bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Psychological Morbidity in West Bank Palestinian Children
Authors: Zakrison Tanya L , Shahen Amira , Mortaja Shaban , Hamel Paul A 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychological morbidity among Palestinian children living in the southern Bethlehem District of the West Bank during July 2000. Methods: We undertook a descriptive study using the Rutter A2 (parent) Scale to determine psychological morbidity. This questionnaire comprises 31 questions that were answered by a parent of the 206 subject children (ages 6 to 13 years). We selected subjects based on a multistage, randomized selection of 8 Palestinian villages and their households in the southern region of Bethlehem, West Bank. We used the Gaza Socioeconomic Adversities Questionnaire to determine differences in economic status among families. Results: For all families interviewed, the father was employed, none were receiving financial assistance, and all but 1 owned their own house. The results of the Rutter A2 Scale revealed a rate of psychological morbidity (“caseness”) of 42.3% among Palestinian children. The rate for boys was 46.3% and for girls, 37.8%. Conclusions: The prevalence of psychological morbidity among Palestinian children in the West Bank was significantly higher (factor of 2; χ2 = 23.26, df 1, P < 0.001), relative to the level of psychological morbidity determined independently for children in Gaza during 2000. We predict that these rates will have increased substantially owing to the escalated violence that began in this region 2 months after we conducted our study. We further predict that children in Israeli settlements in the West Bank will also exhibit elevated levels of psychological morbidity, relative to their counterparts in Israel.
Mental Illness in Disney Animated Films
Authors: Lawson Andrea , Fouts Gregory 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine the prevalence of verbalizations about mental illness in the animated feature films of The Walt Disney Company (TWDC). We discuss the results within the context of children's repeated exposure to popular animated movies and their learning of labels and stereotypes associated with mental illness. We recommend further research on this topic. Method: We coded 34 animated feature films produced by TWDC for mental illness references (for example, “crazy” or “nuts”). We developed a coding manual to systematize the content analysis, to ensure accuracy of the data, and to ascertain intercoder reliability. Results: Most of the films (that is, 85%) contain verbal references to mental illness, with an average of 4.6 references per film. The references were mainly used to set apart and denigrate the characters to whom they referred. Twenty-one percent of the principal characters were referred to as mentally ill. We discuss the contributions and limitations of the study. Conclusions: The findings have implications for child viewers in terms of their potentially learning prejudicial attitudes and distancing behaviours toward individuals perceived as being mentally ill. To further verify this connection, an assessment of the incidence of Disney film exposure and attitudes toward people with a mental illness, using a sample of school-aged children, is needed.
Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Psychiatric Treatment: The Role of Diagnosis, Pharmacotherapy, and Perceived Therapeutic Change
Authors: Hasler Gregor , Moergeli Hanspeter , Bachmann Rosilla , Lambreva Evelina , Buddeberg Claus , Schnyder Ulrich 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate the influence of diagnosis, type of treatment, and perceived therapeutic change on patient satisfaction following psychiatric treatment for nonpsychotic, nonsubstance-related disorders. Method: We mailed questionnaires, including Larsen's Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and Grawe's Bern Inventory of Treatment Goals, to outpatients who had undergone 8 or more therapy sessions 1 year following treatment. Results: Patients with somatoform, eating, and personality disorders were less satisfied than patients with affective, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Symptom reduction and changes in the interpersonal domain were important outcomes associated with patient satisfaction. Although pharmacotherapy itself was not related to patient satisfaction, patients who perceived improvements in pharmacotherapy as one of the most important treatment outcomes were less satisfied than others. Preliminary evidence shows that coping with specific problems and symptoms is associated with satisfaction among male patients, whereas changes in the interpersonal domain seem to produce satisfaction among female patients. Conclusion: Patient-reported change and diagnostic category appear to play a relevant role in generating patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to clarify the interactions between sex, perceived outcome, and satisfaction.
Beliefs about Schizophrenia in Italy: A Comparative Nationwide Survey of the General Public, Mental Health Professionals, and Patients' Relatives
Authors: Magliano Lorenza , Fiorillo Andrea , De Rosa Corrado , Malangone Claudio , Maj Mario 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This study compared beliefs about the causes, treatments, and psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia in a sample of 714 lay respondents, 465 mental health professionals, and 709 key relatives of patients with this disorder. Method: We conducted the survey in 30 Italian geographic areas that we randomly selected after considering location and population density. We used the Questionnaire About Opinions on Mental Illness (QO) to collect data. Results: Of those surveyed, 34% of the lay respondents, 20% of the professionals, and 68% of the relatives stated that schizophrenia is exclusively caused by psychosocial factors. Lay respondents' opinions on patients' civil rights and social competence tended to be more similar to those expressed by professionals then to those reported by relatives. Lay respondents differed from the other 2 groups in their beliefs regarding the effectiveness of psychological treatments, patients' unpredictability, and whether patients should be admitted to asylums. Conclusions: These results suggest that the general public needs to be better informed about schizophrenia's main characteristics, available treatments, and risk for dangerous behaviours. The existing gap among the study's target populations could be reduced through campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of the affective and civil rights of patients.
