bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstracting the triad of death, existence and adjustment to death: death and adjustment hypotheses
Authors: Hossain M. 
Published: May 2011

Viewed from a naturalistic and scientific perspective, death appears to represent the permanent cessation of human existence, contributing to the widespread experience of death anxiety. The present argument attempts to deconstruct this argument on epistemological grounds by analyzing1)the prevailing universal concept of death in naturalistic discourse,2)the issue of our adjustment to this presumed reality, and3)the relationship between existence and death in the context of their social evolution.
Integrating this conceptual analysis with empirical observations, the paper then explores the contrasting postulate, namely that death may not be the end of our existence, and the moral implications of this alternative assumption. This position, termed the death adjustment hypotheses,” would seem to offer an alternative grounding for theory and research in Thanatology.
An audit on driver and vehicle licensing agency medical standards of fitness to drive in mentally ill patients
Authors: Jayan R. , White R. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundThe Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in UK have published guidelines on driving for mentally ill patients. An earlier audit done in 2008 showed that none of the 25 patients included in the audit received advice on driving.AimsA re-audit was done in terms of documentation of
1)the driving status of patients,2)advice on driving at time of discharge.MethodsRetrospective audit was done by retrieving 25 case notes and discharge summaries of patients admitted. Demographic details, driving status and driving advice given were collected using a pre-defined proforma.Results25 patients admitted to adult wards were included (16 males, 9 females, and mean age 46). 15 patients were admitted as informal while 5 each were on section 2 and 3 of Mental Health Act (MHA). The following were the diagnoses; mental disorders due to alcohol (2), Schizophrenia (8), manic episode (1), bipolar affective disorder (5), depressive episode (8) and personality disorder (1). 16 patients (64%) were documented to have current driving licence and this information was not recorded in 9 cases (36%). 12 (48%) patients were current drivers and 4 of them were professional drivers. 13 (52%) patients were given documented advice regarding driving at the time of discharge.Conclusion52% of patients admitted to general adult mental health wards were given advice regarding driving at the time of discharge and compared to previous audit data, there has been a significant improvement. However this needs to be improved by increasing the awareness among healthcare professionals.
A survey on psychiatric training in greece from trainees’ perspective
Authors: Kokras N. , Samiotakis G. , Gerasi E. , Oikonomou D. , Ntoumanis A. , Psarras R. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionIn order to promote the harmonisation of training in psychiatry and facilitate mobility of psychiatrists across Europe, the European Board of Psychiatry is developing appropriate training recommendations. In a recently conducted European survey, Greece was partly under-represented and there is lack of recent data regarding national psychiatric training.ObjectivesThe present survey aimed to investigate, from a trainee's point of view, the degree of compliance of Greek training centres to what the European Board of Psychiatry recommends.MethodsAn on-line survey, accessible only to invited trainees, was constructed in close adherence to previous questionnaires and guidelines set by the European Board of Psychiatry. Training centres in psychiatry were identified and trainees were invited by e-mail to complete the survey in autumn 2010. All responses were tracked and only valid completed questionnaires were included in the final results.ResultsPreliminary results from the first quarter of the sample clearly indicate that the overwhelming majority of Greek psychiatric trainees do not have individualized training programs (88%) and logbooks (99%). There is no auditing experience (90%) and no exposure to internal (90%) or external (93%) evaluation. On the other hand, structured theoretical training is available to the majority of trainees (94%) although psychotherapeutic supervision is offered to only 25% of trainees.ConclusionsMuch improvement had been observed over the last decade in psychiatric training in Greece. However, results of the present survey show that there is still inadequate compliance to some of the recommendations developed by the European Board of Psychiatry.
Psychotic disorder after radioactive iodine treatment in a 42-year-old woman thyroidectomized for papillary thyroid carcinoma: case report
Authors: Manea M. , Rusanu V. , Patrichi B.E. , Stoean R.M. , Cristina M.M. , Bectas S.M. , Frunza A.A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionReports in the medical literature describe several cases of acute onset psychosis as a result of hypothyroidism, and a small number related to radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT). The effectiveness of RAIT in the therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer depends on a sufficient TSH level elevation obtained by discontinuing thyroid hormone replacement therapy.ObjectivesDescribing a case of new-onset psychotic disorder in a 42-year-old woman following a RAIT session, one year after total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma developed on multinodular goiter.AimsIdentifying a relation between the psychosis onset and the therapeutic protocol the patient underwent for the thyroid disease treatment.MethodsWe present the case of a patient with a medical history of thyroid disease, secondary posttraumatic epilepsy and minor thalassemia; the clinical and paraclinical evaluations; the psychiatric presentation, treatment and evolution.ResultsThe overt psychotic symptomatology developed in this case a few days after RAIT and led to an emergency psychiatric hospitalization, the laboratory findings showed a TSH value of 75 microunits/ml. The psychotic episode remitted after a month of antypsichotic medication and levothyroxinum replacement therapy. The patient has been receiving psychotropic medication for a year, during which she was readmitted for a depressive episode (6 months after first discharge).ConclusionsThe patient's psychotic disorder developed after a period of thyroid hormone replacement therapy discontinuation and consecutive to the RAIT session, which indicates that in susceptible individuals there is a risk for psychosis with this therapeutical strategy.
Impulsivity in pathological gambling
Authors: Marazziti D. , Baroni S. , Picchetti M. , Catena dell’Osso M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe pathological gambling (PG) is an impulse control disorder with clinical features common to other psychiatric disorders such as addictions and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The pathophysiology of PG is still unclear, but it is hypothesized that it might include environmental factors coupled with a genetic vulnerability and dysfunctions of different neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate and serotonin. The serotoninergic system seems to be primarily involved, as has been shown to regulate the impulsivity and aggression.AimsWith this study we aim to assess the impulsivity in 26 PG as compared with a matched group of healthy controls (HC).MethodsTwenty-six outpatients, with a diagnosis of PG according to DSM-IV criteria, and 26 HC were included in the study. The severity of symptoms was evaluated by the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the impulsivity was assessed by Barratt Impulsivity Scale, version 11 (BIS-11).ResultsThe results showed that the PG patients had a higher BIS-11 total score, as compared with HC, and higher scores of two factors of the same scale: the motor and attentional impulsivity. Even the motor and non-planning impulsivity subscales scores were higher in patients than in HC.ConclusionsThese results suggest that PG patients are more impulsive than control subjects. This feature could lead to a loss of control typical of PG.
Widespread smallpox. hallucinations after an occipital lobe ischaemia episode
Authors: Martínez Manjarrés J.D. , Martínez Martínez C. , Gallardo Ponce R. , Gómez Pizarro D. 
Published: May 2011

