bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An experimental phenomenological approach to delusional memory in schizophrenia and late paraphrenia
Authors: David Anthony S. , Howard Robert 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisA preliminary model is described to account for the ‘reality testing’ of memories (after Johnson & Raye, 1981) in an attempt to explain delusional memory. Two routes are proposed: route one involves evaluation of the factual content of the memories against stored general knowledge. Route two relies on the evaluation of the perceptual and narrative characteristics of memories with the assumption that the stronger these characteristics, the more likely the memory is to be real. The integrity of these routes is examined in four patients with delusional memories, using standardized tests. The results suggest that in these cases, general knowledge is essentially intact while the perceptual characteristics of delusional memories are stronger than real memories which in turn, are stronger than fantasies. This could lead the evaluation system to accept delusional memories as true memories despite their implausibility. The roles of rehearsal and affect are probably important in this and require further study.
An unusual presentation of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hotopf M. H. , Pollock S. , Lishman W. A. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisTwo male patients who presented with unusual pictures of dementia in the absence of other obvious symptoms or signs are reported. Investigations demonstrated changes highly suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) on magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and electrophysiological tests. We suggest this represents a rare presentation of multiple sclerosis.
The psychological impact of motor neurone disease
Authors: Hogg K. E. , Goldstein L. H. , Leigh P. N. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisSelf-report measures were completed by 59 individuals with motor neurone disease (MND) in order to assess whether: (a) MND affects patients' psychological well-being and quality of life; (b) if greater affective disorder is associated with greater physical disability; (c) whether accepting the illness and ways of coping have an impact on psychological distress, and (d) if beliefs over control of their health shift as the disease progresses. Results indicated that the effects of MND on everyday functioning accounted for incidence of depression and low self-esteem. Acceptance of illness was related to severity of symptoms and was a significant factor irrespective of level of physical symptomatology. Ways of coping with the illness did not relate in any significant way to severity of symptoms. Mild physical impairments were associated with an ‘internal’ view of control over health.
Psychosocial factors and chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Lewis Suzan , Cooper Cary L. , Bennett Derrick 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis study investigated the number and severity of life events, Type A behaviour, coping strategies and social support differences between chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome patients prior to illness and between these groups and healthy controls. Although few differences were found between the groups for life events, a number of interesting results emerged with regard to different aspects of Type A behaviour, various coping strategies and social support. These findings are discussed with respect to existing research in the field.
Development and validation of the Computerized Clinician Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale-1-Revised
Authors: Neal L. A. , Busuttil W. , Herapath R. , Strike P. W. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisA computer administered version of the clinician administered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scale-1 was developed to assess PTSD in subjects presenting with psychological symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. Both forms were administered to 40 subjects who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, third edition, revised (DSM-III-R) criteria for exposure to a significantly traumatic stressor. Inter-observer reliability was demonstrated with a kappa statistic of 0·90. The computer version had a sensitivity of 0·95 and a specificity 0·95. A correlation of 0·95 was found between the two versions and the mean score difference was non-significant. The computer form demonstrated adequate internal reliability and test–retest reliability. Overall results suggest the computer version is a valid and reliable measure of PTSD.
Social problems as factors affecting medical consultation: a comparison between general practice attenders and community probands with emotional distress
Authors: Pini S. , Piccinelli M. , Zimmermann-Tansella Ch. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisComparison between general practice attenders and community subjects with emotional distress (as measured by GHQ–12) showed that women from a general practice sample reported more social problems than those from the community. In both men and women, problems with their spouse or partner were far more likely among general practice attenders than among community probands. Furthermore, women who consulted the general practitioners could count less often on the availability of friend confidants and had more well-defined physical disorder than their community counterparts. Results from a logistic regression analysis showed that in women (but not in men) problems in the relationship with spouse or partner increased the probability of being a general practice attender more than twofold. Physical health status did not exert a significant effect either in men or in women.
Determinants of the help-seeking process: Goldberg and Huxley's first level and first filter
Authors: Verhaak Peter F. M. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThis paper discusses minor psychiatric morbidity in the community and its relation to help-seeking. The research is aimed at identifying the demographic and social characteristics that enhance the likelihood of minor psychiatric morbidity, as measured by the General Health Questionnaire, and to reveal how these determinants relate to health status. In the second stage of the study, the same characteristics are related to their effect on the decision to consult a general practitioner and, more specifically, on presenting psycho-social problems to the GP. At the population level, the likelihood of a high GHQ score was greater for women, divorced persons and the unemployed, other variables remaining equal. However, GHQ score was contaminated by poor subjective health perception, especially for unemployed persons. Chronic physical illness did not have an independent effect on the GHQ score. Chronic physical illness did influence help-seeking. In addition, several socio-demographic characteristics showed an independent effect on consulting behaviour for both GHQ-positive and GHQ-negative patients. Women, unemployed persons and publicly insured patients with a minor psychiatric disturbance were more apt to visit their GP, regardless of their physical health status. However, no socio-demographic characteristics increased the likelihood that a GHQ-positive patient would present unambiguous psycho-social complaints as a reason to see their doctor.