Pattern and Risk Factors for Intentional Drug Overdose in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Jahdali Hamdan , Al-Johani Abdulaziz , Al-Hakawi Ahmad , Arabi Yassen , Ahmed Qanta A , Altowirky Jamal , Moamary Mohamed AL , Binsalih Salih 
Published: January 2017

Background: Attempted suicide by intentional drug overdose is an understudied subject in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country where suicide or attempted suicide is strictly prohibited. Despite the strong religious and constitutional sanctions against suicide, cases of intentional drug overdose occasionally occur. Our study represents the first attempt to better understand and characterize this sensitive topic. Methods: Using a retrospective chart review of patients aged 12 years and over with a diagnosis of intentional drug overdose between 1997 and 1999, we studied the demographic characteristics, the risk factors, the most commonly used drugs, and the resulting morbidities and mortalities of study subjects. Results: Most of the patients were young (mean age 22 years, SD 4.6, range 15 to 40 years), and most were Saudi nationals (n = 76; 96%). Eighty percent of the patients were women. The occurrence of intentional drug overdose peaked during the month of September (that is, 20% of total cases). Previous suicide attempts, family conflicts, and psychiatric disorders represented significant risk factors. Single-agent overdose occurred in 30% of the patients, and most of the drugs used were prescribed medications (53%). Acetaminophen represented the most common drug (30%). While some patients required prolonged hospital stay or admission to the intensive care unit, no mortalities occurred. Conclusions: Intentional drug overdose is a relatively uncommon reason for hospital admission in Saudi Arabia. This study identifies certain risk factors relevant to the Saudi community and raises awareness about intentional drug overdose.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and General Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents following a Wildfire Disaster
Authors: McDermott Brett M , Lee Erica M , Judd Marianne , Gibbon Peter 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To report on the use of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (PTSD-RI) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in identifying children and adolescents who may require psychological interventions following exposure to a wildfire disaster. Method: Six months after a wildfire disaster, we conducted a school-based program to screen for wildfire-related events, such as exposure to and perception of threat, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and general psychopathology. Results: The screening battery was completed by 222 children (mean age 12.5 years, SD 2.48; range 8 to 18 years). Severe or very severe PTSD was reported by 9.0% of students, while 22.6% scored in the abnormal range on the Emotional Symptoms subscale of the SDQ. Younger children and individuals with greater exposure to and perception of threat experienced higher levels of PTSD and general psychopathology. Female students reported a greater perception of threat but did not report higher levels of PTSD or other symptoms. Conclusions: Screening was well received by students, parents, and staff and proved feasible in the postdisaster environment. The PTSD-RI and SDQ demonstrated different individual risk associations and functioned as complementary measures within the screening battery. The identification of children at greatest risk of mental health morbidity enabled service providers to selectively target limited mental health resources.
Familial Overlap between Bipolar Disorder and Psychotic Symptoms in a Canadian Cohort
Authors: Rende Richard , Hodgins Sheilagh , Palmour Roberta , Faucher Brigitte , Allaire Jean-François 
Published: January 2017

Background: Although they were once considered separate nosologic entities, there is current interest in the etiologic overlap between bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia. A critical issue concerns the familial basis of the overlap, specifically, the possibility of a distinct familial subtype of BD with psychotic features. Methods: We recruited individuals with BD from the community and compared them with a matched group diagnosed with no mental disorder to confirm familial aggregation for BD, schizophrenia, and psychotic symptoms. We then compared BD probands both with and without first-degree relatives with psychotic symptoms on several clinical indicators to determine the specificity of the familial aggregation. Results: As expected, there was evidence for familial aggregation of schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms in families having probands with BD. Familial loading for schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms was especially notable in male relatives of female probands with BD. We found no differences in the clinical profile of probands with BD stratified for familial loading for psychotic symptoms. Conclusions: Findings from this sample support etiologic theories arguing for a shared but nonspecific genetic etiology for BD and schizophrenia, with psychotic symptoms being a potential key indicator for genetic studies.
