bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Criminal Harassment by Patients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Adams Susan J , Pitre Nancy L , Smith Adrienne 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess whether there is a subgroup of persons with mental disorders who engage in criminal harassment and to determine whether substance abuse is a cofactor in this behaviour. Method: A cross-sectional casenote study was used to examine incidents of harassment by patients prior to admission to acute and forensic wards (n = 106) at a provincial psychiatric hospital. Results: Of 106 patients, 8 (7.5%) were found to have engaged in behaviour defined as criminal harassment prior to admission. Only 1 was charged under Section 264 of the Criminal Code. Alcohol was a cofactor in only 1 case. Conclusions: The number of persons with a mental disorder who engage in criminal harassment prior to admission is relatively small. The behaviour is not usually identified at any stage of the admission as criminal harassment. Although substance-abuse problems were prevalent, substance use was not a concomitant risk factor for behaviour defined as criminal harassment.
An Electrophysiologic Study: Can Semantic Context Processes Be Mobilized in Patients with Thought-Disordered Schizophrenia?
Authors: Kostova Milena , Passerieux Christine , Laurent Jean-Paul , Hardy-Baylé Marie-Christine 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that reinforcing the structuring of verbal material may bring about an improvement in contextualization processes in patients with formal thought-disordered schizophrenia. Method: A total of 38 schizophrenia patients with formal thought disorders and 24 matched healthy control subjects performed 2 lexical decision tasks, involving 2 levels of contextual structuring (with 16.7% and 33% of related words, respectively). The event-related potentials, N400 and late positive component (LPC), and behavioural variables (reaction times and error percentages) were analyzed. Results: A context-structuring effect was observed on LPC, but not on N400. In subjects with schizophrenia, the N400 anomalies (that is, increase in amplitude for the related words and reduction of the N400 effect) persisted in both context-structuring conditions. Similarly, a reduction in LPC amplitude for the unrelated word category, as well as a decrease in the LPC effect, was observed in these patients. Conclusions: The schizophrenia patients with formal thought disorders did not benefit from the structuring of the context to implement context integration strategies. This deficit appears to be stable. The results are discussed within the framework of a previously published model of language comprehension.
Managing Depression-Related Occupational Disability: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Bilsker Dan , Wiseman Stephen , Gilbert Merv 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To identify the crucial issues that arise for psychiatrists and other physicians when dealing with occupational disability in their patients with depression and to suggest practical strategies for responding more effectively to the challenges of this aspect of patient functioning. Method: We identify fundamental concepts in the occupational disability domain and draw crucial distinctions. The wider context for occupational disability is articulated, involving the workplace environment and the disability insurance industry. Research with direct relevance to clinical decision making in this area is highlighted. We make pragmatic suggestions for effective management of occupational disability in patients with depression. Results: To successfully manage issues of occupational disability, psychiatrists and other physicians must understand the distinction between impairment and disability. To make this decision fairly and accurately, the adjudicator requires particular types of information from the physician, with requirements varying across short-term or long-term disability claims; failing to provide relevant information may cause substantial stress or financial harm to the patient. Balanced and collaborative decision making regarding whether and for how long to take work absence will greatly help to maintain occupational function in the long term. Realistic expectations and support of the patient's sense of personal competence foster recovery of occupational function. Conclusion: Management of depression-related disability is challenging. Thoughtful evaluation of the patient's functional status, careful response to the requirements of disability determination, and a focus on functional recovery yield substantial benefits.
Comorbidity with ADHD Decreases Response to Pharmacotherapy in Children and Adolescents with Acute Mania: Evidence from a Metaanalysis
Authors: Consoli Angèle , Bouzamondo Anissa , Guilé Jean-Marc , Lechat Philippe , Cohen David 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess whether comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) influences response to treatment in young patients with acute mania. Methods: We conducted a metaanalysis of 5 open trials of 100, 35, 41, 60, and 37 children and adolescents. The pooled group included 273 children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD), divided into 2 subgroups: those with ( n = 132), and those without ( n = 141), ADHD comorbidity. Results: There was a moderate and significant reduction in relative risk (RR) favouring treatment response in children and adolescents with BD but without ADHD comorbidity (RR 0.822; 95%CI, 0.69 to 0.97; P = 0.021). The negative effect of ADHD comorbidity on treatment response was more significant in studies including adolescents only or subjects with BD I only. Conclusion: These findings suggest that children and adolescents with BD and ADHD tend to be less responsive to drugs used in treatment of acute mania.
Pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Seow Dennis , Gauthier Serge 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To systematically review published clinical trials of the pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer disease (AD). Method: We searched MEDLINE for published English-language medical literature, using Alzheimer disease and treatment as key words. No other search engine was used. Our review focused on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and corresponding metaanalyses. Results: Although there are many RCTs for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), none have been successful in their primary analysis. The cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine have demonstrated efficacy in 3- to 12-month placebo-controlled RCTs assessing cognitive, functional, behavioural, and global outcomes in patients with mildly to moderately severe AD. Recent data from patients with severe stages of AD demonstrate the efficacy of donepezil on cognitive and functional measures but not on behaviour. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine has been demonstrated to be effective in 6-month, placebo-controlled RCTs of 6 months duration assessing cognitive, functional, and global outcomes of inpatients with moderate-to-severe AD (defined as a Mini Mental State Examination score below 20). Post hoc analyses have demonstrated a benefit in regard to agitation and (or) aggression, but this needs to be confirmed in a prospective RCT across Canada. Disease-modifying treatments are being tested in mild stages of AD in 18-month RCTs with cognitive and global outcomes as primary efficacy outcomes, primarily with drugs reducing amyloid synthesis or aggregation. Successful treatment in mild stages of AD could lead to RCTs in MCI and, possibly, in genetically high-risk asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion: The significant advances in the symptomatic pharmacotherapy of AD may be followed by disease-modification treatments.
The Associations between Health Risk Behaviours and Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adolescents
Authors: Afifi Tracie O , Cox Brian J , Katz Laurence Y 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine associations between health risk behaviours and suicidal ideation and attempts in Canadian adolescents aged 12 to 13 years. Young adolescents think about and attempt suicide. However, most existing research on suicide has been conducted on individuals aged 15 years and older. Method: The present study examined a nationally representative Canadian sample of adolescents aged 12 to 13 years ( n = 2090). Health risk behaviours included disruptive (shoplifting, physical fighting, damaging property, fighting with a weapon, carrying a knife, and gambling), sexual (petting below the waist and sexual intercourse), and substance use behaviours (smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, marijuana or hash, and glue or solvents). Unadjusted and adjusted (for all significant health risk behaviour and psychiatric symptoms) models were tested. Results: All health risk behaviours were common among male and female adolescents. In unadjusted models, almost all health risk behaviours were associated with suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescent boys. In adjusted models, only damaging property, sexual intercourse, and smoking cigarettes remained statistically associated with suicidal ideation, while smoking cigarettes and using marijuana or hash remained statistically associated with suicide attempts among adolescent boys. All health risk behaviours were statistically associated with suicidal ideation and attempts among female adolescents in unadjusted models. In adjusted models, only carrying a knife remained statistically associated with suicidal ideation, while shoplifting and gambling remained statistically associated with suicide attempts among adolescent girls. Conclusions: Health risk behaviours among young adolescents are associated with suicidal ideation and attempts among young adolescents. Recognizing health risk behaviours among young adolescents may be one means of understanding who among them is at increased risk of suicidality.
Previous Trauma Exposure and PTSD Symptoms as Predictors of Subjective and Biological Response to Stress
Authors: Regehr Cheryl , LeBlanc Vicki , Jelley R Blake , Barath Irene , Daciuk Joanne 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The immediate and long-term effects of traumatic exposure and subsequent posttraumatic stress reactions in people in high-risk occupations are well-documented. What is less evident is the impact of this traumatic exposure and subsequent traumatic stress symptoms on workers' response to acute stress situations. This study aimed to examine the association between prior traumatic exposure related to policing, current posttraumatic stress symptoms and biological markers of stress, and subjective appraisal of stress before, during, and after exposure to acutely stressful stimuli. Method: A stressful policing situation was created through the use of a video simulator room. Participants' responses to the simulated emergency were evaluated by monitoring heart rate, collecting salivatory samples for cortisol analysis, and repeated administration of a subjective measure of anxiety. Results: Biological indicators of stress, as measured by cortisol level and heart rate, were not associated with previous trauma exposure or trauma symptoms; however, biological response was associated with subjective anxiety. Vulnerability to psychological stress responses during an acute stress situation was also associated with lower levels of social support, previous traumatic exposures, and preexisting symptoms of traumatic stress. The importance of these factors became more pronounced as time progressed after the event. Conclusion: Previous trauma exposure did not put individuals at increased risk of biological distress during an acute stress situation. However, previous trauma and reduced social supports were associated with continuing psychological distress, confirming previous research and raising concerns about the cumulative negative effects of traumatic exposure on psychological health in emergency responders.
