bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audit of new long-stay patients in a district general hospital
Authors: Kurian Mathew , George Shobha , Ballard Clive G , Mohan Ramalingam NC , Cumella Stuart 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: To describe the characteristics of “new” long-stay patients in a district general hospital psychiatric unit. Method: A “new” long-stay patient was defined as a patient aged 18 or more who on the census date had been in a district general hospital psychiatric ward for longer than six months but less than six years. There was no upper age limit but patients with a primary diagnosis of dementia were excluded from the study. Information about each patient was obtained from medical and nursing cases notes. Patients were interviewed by one interviewer to determine their views on discharge from hospital. All the members of the multi-disciplinary team were interviewed by one interviewer to obtain their judgements about future accommodation needs of the patients. Results: “New” long-stay patients are typically single in their mid-forties with no supportive relatives. Most have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. They have a long psychiatric history and the majority had been in hospital between 6 months and three years. The principle reasons for prolonged stay were persistence of active psychotic symptomatology, schizophrenic defect state, poor social skills and antisocial behaviour. Conclusion: A group of “new” long-stay patients have accumulated in Wolverhampton district general hospital psychiatric unit, despite modern methods of treatment and the availability of a good range of rehabilitation facilities. They are a diverse group including patients with a severe schizophrenic disorders, affective disorders, personality disorders and organic disorders. Ideally, if these patients are to be placed in the community, rather than remaining as inpatients, then placement would need to be in specialised facilities like hospital hostels.
Attitudes of general practitioners to the psychiatric services
Authors: Watters Liam , Gannon Miriam , Murphy Denis 
Published: March 2016

Structural AbstractObjective: General practitioners play a crucial role in the delivery of psychiatric treatment to patients who have many similarities to those attending the general psychiatric services. The purpose of this study was to elicit attitudes of general practitioners to an existing local service. Methods: We used an anonymous questionaire hand delivered to 54 general practitioners with practices in the catchment area of one of Dublin's psychiatric hospitals. Results: We received responses from 40 of the GP's indicating a high level of psychiatric morbidity in the primary care setting, a moderate level of satisfaction with psychiatric service, a low level of knowledge of the catchment area system, limited interest in taking on an increased role in the care of psychiatric patients and a high popularity rating for the community psychiatric nurse. Conclusions: This study confirms previous estimates of psychiatric morbidity in general practice, a need for improved communication between psychiatrists and general practitioners to identify more realistic expectations on both sides of the equation, and a huge potential for the expanding community psychiatric services to improve liaison between general practitioners and psychiatrists and yield considerable patient and doctor gains.
Hitzig
Authors: Breathnach Caoimhghin S 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEdouard Hitzig [1838 – 1907] may have been an autocratic, proud and overbearing psychiatrist, but his pioneer work in using electrical stimulation changed utterly the approach to research into the localisation of function in the cerebral hemispheres. If he was vain he had much to be vain about.
Irish general practice and clinical psychology
Authors: Aherne Declan , Griffin Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper reports on client satisfaction and other benefits of having a Clinical Psychologist attached to a General Practice. A review of the existing literature on this topic is presented, based mainly on the British experience. The results of a survey carried out on clients who attended the Clinical Psychologist are presented. These results suggest that there are significant benefits of having a Clinical Psychologist working closely with a General Practitioner. Finally both authors give their own personal comments on the work that they do.
Sudden deaths of patients in a mental handicap hospital
Authors: Simpson J , McFarland E , Calvert GJ 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOne Hundred and two sudden or traumatic deaths of mental handicap inpatients were examined retrospectively over a 28 year period. Data was obtained on each case from medical and nursing case notes and death certificates. Post-mortem results were available for half of the deaths. Cardio-vascular causes accounted for 50% of the total. Sudden deaths of profoundly handicapped patients occurred at a significantly younger age than severely, moderately or mildly handicapped patients. In the latter half of the 28 year period there was an increased incidence of traumatic deaths and sudden deaths due to asphyxia. There was also a significant increase in the mean age of sudden deaths due to epilepsy. Probable explanations for these findings are discussed. In particular, recent accidental traumatic deaths may be related to the process of increased reintegration of patients into the community; a relationship between neuroleptic and anticholingeric medication and asphyxial deaths is proposed.
