bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From the jumping Frenchmen of Maine to posttraumatic stress disorder: the startle response in neuropsychiatry
Authors: Howard Robert , Ford Rodney 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe startle response is a universal and phylogenetically ancient reflex. Pathological exaggerations and modifications of startle underlie the symptomatology of a surprisingly diverse range of neuropsychiatric disorders, a fact that seems to have gone largely unappreciated. We review the available literature on the physiology of the normal human startle response and examine the neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by pathological startle. Startle epilepsy and primary hyperekplexia are considered as neurological disorders involving abnormal startle. Patients with hyperstartle and exotic culture-bound syndromes characterized by excessive startle are considered by the authors to represent extreme variants of the normal startle response. Post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol withdrawal states and schizophrenia all have abnormal startle as a clinical feature secondary to increased arousal and presumed disturbance of central neurotransmitter systems. The neurophysiological mechanisms by which abnormalities of the startle response may occur are discussed and a system of classification of neuropsychiatric hyperstartles is suggested.
A longitudinal study of general practitioner consultations for psychiatric disorders in adolescence
Authors: Smeeton Nigel , Wilkinson Greg , Skuse David , Fry John 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisPatterns of psychiatric diagnoses given during adolescence to a group of individuals continuously registered with a single general practitioner in South London over 20 years were analysed first during ‘early adolescence’ and secondly during ‘early adulthood’. Psychiatric diagnoses were found to be relatively common. Of the young adolescents who received a psychiatric diagnosis (almost one in ten of the group), 38% received a psychiatric diagnosis as young adults compared with only 16% of the remainder. Comorbidity was found to be very common – over 50% of young adults with a diagnosis of depression also had a diagnosis of anxiety and phobic neuroses. Young people with problems of a psychological nature therefore deserve more attention, particularly from the primary care team.
The use of the Ways of Coping (Revised) questionnaire with parents of children with Down's syndrome
Authors: Knussen Christina , Sloper Patricia , Cunningham Cliff C. , Turner Stephen 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe principal aim of this study was to assess the validity and usefulness of the Ways of Coping (Revised) questionnaire (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985) with a British sample of parents of children with Down's syndrome. Factor analysis yielded five subscales which were compared with those reported elsewhere. Other properties of the instrument were investigated. It was concluded that the instrument was potentially valuable to those investigating coping in families with special problems.
Posed facial expressions of emotion in schizophrenia and depression
Authors: Berenbaum Howard 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe goals of the present study were to explore: (1) whether schizophrenics, depressives, and normals differ in their likelihood of expressing different emotions; and (2) whether the types of expressions subjects exhibit are associated with their level of reported depressive symptomatology. Subjects were asked to imagine: seeing, smelling, or tasting something disgusting; and having something wonderful happen to them. Subjects were asked to show the experimenter what their face would look like if these things happened. The groups differed in how frequently they exhibited anger or contempt in the first condition and happiness in the second condition. The depressives were most likely to exhibit anger/contempt and least likely to exhibit happiness. Using Beck Depression Inventory scores as dependent variables, there were significant interactions between diagnostic group and the type of facial expressions exhibited. The associations between facial expressions and BDI scores were in the opposite directions for depressives and schizophrenics.
Bulimia nervosa: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Johnson-Sabine E. , Reiss D. , Dayson D. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisFifty patients with bulimia nervosa were followed up for a minimum length of 5 years. Standardized interviews, observer-rated instruments and self-rated questionnaires were employed both at entry and at completion of the follow-up period. After tracing, the positive response rate was 72%; one patient had died. At the time of follow-up 31% of those traced had made a complete recovery and 25% still fulfilled diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa. Judged on behavioural symptoms 47·2% of responders had a ‘good’ outcome. Good outcome was associated with fewer social problems, higher social class, and a significant improvement in eating attitudes at follow-up. All outcome groups reported a reduction of interference by symptoms in other areas of life, and an improvement in mood state. No factors, including those described in previous studies, were identified which predicted outcome.
A quantitative study of body-related attitudes in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Ben-Tovim David I. , Walker M. Kay 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) is a psychometrically sound self-report instrument for assessing women's attitudes towards their own bodies. The BAQ responses of a large sample of patients with eating disorders (ED) diagnosed in accordance with DSM-III-R criteria were compared with those from a normative population and from diverse groups of psychiatrically and physically ill patients. The ED group was distinct, and showed extreme responses in the area of weight and shape concerns. But a better discrimination between the ED and other populations was achieved using subscales that related to ‘body disparagement’ (an intense loathing of the body) and ‘attractiveness’, rather than to weight and shape concerns. ED patients may have a more pervasive disturbance in body-related attitudes than is currently widely accepted. Patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa showed very similar attitudes despite the symptomatic differences between the groups.