Visual hallucinations are not an infrequent reason for psychiatric consultation, oftenly we found that are produced, as in this case, by an organic background. A 72 years old woman was entered in the hospital and she had an open-heart surgery (mitral prosthesis replacement) Two days after the surgery she begins to have visual hallucinations. The visual hallucinations consisted in images of family pictures, and images of person's faces with eruptions due to a smallpox infection.She was able to see that the hallucinations weren’t real, and it didn’t exist secondary delirium nor changes in the condition of consciousness.We have to outline that the patient just after the surgery suffered auricular fibrillation, and 24 hours after was detected and the anticoagulant treatment started. After the interview we suspected that the patient wasn’t suffering of psychiatric affects nor an organic related delirium. The ophthalmologist rejects a Charles Bonet Syndrome, neurologists diagnosed a cerebral stroke, located in the occipital region, which was confirmed by a TCA 72 hours later. During the time that the patient was in auricular fibrillation grew up a thrombus that provoked the stroke which resulted in visual hallucinations, in which the patient revealed her memories (her son have had smallpox during vacations in Africa). Maybe this outlines the interconnections between affective memories and the central system dysfunctions, standing up the memories when the primary function is changed. Is really important to realize a good multidisciplinary diagnosis in case of having cases like this one.
A case of psoriasis: The skin that expresses the emotional silence
Authors: Martinez Martinez C. , Ortega Garcia M.D. , Martínez Manjarrés J.D. , Alonso de la Torre M.A. , Blanco del Valle P. , Arribas Simon B. , Gómez Martínez M.R. , Salazar Li C. , Agundez Modino A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAlexithymia is a term to describe a state of deficiency in understanding, processing, or describing emotions. It expresses the cognitive-emotional state of vulnerable subjects who prone to suffer from psychosomatic illnesses. It’s characterized by difficulties in relationship and emptiness of feelings. It has been incriminated in genesis and maintenance of various psychosomatic pathologies, included psoriasis. Psychological stress is important in onset and exacerbation of psoriasis. We assume hypothesis that emotions that cannot be expressed through the appropriate symbolic language will be expressed through a symbolic somatic symptom.ObjectivesA case study of psoriasis in a woman of 27 years without a previous psychiatric history. She was treated jointly by the service of psychiatry and dermatology. Methodology: We performed a detailed history in the course of the disease, summarizing vital changes and outstanding events of her lifetime in the different vital areas (family, work, school and sex life).ResultsFrom the comprehensive revision of the ailments and pathobiography we can establish a clear relationship between physical-psychological symptoms.ConclusionsSkin is an envelope that represents the boundary line between body-psyche. Skin and psyche interact in many ways. The skin reacts to feelings and perceptions. Psychosomatic patients feel extreme anxiety when they have to cope with separation and merger situations. They experience these situations as if they were to lose their physical limit. Broadly speaking, because of their alexithymia, they cannot process a painful emotion properly, and though they will express it through somatisation disorders and the development of diseases. In the case of our patient, the skin verbalizes her emotional silence.
Doctors’ recruitment in psychiatry - possible causes and solutions
Authors: Mihai A. 
Published: May 2011

