bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors that mediate between child sexual abuse and adult psychological outcome
Authors: Romans S. E. , Martin J. L. , Anderson J. C. , O'Shea M. L. , Mullen P. E. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe psychological outcome for a random community sample of women who had experienced significant childhood sexual abuse was assessed, using two outcome measures: (i) psychiatric morbidity (measured with the short PSE); (ii) self-esteem. Sexual abused women with a good outcome, i.e. who were not a PSE ‘case’ or who had high self-esteem were compared with abused women with a poor outcome. This paper describes the post-abuse factors that modified the two outcomes.In general, a range of variables, all correlated with each other in a complex manner, distinguished good outcome subjects from poor outcome subjects. Post-abuse adolescent variables included family factors (poor mother–father and parent–child relationships), high school factors (poor academic, sporting and social performance) and early pregnancy. Women who had a good adolescent relationship with their father did better than expected statistically. Sport emerged as an alternative at secondary school to academic achievement in catalysing a good psychological outcome.Adult factors included the quality of relationship with partner, which was associated with a good outcome on both measures. Current paid employment was linked to high self-esteem but not to lowered psychiatric morbidity, while the converse applied for high socio-economic status. These findings imply that different processes operate for each outcome measure.A clear recognition by the school of childhood sexual abuse may help to provide the opportunity for the girl to experience success in some arena; this in turn may protect her against the likely adult consequences of low self-esteem and increased psychiatric morbidity.
Measuring disease severity in patients with end-stage renal disease: validity of the Craven et al. ESRD Severity Index
Authors: Griffin K. W. , Friend R. , Wadhwa N. K. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe validity of a recently developed measure of disease severity, the End-stage Renal Disease Severity Index (Craven et al. 1991) was examined in haemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (total N = 82). Scores on the ESRD Severity Index were compared with three commonly identified components of disease severity: physiological indices of severity, functional status, and psychological burden of illness. For the entire group of subjects, scores on the ESRD Severity Index were negatively associated with functional ability and positively related to physiological severity. ESRD Severity Index scores showed a weaker relationship with psychological burden of illness which depended in part on treatment mode. Disease severity scores were positively related to depression in CAPD patients but not in HD patients. These findings suggest that the ESRD Severity Index is a valuable research tool with construct validity.
Suicide among psychiatric hospital in-patients
Authors: Roy Alec , Draper Ronald 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisWe examined for risk factors for suicide among psychiatric in-patients by comparing 37 in-patients from an Ontario Provincial Psychiatric Hospital who had committed suicide with 37 age and sex matched in-patient controls. Significantly more of the suicide victims had made a previous suicide attempt (62·2 v. 35·1%), suffered from schizophrenia (75·7 v. 35·1%), were involuntary at their last admission (70·3 v. 43·2%) and lived alone (70·3 v. 43·2%). Only six patients committed suicide on the ward. Almost a third of the patients, the majority schizophrenic, committed suicide after having been in the hospital for more than a year. These results suggest that in the psychiatric hospital setting the in-patient at risk for suicide has previously exhibited suicidal behaviour, suffers from schizophrenia, was admitted involuntarily, lives alone and that the risk of suicide may remain high among long-stay schizophrenics.
The role of creatine kinase in the diagnosis of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Authors: O'Dwyer Anne-Marie , Sheppard Noel P. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisElevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations occurs almost invariably in neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). However, the role of CK levels in the diagnosis of the syndrome remains controversial. This study measured CK levels in patients who became pyrexial while on psychotropic medication and thereby mimicked some of the features of NMS. In all of these cases a diagnosis of infectious illness was made and patients responded to appropriate antibiotic therapy without alteration in psychotropic medication. Two other groups were studied for comparison – patients on psychotropics who were apyrexial and patients who became pyrexial but were not on psychotropics. Significant, unexpected elevations of CK were documented in 70% of those patients who became pyrexial while on psychotropics – in three cases elevation of concentrations to more than 1000 IU/1 (ten times reference value) were found. Thirty per cent of patients who became pyrexial but were not on psychotropics also developed elevation of CK but this was of a much smaller magnitude (lt; 200 IU/1 in five out of six cases). The results of the study suggest that elevation of CK is a non-specific finding, particularly in patients who become pyrexial on psychotropics. Use of CK as a diagnostic criterion may lead to overdiagnosis of NMS.