Long-Term Medical Conditions and Major Depression: Strength of Association for Specific Conditions in the General Population
Authors: Patten Scott B , Beck Cynthia A , Kassam Aliya , Williams Jeanne VA , Barbui Corrado , Metz Luanne M 
Published: January 2017

Background: The prevalence of major depression (MD) in persons with nonpsychiatric medical conditions is an indicator of clinical need in those groups, an indicator of the feasibility of screening and case-finding efforts, and a source of etiologic hypotheses. This analysis explores the prevalence of MD in the general population in relation to various long-term medical conditions. Methods: We used a dataset from a large-scale Canadian national health survey, the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The sample consisted of 115 071 subjects aged 18 years and over, randomly sampled from the Canadian population. The survey interview recorded self-reported diagnoses of various long-term medical conditions and employed a brief predictive interview for MD, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression. Logistic regression was used to adjust estimates of association for age and sex. Results: The conditions most strongly associated with MD were chronic fatigue syndrome (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.2) and fibromyalgia (AOR 3.4). The conditions least strongly associated were hypertension (AOR 1.2), diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disease (AOR 1.4 in each case). We found associations with various gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory conditions. Conclusions: A diverse set of long-term medical conditions are associated with MD, although previous studies might have lacked power to detect some of these associations. The strength of association in prevalence data, however, varies across specific conditions.
Challenges Facing Child Psychiatry in Quebec at the Dawn of the 21st Century
Authors: Breton Jean-Jacques , Plante Marie A , St-Georges Marie 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to identify hospital resources by region, determine human resources by type of service and region, and describe how services generally operate in child psychiatry within the province of Quebec. Methods: Data collection took place from May to October 2001. We sent a semistructured questionnaire to all child psychiatry service heads. We collected human resource data and produced organizational charts based on the responses obtained. These charts were forwarded to each of the participating services for validation. We grouped Quebec's 18 social health regions into 3 categories: central (4 regions with 606 370 youths), adjoining (4 regions with 589 750 youths), and peripheral (10 regions with 368 635 youths). Results: The response rate was 100%. We identified 35 child psychiatry services: 13 in the central regions, 9 in the adjoining regions, and 13 in the peripheral regions. Overall, we identified 177 short-stay beds, 476 places in day or evening hospitals, and 113 places in day or evening centres. Most of these resources were located in the central regions. Quebec had 138.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) child psychiatrists (69.8% in the central regions) and 706 FTE professionals. At March 31, 2001, 4285 youths were waiting for services. Conclusions: We observed a shortage of child psychiatrists and professionals, regardless of the norm used. Adjoining and peripheral regions should have access to a minimal range of human and hospital resources in child psychiatry.
A National Survey of Gambling Problems in Canada
Authors: Cox Brian J , Yu Nancy , Afifi Tracie O , Ladouceur Robert 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The 1990s saw widespread expansion of new forms of legalized gambling involving video lottery terminals (VLTs) in community settings (that is, in bars and restaurant lounges) and permanent casinos in several Canadian provinces. To date, there has never been a national survey of gambling problems with representative interprovincial data. Using a new survey, we sought to compare prevalence figures across the 10 Canadian provinces. Method: Using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, we investigated the current 12-month prevalence of gambling problems in the Canadian Community Health Survey: Cycle 1.2—Mental Health and Well-Being, in which a random sample of 34 770 community-dwelling respondents aged 15 years and over were interviewed. The response rate was 77%. The data are representative at the provincial level and were compared with the availability of VLTs per 1000 population and with the presence of permanent casinos for each province. Results: Manitoba (2.9%) and Saskatchewan (also 2.9%) had the highest prevalence of gambling problems (specifically, moderate and severe problem levels combined). These 2 provinces had significantly higher levels than the 2 provinces with the lowest prevalence of gambling problems: Quebec (1.7%) and New Brunswick (1.5%). Conclusions: The 12-month prevalence of gambling problems in Canada was 2.0%, with interprovincial variability. The highest prevalence emerged in areas with high concentrations of VLTs in the community combined with permanent casinos. These findings support earlier predictions that the rapid and prolific expansion of new forms of legalized gambling in many regions of the country would be associated with a considerable public health cost.
Characteristics of Methylphenidate Misuse in a University Student Sample
Authors: Barrett Sean P , Darredeau Christine , Bordy Lana E , Pihl Robert O 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Methylphenidate (MPH) is a prescription stimulant drug with known abuse potential; however, little is known about its patterns of misuse or the characteristics of its abusers. Methods: A sample of 50 university students reporting MPH misuse and 50 control subjects matched for age, sex, and ethnicity completed structured face-to-face interviews about their MPH and other drug use. For each substance ever used, they provided information regarding routes of administration and other substances ever coadministered, as well as details about the most recent administration. MPH users provided additional information about their reasons for use and, in 36 cases, about how they obtained the drug. Results: Relative to control subjects, those who misused MPH were more likely to have used various other prescription and nonprescription stimulant drugs over their lifetime, and most MPH users reported mixing the drug with other psychoactive substances. Of the MPH sample, 70% reported recreational use of the drug, while 30% reported that MPH was used exclusively for study purposes. Relative to those using it exclusively for study, recreational users were more likely to report using MPH intranasally, as well as coadministering MPH with other substances. Most of those who reported their source of MPH obtained it from an acquaintance with a prescription. Conclusions: Those who misuse MPH are more likely than their peers to misuse various other substances, and MPH misuse frequently occurs in the context of simultaneous polydrug use. Because the primary supply of inappropriately used MPH appears to be prescribed users, efforts should be directed toward preventing its diversion.