Detecting psychiatric disorders in medical practice using the General Health Questionnaire. Why do cut-off scores vary?
Authors: Van Hemert A. M. , Den Heijer M. , Vorstenbosch M. , Bolk J. H. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisIn this study we assessed the accuracy of the General Health Questionnaire in detecting psychiatric disorders in general medical out-patients. A total of 290 newly referred patients were interviewed with the Present State Examination. Prior to the interview, 112 patients completed the full GHQ-60, 100 completed the GHQ-30 and 78 completed the GHQ-12. Data from the first group were used to study the full GHQ-60, together with the GHQ-30 and and GHQ-12, when disembedded from the full questionnaire. In a comparison between the disembedded and the separate versions of the GHQ-30 and GHQ-12 we observed considerable variation in the cut-off scores where a certain sensitivity and specificity was attained. In ROC-analysis, the versions were not materially different in their discriminatory capacity (area under the curve). The use of different criteria to define a ‘case’ demonstrated that case severity was another source of increasing cut-off scores. Our data demonstrate that the use of disembedded or separate versions of the questionnaire, together with variation in the case criteria can be a major explanation for variation in cut-off scores that was observed in previous studies.
Attempted suicide in Oxford University students, 1976–1990
Authors: Hawton Keith , Haigh Rex , Simkin Sue , Fagg Joan 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisDuring the 14 years between the beginning of academic year 1976–7 and the end of academic year 1989–90, 216 Oxford University students (119 females and 97 males) were referred to the general hospital in Oxford because of suicide attempts (254 in all). The rate of attempted suicide during university term-time (106/100000) was lower than in other young people of similar age in Oxford City (164/100000). The difference was particularly marked in females (178/100000 v. 269/100000). The lower rate in the students may in part reflect their generally higher socio-economic status. Very few of the attempts by the students appeared to be failed suicides. The most frequent problems faced by the students at the time of their attempts were interpersonal, especially difficulties regarding partners, followed by academic problems. The latter were usually problems with ongoing course work rather than with the Finals examinations. Approximately a quarter of the students had psychiatric problems, with personality disorders and depression being most common. At least 30% had a history of previous attempts. Suggestions are made concerning measures for improving the management and prevention of attempted suicide by students.
Genetic influences on eating attitudes in a normal female twin population
Authors: Rutherford J. , McGuffin P. , Katz R. J. , Murray R. M. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisThe Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) were administered to a female volunteer twin population aged 18 to 45 years. Both members of 147 monozygotic (MZ) and 99 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs completed the questionnaires. Thirty-five subjects scored over the cut-off point of the EAT-26. Interviews of these high-scoring twins and their co-twins identified three subjects with a past history of anorexia nervosa, and three others with a history of a partial syndrome. A heritability value of 41% was obtained for the overall EAT scores, while factor analysis produced a ‘dieting’ factor with a heritability of 42%. The ‘body dissatisfaction’ and ‘drive for thinness’ subscales of the EDI had heritability values of 52 and 44% respectively. The genetic contribution to the variance in body mass index in the twin sample was estimated at 64%. For all the above phenotypes, an environmental model of transmission with heritability constrained to be zero, could be rejected. Conversely, we were unable to reject a purely additive genetic model with shared environmental variance constrained at zero, suggesting that family environment has little or no effect on the transmission of many of these traits.
A latent trait analysis of an inventory designed to detect symptoms of anxiety and depression using an elderly community sample
Authors: Mackinnon A. , Christensen H. , Jorm A. F. , Henderson A. S. , Scott R. , Korten A. E. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisAn 18-item inventory designed by Goldberget al.(1987) to detect symptoms of anxiety and depression was administered to an elderly general population sample. Latent trait analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of the inventory and the location and discriminatory ability of the symptoms. The items showed different patterns of discrimination in this group compared to the sample of general practice attenders on which the inventory was developed. Overall, the items did define two correlated dimensions of anxiety and depression. In addition, a third dimension of sleep disturbance was detected. Both individual scales and the total symptom scores were sensitive and relatively specific detectors of depressive disorders assessed according to ICD-10 and DSM-III-R criteria. The retention of sleep items on their original scales did not affect the sensitivity of the scales to detect depressive disorders. A two-step administration procedure suggested for use in the administration of the scales was investigated but found to be sensitive to differences between the current sample and the sample on which the inventory was developed. This symptom inventory can be recommended for use in epidemiological investigations as a brief, valid and acceptable method of detecting elevated levels of anxiety and depression in elderly persons.
