compulsive Disorder with Poor Insight; a Randomized Controlled Multicentre Trial
Authors: Visser H. , van Megen H. , van Balkom T. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for an effective psychological treatment for patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with poor insight, since this disorder is associated with severe suffering and a low quality of life. The inference based approach (IBA), a new psychotherapy for OCD specifically targets insight in OCD. In a randomized controlled multicentre trial, the effectiveness of IBA was compared to the effectiveness of CBT for treating patients with OCD with poor insight. In this study, 24 sessions of IBA were tested versus 24 sessions of CBT. Ninety patients with a main diagnosis of OCD with poor insight according to the DSM-IV criteria participated in the study. The primary outcome was reduction of the obsessive-compulsive symptoms.ResultsIn both conditions, a significant OCD symptom reduction was reached, but no condition effects were established. Post hoc, in a small subgroup of patients with the worst insight (n = 23), it was found that the patients treated with the IBA reached a significantly higher OCD symptom reduction than patients treated with CBT [estimated marginal mean = –7.77, t(219.45) = –2.4, P = 0.017]. Of patients treated with IBA, 41.9% were responder and 20.9% completely recovered. Of the patients treated with CBT, 42.6% were responder and 12.8% recovered.ConclusionPatients with OCD with poor insight improve significantly after psychological treatment. The results of this study suggest that both CBT and the IBA are effective treatments for OCD with poor insight. The IBA might be more promising than CBT for patients with more extreme poor insight.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical Outcomes of the First 2 Years of Implementation of the Integrated Care Pathway for Concurrent Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Samokhvalov A.V. , Awan S. , Le Foll B. , Probst C. , Voore P. , Rehm J. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundBoth major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder are highly prevalent, often comorbid and cause significant socioeconomic burden. At CAMH, we have developed and integrated care pathway (ICP) to treat these disorders and evaluated its effectiveness in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU)MethodsChart review; descriptive statistics, c2 and t-tests, linear mixed effects models, Kaplan–Meier and log-rank analyses.ResultsOverall, 81 patients were enrolled into ICP. Comparisons of treatment retention rates between ICP patients and matched historical controls (n = 81) showed significantly lower dropout rate in ICP cohort (18.5% vs. 69.1%, P < 0.001, Fig. 1). The ICP patients demonstrated significant reduction in depressive symptoms severity (QIDS: 14.6 vs. 10.0, P < 0.001; BDI 26.3 vs. 16.2, P < 0.001), reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed weekly from 44.6 standard drinks at baseline to 12.6 (P < 0.001) by the end of treatment, which was significantly better compared to controls (56.9 vs. 25.2, P < 0.001), P = 0.014 (Fig. 2).ConclusionsThe ICP is a feasible approach to treatment of concurrent AUD and MDD with significantly higher retention rates than TAU. Patients demonstrate improvements on several levels including depressive symptoms, and changes in alcohol drinking patterns.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Risk Factors for Suicide Attempt: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Castaldo L. , Mazzone L. , Serra G. , Vicari S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSuicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents.ObjectivesTo investigate suicidal behaviors among Italian adolescents.AimsTo assess the rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) and the associated risk factors in patients admitted to emergency department (ED) of the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital.MethodsRetrospective study based on data of patients admitted to the ED from 1 January 2011 to 30 May 2016 who required a neuropsychiatric (NPI) consultation. We analyzed:– outcome of the NPI consultation (hospitalization or discharge);– risk factors for SA and SI;– methods employed for SA.ResultsThe number of NPI consultations for SI and SA increased from 6.45% in 2011 to 13.3% in 2015. More than 90% of consultations recommended hospitalization in the psychiatric unit (137 patient [66% female]; mean age of 15.5 ± 1.6 years) with average length of stay of 13.64 ± 10.63 days. Risk factors for SI and SA were non-suicidal self-injury, family conflicts and previous suicide attempts. Subjects evaluated for a SA reported a significantly higher frequency of family history of mood disorder (χ2 = 5.94; P = 0.02) and a comorbid substance abuse (χ2 = 4.49; P = 0.03) when compared with SI group. The method most frequently used to attempt suicide was ingestion of medications (52.83%).ConclusionsThere was an increasing demand of NPI consultation of SA and SI in the last years. A family history of mood disorder and a history of substance abuse are risk factors able to differentiate between SI and SA.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Are Social Networks Useful to Challenge Stigma Attached to Mental Disorders? Findings from the Time to Change Social Marketing Campaign 2009–2014