Stigma Beliefs of Asian Americans with Depression in an Internet Sample
Authors: Fogel Joshua , Ford Daniel E 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To study the beliefs of Asian Americans with depression about stigma associated with depression treatment among friends, employers, and family. Method: Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) anonymously on the Internet. In this cross-sectional design, those who screened positive for depression were asked questions regarding stigma ( n = 68 656). We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare Asian Americans with whites and also to make comparisons by age and sex. Further, we stratified for Asian Americans and used ANOVA and ANCOVA to compare age and sex. We used linear regression to assess how stigma beliefs were associated with self-reported need for depression treatment. Results: Asian Americans overall had greater stigma beliefs than did whites for all 3 stigma outcomes ( P < 0.001), especially those related to family. Although this same pattern existed for subjects aged between 16 and 29 years and between 30 and 45 years ( P < 0.001), among those aged under 16 years, this existed for family stigma ( P < 0.001) but not for friends or employer stigma. In our stratified analyses among Asian Americans, male participants had greater stigma beliefs than did female participants for friends ( P < 0.001) and employer ( P < 0.05) but not for family. Conclusions: The pattern of Asian Americans having greater stigma levels than whites may be changing among younger Asian Americans because of acculturation. Also, among Asian Americans, unlike previous research showing no sex differences for stigma, we show that male participants had greater stigma levels than did female participants. Future directions should include measuring stigma after culture-specific interventions.
Comorbid Depression among Untreated Illicit Opiate Users: Results from a Multisite Canadian Study
Authors: Wild T Cameron , el-Guebaly Nady , Fischer Benedickt , Brissette Suzanne , Brochu Serge , Bruneau Julie , Noël Lina , Rehm Jürgen , Tyndall Mark , Mun Phil 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to describe patterns of major depression (MDD) in a cohort of untreated illicit opiate users recruited from 5 Canadian urban centres, identify sociodemographic characteristics of opiate users that predict MDD, and determine whether opiate users suffering from depression exhibit different drug use patterns than do participants without depression. Method: Baseline data were collected from 679 untreated opiate users in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. Using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression, we assessed sociodemographics, drug use, health status, health service use, and depression. We examined depression rates across study sites; logistic regression analyses predicted MDD from demographic information and city. Chi-square analyses were used to compare injection drug use and cocaine or crack use among participants with and without depression. Results: Almost one-half (49.3%) of the sample met the cut-off score for MDD. Being female, white, and living outside Vancouver independently predicted MDD. Opiate users suffering from depression were more likely than users without depression to share injection equipment and paraphernalia and were also more likely to use cocaine ( Ps < 0.05). Conclusions: Comorbid depression is common among untreated opiate users across Canada; targeted interventions are needed for this population.
Tardive Dyskinesia in the Era of Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics. Part 1: Pathophysiology and Mechanisms of Induction
Authors: Margolese Howard C , Chouinard Guy , Kolivakis Theodore T , Beauclair Linda , Miller Robert 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is the principal adverse effect of long-term treatment with conventional antipsychotic agents. Several mechanisms may exist for this phenomenon. Mechanisms for the lower incidence of TD with atypical antipsychotics also remain to be fully understood. We undertook to explore and better understand these mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of TD pathophysiology literature from January 1, 1965, to January 31, 2004, using the terms tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptics, antipsychotics, pathophysiology, and mechanisms. Additional articles were obtained by searching the bibliographies of relevant references. Articles were considered if they contributed to the current understanding of the pathophysiology of TD. Results: Current TD vulnerability models include genetic vulnerability, disease-related vulnerability, and decreased functional reserve. Mechanisms of TD induction include prolonged blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors, postsynaptic dopamine hypersensitivity, damage to striatal GABA interneurons, and damage of striatal cholinergic interneurons. Atypical antipsychotics may cause less TD because they have less impact on the basal ganglia and are less likely to cause postsynaptic dopamine hypersensitivity. Conclusion: Although the ultimate model for TD is not yet understood, it is plausible that several of these vulnerabilities and mechanisms act together to produce TD. The lower incidence of TD with atypical antipsychotics has helped to elucidate the mechanisms of TD.