A pilot study of the effects of early intervention on clinical symptoms and social functioning in psychiatric emergencies
Authors: Tyrer P , Merson S , Harrison-Read P , Lynch S , Birkett P , Onyett S 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA pilot study of the effects of early intervention by a multidisciplinary community team in patients presenting as psychiatric emergencies to an inner London teaching hospital (St. Mary's) is described. Of 22 consecutive emergency referrals, 20 agreed to be formally assessed, 18 were successfully engaged and 16 had assessments of symptoms and social functioning assessed over a four week period. There was significant improvement in clinical symptoms but no important changes in social functioning. The discordance between improvement in social function and symptoms was unexpected and may reflect the unusual social circumstances of life in metropolitan London or be a consequence of the high proportion (55%) of patients seen with personality disorders.
Father-perpetrators of child sexual abuse who commit suicide
Authors: Walford Geraldine , Kennedy Marie-Therese , Manwell Morna K. C , McCune Noel 
Published: March 2016

Two cases of fathers who committed suicide following the revelation that they had sexually abused their own or other children, are described. The importance of being alert to the possibility of suicide and suicidal acts by family members following a disclosure, is emphasised. Improved liaison and co-ordination between agencies working with these families may enable vulnerable cases to be more readily identified and consequently offered appropriate support and treatment.The revelation that the father in a family has sexually abused his own or other children often precipitates a crisis within the family. The distress suffered by the children themselves and by their mothers is well documented. (Browne and Finkelhor, Hildebrand and Forbes). Goodwin reported suicide attempts in 11 of 201 families, in which sexual abuse had been confirmed. Eight of the attempts were made by daughter-victims. In three of the five cases of mothers who attempted suicide, the abuse was intrafamilial. The impact on father perpetrators, previously a less well researched field, has been receiving more attention of late. Maisch, in a sample of 63 fathers convicted of incest reported that two fathers subsequently committed suicide. Wild has reported on six cases of suicide and three of attempted suicide by perpetrators following disclosure of child sexual abuse. The Cleveland Inquiry Report mentions one father, charged with several sex offences, who committed suicide while awaiting trial. A recent letter to The Guardian newspaper (18th February 1989) by 11 local paediatricians in that area suggests that there are now two such cases of suicide committed by alleged perpetrators.
Aspects of psychological intervention with breast cancer patients
Authors: Timms Michael W H 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe paper makes a chronological review of the literature in the area of psychological intervention with cancer patients, focussing particularly on breast cancer as this is the disease which has attracted most attention from mental health profesionals. Initially, surveys which identify psychological distress in cancer patients are reviewed, as it is felt that these may have contributed the impetus for intervention. In the second half of the paper, interventions are classified and reviewed.
A study of the prescribing of psychotropic drugs in a Dublin psychiatric hospital
Authors: Murphy Denis J , Gannon Miriam A. , Fitzpatrick Declan , Kumar Rajendar , Doyle Harry , O'Boyle James H , McGennis Aidan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo date there has been no study of prescribing habits in a psychiatric hospital in Ireland, as has happened elsewhere.In a survey over one weekend at St. Brendan's Hospital, the prescription sheets and case notes of all 772 patients were examined.The principal findings were polypharmacy, the use of benzodiazepines for disturbingly long periods of time, the preponderant prescription of drugs by their proprietary names and the extensive use of neuroleptics for apparently non-psychotic conditions. These results are discussed in the light of other similar surveys.
“Is violence a contagious disease?” The social implications of post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Watson Ian P. Burges 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSome problems related to the formal diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the social implications of the concepts incorporated in the diagnosis are addressed. Increasing worldwide evidence of the circumstances likely to produce a PTSD and of patients of all ages and races satisfying the criteria for the diagnosis suggests a problem of epidemic proportions requiring intensive study.