Authors: Sampogna G. , Henderson C. , Thornicroft G. , Evans-Lacko S. , Bakolis I. , Robinson E. , Luciano M. , Del Vecchio V. , Fiorillo A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe new channels of communication as social media (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) and the social marketing campaign (i.e. campaign focused on enabling, encouraging and supporting behavioural changes among target audiences) can represent useful strategies to challenge stigma attached to mental disorders.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of the social marketing campaign of the time to change (SMC-TTC) anti-stigma programme on the target population in England during 2009–2014.AimsTo assess the impact of the SMC-TTC anti-stigma programme in terms of:– use of the social media channels;– levels of awareness of the SMC-TTC;– changes in knowledge, attitude, and behaviour related to mental disorders.MethodsParticipants completed the mental health knowledge schedule (MAKS), the community attitudes toward mental illness (CAMI) and the reported and intended behaviour scale (RIBS), together with an ad-hoc schedule on socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsIn total, 10526 people were interviewed, it was found a growing usage of the SMC-TTC media channels and of the level of awareness of the campaign (P < 0.001). Being aware of the SMC-TTC was found to be associated with higher score at MAKS (OR = .95, CI = .68 to 1.21; P < .001), at “tolerance and support” CAMI subscale (OR = .12, CI = .09 to .16; P < .001) and RIBS (OR = .71, CI = .51 to .92; P < .001), controlling for confounders.DiscussionIn the general population, SMC-TTC has been found to be effective in improving attitudes and behaviours towards people with mental disorders.ConclusionsConsidering these promising results obtained in England, social media can represent the possible way forward for challenging stigma. The future on-going evaluation of the SMC-TTC may further shed light on the essential role of social media in reducing of stigma and discrimination.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Social anxiety as a basic factor shaping anti-vital and suicidal behaviour among contemporary adolescents
Authors: Sagalakova O. , Truevtsev D.V. , Stoyanova I.Y. , Sagalakov A.M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn adolescence, social anxiety (SA) and anti-vital and suicidal behavior (AB and SB) constitute a single syndrome.AimThe aim is to define the role of SA and its components in shaping adolescent AB, with a subsequent risk of SB.Materials and methodsA total of 981 adolescents participated in the survey. The authors’ proprietary Anti-vitality and Resilience Questionnaire and Social Anxiety and Social Phobia Questionnaire; statistic methods: ANOVA, Correlation analysis.Results and discussionTwenty-four percent from the sample have high SA levels, and 21.8% have clinical SA levels connected with high risk of AB and SB. Adolescents find themselves in unstable conditions of the psychological field reorganization (crisis), and they are in need of actualization of means to satisfy their social motives. It makes them vulnerable to mental disorganization under evaluation conditions, and the situation is aggravated with the absence of internalized mental regulation tools. AB, SB is higher, the higher the SA in adolescents is. SA as a subjective perception of insufficient means to influence the surroundings in order to satisfy social needs can play one of the key roles in the accumulation of negative affect in the system of mental activity, and lead ultimately to its failure.ConclusionInability to satisfy their actual motives, lack of strategy for self-realization and dealing with failures, and inability to keep the targeted priority in evaluation situations lead to feeling loss of life purpose and negative evaluation of the future and shape AB, SB.Disclosure of interestThe research was supported by Russian Science Foundation (Altai State University).
Korean medication algorithm for bipolar disorder (KMAP-BP): Changes in treatment strategies for bipolar depression over 12 years
Authors: Jon D.I. , Seo J.S. , Kim W. , Lee J.G. , Shin Y.C. , Min K.J. , Yoon B.H. , Bahk W.M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionMany guidelines for bipolar disorders have been introduced based on evidences. In contrast, KMAP-BP was developed by an expert-consensus.ObjectiveTo summarize the medication strategies for bipolar depression over four published KMAP-BP (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014).MethodsThe questionnaire using a nine-point scale had covered some clinical situations with many treatment options about the appropriateness of treatment.ResultsFor mild-to-moderate depression, antidepressant (AD) + mood stabilizer (MS) in early editions and MS or lamotrigine monotherapy and AAP + (MS or lamotrigine) in later editions were preferred strategies. For severe nonpsychotic depression, MS + AD was the only first-line medication in early editions. In 2014, various medications [MS + AAP (atypical antipsychotic), AAP + lamotrigine, MS + AD] were preferred. Valproate and lithium has been rated as first-line MS in all editions. Lamotrigine were positively preferred later. Adjunctive AD was accepted as first-line strategy for severe depression in all editions. Preference of AAP also has been increased remarkably. Adjunctive AAP was not first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate depression in all editions, but was for nonpsychotic depression in 2010 and 2014 and for psychotic depression in all editions. Recommended AAPs have been changed over 12 years: olanzapine and risperidone in 2002 and quetiapine, aripiprazole, and olanzapine in 2014 were first-line AAP.ConclusionThere have been evident preference changes: increased for AAP and lamotrigine and decreased for AD. The high preferences for aripiprazole and lamotrigine in later editions were likely derived from favorable tolerability.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Obesity and quality of life in bipolar disorder
