bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of cannabis components in the treatment of mental disorders
Authors: Tsopelas C. , Dimitraka M. , Ntounas P. , Gatos-Gatopoulos A. , Karadima D. , Charalampos T. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThere is evidence that supports the increased risk of developing psychosis or psychotic like symptoms in vulnerable populations after use of cannabis. Cannabis’ main psychoactive component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), induces acute psychotic effects and cognitive impairment. But there is also evidence to suggest that molecules in the cannabis plant could have an antipsychotic affect.AimsIn this review we are trying to explore the possibilities of cannabis use as a therapeutic agent in mental disorders.MethodsThorough research of the main databases, and web search engines for relevant studies, using appropriate keywords. We scrutinize them independently, before reaching consensus about appropriateness.ResultsIn animal models repeated treatment with cannabis constituent cannabidiol CBD or the atypical antipsychotic clozapine attenuates or reverses the schizophrenia-like behavioral disruption.In humans there are data that CBD counteracts psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment associated with cannabis use. Also CBD may lower the risk for developing cannabis use associated psychosis. There are opposite effects of CBD and THC on brain activity patterns in key regions implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, such as the striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.ConclusionsThe possible mechanism of action of GBD is not fully clarified, as it may involve anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective properties. These initial clinical studies with CBD treatment of psychotic symptoms argument the potential of CBD as an effective antipsychotic compound. Mechanisms responsible for these effects need to be further investigated.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Safeguarding foster care youth from overmedication
Authors: Pataki C. , Thompson C. , Crecelius G. , Tesoro J. , Polsky G. , Kambam P. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThere are increasing concerns regarding long-term psychotropic polypharmacy prescribed for foster care youth 3.5 to 5 times more often than in at-home youth (Kreider et al., 2014). Polypharmacy risks include weight gain, glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. (De Hert et al., 2011). In view of these risks, novel interventions are essential to safeguard foster care youth from overmedication.ObjectivesTo present guidelines for identification and management of polypharmacy in foster care youth.AimsTo demonstrate a novel intervention to monitor and diminish polypharmacy and enhance psychiatric care in foster care children.MethodsPolypharmacy is identified using LA County Juvenile Court Mental Health Service (JCMHS) Psychotropic Parameters* to review medication consent forms from treating psychiatrists. Polypharmacy triggers an in-person JCHMS consultation. *(Parameters 3.9 for JCMHS PMAF Review, Revised May 2015).JCMHS Psychotropic Parameters (summary):– age 0–5 years:– 2 or > psychotropic medications,– Any antipsychotic (*except Risperidone in ASD);– age 6–8 years:– 3 or > psychotropic medications;– age 9–17 years:– 4 or > psychotropic medications;– All age youth:– 2 or > psychotropic medications in the same class (antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers, alpha agonists).Psychotropic medication doses in excess of recommended (*LA County Department of Mental Health Parameters 3.8 for use of Psychotropic Medications for Children and Adolescents).ResultsApproximately 25% of JCMHS annual psychiatric consultations were initiated by JCMHS parameters for polypharmacy. Corresponding consultations included education and recommendations discussed with treating psychiatrists regarding polypharmacy and optimal psychiatric management.ConclusionsJCMHS Psychotropic Parameters is a useful tool to identify polypharmacy and enhance psychiatric care of foster care youth.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kalisova L. , Madlova K. , Albrecht J. , Michalec J. 
Published: May 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to monitor the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the Czech Republic for the purpose of harmonizing national practice.MethodA 13-item questionnaire was sent to all Czech inpatient psychiatric facilities. This questionnaire assessed technical background of ECT, indications for the treatment, procedure in detail, way of documentation and monitoring of side effects.ResultsECT is used 23 centers (10 psychiatric hospitals, 5 university psychiatric departments and 8 psychiatric wards) across the Czech Republic. There is no special legal act regulating the use of ECT in the CR, but there are guidelines issued by the Czech Psychiatric Society available. All centers use instruments delivering brief pulse stimuli. All patients have to be indicated for this treatment and have to sign inform consent form/excluding situation when patient's life is endangered/. Somatic state is assessed/EKG, blood tests, eye check-up regularly and other examinations in individual cases/. Thiopenthal and succinylcholine are used most often for anesthesia and myorelaxation. Bitemporal electrode placement is the preferred option in all centers. The ECT is provided 2–4 times a week in special ECT rooms in the presence of staff team/psychiatrist, anesthetist, psychiatric and anesthesiological nurses/. Continuation ECT and outpatient ECT is not used. The procedure including side effects is documented in individual patient's documentation, but summarizing documentation is conducted only in some centers.ConclusionECT is widely used in the Czech Republic. Procedures in all centers follow national guidelines. There is need to improve documentation system to harmonize national practice.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Assessment of adopted minors admitted to the inpatient unit in Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valladolid during the last 8 years
Authors: Rodríguez Andrés L. , Otálora Navarro M.E. , Geijo Uribe M.S. , Mongil Lopez B. , Imaz Roncero C. 
