bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of sex offending in elderly people referred to a specialised psychiatry of old age service
Authors: McAleer Angela , Wrigley Margo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The aims of the study were to examine: i) whether sex offending in elderly people is a serious problem, ii) whether mental disorder or alcohol abuse occur in association with such behaviour, iii) how such behaviour is managed by the psychiatric service and iv) the outcome of such management.Method: Referrals of people with sexually offensive behaviour to the North Dublin Psychiatry of Old Age Service from its inception in 1989 to date (1997) were examined. Information collected included: i) mode and reason for referral, ii) demographic, social and medical information, iii) psychiatric diagnosis, iv) management and v) outcome.Results: Thirteen cases were identified in the eight year period. The sexually offensive behaviours included indecent assault, masturbation in public and lewd remarks. Diagnoses included vascular dementia, frontal lobe dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease, chronic schizophrenia, depression with alcohol abuse and ‘no psychiatric diagnosis’. Two patients had positive syphilis serology detected on dementia screening. Alcohol abuse featured in almost half of the cases. Regarding treatment, five were treated with oral cyproterone acetate and one with benperidol, and all of these had a good response. Three were treated with neuroleptics and also settled. Specific treatment was not indicated in three cases and forensic services were involved in a further three cases.Conclusions: It is noted that most subjects had an underlying psychiatric diagnosis particularly organic brain damage. Management alleviated the problem in all cases with psychiatric disorder. Cyproterone acetate is clearly useful in management. This review highlights the importance of thorough assessment, diagnosis and management of sexually offensive behaviour in old age.
Audit of the first year of a psychiatric clinic at a Dublin Maternity Hospital
Authors: Gannon Miriam , Barry Siobhan , Turner Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The aims of the audit were to monitor the activities of the liaison clinic over a 12 month period, to establish the number of attenders and non-attenders and to evaluate whether the service was meeting the needs of patients with perinatal disorders.Method: The Coombe Women's Hospital is one of three maternity hospitals in Dublin and had 6,452 deliveries and 5,273 inpatient gynaecological procedures performed in 1994. The charts of all the patients who were given an appointment for the psychiatric clinic between January 1 and December 31, 1994 were reviewed.Results: Fifty-six patients attended the clinic over the 12 month period, 38(68%) of whom were new referrals to the service. Twenty-two patients were antenatal, 20 were postnatal and 14 patients were attending the gynaecology department. Seventeen patients (30%) who were referred to the clinic failed to attend for their first appointment. Forty-one (73%) patients had sufficient symptomatology to make an ICD-10 diagnosis. Medication was prescribed for 58% of those who attended. Four patients were referred to their catchment area service for inpatient care: six patients were referred to their catchment area service for further outpatient care as they had psychiatric illnesses which predated their pregnancies.Conclusions: The number of patients referred to the liaison service with postnatal depression is remarkably less than that anticipated and there is a high rate of defaulting among first attenders. Various recommendations are made to improve the effectiveness of the service.
Non-registration of deaths as a source of error in mortality data in the Irish Republic
Authors: Connolly John F , Cullen Anne , Scott Josephine , Smithwick Deirdre 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To ascertain whether or not there had been any improvement in the registration of deaths in Co. Mayo, Ireland, since 1970. At the time is was shown that 7.5% of deaths, in a sample of parishes in the west of Ireland had not been registered.Method: A list of all those who died and were buried in Co. Mayo in 1992, was obtained and compared with a list of deaths registered in that and subsequent years.Results: One hundred and twenty eight deaths (11.5%) occurring in the county in 1992 had not been registered by the time of this study in 1997.Conclusions: Non-registration of deaths continues to pose serious problems for research and for the planning of health services. It is suggested that the government introduce legislation to address the issue. Registration of deaths should be standardised throughout the EU.
Health gain for epilepsy associated with learning disabilities psychiatric care
Authors: Beber Elizabeth , Bailey Nicola M , Cooper Sally-Ann 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: The establishment of a learning disabilities psychiatric service for people living in north Northamptonshire presented the opportunity to measure the clinical effectiveness of epilepsy care provided by learning disabilities psychiatrists.Method: Baseline and one year outcome health measurements were made on a group of adults with learning disabilities and epilepsy who received learning disabilities psychiatric care (n = 42), and also on a group of adults with learning disabilities and epilepsy who did not receive care from learning disabilities psychiatry -(n = 12). Comparisons were made between baseline and outcome measurements for those who did, compared to those who did not receive psychiatric care. The comparison group was included as conducting a baseline health assessment may itself improve the quality of healthcare by raising awareness of the issue (in a way that is unconnected to care provided by the psychiatrist).Results: Learning disabilities psychiatric care was found to effect reduced seizure frequency, with a reduced frequency of drug side-effects and reduced frequency of polypharmacy. The type of the person's seizures was more likely to be determined, medical reviews and appropriate blood test monitoring conducted and active interventions made to improve seizure control and to withdraw unnecessary drugs, if the person was receiving learning disabilities psychiatric care. Almost all of these results were highly statistically significant.Conclusion: It is important that learning disabilities psychiatric care is available to this group, as it has been demonstrated to effect health gain.