Reducing the Burden of Depression
Authors: Andrews Gavin 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To consider why the burden of depression persists. Method: The epidemiology and disability associated with depression were reviewed to consider whether depression persists because: the causes are overwhelming, prevention is ineffective, the disease is difficult to detect or diagnose, the condition remits and recurs, treatments do not work, individuals do not seek treatment, or effective care is not provided when they do seek it. Results: The first 5 possibilities were not considered significant reasons for the persistence of the burden. Conclusion: The burden persists because individuals do not seek treatment for their depression when they relapse and effective proactive treatment is not always provided when they do seek it. Objectif: Examiner pourquoi le fardeau de la dépression persiste. Méthode: L'épidémiologie et l'incapacité associées à la dépression ont été examinées pour déterminer si la dépression persiste parce que: les causes sont accablantes, la prévention est inefficace, la maladie est difficile à détecter ou à diagnostiquer, l'affection entre en rémission et revient, les traitements ne fonctionnent pas, les personnes ne veulent pas de traitement, ou des soins efficaces ne sont pas dispensés quand elles en veulent. Résultats: Les 5 premières possibilités n'ont pas été considérées comme étant des raisons significatives de la persistance du fardeau. Conclusion: Le fardeau persiste parce que les personnes ne veulent pas de traitement pour leur dépression quand elles rechutent, et qu'un traitement proactif efficace n'est pas toujours dispensé quand elles en veulent.
Cross-Cultural Validation of the Empathy Quotient in a French-Speaking Sample
Authors: Berthoz Sylvie , Wessa Michele , Kedia Gayannee , Wicker Bruno , Grèzes Julie 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The Empathy Quotient (EQ) is a self-report that was developed to measure the cognitive and affective aspects of empathy. We further evaluated its validity in 2 studies. Method: The psychometric qualities of the French version of the EQ, and its correspondence with 2 other measures of empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Empathy Scale of the Impulsiveness-Venturesomeness-Empathy Questionnaire), and with dimensions of the emotional state (depression and anxiety), were evaluated in a sample of 410 students (201 men and 209 women). Second, the clinical validity of the EQ was investigated in participants expected to have dysfunctional empathy. For this purpose, EQ scores of 16 people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) were collected. Results: The EQ showed satisfying internal, convergent, test–retest and discriminant validity. The confirmatory factorial analyses suggested a 3-factor structure offered a good fit to the data. The women's superiority in empathy was replicated. As expected, the ASD EQ scores were very low. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that the EQ is reliable in this population and should be recommended to estimate empathy problems, notably in individuals with troubled interpersonal interaction patterns. Objectif: Le quotient d'empathie (QE) est une autodéclaration qui a été élaborée pour mesurer les aspects cognitifs et affectifs de l'empathie. Nous en avons aussi évalué la validité dans 2 études. Méthode: Les qualités psychométriques de la version française du QE, et sa correspondance à 2 autres mesures de l'empathie (l'indice de réactivité interpersonnelle et l'échelle d'empathie du questionnaire sur l'impulsivité, l'esprit d'aventure, l'empathie), ainsi qu'à des dimensions de l'état émotionnel (dépression et anxiété), ont été évaluées dans un échantillon de 410 étudiants (201 hommes et 209 femmes). Deuxièmement, la validité clinique du QE a été vérifiée chez les participants qu'on prévoyait avoir une empathie dysfonctionnelle. À cette fin, les scores de QE de 16 personnes souffrant du trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) ont été recueillis. Résultats: Le QE a démontré une validité interne, convergente, test-retest et discriminante satisfaisante. Les analyses factorielles confirmatoires suggéraient qu'une structure à 3 facteurs convenait bien aux données. La supériorité des femmes en empathie a été reproduite. Comme prévu, les scores de QE dans le TSA étaient très faibles. Conclusion: Cette étude amène d'autres données probantes que le QE est un instrument fiable qui devrait être recommandé pour estimer les problèmes d'empathie, notamment chez les personnes présentant des modèles problématiques d'interaction person.