Published: May 2016

Research about adjustment of adopted children indicates that they have more emotional and behavioral problems than non-adopted children. We have examined 28 adopted minors that have been admitted to the inpatient unit in Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valladolid. We examine the gender, age, diagnose and the number of hospital admissions. In the sample of 28 patients, there are 15 males (53.57%) and 13 females (46.42%). The most common diagnosis is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (57.57%), followed by reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood (46.42%). Readmission rate is 44.2%. Male patients have higher rates of readmission (60.86%) than females (39.1%). Males have higher rates of readmission (60.86%) than females (39.1%).DiscussionResults indicate a higher rate of admissions in adopted males than females, being attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood the most common diagnosis. Rate of readmission is higher in males.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cognitive behavioral approaches to coping with suffering and hardship
Authors: Vyskocilova J. , Prasko J. , Ociskova M. , Sedlackova Z. , Slepecky M. , Hruby R. , Holubova M. , Marketa M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionLow level of ability to endure discomfort, hardship and distress, which are integral parts of adverse life events, may lead to loss of mental stability and maintenance of psychological disorder.MethodReview of literature and case descriptions.ResultsThe patient often tries to cope with their suffering through avoidance and compensatory behavior which may relieve his suffering immediately; however, in the long term, it leads to the deterioration in the quality of his life and the persistence of suffering. Cognitive behavioral approaches focused on increasing the ability to endure unpleasant and distressful life experiences, allow the patient to better bear the inevitable losses in life, which he is exposed to, endure his anxiety, sadness, and the urge to impulsive action or escape; so the patient have more possibilities to act more freely, functionally and purposefully. Modern cognitive behavioral approaches, such as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy developed and applied therapeutic methods designed to increase the patient's resistance to suffering and his ability to cope it better. These approaches are applied not only in patients with chronic psychiatric disorders, but also in patients with chronic physical illnesses and permanent disability.ConclusionsThe modern CBT strategies can help patients to increase his/her resistance to the distress, discomfort and suffering.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Blackburn with Darwen mental health assessment and treatment team – A service evaluation report
Authors: Damle V. , Bhandary N. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAssessment and Treatment Team (ATT) was developed to manage mental health referrals within the borough of Blackburn with Darwen (BwD). The ATT became the main point of initial referral and assessment for adults presenting with mental health needs. It acts as the gateway service for access to specialist mental health services.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of ATT against the key performance indicators.MethodsQuantitative data was collected using electronic database from June 2014–May 2015. Feedback was obtained from GPs and also from patients who attended ATT over a one-week period.ResultsThe ATT received a total of 2234 referrals. A total of 73% were seen within 10 working days of the referral. Assessment outcome letters were sent to the GPs within 48 h in 47.53% cases. Referral rates to community mental health and Crisis teams were 7% each showing an overall reduction compared to the previous service. GP satisfaction – 70% were ‘moderately satisfied’ and 30% were ‘very satisfied’ with ATT. Hundred percent felt the service was easily accessible and 90% felt that the staff were friendly. Patient Satisfaction – 96% of patients rated the team as ‘friendly and polite’. Eighty-seven percent reported that they were listened to and 91% felt their concerns were understood. Eighty-three percent felt that ATT involved them in their decision making. Ninety-two percent responded that they were likely/extremely likely to recommend ATT to their friends and family.ConclusionsThe establishment of ATT has led to improved satisfaction among GPs and service users and has resulted in reduction in referrals to secondary mental health services.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Predictors and rate for one-year inpatient readmission in the psychiatric hospital of Sarajevo Canton
Authors: Kovac F. , Ahmic M. , Bilalovic P. , Tahirovic M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionNumber of patients who are again unexpectedly admitted to hospital after a previous hospitalization are used to evaluating the quality of hospital care. Readmission can be represented by the total number and by readmission rate.ObjectiveUnderstanding the risk factors that can lead to readmission is a factor for the development of interventions that can improve the quality of care.AimsThe purpose of this study was to examine number and predictors of psychiatric readmission within 14 days, 30 days and, 3 and 6 months.MethodsIn this retrospective study, analyses were conducted in a sample of 566 discharge adult patients who were admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital of Sarajevo Canton from 1st January to 31st December 2013.ResultTotal number of readmission was 14%. The readmission rate within 30 days was 2.8%, number of readmission quarterly was 9.1%, number of readmission within 6 months after discharge was 13%.In the study, several factors were significantly associated with increased risk of readmission including non-compliance with drug treatment, social problems, aggressiveness, suicidality.ConclusionOur study suggesting that the prevention of psychiatric readmission requires continuous multidisciplinary work with patients and family members.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparing family members’ perceptions of the family
Authors: Kékes Szabó M. 