Personality traits in parents of people with autism
Authors: O'Hanrahan Susan , Fitzgerald Michael , O'Regan Myra 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This study set out to explore if there were measurable personality characteristics specific to parents of people with autism.Method: Parents of 12 people with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of autism presented for the study. Each of the people with autism were matched where possible with a counterpart without autism but with a lifelong disability on parameters of age, sex and IQ level. Parents of the ‘autism’ and ‘non-autism’ groups were then interviewed in detail using four personality assessment instruments. Scores were tabulated for both mothers and fathers in each group and intergroup comparisons were made.Results: No significant personality profile difference was identifiable between the two parental groups.Conclusions: Personality traits specific to parents of people with autism are not identifiable in this study thus casting doubt on the validity of personality phenotypes as measurable heritability factors in autism.
Depot antipsychotic prophylaxis in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Mannion L , Carney PA , Sloan D , O'Toole R 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: Depot antipsychotic medication is often prescribed as maintenance treatment for patients with bipolar affective disorder. In this study we examined the case notes of 14 patients with bipolar disorder who had been prescribed depot antipsychotics. Our aim was to establish the effectiveness of depot medication in this group.Method: We calculated the total number of hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, and total number of affective episodes for each patient from the onset of their illness to the time of the study. The frequency of affective episodes and hospital admission were compared during periods on or off depot medication.Results: Treatment with depot antipsychotics was associated with a significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions, overall affective episodes and manic episodes in particular.Conclusions: Prophylactic treatment with depot antipsychotics may be useful for certain patients with bipolar disorder, in particular those patients who experience frequent manic episodes. Further proof of the efficacy of depot antipsychotics in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder requires the completion of a double-blind prospective trial.
Survey of symptoms associated with antidepressant discontinuation
Authors: Khan Ashar , Kelly Roisin , Gill Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: Literature reports on SSRI associated discontinuation symptoms are variable. As a result, the prevalence of an antidepressant halo effect can not be ruled out. This survey aims to assess the awareness and experience of these symptoms among doctors in Ireland.Method: Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 100 GPs, NCHDs and consultants. A questionnaire measured awareness, experience and reported severity, of SSRI discontinuation symptoms as opposed to TCAs, the latter being used as ‘controls’. Data was statistically analysed using SPSS (Windows Version 8.0).Results: Response to the questionnaire was as follows: 37% of GPs (n = 37), 35% consultants (n = 35) and 18% NCHDs (n = 18). Comparisons were made between the three groups. There was significant variability in the reported recognition and severity of symptoms specific to the SSRI discontinuation syndrome within and between the groups. Overall NCHDs attribute less discontinuation symptoms to SSRIs (p = 0.038) and GPs attribute more to TCAs (p = 0.03).Conclusions: Doctors tend to generalise discontinuation symptoms to all antidepressants with significant variation in reporting practices. Thus there is a need for randomised control studies to aid the recognition and prevention of the discontinuation syndrome.
Heavy general hospital case notes: a simple case-finding method for psychiatric problems
Authors: Williams Christopher J , House Allan , Holmes John , Stewart Andrew 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To identify whether a simple marker of nonpsychiatric health service contact (weight of general hospital case notes) is helpfulin identifying patients with evidence of psychiatric disorder in a medical and surgical population.Method: Hospital case note review identifying evidence of past and current psychiatric disorder in patients with heavy, medium and low weight case notes. Responses to letters to general practitioners and review of local psychiatric hospital records were used to validate findings. Setting: A large general teaching hospital in the centre of Leeds, UK. Subjects: Random sample of 240 patients aged 16-65 attending general hospital medical or surgical teams as an inpatient or day patient between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 1992. Patients whose index admission was to the gynaecology or obstetrics unit were excluded. Main outcomes: Non-psychiatric service contact was measured by case note weight and thickness, lifetime admissions and number of consultants seen. Psychiatric disorder was identified using global judgements based on a standardised assessment of the case notes, and also general practitioner statements of current or past psychiatric disorder and record of contact with psychiatric services.Results: In a detailed examination of 75 cases, 92% of patients with lightweight notes had solely physical factors to account for their presentations, compared to 88% in the middleweight group and 64% in the heavyweight group. Heavier case notes more often contained comments about psychiatric problems affecting the physical presentation (lightweight 8%; middleweight 20%; heavyweight 64%). Patients with heavy case notes more often had a history of contact with psychiatric services as confirmed by the GP or contact at local psychiatric hospitals (lightweight 28% middleweight 24% heavyweight 48%). Amongst the heaviest service users, patients with a psychiatric problem had seen a median of 12.0 lifetime consultants compared to 8.5 in those where a purely physical cause was present.Conclusions: Patients who have heavy hospital case notes are more likely to have evidence of psychiatric disorder than those with lower levels of hospital contact and this is more likely to have an impact on their physical presentation and clinical course as judged by case note review using structured assessment criteria.