Use of Brain Imaging (Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in First-Episode Psychosis: Review and Retrospective Study
Authors: Goulet Karine , Deschamps Benoit , Evoy François , Trudel Jean-François 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To identify and review available evidence on the diagnostic yield of brain computed tomographies (CTs) and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) in first-episode psychosis, and examine yield in our own institution (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec). Method: Using MEDLINE (1966 to October 2007) and EMBASE (1980 to October 2007), we identified and analyzed studies that examined imaging yields in first-episode psychosis; yield being defined as the percentage of scans showing abnormalities that may result in psychosis. We also retrospectively analyzed diagnostic yields in 46 patients hospitalized in our institution between 2001 and 2006 for first-episode psychosis. Results: Five studies were deemed relevant. Including our own series, the sample comprised 384 CT and 184 MRI scans. Point estimate for diagnostic yield was 1.3% for CT and 1.1% for MRI scans. These yields likely overestimate clinical usefulness of findings. MRI scans also resulted in a sizeable number of fortuitous, clinically irrelevant findings. Conclusions: In first-episode psychosis, routine CT or MRI scans are of little benefit and should be reserved for situations where history or examination suggests neurological causation, or possibly for people aged 50 years and older.
Amygdala and Hippocampal Volumes in Relatives of Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A High—Risk Study
Authors: Hajek Tomas , Gunde Eva , Slaney Claire , Propper Lukas , MacQueen Glenda , Duffy Anne , Alda Martin 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Bipolar disorders (BD) have a strong genetic underpinning, yet no biological vulnerability markers for BD have yet been identified. To test whether amygdala or hippocampal volumes represent an endophenotype for BD, we measured mesiotemporal volumes in young affected and unaffected relatives of patients with BD (high-risk design). Method: High-risk participants (aged 15 to 30 years) were recruited from families multiply affected with BD. They included 20 affected and 26 unaffected offspring of parents with primary mood disorders, matched by age and sex with 31 control subjects without a personal or family history of psychiatric disorders. Amygdala and hippocampal volumes were measured on 1.5 Tesla 3-dimensional anatomical magnetic resonance images using standard methods. Results: We found comparable amygdala and hippocampal volumes among unaffected relatives, affected high-risk patients, and control subjects. The exclusion of 6 medicated patients did not change the results. There were no differences between participants with family history of BD I, compared with participants with family history of BD II, or between subjects with family history of BD with psychotic symptoms, compared with subjects with family history of BD without psychotic symptoms. Conclusions: Hippocampal and amygdala volume abnormalities were absent in unaffected and affected relatives of patients with BD and thus did not meet criteria for endophenotype.
Mental Health Service Use by Chinese Immigrants with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
Authors: Chen Alice W , Kazanjian Arminée , Wong Hubert , Goldner Elliot M 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate whether recent Chinese immigrants in British Columbia diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness used mental health services at a lower rate than a similar group of nonimmigrants and longer-term immigrants. Method: Subjects were selected from linked immigration and health administrative databases. Their health service use records for the years 1992 to 2001 were extracted. Rates and rate ratios of use for severe psychiatric disorders for Chinese immigrants and the comparison group were calculated for 4 types of health services: mental health visits to general practitioners (GPs), visits to psychiatrists, psychiatric hospitalizations, and use of psychiatric medications. Rates and rate ratios of use for any mental health condition were calculated for the above 4 types of services, plus community mental health service and nonmental health visits to GPs. Results: The Chinese immigrants ( n = 786) and comparison subjects ( n = 3962) having severe and persistent mental illness were identified. For serious mental disorders, Chinese immigrants were more likely to visit psychiatrists (RR = 1.36) but less likely to use the other types of services, with rate ratios ranging from 0.51 to 0.81. Including all mental health conditions, Chinese immigrants were less likely to use all 6 types of services, with rate ratios ranging from 0.41 to 0.90. Conclusions: Except for psychiatric visits for serious disorders, recent Chinese immigrants diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness used fewer mental health services than subjects from the comparison group. Seriously ill Chinese immigrants may experience problems with access to mental health services.
New Psychotherapies for Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Toder Katherine , Crits-Christoph Paul 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To discuss psychotherapies for depression and anxiety that have emerged in recent years and to evaluate their current level of empirical support. Method: An electronic and a manual literature search of psychotherapies for mood and anxiety disorders were conducted. Results: Five new therapies for mood disorders and 3 interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder with co-occurring substance abuse met criteria for inclusion in this review. Fewer psychotherapies have been developed for other anxiety disorders. Although research for some of the psychotherapies has demonstrated superiority to usual care, none have firmly established efficacy or specific benefits over other established psychotherapies. Conclusions: A plurality of the new psychotherapies introduced and established in the past 5 years have been different assimilations of previously established cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, or psychodynamic models. While initial results are promising for some, more rigorous efficacy trials and replications are necessary before conclusions can be drawn regarding their relative benefits.