The psychiatry is a relatively new field of medicine, which appeared because of the society's demands in taking care of a specific group of patients. These needs still exist and some studies showed that the demand for psychiatrists (Workforce NHS), or at least for psychiatric services (Vernon, 2009), will grow, above all also in developing countries (Patel, 2009).Concern about recruitment and retention of psychiatrists is longstanding.Purpose of this study was the evaluation of studies and data related with recruitment issues. Method consist in analysis of data published related with this topic and trying to find the causes and the ways to improve the actual situation.ResultsWas remarqued the insufficient representation of psychiatrists in the physician workforce throughout the world (Rao, 2003) and the increasing number of unoccupied vacancies in psychiatry (Brokington, 2002). Most developing countries need to increase and improve training of mental health professionals. Once trained, these professionals should be encouraged to remain in their country in positions that make the best use of their skills.ConclusionsRecruitment in psychiatry remain a problem, strongly related with definition of identity of psychiatrists and with community view regarding this need of taking care for this category of patients.
Smoking among young people
Authors: Miskovic M. , Zoric D. , Zivlak Radulovic N. , Ilic D. 
Published: May 2011

Smoking is considered one of the most widespread pandemic today. Tobacco smoke is one of the most toxic poisons which people knowingly enter into themselves disturbing at the same time their health and the health of people around them. Smoking among young people is more present in areas that have a negative attitude to this phenomenon, as well as in areas that are insufficiently informed about the harmful consequences of this habit.According to WHO, smokers on average, lose 20–25 years of their life expectancy due to premature death, and 50% of smokers who smoke continuously since adolescents are likely to die from diseases caused by smoking.The survey was conducted on a sample of 370 students of secondary mechanical and electrical school in Prijedor, Bosnia, in the period of 2006. and 2007. Its goals were to determine the prevalence of this practice, reasons for start smoking and the occurrence of these habits in families of patients.It was confirmed that a group of young average age of 16.03 years, smoking is present largely in the form of permanent or intermittent, which suggests that awareness of youth about the effects of smoking on health is insufficient.
Biology of homosexuality
Authors: Moutinho A. , Pereira A.V. , Jorge G. 
Published: May 2011

Research into the biological bases of homosexuality has continued unabated in the intervening decade in such diverse areas as endocrinology, genetics, neuroanatomy, family demography, or animal behavior.In this work is covered this current strongest research lines on male and female sexual orientation.Despite inconsistent results across studies, some support for the neurohormonal theory is garnered, but mostly in men. Genetic research using family and twin methodologies has produced consistent evidence that genes influence sexual orientation, but molecular research has not yet produced compelling evidence of specific genes. Anatomically there is evidence of some degree of cerebral sexual dimorphism, but it's not established yet the correlation to sexual orientation.This studies indicate biologic factors have an important role on homosexuality, the degree and the way this factors act and interact with psychosocial determinants still being a clue.
Effect of religious cognitive- behavior therapy on religious content obsessive compulsive disorder and marital satisfaction
Authors: Omranifard V. , Akuchakian S. , Almasi A. , Maraci M.R. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveReligious themes commonly feature in religious with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD which includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components, is a debilitating chronic disorder and can affects on patient’ marital satisfaction. The aim of us was to evaluate efficacy of Religious Cognitive- Behavior therapy (RCBT) on religious oriented Obsessive-Compulsive disorder and marital satisfaction.MethodThis is a randomized controlled clinical trial. This study conducted on 90 OCD outpatients with 17 and more Yale Brown obsessive compulsive scale(Y-BOCS) and religious content OCD. Intervention consists of 10 weekly RCBT. We used Enrich scale for asses’ marital satisfaction and Y-BOCS scale before and after treatment.Data were analyzed by ANCOVA/ANOVA repeated measure test using SPSS version ver.15.ResultIn our study duration of OCD was 11.5 ± 8.6 years & 11.5 ± 8.8 years and duration of marriage was 16.88 ± 11.6 & 13.51 ± 10.9 years Yale Brown scores after intervention decreased with significant difference (p = 0.001). There were significant difference between mean scores of two groups (p = 0.001). Comparison of obsession subscale and compulsion subscale of Yale Brown scale showed decreasing trend in both of obsession subscale and compulsion either within or between group is statistically significant (p = 0.001).Also marital satisfaction significantly improved in case group (p = 0.001).ConclusionIn religious patients with religious contents, religious based interventions like religious CBT could significantly increase clinical responses. Also theses interventions could improve marital status. These results suggest that Religious Cognitive-Behavior Therapy can be effective for religious oriented OCD patients.
Depression and anxiety in patients with diabetes mellitus: a conceptual discussion of treatment adherence issues and current treatment recommendations
Authors: Osborne P.J. 
Published: May 2011