The pharmacotherapeutic management of rapid cycling affective disorder: an update
Authors: Schifano Fabrizio 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the present work the author presents a literature update regarding the pharmacotherapeutic management of rapid cycling affective disorder. This phenomenon is characterized, according to Dunner and Fieve (1974), by the presence of at least four affective episodes per year. After a consideration of the clinical features of the disorder, which are in many respects similar to those of the ‘classic’ bipolar disorder, the author describes the different therapeutic strategies available to the psychiatrist. Withdrawal of antidepressant therapy and administration of lithium salts are likely to constitute the best initial approach. In case of treatment non-responsiveness, it is possible to consider the use of different drugs; for example, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, clorgyline, thyroid hormone. To date, the therapeutic management of rapid cyclers remains extremely difficult. Further studies, especially addressed to the aetiopathogenetic aspects of the disorder, are required.
Using Quantitative Research to Measure Recovery Outcomes and Correlates
Authors: Lavin Deirbhile , Ryan Patrick 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: Recovery has become an increasingly significant concept within mental health literature. Despite this, few studies have investigated the measurement of recovery and its correlates using quantitative methods. The aim of the current study was to measure recovery in people with chronic psychiatric disabilities using a quantitative tool and to investigate what factors were correlated to recovery outcomes. It was hypothesised that measures that investigated the individual's subjective sense of well-being would have a stronger correlation to recovery than more traditional clinician-rated scales.Method: Participants were 63 people with a chronic psychiatric disability. They were recruited as a convenience sample from community mental health rehabilitation teams in three locations. Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed measures of psychological well-being (Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB); hope (Adult State Hope Scale) and recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). Health professionals rated participants' psychosocial functioning using the Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS-R).Results: Analyses found that there was no significant correlation between clinician-rated psychosocial functioning scores and participant-rated recovery outcomes. Psychological well-being variables rated by the participants themselves were found to significantly correlate with recovery outcomes. The variables hope, environmental mastery and relationships with others were found to emerge as independent predictors of recovery scores.Conclusions: Results underscore the premise that recovery is a distinct construct that is unique to the individual and cannot be fully captured by objective measures of functioning. Implications for practice suggest that services for people with chronic psychiatric disability should utilise recovery focused tools in patient assessment and treatment in order for a comprehensive assessment to be achieved. Recovery interventions should also focus on the individual's hope, mastery and relationships with others in order to promote recovery.
A Qualitative Study of Gender-Based Pathways to Problem Drinking in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: Cunningham Joanne 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective: High rates of alcohol-related harm have been reported in the European Union, including Ireland, for more than 20 years. This article's goal is to contextualise such rates by examining gender-based pathways to alcohol use disorders from the perspective of those self-identifying as in recovery using data collected midway through this 20-year trend.Methods: Sixteen informants (nine men and seven women) were interviewed between 1998 and 1999 in Dublin, Ireland. Using qualitative methods, informants were asked to reflect upon their experiences of problem drinking and recovery.Results: Drinking expectancies, pub-based socialising, social anxiety and perceived social expectations to drink were cited as common pathways to problem drinking by informants, highlighting contradictions in drinking practices and the symbolic functions of alcohol. Drinking contexts identified by informants were public pub-based drinking for men and home-based drinking for women. Primary barriers to problem acceptance centered on pub-based socialising norms and gender-based shame. Benefits of support group membership included establishing new social networks and learning alternative ways to cope with negative emotions.Conclusion: Consideration of drinking expectancies, the social contexts in which problematic drinking occurs, gender ideologies, the cultural meanings of drinking behaviours, and attention to feelings of isolation or loneliness experienced by those exhibiting problematic consumption behaviours might further understandings of potentially harmful drinking, especially in periods of economic uncertainty.
Steroid-Induced Mania: A Case Report
Authors: Cassidy Carol , Sahay Shobhna , McNicholas Fiona 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCorticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions in children and adolescents. However, adverse psychiatric side effects can occur which pose challenges in treatment of medical conditions. This case highlights some of these challenges, in particular the treatment of steroid-induced psychiatric complications in Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL). It also accentuates the importance of awareness among pediatricians of the potential adverse psychiatric effects when prescribing corticosteroids in this age group. Families need to be advised accordingly to ensure early recognition and treatment.
The Challenge of Managing Severely Ill Patients with Anorexia Nervosa in Ireland
Authors: Maher Caroline , Nwachukwu Izu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnorexia Nervosa (AN) has the highest rates of morbidity and mortality of any psychiatric disorder. Psychiatrists in Ireland have reported difficulties in managing patients with AN, particularly those with severe levels of illness. This paper explores these management difficulties, including the financial and organisational impediments to service provision, and the legal and ethical dilemmas involved in dealing with those patients who refuse treatment.