Familial resemblance of schizotypic traits
Authors: Berenbaum Howard , McGrew John 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe goal of this study was to examine the familial resemblance of schizotypic traits, and to explore whether different schizotypic traits are familially related to one another. Several of the Chapmans' psychosis proneness scales were administered to a group of college students and their families. Evidence of at least some familial resemblance was found for both physical anhedonia and perceptual aberration, though it was stronger for anhedonia. Anhedonia and perceptual aberration appeared to be familially influenced independently of one another. Finally, the results indicated that offspring resembled their mothers more than they resembled their fathers on both anhedonia and perceptual aberration.
Parental representation in twins discordant for schizophrenia
Authors: Onstad Sidsel , Skre Ingunn , Torgersen Svenn , Kringlen Einar 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisParental representation was assessed with the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in 12 monozygotic (MZ) and 19 dizygotic (DZ) same-sexed twin pairs discordant for DSM-III-R schizophrenia. The schizophrenic twins reported less care and more overprotection from both parents than the non-schizophrenic co-twins. Multiple regression analysis disclosed that the results were independent of sex and age. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that whether the twins were monozygotic or dizygotic had no impact on the results. A stepwise discriminant analysis showed that difference in perceived paternal protection was the most important variable distinguishing between schizophrenic probands and their non-schizophrenic co-twins.
Korsakoff's syndrome, cognition and clonidine
Authors: O'Carroll R. E. , Moffoot A. , Ebmeier K. P. , Murray C. , Goodwin G. M. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisEighteen patients suffering from Alcoholic Korsakoff's Syndrome participated in a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over trial of clonidine 0·3 mg b.d. for two weeks versus matched placebo for two weeks. A detailed neuropsychological assessment was carried out at the end of each treatment phase and staff ratings of behaviour were also obtained. Clonidine treatment resulted in no significant improvement over placebo on any of the cognitive measures employed. The results contradict previous smaller studies which had suggested that chronic treatment with clonidine had a memory-enhancing effect in Korsakoff's syndrome.
Depression-related impairment: estimating concurrent and lingering effects
Authors: Tweed Dan L. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis article examines the effects of depression in the sphere of social functioning. On the basis of previous research, it is hypothesized that a major depressive episode has both concurrent and lingering effects and that these effects are a function of the clinical features associated with the episode. This hypothesis is examined using a large community sample and a non-linear model containing both concurrent and lingering effect parameters. The results corroborate the hypothesized effects. Limitations of the current study are discussed and suggestions are offered regarding appropriate research designs. It is suggested that the most general limitation is theoretical. The existence of lingering effects is a phenomenon which presents a theoretical challenge that may prove strategic in understanding the nature and course of depression.
Cardiovascular effects of traffic noise: the role of negative self-statements
Authors: Vera M. N. , Vila J. , Godoy J. F. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis study assesses cardiovascular and subjective effects of traffic noise and the mediator role that negative self-statements play. Eighty-four female students underwent a Physiological Reaction Test to two 15 min presentations of high intensity traffic noise (85–95 db) under two noise conditions, with and without negative self-statements. Half of the subjects were given specific instructions to increase the credibility of the self-statements. Dependent variables were heart rate (HR), blood volume pulse amplitude from both temporal arteries and subjective tension. Traffic noise provoked subjective tension and cardiovascular responses that did not habituate either within or between noise presentations. Negative self-statements had the greatest effect on HR. In fact, this response habituated to a second noise presented only when this condition was without negative self-statements. Instructions increased the effect of the self-statements only on the left temporal artery and also increased subjective tension. The implications of this physiological reactivity in psychosomatic problems and the importance of negative self-statements are discussed.
Cognitive function in depression: its relationship to the presence and severity of intellectual decline
Authors: Brown R. G. , Scott L. C. , Bench C. J. , Dolan R. J. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisCognitive dysfunction is an integral feature of depression, in some cases of sufficient severity to warrant a diagnosis of dementia. There has been little systematic investigation of whether cognitive dysfunction is an inevitable consequence of depression, or is specific to a subgroup of depressed patients. Related to this is the distribution of cognitive dysfunction, whether there is a continuum of impairment or a distinct demented subgroup. Finally, there is the question of which aspects of cognitive function are most sensitive to the intellectual decline seen in depression. A study is described which addresses these issues. The distribution of global cognition was found to be normally distributed in the sample of 29 patients assessed. Based on this distribution and the scores of a control sample, the patients were classified as unimpaired, borderline or impaired. Two sets of independent comparisons were carried out. First, the unimpaired depressed patients were compared to matched non-depressed controls. Significant deficits were found on a range of neuropsychological measures covering aspects of language function, memory, both recall and recognition, attention and behavioural regulation. These same patients were also compared with two groups of matched depressed patients, with varying degrees of global cognitive impairment. In general, the cognitive measures showed a gradient of dysfunction across the three patient groups. Significant differences between the depressed groups were shown on measures of immediate recall, attention and behavioural regulation. The possible significance of attentional factors for the observed memory dysfunction is discussed.