A growing body of literature suggests that depression and subclinical diabetes-related distress are common in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Likewise, anxiety disorders are more prevalent in patients with diabetes compared to the normal adult population.Importantly, both depression and anxiety have been associated with non-adherence to the diabetes self-care regimen, thus increasing the risk for hyperglycemia and other serious diabetes-related complications.This presentation will discuss the recent literature on the association between depression, anxiety, and reduced treatment adherence, including evidence for plausible biological and behavioral mechanisms. We will then examine current treatment recommendations for both diabetes specialist and generalist healthcare providers. Recommended screening and assessment measures will be reviewed, as well as individual and group stress management and other cognitive-behavioral interventions. The suitability and adaptibility of general cognitive-behavioral and stress management approaches will be discussed, including suggestions for tailoring them to patients with diabetes and specific diabetes components. In general, through this evidence-based discussion, we hope to increase awareness of and sensitivity toward these important issues in the general medical and psychological communities. Further, we hope to encourage dialogue between providers and patients regarding stress in managing diabetes, and make prevention and screening for co-morbided psychological illnesses a focus in routine clinic visits.
Periodic catatonia treated with lithium and carbamazepine and can its nosological status be debated?
Authors: Padhy S.K. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroductionCatatonia refers to a broad group of movement abnormalities usually associated with mood disorders and schizophrenia. Periodic catatonia is characterized by catatonic episodes occurring in a cyclical pattern with clinical features of combined stupor and excitement, remissions to an interval state and an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission (Meyer et al, 2001; Stober, 1995). The role of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and Lithium in the prevention of recurrence in periodic catatonia has been documented. We present two cases of periodic catatonia treated with Lithium and carbamazepine. Also, we want to discuss the salient features of periodic catatonia cases reported so far in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. Can we consider periodic catatonia as a different nosological status? Or it is early or it is late?Aim and objectivesTo describe two cases of periodic catatonia and their treatment with mood lithium/carbamazepineTo discuss the cases of periodic catatonia in the literatureTo examine the nosological status of this entityMethodsMedline search will be made using appropriate key wordsResultsTotal number of cases of periodic catatonia is more from asian countries, other case characteristics will be descriptive.ConclusionsCatatonia less prevalent in European countries unlike in developing countries including India. Recurrent catatonia, as expected, is still less common. Sometimes treatment of periodic catatonia is beyond Benzodiazepines / ECT /antipsychotics. In such cases Lithium and Carbamazepine may be helpful. Weather periodic catatonia needs a different nosological status is to be debated.
Factors affecting asthma psychomorbidity, control and illness-related quality of life: what is the interaction?
Authors: Pilipenko N. , Karekla M. 
Published: May 2011

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, ounknown etiology and growing prevalence (GINA, 2009). Appropriate asthma management can control the disorder and enable patients to enjoy a good quality of life (WHO, 2007).Yet, many asthma patients are unable to maintain asthma control (Rabe et al., 2003) for various reasons, including psychological ones (Feldman et al., 2005).This study examined the prevalence of psychomorbidity, and its interaction with asthma control difficulties and asthma-related quality of life in a sample of 200 asthma patients in Cyprus. Asthma diagnoses and severity were established by medical chart review.Psychomorbidity was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (Spitzer, 1999). Additionally, the impact of asthma-specific (e.g. asthma knowledge), health-specific (e.g. smoking history) and socio-demographic (e.g. perceived poverty) factors was examined as prior research literature suggests these may significantly impact asthma control and asthma-related quality of life.Currently, the present study is in its final stages of data collection (to conclude 2010). The results will offer valuable insights into the mechanisms and factors which affect asthma control, quality of life, and psychomorbidity. In doing so, the present study will contribute to the improved understanding of asthma patients’ experiences, essential to guide medical and psychological interventions.