Cerebral ventricle dimensions as risk factors for schizophrenia and affective psychosis: an epidemiological approach to analysis
Authors: Jones P. B. , Harvey I. , Lewis S. W. , Toone B. K. , Van Os J. , Williams M. , Murray R. M. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisA case–control study was undertaken of volumetric computerized tomographic scan measures in 216 consecutive admissions for functional psychosis and 67 healthy community controls. Odds ratio analysis demonstrated significant linear trends in the association between increasing lateral and third ventricle volumes, and both RDC schizophrenia (N= 121) and schizoaffective disorder (N= 41); cases were consistently associated with larger volumes than controls. There was an association between larger third, but not lateral, ventricle size in affective psychoses (N= 54). These associations were statistically independent of intracranial volume, sex, social class and ethnicity, factors which were significantly associated with ventricular measures in the controls. There was no evidence of a threshold corresponding to the notion of normalversusenlarged ventricles.Within the schizophrenia group, there were no large or significant associations between ventricle dimensions and age at onset, duration of illness or pre-morbid social functioning. Neither obstetric complications nor a family history of schizophrenia or other psychiatric illness was associated with large ventricles in these cases.
The selection of long-stay hospital patients for hostels: a study of patients selected for an experimental hostel and for local authority hostels
Authors: Pryce I. G. 
Published: July 2009

synopsisChronic in-patients from a sample population of 48 women and 43 men were selected for an experimental hospital-hostel and for local authority hostels. Two-thirds were found suitable for the former but only a sixth for the latter. The problems of selection for and management at the experimental hostel are described, and the overall results discussed in relation to recent proposals for the residential care of chronic patients.
The many faces of human ageing: toward a psychological culture of old age
Authors: Baltes Paul B. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISIn an effort to distil major findings about the nature of human ageing, seven propositions are presented as a guiding frame of reference. This propositional framework is then used to specify some conditions for a positive culture of old age and to advance one possible model of good psychological ageing. This model focuses on the dynamic interplay between three processes: selection, optimization, and compensation. The model is universal in its basic features, but at the same time emphasizes individual variations in phenotypic manifestation.
Work stress, family stress and depression in professional and managerial employees
Authors: Phelan Jo , Schwartz Joseph E. , Bromet Evelyn J. , Dew Mary A. , Parkinson David K. , Schulberg Herbert C. , Dunn Leslie O. , Blane Howard , Curtis E. Carroll 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISDetailed interviews were conducted with 1523 married professional and managerial employees of a major US corporation to test associations of acute and chronic occupational and domestic stress with DSM-III-R major depression and current depressive symptoms. After controlling for demographic and clinical risk factors, both sources of stress were significantly associated with the two measures of depression. On the other hand, neither the demographic and clinical risk factors, nor several psychosocial characteristics (social support, sense of mastery and organizational commitment) moderated the relationship between stress and depression.
Evaluation of a brief psychological treatment for emotional disorders in primary care
Authors: Catalan J. , Gath D. H. , Anastasiades P. , Bond S. A. K. , Day A. , Hall L. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISA randomized trial in general practice compared: (i) a brief psychological treatment (problem-solving) given by a psychiatrist; (ii) any treatment of the GP's choice, whether psychological or pharmacological. The patients had recent onset emotional disorders of poor prognosis. Patients in the problem-solving group showed significantly greater reductions in symptoms. Problem-solving as given by a psychiatrist was feasible in primary care and acceptable to patients. Problem-solving is now being evaluated as given by general practitioners trained in the method.
The contribution of list length to the absence of the primacy effect in word recall in dementia of the Alzheimer type
Authors: Bemelmans K. J. , Goekoop J. G. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISIt has repeatedly been demonstrated that patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) show an absence of the primacy effect when asked to recall a list of items. The results of the present study show that the absence of the primacy effect in DAT patients is related to list length but probably in a way that is qualitatively not specific since it follows the same pattern as in normal ageing. It is also demonstrated that DAT patients differ in learning style. It is suggested that this indicates a reduced capacity to maintain controlled processing.