Social networks and support in long-term psychiatric patients
Authors: Cresswell C. Maxine , Kuipers Liz , Power M. J. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis paper describes quantitative and qualitative aspects of social support in a sample of 40 long-term schizophrenic day patients attending a rehabilitation unit. The influence of symptomatology and experience of life stressors on network and support characteristics was also investigated. The primary networks of these patients were found to be small, comprising on average 7 members, of whom only 3 were seen regularly. Despite this, subjects rated their perceived support as adequate. The secondary networks were of the order of 32. It emerged that greater prevalence of negative symptoms was significantly associated with lower ideal levels of support and this group of patients was significantly less likely to seek support in the event of a life stressor. This may be a protective mechanism to insulate the person from the effects of stressful relationships but at the same time means that they are isolated from potential supports. The clinical implications are discussed in terms of offering optimum support for this marginalized group.
Growth hormone and physiological responses to clonidine in depression
Authors: Katona Cornelius L. E. , Healy David , Paykel Eugene S. , Theodorou Andreas E. , Lawrence Kevin M. , Whitehouse Andrew , White Bill , Horton Roger W. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisClonidine (1·3 μg/kg) was administered to 62 control and 55 depressed patients free of psychoactive drugs for at least 7 days and fasted overnight. Growth hormone (GH), pulse, blood pressure and sedation were measured every 15 min for 1 h before and 2 h after clonidine infusion.GH response did not differ significantly between control and depressed subjects overall or when divided by sex. The systolic hypotensive and sedative responses were blunted in depressed subjects compared with controls; these effects appeared to be secondary to residual antidepressant drugs since the differences were only significant for those depressed subjects with short drug-free intervals.No differences between depressed subjects and controls were seen in diastolic hypotensive or bradycardic responses and no differences in GH, cardiovascular or sedative responses were found between endogenous and non-endogenous depressed subjects.
Emotional distress and fatigue in coronary heart disease: the Global Mood Scale (GMS)
Authors: Denollet Johan 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisEvidence indicates that emotional distress has a long-term impact on morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and that symptoms of depression, fatigue, and reduced energy may identify high-risk patients. This study was designed to: (1) devise a sound and practical measure of emotional distress in CHD patients; (2) examine the relationship between emotional distress and fatigue following CHD; and (3) examine changes in emotional distress as a function of cardiac rehabilitation. A sample of 478 men with CHD (mean age = 57·8±8·7 y) filled out questionnaires 3–6 weeks following a myocardial infarction (N = 110), bypass surgery (N = 302), or coronary angioplasty (N = 66). Statistical analyses of 56 Dutch mood terms were used to produce the 20-item Global Mood Scale (GMS) which measures negative affect (characterized by fatigue and malaise), as well as positive affect (characterized by energy and sociability), in patients with CHD. The GMS was found to be a reliable scale (α > 0·90; r > 0·55 over a 3-month period), and correlations with existing measures of emotional functioning and self-deception indicated its convergent and discriminant validity. Most importantly, fatigue was not related to cardiorespiratory fitness in a subset of 140 patients, but clearly was associated with negative affect. Consistent with the self-efficacy model, scores on the GMS mood scales improved significantly as a function of rehabilitation (P < 0·0001). Although symptoms of emotional distress are easily explained away by situational factors, previous research suggests that failure to recognize the clinical significance of these symptoms in CHD patients may result in the delay of much needed intervention. The current findings suggest that the GMS is a theoretically and psychometrically sound measure of emotional distress in CHD patients, and that this scale is sufficiently sensitive to assess change.
The role of the practice nurse in the management of depression in general practice: treatment adherence to antidepressant medication
Authors: Wilkinson Greg , Allen Pam , Marshall Eileen , Walker Jan , Browne Wendy , Mann Anthony H. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of providing practice nurse support as an adjunct to standard general practitioner treatment to patients with depressive disorders prescribed antidepressant medication. With respect to the measures used and pilot study objectives identified, there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in treatment adherence to the prescription of antidepressant medication or in the incidence and severity of adverse events to medication. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are in progress to assess the effectiveness of practice nurse interventions in the management of depressive illness in general practice.