Published: May 2016

Family organization has arguably a determinative role in our healthy social-emotional and cognitive development, although we may have different perceptions of this system. Its background is in connection with the family members’ different experience, knowledge and beliefs about the world. Furthermore, we are also prone to imagine others’ mental representations that can help us to understand them better. Sometimes these meta-representations may be more accurate, while other times they may be incorrect. Although theories of mind tasks are well-known tools to explore (meta-) representations, the use of Gehring's (2010) Family System Test (FAST) in this way is less tested. The aim of this study was to compare the family members’ perceptions of the family with one another. Children's and parents’ family images were explored. In line with Smith, Myron-Wilson and Sutton's (2010) previous findings, my results confirmed the parents’ increased ability to assess the children's perceptions. Finally, growing theory of mind abilities may also be in the background of the results above (Happe, Winner and Bownell, 1998). Subsequent studies have to broaden the focus and involve more methods, age groups in the investigations to know more about human cognitive processes.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
The evolution of emotional intelligence in schizophrenia: A comparative study of two groups at different times of the disorder
Authors: Chapela E. , Quintero J. , Morales I. , Félix-Alcántara M. , Correas J. , Gómez-Arnau J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPeople with schizophrenia show changes in the skills related to emotional intelligence, but little is known about the clinical course of these deficits. Few studies have examined the evolution of emotional intelligence in schizophrenia patients.ObjectiveTo increase knowledge about emotional intelligence deficits in schizophrenia and to study its clinical course and factors related, with particular interest in neurocognitive deficits.AimsTo compare emotional intelligence and other clinical and neurocognitive data in patients with schizophrenia in a different moment of evolution.MethodsTwenty-five patients with schizophrenia for up to 5 years of evolution were compared to 24 patients with schizophrenia for more than 5 years of evolution. The assessment protocol consisted of a questionnaire on socio-demographic and clinical-care data, and a battery of assessment scales, including MSCEIT for emotional intelligence.ResultsBoth groups show a deterioration of emotional intelligence. Schizophrenia patients over 5 years of evolution have worse performance in emotional intelligence test that schizophrenic lower evolution. In the schizophrenia group of up to 5 years of evolution, none variables correlate with emotional intelligence. In the schizophrenia group of more than 5 years of evolution, there were moderate negative correlations with the severity of symptoms and depressive symptoms, and moderate correlation of positive sign with functionality, but none of the neurocognitive assessment scales.ConclusionsThere are arguments for the existence of a progressive deterioration of emotional intelligence in schizophrenia. This deficit in emotional intelligence in schizophrenia appears to be present from the first years of the disease.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Integrated treatment in schizophrenia: A psychodynamic approach
Authors: Cianciulli M. , Ciampa L. , Gucci F. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe severe disability of schizophrenia and its impairment in real-life functioning can improve with a treatment that stimulates personal resources such as peer-support by psychologist according to Cordiale and Montinari psychoanalytic model (2012) in a multidisciplinary team.ObjectivesSupportive and narcissistic relationships sharing real life experience, according the cohesion of Self (Kohut 1971), promotes identification processes and improves pharmacological and psychiatrist treatment.MethodsStudy participants were recruited for one year, according to diagnostic criteria of DSM V, from schizophrenic patients (n = 12) of a Mental Health Department and of a private psychiatric department (DH) in an age between 23 and 36 years, tested by SAT-P and GAF scale.ResultsAll patients were treated with second generation antipsychotic and an integrated treatment with peer-support, (Galderisi et al., 2014).ConclusionsThe valiance of real-life functioning in patients with schizophrenia depends on an integrated intervention that assures a function of flexible and not coercive restraint, allowing to stable relationship with territorial agency (network) (Chiesa, 2008).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychosis-related polydipsia and chronic hyponatremia – A case report