Authors: Jouini R. , Ben Ammar H. , Hamdi G. , Smari N. , Aissa A. , Khelifa E. , El Hechmi Z. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionOverweight and obesity, despite their comorbidities and mortality, could deteriorate the quality of life of people with bipolar disorder.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life among patients with bipolar disorder and investigate a possible interaction between obesity and deterioration of the quality of life.AimsThis study aims to highlight the importance of preventing overweight and obesity in people with bipolar disorder to obtain an adequate quality of life subsequently an acceptable control of the illness.MethodsFifty euthymic bipolar patients (Hamilton Depression Scale score ≤ 8, and Young Mania Rating Scale score ≤ 6) received the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey in Arabic validated version in order to investigate the quality of life.ResultsWe examined 50 euthymic bipolar patients (60% men, 40% women). The average age was 46, 5 years (23–70). Most patients (69%) were over weighted (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) (body mass index), of whom 40% were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Seventy-two percent of the investigated patients had an affected quality of life (score < 66.7). The mental items were deteriorated in 80% of the cases. An affected quality of life was correlated with obesity. The BMI was significantly and negatively correlated with the scores of dimensions D4 (mental health) and D8 (perceived health) (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe investigation of quality of life in people with mental disorder enables to reveal the social handicap caused by these illnesses consequently emphasizes health care in mental affections.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical differences between unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Smaoui S. , Charfi N. , Maâlej Bouali M. , Zouari L. , Zouari N. , Ben Thabeut J. , Maâlej M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionEpidemiological studies indicate that the majority of patients with bipolar disorder are diagnosed many years later. Unipolar depression represents the most frequent misdiagnosis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the symptom profiles of depressed patients in order to identify clinical specificities of bipolar depression.MethodsA total of 31 depressed patients were recruited from psychiatry outpatient department of Hedi Chaker university hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), during October and November 2016. Unipolar and bipolar patients were compared on a broad range of parameters, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Depressive symptoms were rated using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS).ResultsThe total sample comprised 31 patients with 16 men and 15 women. It involved 20 with unipolar depression and 11 with bipolar depression. Patients with bipolar depression had more family history of bipolar disorder (P = 0.037) and a triggering factor had been identified less often (P = 0.03). MADRS scores were similar in bipolar and unipolar patient (median score 28.22 versus 28.36; P = 0.964). BDRS scores were significantly higher in bipolar depressed patients (median score 33 versus 25; P = 0.01). The mixed subscale (item 16 to 20) scores were particularly higher (median 6 vs. 1.2; P ≤ 0.01) especially concerning irritability (P = 0.001). Increased motor drive (P = 0.004) and agitation (P = 0.008).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the presence of mixed symptoms is very important to recognize depressed patients as having a bipolar disorder. We also recommend routine use of the BDRS for patients presenting for treatment of depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dog assisted therapy for teenagers with emotional and behavioural issues: A multicentre study
Authors: Calvo P. , Pairet S. , Vila M. , Losada J. , Bowen J. , Cirac R. , Bulbena A. , Holloway A. , Fatjó J. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFurther research is still needed to demonstrate the benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for specific participant profiles, such as children with behavioural disorders.ObjectivesWe wanted to find out if AAT could be considered an efficient therapeutic strategy for the treatment of children with behavioural disorders.AimsWe wanted to study the effects of a preestablished AAT program on the behaviour of children with emotional and behavioural issues in 6 different reception centres for children under government guardianship.MethodsForty-five children (12 to 17 years old) with emotional and behavioural issues participated in a 14-session AAT program. Behavioural measures were those routinely scored as part of therapy; an observational report of 3 different problematic behaviours (such as impulsivity, lack of social skills or lack of personal recognition) was made twice a week for each child (with a score of frequency and intensity). A pre- and post-treatment “global behaviour score” was calculated for each child, as an average value of the 3 problematic behaviours measured during the month pre-treatment and the month post-treatment.ResultsThe 45 participants attended, on average, 72.8% of AAT sessions. Independent behaviour scores differed between the pre- and post-intervention evaluations (n = 135 behaviours) (Wilcoxon test; P < 0.0001). Based on the global behaviour score for each child (n = 45), significant change was found between pre- and post-intervention evaluations (Wilcoxon test; P = 0.0011).ConclusionsOur results suggest AAT could be a beneficial intervention for children with behavioural issues in terms of program adherence and behaviour improvement.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.