Neuroendocrine tests of monoamine function in man: a review of basic theory and its application to the study of depressive illness
Authors: Checkley S. A. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISNeuroendocrine tests are now available for studying monoamine function in the brains of patients with mental illness. Great care is required in the selection of drugs which act upon specific monoamine receptors to produce specific hormonal responses. Equal care is required in the control of biological variables which may influence hormonal release.Recently reported neuroendocrine studies of depressive illness are assessed in these terms. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that there is defective noradrenergic function in the brains of some patients with depressive illness.
Anxiety in surgical patients
Authors: Johnston Marie 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISThe natural course of anxiety before and after surgery was examined using the State– Trait Anxiety Inventory in 4 studies involving 136 surgical patients. The results suggested that high levels of anxiety were experienced before admission to hospital, between admission and surgery and following surgery, and were not restricted to the immediate pre-operative period. Only a small percentage of patients reached their maximum level of anxiety on the morning of surgery.These results have implications for those planning interventions to alleviate anxiety associated with surgery and for those studying surgical stress as a model for other naturally occurring stresses.
Neurophysiological correlates of senile dementia: I. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity
Authors: Levy Raymond , Isaacs Anthony , Hawks Gail 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYThis paper describes an investigation into the relationship between senile dementia and slowing of peripheral nerve conduction velocity. Twenty-eight demented patients and 19 controls were studied. Each patient was rated clinically and given a battery of simple psychological tests in addition to the physiological recordings. The results were as follows: (1) Motor nerve conduction was slower in the demented group than in the control group but this difference was not significant. (2) When subjects were divided according to their dementia score, those with scores above 7 were found to have motor nerve conductions which were significantly slower than those with scores of 7 or less. (3) There was a significant correlation between the severity of the dementia as measured by the rating scale and the psychological tests and the degree of slowing of motor nerve conduction. (4) In those patients who were retested after one year, increase in dementia was significantly correlated with a further slowing of conduction in motor nerves. (5) The possible role of vitamin deficiency was investigated in a small sub-group of demented patients. Deficiencies of thiamine, nicotinic acid, and vitamin B12were not thought to be important but some patients had low folate levels. The significance of these results is discussed.
Obsessional symptoms and obsessional personality traits in patients with depressive illnesses
Authors: Kendell R. E. , Discipio W. J. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYAn inventory of obsessional symptoms and traits was administered to patients with depressive illnesses while they were ill and again after recovery. They obtained higher scores than normals even when well and their scores increased considerably during episodes of depression in proportion to the depth of the depression. In mania, on the other hand, obsessional symptoms are rare.
Observations on the Psychiatric Section of the International Classification of Diseases and the British Glossary of Mental Disorders
Authors: Wing Lorna 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYProblems arising from the categories used in the Eighth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases, and from some of the definitions included in the British Glossary, are discussed. Suggestions are made for changes which would facilitate the use of the I.C.D., firstly for furnishing quantitative data to answer questions about groups of cases, and secondly for retrieval of information about patients with particular syndromes for purposes of research studies. Finally, a multi-axial system for diagnostic coding is described.
The institutes of psychiatry: growth, development, and future
Authors: Kolb Lawrence C. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYThis paper, an abbreviation of the first Aubrey Lewis Lecture, concerns itself initially with the evolution of the institute concept as a part of western institutional development. The growth of the concept of the institutes of psychiatry as organizations in medicine, initially bringing together the biological, psychosocial, and clinical sciences as they relate to the field, is documented briefly in the history of the beginnings of the New York State Psychiatric Institute, the earliest established institute in the specialty. Later sections of the paper concern themselves with the conflicts between the goals of these institutes, those of related universities, the supporting governmental agencies, and private supportres. The author discusses the problems inherent in bridging the gap between the formation of a multidisciplinary institution and one which may come to function effectively in an interdisciplinary fashion. Consideration is given to the theoretical and administrative measures potentially valuable in bridging this gap. This abbreviated version of the lecture deletes the evaluation of those factors which have led to the widespread development of the institutes of psychiatry.
Thirty-five males with double Y chromosome
Authors: Nielsen J. , Christensen A.-L. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISThirty-five males with double Y chromosome were studied. Among the features observed in certain subgroups of these 35 were a more than average height, minor vertebral abnormalities, abnormal seminiferous epithelium, minor EEG abnormalities, and a mean intelligence level significantly below the expected. Fifteen of the 35 were found in institutions for criminals. The frequency of XYY males among 1,500 criminal males was 8·67 per 1,000 compared with 1·24 per 1,000 among 6,455 randomly selected males in the general population. Males with double Y chromosome tended to have more difficulties at school, to be more mentally immature, to be more impulsive than their siblings, and to have more difficulty in making relationships with others.