Authors: Gonçalves Godinho F. , Melo A.L. , Marques S. , Barrocas D. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPsychogenic polydipsia has an estimated prevalence of 6–20% in psychiatric population. Although first described in the 1930s, there are few studies addressing this problem and its management. The high water intake can lead to severe hyponatremia with a mortality rate high enough to merit clinical concern.AimsReport a case of a schizophrenic patient with psychogenic polydipsia and hyponatremia.MethodsRetrospective review of the clinical file and literature research on this topic.ResultsA 41-year-old man with a long-term schizophrenia presented to the emergency room (ER) with exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. In the prior 24 months, he had stopped medication and began excessive water intake (5 to 10 L/day). He presented with auditory hallucinations, passivity phenomena and persecutory and other delusional thoughts that justified this behavior – “The water will end; I have to stock it, like camels do”. Presently he had an asymptomatic hyponatremia (128 mg/dL), but 6 months before he had been admitted in the ER with vomiting, altered state of consciousness and convulsions secondary to severe hyponatremia (108 mg/dL). During the present hospitalization, organic causes of hyponatremia were excluded and he was started on behavioral measures and antipsychotics. The psychotic symptoms improved and there was no need for water restriction after the first week, with restored natremia values on discharge.ConclusionsWith this case report we intended to raise awareness on this potentially fatal condition that despite its prevalence has no defined diagnostic criteria, nor established controlled trials concerning the effectiveness of treatments.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Capgras-delusion in a female patient with schizophrenia: A case report and study of the literature
Authors: Kolarov P. , Chumpalova P. , Georgiev G. , Todorov A. , Stoimenova M. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe Capgras syndrome is a rarely observed condition in patients with different psychiatric diseases, which is characterized with delusional misidentification of people, places, objects, etc.ObjectiveIn this case report we aim to describe the clinical characteristics and manifestation of Capgras syndrome in a female patient with schizophrenia, perform a literature search on the topic and compare our report to literature findings.Results and discussionA 50-year-old female patient was verbally and physically aggressive to her family members upon admission to our center. The onset of disease was marked 2 years ago when she first started feeling deserted and isolated and had a prescribed therapy for her condition which she did not follow. During the current admission a psychiatric assessment was performed. Delusional misidentification of her family members was observed and consequent food and sleep self-deprivation due to psychosis was noted. The patient denied being suicidal but was intense and psychotic, and reported different objects to have started disappearing mysteriously from her home. The patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with haloperidol, olanzapine, chlorpromazine, and biperiden. The patient was discharged in an improved condition, without episodes of obsessive delusions and improved communication with her relatives.ConclusionAlthough according to the literature organic substrate may be found in some patients with Capgras syndrome, in the case presented here it is the dominant psychotic theme, which determined the content of the disease.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Risk-taking and self-medicating contribute to the association between psychometric risk for schizophrenia and smoking
Authors: Verwey M. , Ruzibiza C. , Linscott R. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThere is a robust association between positive symptoms of schizophrenia and smoking. This relationship extends to psychometric risk for schizophrenia (schizotypy). We sought to determine whether smoking in schizotypy is best understood in terms of self-medicating or risk-taking behaviour. The self-medication perspective holds that individuals with schizophrenia smoke to relieve stress. By smoking, cortisol levels increase, stimulating negative feedback circuits that reduce the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress response. Increased HPA activation also stimulates dopamine release, promoting the expression of positive schizotypal experiences. In contrast, the risk-taking perspective holds that elevated dopamine promotes risk-taking behaviour, including substance misuse, by reducing reward sensitivity and increasing sensation-seeking.MethodUndergraduates (n = 230) reported current and past nicotine use and completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and a self-report measure of stress sensitivity.ResultsConsistent with risk-taking, positive features of schizotypy predicted having ever smoked (OR = 1.02, P < 0.05) but did not distinguish current smoking from non-smoking (OR = 0.99). The self-medication hypothesis was examined in two ways. When smoking status was regressed onto positive schizotypy and stress, stress was found to predict current smoking (OR = 1.08, P < 0.05) but not having ever smoked (OR = 1.09). Secondly, stress and current smoking interacted to predict positive schizotypy (ß = 0.31, P < 0.05).ConclusionsRisk-taking and self-medicating each contributed to the relation between smoking and schizotypy, but in different ways. Risk-taking seems to contribute to having ever smoked whereas current smoking seems to reflect self-medicating behaviour.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.