A longitudinal study of the neuropsychiatric consequences of HIV-1 infection in gay men. I Neuropsychological performance and neurological status at baseline and at 12-month follow-up
Authors: Burgess A. P. , Riccio M. , Jadresic D. , Pugh K. , Catalan J. , Hawkins D. A. , Baldeweg T. , Lovett E. , Gruzelier J , Thompson C. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe aim of this study was to determine whether HIV infection is associated with neurological or neuropsychological impairment in the asymptomatic and early symptomatic stages of disease. Subjects included 61 gay men (41 HIV −, 20 HIV +) who were assessed at the time of requesting their first HIV test and again 12 months later. The assessments at baseline were conducted double-blind to HIV serostatus. Measures included a neuropsychological battery, neurological examination and full psychiatric assessment. There were no differences between the asymptomatic HIV + and HIV − groups at baseline or at follow-up in terms of mean scores on neuropsychological tests. Mean scores were within the normal range for all neuropsychological tests for both groups. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict each individual's performance at follow-up on the basis of their baseline performance, psychiatric state, neurological history and drug use for each of the neuropsychological tests. HIV + subjects were more likely than control subjects to perform at a significantly lower level at follow-up on one or more tests than predicted on the basis of their baseline performance.
Changes in attribution and expressed emotion among the relatives of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Brewin Chris R. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe study investigated whether reductions in hostility and criticism in the relatives of psychiatric patients would be associated with changes in their beliefs about the causes of the patients' symptoms and negative behaviours. Twenty-six relatives of patients with schizophrenia were assessed both before and after taking part in interventions designed to reduce levels of expressed emotion. Over the course of the interventions there was a general reduction in relatives' criticism and hostility, a shift towards making more universal attributions for patients' negative behaviours and more use of attributions to illness. Reductions in criticism were not related to attributional change, but reductions in hostility were associated with shifts towards more universal and uncontrollable attributions.
The course of psychological distress following threatened and actual conjugal bereavement
Authors: Hays J. C. , Kasl S. V. , Jacobs S. C. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisWe measured multiple dimensions of distress among spouses (N = 440) of patients hospitalized for serious illness or elective surgery and compared the course of distress over 2 years of follow-up among five groups according to whether and when spouses were bereaved. Distress was related to the severity of the patient's illness, the actuality and timing of the bereavement, as well as the gender and age of the respondent.
Factorial study of the BDI in pregnant women
Authors: Salamero M. , Marcos T. , Gutiérrez F. , Rebull E. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis study was carried out to investigate the significance of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and the influence of somatic items in a non-psychiatric population presenting with somatic complaints. Internal consistency, item frequency, factor dimensions, and correlation with Eysenck's ‘N’ were analysed in a sample of 882 non-psychiatric pregnant women. The BDI showed a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0·85). Factor analysis yielded two major factors. Low BDI scores were determined mainly by items related to somatic complaints or decreased activity without unequivocal depressive content. In contrast, it was unambiguous depressive items that were endorsed in high scores, and these showed higher correlations with neuroticism. It is concluded that in non-psychiatric populations the BDI may measure conditions other than depression and that low or medium range scores should not be interpreted as indicators of mild depressive symptomatology.
Depressive illness: the role of aggression further considered
Authors: Cochrane Nils , Neilson Megan 
Published: July 2009

synopsisMeasures of depression and undischarged drive were obtained for 292 psychiatric in-patients. In 200 of these cases inhibition of aggression was also assessed. All patients were classified as being endogenously depressed, reactively depressed, or as suffering from non-depressive primary disorders. The latter group was subdivided into secondarily depressed and non-depressed groups. The 3 depressed groups were then compared with the non-depressed subjects in respect of drive level and inhibition of aggression.All 3 depressed groups showed significantly higher drive level than did the non-depressed subjects. The endogenous depressives also inhibited significantly more of their aggression than did the non-depressed subjects. These results are consistent with a drive inhibition theory of depression. However, while endogenous depression seems to be associated more specifically with the inhibition of aggression, reactive depression may be associated rather with the inhibition of drive generally.
Long-latency auditory event-related potentials in schizophrenia and in bipolar and unipolar affective disorder
Authors: Muir Walter J. , St. Clair David M. , Blackwood Douglas H. R. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISLong-latency auditory event-related potentials were examined in 96 subjects with schizophrenia, 99 with bipolar affective disorder and 48 with major depressive (unipolar) disorder, and compared with 32 in-patient and 213 normal controls. The latency of the P3 component was significantly greater in the schizophrenic and bipolar subjects compared to other groups. The difference was stable with respect to clinical state at the time of testing and was not due to age differences or the effect of psychotropic medications. The results support the clinical distinction between bipolar and unipolar affective disorders, but also show that P3 change is not specific to schizophrenia and found in bipolar but not unipolar affective disorder.