The XYY syndrome: a study of four subjects and their families
Authors: Pitcher D. R. , Macfie A. M. C. , Carter W. I. , Kahn J. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISA study of four 47XYY subjects and their families is reported. These subjects were all exceptionally tall; were mostly of good intelligence and from intelligent families; and all had a history of delinquency or criminality, although they came from respectable homes. Evidence is presented, however, to suggest that both adverse environmental influences and constitutional factors other than their supernumary chromosomes nevertheless operated in these cases, indicating that their deviant behaviour need not be directly related to their chromosomal abnormality. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect especially to their bearing on conclusions drawn in the literature on the XYY syndrome.
Research in neurosis: a selective review: 2. Treatment
Authors: Marks Isaac M. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISTreatment of neurosis is selectively surveyed, including physical methods. At least four differing aims of psychotherapeutic techniques can be distinguished—to produce a rewarding experience; to nurture self-knowledge; to allow confession or catharsis; and to effect a lasting change in behaviour. The report concentrates on the last two aims. Effects of psychological treatments are considered first by syndromes and then by procedures. Prognostic issues are defined and research strategies outlined. Further work is suggested, including the relief of acute neurotic distress before referral for specialist help, the combination of psychotropic drugs and psychological treatments, the application of specific psychotherapeutic techniques for defined ends, and elucidation of the active therapeutic ingredients in these methods.
Use of hospital beds in neighbouring East London boroughs
Authors: Robin A. A. , Hakki A. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisTwo adjacent areas of Greater London are compared to determine their respective use of psychiatric beds of different types. The one-day census is shown accurately to reflect average bed use in any year. The areas and hospitals involved employed different community and social work policies. A difference emerges in the use of long stay beds. A community-based social work service appears to make little impact on the use of short stay beds, and appears less successful than a hospital-related service in preventing hospital chronicity. Community social work services may identify psychogeriatric patients requiring hospital admission.
A cognitive behavioural approach to the treatment of bulimia
Authors: Fairburn Christopher 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisBulimia nervosa is a relatively common eating disorder which has a significant physical and psychological morbidity and a poor prognosis. A behavioural approach to its treatment is described. This focuses on increasing control over eating, eliminating food avoidance and changing maladaptive attitudes. Preliminary findings are promising, with improvement appearing to be maintained. Components of the treatment may benefit patients who simply complain of overeating.
Does a plasma level of chlorpromazine help?
Authors: van Putten Theodore , May Philip R. A. , Jenden Donald J. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisForty-eight newly admitted schizophrenic patients were treated with a fixed, conservative (6·6 mg/kg) dose of chlorpromazine (CPZ) for 28 days. CPZ plasma levels were measured by a gas chromatography mass spectrometry method (GCMS) using 2H6-chlorpromazine as an internal standard. At the end of the fixed-dose period, ‘responders’ had the same plasma levels as ‘non-responders’, suggesting that lack of response is primarily a matter of the illness' sensitivity to CPZ, not to a plasma level below some therapeutic window. After the fixed-dose period, the dosage of CPZ was increased in the ‘non-responders’ by physician's choice. Improvement occurred over a wide range of 10–225 picomoles (3–72 ng)/ml. Above 300 picomoles (95 ng/ml) 4 inaccessible patients eventually became much worse, suggesting psychotoxicity. It is in the inaccessible patient whose illness is only minimally, or not at all, sensitive to CPZ that a plasma level might be especially useful.Interpretation of plasma levels is complicated by the speed of response: some initial non-responders improved by the 56th day of treatment on very conservative plasma levels.
The perception of drinking roles by recovering problem drinkers
Authors: McCartney John , O'Donnell Patrick J. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe perception of and attitude to drinking patterns in recovering problem drinkers (N= 29) is analysed, utilizing a similar methodology to that of Richard & Burley (1978). Fault is found, however, in the latter study both in a failure to define variables and in the authors' statistical handling of the results. In the present study, it was found that controlled drinking is only seen as close to the problem drinker's concept of himself when it entails reasonably high levels of consumption. The importance of this finding for therapy is outlined. The possible negative effects of role conflict are mentioned. It is also found that problem drinkers perceive themselves as having quite different characteristics from those they themselves attribute to alcoholics. This finding is interpreted in terms of the fundamental attribution error (Jones & Nisbett, 1972).