Adrenocorticotropin hormone, β-endorphin and cortisol responses to oCRF in melancholic patients
Authors: Maes M. , Claes M. , Vandewoude M. , Schotte C. , Martin M. , Blockx P. , Cosyns P. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISSeveral authors have reported attenuated adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) responses to corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) administration in melancholic patients as compared with healthy controls. In order to explore the integrity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis in melancholics, we examined the following parameters in 98 subjects: the ACTH; β-endorphin; and cortisol responses to ovine CRF (oCRF) (100 μg/i.v.); and the postdexamethasone cortisol values. We found significant lower CRF-induced ACTH responses in melancholic patients as opposed to healthy controls and minor depressives, while major depressives occupied an intermediate position. The psychopathological correlates of the blunted CRF-induced ACTH responses were feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or excessive guilt. The CRF-stimulated β-endorphin and cortisol response did not differ between the study samples. Higher baseline plasma cortisol was associated with attenuated CRF-induced ACTH responses, but these effects were not pertinent to melancholia. There were no relationships between the disordered oCRF test results, and postdexamethasone cortisol values, age, body size, sex and severity of illness. The diagnostic power of the oCRF and the dexamethasone suppression test for melancholia is enhanced when both test results are combined.
The Northwick Park ‘Functional’ Psychosis Study: diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Johnstone E. C. , Frith C. D. , Crow T. J. , Owens D. G. C. , Done D. J. , Baldwin E. J. , Charlette A. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISThree hundred and twenty-six consecutively admitted patients with functional psychotic illnesses to which no diagnostic classification had been applied were followed up after 2·5 years. They were examined in social, clinical and psychological terms and the CATEGO programme and DSM-III criteria were applied to data concerning the index episode to derive diagnostic classifications. The deterioration in occupational functioning and the hospital careers of patients with diagnostic classifications of schizophrenia were worse than those in the other groups and positive and negative features were also more severe in patients with a classification of schizophrenia. By contrast, no differences in psychological test performance were found between the groups based upon diagnostic classification. Impaired psychological test performance was found and it was strongly related to concurrent mental state abnormalities, particularly negative symptoms. It is concluded that the diagnostic classifications used were of limited value in predicting outcome in functional psychosis.
Frontal and non-frontal lobe neuropsychological test performance and clinical symptomatology in schizophrenia
Authors: Morrison-Stewart S. L. , Williamson P. C. , Corning W. C. , Kutcher S. P. , Snow W. G. , Merskey H. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISSchizophrenic subjects performed significantly worse on neuropsychological tests of frontal lobe function but not on tests of non-frontal lobe function when compared to a matched group of normal subjects. Correlations expected between frontal lobe neuropsychological test performance and negative symptoms were not found.
The Mental Impairment and Evaluation Treatment Service: staff attitudes and staff–client interactions
Authors: Walz Linda T. , Goldstein Laura H. 
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSISThis study describes and evaluates a new short-term residential service for adults with mild learning difficulties and challenging behaviour, the Mental Impairment Evaluation and Treatment Service. The study examines staff attitudes towards management practices, towards the potential achievement of individuals with learning difficulties, the staff's perceived involvement in decision making, and also the nature of their interaction with the clients, in two different settings on the Unit. The Unit's management practices were found to be client-orientated in nature and staff were more in agreement with client-orientated than institution-orientated management practices. Staff were generally optimistic about clients' potential and felt involved in decision making. Correlations between certain staff characteristics, attitudes and interactions are discussed. The study extends the range of services that have been evaluated in this way, and provides a description of the service in its early stages, which will provide an important comparison point for it when it is more permanently established.
Emotional disturbance following childbirth: clinical findings and urinary excretion of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate)
Authors: Ballinger C. Barbara , Buckley Dorothy E. , Naylor Graham J. , Stansfield David A. 
Published: July 2009

SynopsisEmotional disturbance was assessed in a group of women in the first few days following childbirth and again 2 months and 1 year following childbirth; the clinical features are described. Variables such as social class, age and parity were not related to the level of emotional disturbance, but a history of marital problems, sexual difficulties, poor relationships with immediate family or disrupted family relationships in childhood were so related.Twenty-four hour urinary excretion of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3' 5' cyclic monophosphate) was estimated in the same group of women on 2 occasions in the week following childbirth and again 2—3 months later in approximately one third of the original sample. Excretion of cyclic AMP in the few days following delivery was elevated compared with excretion 2—3 months later, and there was a significant rise in urinary excretion of cyclic AMP between the 1st and 2nd urine collections.Those women showing most emotional disturbance on the 3rd day after delivery and women indicating most mood change in the direction of becoming elated had the highest levels of cyclic AMP in the 2nd urine collection.