Is age kinder to the initially more able? A study of eminent scientists and academics
Authors: Christensen Helen , Henderson A. S. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISElderly eminent academics and blue-collar workers were compared with Doctor of Philosophy students and trade apprentices to investigate whether intelligence and memory deteriorate at a slower rate in persons with high ability. The elderly groups showed decline on tests of perceptual-motor speed, visuospatial reasoning, inferential thinking and memory relative to the young subjects. Initial ability determined the level of intellectual performance, such that elderly academics maintained their initial advantage over the elderly blue-collar workers. However, with the exception of the Similarities subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the rate of change on tests of memory and intelligence did not differ for the high- and low-ability groups. The hypothesis that high ability is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline was not supported.
Four-year follow-up of teacher-reported problem behaviours
Authors: Verhulst Frank C. , Ende Jan Van Der 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISThis study investigated the stability and change in teacher-reported problem behaviours across a four-year period. An epidemiological sample of 811 children aged 4–12 at the initial assessment was assessed twice with the Achenbach Teacher Report Form (TRF). We found medium stability in the level of TRF total problem scores. Highest stability was found for aggressive and other externalizing behaviours. Stability was higher for girls than for boys. Of the girls who could be regarded as disturbed at base line, 50% could still be so regarded four years later, whereas only 23% of the boys could be considered persistently disturbed across the study interval. Girls' scores on the Externalizing syndrome were especially stable.
Suicides and suicide attempts in cancer patients
Authors: Allebeck Peter , Bolund Christina 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISSuicides and suicide attempts in cancer patients were analysed by following all patients treated for cancer in Stockholm County from 1975 to 1985. Among 59845 patients we identified 144 suicides and 196 suicide attempts during the follow-up, which represents a more than two-fold excess mortality from suicide and a moderately increased rate of suicide attempts. Although the absolute number of deaths from suicide in cancer patients is low, the increased risk highlights the problems of coping with severe illness and the need for psychological and social support in cancer care.
Demoralization and gender differences in a kibbutz
Authors: Levav Itzhak , Gilboa Shlomo , Ruiz Felipe 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISGender differences in demoralization (depressive symptoms) were examined in a firstever true prevalence study conducted in a kibbutz. The unusual organizational arrangements of this commune, where women have achieved higher levels of equality than in most other societies, offered a laboratory-like opportunity to test the psychosocial factors imputed as a partial explanation for the higher rates of demoralization in women.Demoralization was studied using the 27-item scale of the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Interview (PERI) in all of the adult population of a single kibbutz. The response rate was close to 95%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the effects of key sociodemographic and kibbutz-related variables on gender differences. The results showed that women had higher mean scores and rates even after these variables were controlled. The female: male demoralization ratio was well within the range of results obtained in non-socialist Israeli urban settings. The paper concludes with a discussion on the tentative relevance of the study results for the interpretation of the 2:1 female–male ratio of depression found in the epidemiological literature.
Prevalence of mental disorders in Sardinia: a community study in an inland mining district
Authors: Carta M. G. , Carpiniello B. , Morosini P. L. , Rudas N. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISUsing standardized interviews 374 subjects randomly selected among people living in two villages in a mining district in Sardinia (Italy), were studied. Of these, 57 subjects (15·2%) were identified as ‘cases’. Ten per cent of the sample was affected by a depressive syndrome and 4% by an anxiety disorder. Females were significantly more at risk for anxiety disorders, while a trend towards a major risk for depression emerged among middle-aged and elderly people. Of the sample 9·8% were taking benzodiazepines, with a significant over representation of females. Depressed subjects took benzodiazepines more frequently than anxious subjects, while the use of antidepressants was negligible.
Comparison of negative symptoms in schizophrenic and poor outcome bipolar patients
Authors: Reddy Ravinder , Mukherjee Sukdeb , Schnur David B. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISUsing the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), affective blunting, alogia, and attentional impairment were assessed in 30 manic patients with chronic impairment of inter-episode instrumental functioning and 85 chronic schizophrenic patients. The schizophrenic patients had markedly higher ratings on all three negative symptom dimensions. When negative symptoms were examined categorically, no manic patient was rated to show prominent affective flattening or alogia. This relative specificity may not apply to attentional impairment which was rated as prominent in 17% of the manic patients and in 55% of the schizophrenic patients.