A comparison of suicide in two Irish counties
Authors: Connolly John F , Cullen Anne , Walsh Dermot , McGauran Sheila , Phelan Darra 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To determine to what extent official suicide rates in counties Kildare and Mayo underestimate the rates as clinically determined, and to examine and compare the association between the sociodemographic characteristics of the two Irish counties and trends in the suicide rates.Method: Populations for the two counties for the years 1988-1994 were calculated. Official suicide mortality data was obtained from the Central Statistics Office. Following examination of the coroners' files for both counties the number of suicides was estimated using clinical criteria.Results: Neither county showed a significant change in suicide mortality over time from 1988-1994. Suicide was underestimated in official mortality data for each county. There were significant differences in the choice of method of suicide with an excess of drowning in Mayo and of shooting in Kildare. Mayo suicides were more likely to be single and unemployed.Conclusions: Much local research is needed before implementing suicide prevention programmes due to the many demographic differences and differences in traditions and choice of method of suicide that exist between counties.
A case of co-existent Capgras and deClèrambault's syndrome with a history of morbid jealousy
Authors: Kennedy Noel , Kelly Brendan , Shanley David , Gill Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA patient presenting with co-existent Capgras and deClerambault's syndromes, with a history of morbid jealousy is described. This combination of syndromes has not previously been described. The relevant literature to this case is reviewed, in relation to the onset of these syndromes, aetiology and treatment. Abnormalities in pathways involving recognition of familiar faces have been implicated in a number of similar cases.
An investigation of one hundred suicides
Authors: Kelleher Michael J , Keohane Brendan , Corcoran Paul , Keeley Helen S , Neilson Stuart 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This study examines the backgrounds of 100 people who died by suicide and whose cases were adjudicated on consecutively over a five-year period, by the two Cork City coroners.Method: Five main sources of information were used; coroners, relatives, investigating police, general practitioners and hospital records. The cases were examined under the headings of age and gender differences; methods used; social circumstances; illness; treatment prior to death and previous attempts. Certain information may have been missed because peers were not interviewed. There were 72 males and 28 females.Results: In the 15-44 age group, the male female ratio was 4:1; in those over 45 the ratio was almost equal. Men were more likely to be unmarried even when age differences were taken into account. All the women and all but seven of the men had a psychiatric diagnosis, but women were more than more likely to have received medical treatment in the year before their suicide than men (OR = 6.6). Thirty-seven had made at least one previous suicide attempt.Conclusions: The study confirms that suicide, particularly for men is becoming more a young person's problem. Psychiatric illness is the single commonest association. Over a third of suicides had made a previous attempt. These findings point to the need to improve recognition of psychological distress and find effective methods to reduce parasuicide.
The utility of neuroSPECT imaging in the investigation of dementia and parkinsonism
Authors: Wyper David , Patterson James 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFunctional neuroimaging is playing an increasing role in psychiatry and has moved from academic isolation into clinical practice. This review examines the basis for the use of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, the most widely available functional modality, in the two important areas of dementia and parkinsonism. Its contribution to the diagnosis and management of patients is discussed and its likely impact in clinical trials indicated. As functional imaging moves closer to those most able to utilise its power its impact in these and other areas of psychiatry and neurology will increase further.
Prevalence of psychological problems in Irish school going adolescents
Authors: Lawlor Maria , James Deborah 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To establish the prevalence of psychological problems in older adolescents.Method: The Youth Self Report was completed by teenagers in a class group. Percentages scoring above clinical threshold were calculated. Gender differences and variances between school type were examined.Results: Seven hundred and seventy-nine students participated in the study, 373 males and 406 females. Of the girls 23% reported problems in the clinical range on total problem score compared with 19% of boys. Significant gender differences were noted on total problem and internalising scores but not on externalising scores. The levels of psychological problems did not appear to be influenced by school type. Of the total group 6.4% reported thinking of suicide frequently (almost twice as many girls as boys) and this rose to 25% of girls who scored in the clinical range of total problem score and 15% of boys.Conclusions: Twenty-one per cent of adolescents had problems in the clinical range. Girls reported more problems than boys. It was surprising to find that there was no gender difference in reported levels of externalising problems. The high expression of suicidal and thoughts of self-harm in those with externalising and internalising problems is of concern. This highlights the vulnerability of older adolescents as they tend to fall between the current child and adolescent services. Service provision for this population should be a priority in rural areas and on a national basis.