Psychiatrists: An Endangered Species? A Study to Observe Attitude of Fifth Year Medical Students to Psychiatry and to Compare Change in Same after a Psychiatry Posting During Medical School
Authors: Johnson Navroop , Lyons Declan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjective:This study was conducted to gauge the attitude of fifth year medical students to psychiatry as a potential career choice and to determine if an eight-week clinical attachment had any impact on this.Methods:We surveyed a cohort of fifth year medical students from Trinity College Dublin. A purpose designed, self-completed questionnaire was used to establish a number of variables and was given to students on the first and last day of their attachment in psychiatry. Participation was optional and responses were confidential. Questionnaires were distributed following an explanation of the purpose of the study.Results:The survey was applied to 118 fifth year medical students. The most significant finding of the study was the increase in number of students choosing psychiatry (17%) as a possible career upon completion of the attachment as compared to before (4%). The majority of the students considered psychiatry as a mainstream specialty with little change in this perception pre and post attachment. Almost all of the students believed that a psychiatry posting would improve their communication skills when dealing with patients.Approximately half of students chose medical subspecialties as career choice prior to their psychiatry posting but this declined afterwards. There was a small increase in the number of students wanting to become GPs and those who were undecided about their potential career choice.With regards to deterrents to doing psychiatry, the principal one was the belief that psychiatry was too depressing and stressful. Lack of interest, adverse career prospects and financial considerations featured in a minority of student answers.Conclusions:The findings of this study suggest that psychiatry remains less attractive to students as a career compared to some other specialities but a clinical attachment may be an important means of raising interest in psychiatry as a career.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Laois/Offaly: A One Year Perspective of Services (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009)
Authors: Church Heather 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectives: To examine the Laois/Offaly Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), focusing on new referrals and trends in the service.Methods: Data was collected over a one-year period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 using the computer system MAISY (Medical Audit Information System) and through chart reviews. A Client Satisfaction Survey was administered to both parents and children.Results: The Laois/Offaly CAMHS team provides service to a total population of around 140,000, of which around 32,000 are less than 16 years old. In this one-year period, 303 referrals were received with 167 offered an assessment, of which 150 availed of an appointment. Forty-six percent were offered appointments within one week of receiving the referral with 87% being assessed within one month. A further 41 were assessed from a previous waiting list, compiled prior to the actual study period, thus resulting in a total of 191 assessments.Thirty referrals required assessment only. Behavioural/Emotional difficulties and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were the most common reason for referral. During this time the ADHD waiting list was suspended due to staff constraints. Seventy-six percent were diagnosed with an Axis I disorder with 34% given medication treatment. Of the return appointments over the year, eight percent of patients did not attend (DNA). Both parents and children reported being satisfied with the service, according to the Client Satisfaction Survey.Conclusions: The Laois/Offaly team services a catchment area of approximately three times the number recommended by A Vision for Change, with a staff equivalent less than the number recommended for one whole team. The team was able to provide a rapid service for assessment of new referrals, with the ADHD waiting list suspended. Axis I pathology was often diagnosed among those assessed (around 75%), with about one-third being treated with medication. Follow-up appointments achieved a high attrition rate, with only around eight percent not attending. Patient satisfaction with the service rated high by both parents and children.
Delayed Onset of Neuropsychiatric Effects Associated with Montelukast
Authors: Byrne Fintan , Oluwole Bolarinwa , Whyte Vanessa , Fahy Sabina , McGuinness Delia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMontelukast (a leukotriene receptor antagonist) is a commonly prescribed medication used in the management of asthma in both children and adults. It has been associated with a possible increased risk of various neuropsychiatric events in post-marketing analyses of clinical trial data and surveillance studies. When establishing a link between a medication and side effects, it is usual to establish and enquire whether there is a chronological relationship between the commencement of the medication and the onset of the symptoms.We report a case where a number of unusual neuropsychiatric events were reported several years after commencement of montelukast in a young boy who may have a genetic predisposition and a likely psychological trigger. There was complete resolution of these symptoms upon the withdrawal of montelukast.