Scanning the stammering brain
Authors: Breathnach Caoimhghín S 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStammering (or stuttering) may be defined as an impairment of continuous utterance. Developmental stammering, regardless of country or language, affects one per cent of adult populations. Exacerbation by the stress of adult conversation or public speaking contrasts sharply with normal flow during singing, acting or conversation with children. Alterations in regional cerebral blood flow suggest that there are underlying differences in sensorimotor function in developmental stammerers whose symptoms commonly appear during the period of intensive language acquisition around the third and fourth year. Emotional tensions may exacerbate the disturbance, but equally psychological growth is adversely affected by the handicap. Abnormal motor control is confirmed by the exaggerated activity in the right hemisphere. The normal sequence of articulatory programming and motor preparation for single word reading is reversed. Absence of activation over the left auditory cortex supports the notion of impaired or diminished auditory feedback in the self-monitoring of speech seen in normal brains. Subcortical abnormalities are a feature of both developmental and acquired stammering.
Suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia: International perspectives
Authors: Leenaars Antoon , Connolly John , Cantor Chris , EchoHawk Marlene , He Zhao Xiong , Kokorina Natalia , Lester David , Lopatin Andrew A , Rodriguez Mario , Schlebusch Lourens , Takahashi Yoshitomo , Vijayakumar Lakshmi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSuicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia are elusive and controversial issues worldwide. To discuss such issues from only one perspective may be limiting. Therefore, this paper was written by authors from various regions, each of whom has been asked to reflect on the issues. The countries/cultures are: Australia, China, Cuba, Ireland, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, The Netherlands, North America (Turtle Island) and United States. Historically and today, suicide is viewed differently. Assisted suicide and euthanasia are equally seen from multifarious perspectives. Highlighting development in the Netherlands, Australia's Northern Territory and Japan (ie. the famous Yamanouchi Case), the review shows growing re-examination of the right to die. There appear, however, to be no uniform legal and ethical positions. Further debate and discussion globally is needed to avoid myopic perspectives.
Factors affecting GUM clinic attenders decisions and intentions to seek HIV testing
Authors: Salt Jeff , Davidson Kate M , Harvey Jenina 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate factors that predict HIV testing using the model of health care utilisation as its conceptual framework and to analyse some of the factors that encourage or inhibit seeking an HIV test in this population.Method: A cross sectional questionnaire study in two Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in central Scotland. A final sample of 195 represented a 91% response rate. Participants were categorised by their HIV testing status (already tested, planning to be tested, no intention to seek testing).Results: The ‘already tested’ and ‘planning to be tested’ groups were combined as there were no significant differences on reported risk behaviours. Analysis therefore compared two groups those ‘testing’ (n = 66) and ‘not testing’ (n = 129). 67% of those not tested for HIV reported at least one HIV risk factor. Perceived risk was the strongest predictor of HIV testing using our model. Perception of risk and actual risk were not correlated. Those not seeking testing endorsed less benefits of testing and more denial of the need to be tested. Same day testing and testing without an appointment were endorsed as factors to promote testing.Conclusion: To encourage people who have high risk factors to access HIV testing, programmes should: (1) highlight the benefits of testing which would be lost if people do not test, eg. effective drug treatments (2) increase the range of HIV testing services available (eg. same day testing). Furthermore, studies to determine the main predictors of perceived risk are needed if we are to increase testing in relevant populations.
Suicide rates in Irish counties: 10 years later
Authors: Connolly John F , Lester David 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: This exploratory study was designed to explore the social correlates of suicides rates of Irish counties.Method: Suicide rates were calculated for Irish counties and subdivisions for the period 1988-1994 and correlated with social data for these regions obtained from the 1991 Census.Results: The suicide rates showed a low level of reliability for the periods 1978-1984 and 1988-1994, and the social correlates of suicide rates changed between the two periods. Whereas age structure was associated with suicide rates in 1978-1984, urbanisation was associated with suicide rates in 1988-1994.Conclusions: It is important to check the reliability of results of ecological studies of Irish suicide rates. Furthermore, the impact on suicide rates of the changing role of women in Ireland needs to be explored in time-series studies of the Irish suicide rate.