bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression and Anxiety: A Comparison of Older-Aged Greek-Born Immigrants and Anglo-Australians
Authors: Kiropoulos Litza A. , Klimidis Steven , Minas Harry 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To compare depressive and anxiety illness in an older-aged sample of Greekborn (GB) immigrants who were likely to have been excluded from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing due to their lack of fluency in the English language and for whom rates of mental disorder are unknown, with a comparably recruited sample of Anglo-Australians (AA). Method: One hundred and forty-six GB and 146 AA respondents with a mean age of 68 years living in Melbourne and recruited through social clubs, completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-2) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in addition to socio-demographic and other background questions. Results: Greek-born respondents exhibited higher depression and anxiety scores and reported more depressive and anxiety symptomatology than the AA respondents. More GB respondents (17.1%) were likely to be included in the moderate to severe BDI-2 depression categories than AA (4.1%). Greek-born respondents (43.1%) were more likely to be included in the higher anxiety categories (i.e. score 41–80) of the STAI than the AA (15.8%). However, when controlling for health, economic and social factors there was no difference in the BDI-2 measures between the two groups. Despite controlling for these factors the GB still scored more highly on STAI measures than AA respondents. Conclusions: No differences were found between groups on measures of depression once controlling for age, education and occupational level, current financial status, marital status, household composition, current work status, physical health and stress. Such factors were also shown to influence group-differences anxiety but they not entirely explain group differences. Higher anxiety in GB respondents were likely to have been determined through the effects of additional but unmeasured cultural and immigrant status factors. Psychological morbidity in immigrants is best accounted for by considering the influence of social, health and other living conditions in addition to the effects of culture or immigrant status.
Correlates of Self-Reported Coercive Parenting of Preschool-Aged Children at High Risk for the Development of Conduct Problems
Authors: Bor William , Sanders Matthew R. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: This study examines the correlates of coercive parenting in a high-risk sample of 305 three-year-old children likely to develop later conduct problems. As parental coercion has been identified as a significant risk factor for future psychopathology, the study sought to identify modifiable inter and intra-personal factors most closely associated with coercion. Method: Key variables known to place young children at future risk, such as maternal mood states, current child behaviour problems, demographic characteristics such as low income, past mental health problems and parents' sense of competence, were analyzed based on parent-report measures and clinical interviews. Correlational and heirachical regression analysis identified key predictors of coercion. Results: Three variables emerged as the strongest predictors of maternal coercion: selfefficacy, child behaviour and maternal depression. Demographic factors contributed little to the model. Conclusions: Enhancing parental self-efficacy, especially specific parenting tasks with disruptive young children has the potential to make a significant contribution toward prevention of future conduct problems.
Can Psychiatric Terminology be Translated into Legal Regulation? The Anorexia Nervosa Example
Authors: Beumont Pierre , Beumont Pierre , Carney Terry , Beumont Pierre , Carney Terry 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To explore the tension between the definition of mental illness in clinical psychiatry and its embodiment in legislation applied by tribunals reviewing decisions to treat.Method: Severe anorexia nervosa is used as a case exemplar of the tension between the appropriate narrative to express the clinical imperative to treat and the law's focus on finer technical language which secures individual civil rights and liberties. Australian and international experience is reviewed.Results: The paper finds that the clinical and the legal narratives about how to ‘define’ mental illness do differ at the formal level of expression where they necessarily intersect in the setting of tribunal review of involuntary treatment decisions. However, in practice mental health admissions and tribunal reviews generally endorse the clinical applications of that more capacious and fluid terminology of clinical psychiatry.Conclusions: While tribunal reviews of clinical decisions may occasionally require clinicians to participate in an unfamiliar legal dialogue about narrowly construed definitions of mental illness, tribunals apply more complex tests which are sensitive to clinical practice and good therapeutic objectives.
Grey Lungs and Blue Moods: Smoking Cessation in the Context of Lifetime Depression History
Authors: Wilhelm Kay , Wilhelm Kay , Arnold Karen , Niven Heather , Richmond Robyn 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To present an overview of the relationship between depression and cigarette smoking and to provide recommendations for clinicians who wish to help patients with a history of depression to stop smoking.Method: English language journal articles published in the last 15 years on clinical material related to depression history, smoking cessation and related health issues were collected via MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library database searches.Results: Nicotine dependence is associated with increased rates of depression prior to and after taking up smoking as well as increased rates of suicidal ideation. Depression history is associated with increased rates of nicotine dependence, problems with smoking cessation and depression after cessation. While nicotine replacement and counselling are effective for smoking cessation, standard smoking cessation strategies may not pay sufficient attention to the needs of smokers with a depression history. Some antidepressants (bupropion and nortriptyline) are particularly effective for those with a lifetime depression history as they appear to assist with dysphoria during withdrawal and prevent relapse. Psychological and lifestyle strategies, such as motivational interviewing, relaxation exercises and mood charts, assist in mood regulation over and above the standard smoking cessation treatments for smokers with a depression history, who require more attention to relapse of depression and smoking after quitting.Conclusions: There is a complex and circular relationship between depression, smoking and medical illness that complicates smoking cessation in those who have a history of depression. Depression-history smokers require a multimodal approach to assist with mood regulation and nicotine withdrawal. Further research is required to identify effective strategies to reduce smoking in this context.
Mortality and Further Suicidal Behaviour After an Index Suicide Attempt: a 10-Year Study
Authors: Gibb Sheree J. , Beautrais Annette L. , Fergusson David M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To examine further suicide attempts and mortality in the 10 years after a suicide attempt requiring hospital admission. Method: Participants were a consecutive series of 3690 individuals admitted to Christchurch Hospital for attempted suicide during the 10-year period 1993–2002. Data were obtained on admissions to Christchurch Hospital for attempted suicide during the study period. Mortality subsequent to the index suicide attempt was established from the National Mortality Database. The influence of age, gender and method of index suicide attempt on mortality and further suicide attempts requiring hospitalization were examined. Results: Within 10 years, 28.1% of those who had been admitted for an index suicide attempt were readmitted for a further non-fatal suicide attempt, and 4.6% died by suicide. Risks and rates of readmission were higher in: females; those under 55; and those whose index attempt involved a method of low lethality. Risks and rates of suicide were higher in: males; those aged 25 and over; and those using an index suicide attempt method of high lethality. Risks and rates of readmission and mortality from suicide were highest in the first 2 years after the index attempt, although deaths and readmissions occurred throughout the 10 years study period. Conclusions: Those making suicide attempts requiring hospital admission are at high risk of further hospitalization for suicide attempt and of death from suicide. These findings suggest a need for ongoing support and monitoring, and for enhanced treatment and management of all those making suicide attempts which require hospital admission in an effort to reduce risks of further suicidal behaviour.
A Tale of Two Jurisdictions. Can Australia and Canada Learn from Each Other's Experience with Cannabis Control?
Authors: Kisely Steve 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To compare public health and legal policies to reduce the harm associated with cannabis use in Canada and Australia, given similarities between both countries. Method: A review of the epidemiological and health policy literature. Results: Although both countries have adopted harm minimization, a continued heavy reliance on legislative and punitive approaches in both Canada and Australia has failed to arrest the increase in cannabis use, especially among young people. A Senate inquiry in Canada has recommended the liberalization of laws on the possession and use of cannabis, while tightening legislation against operating vehicles or machinery while intoxicated. Conclusions: Existing policies are not evidence-based and lead to adverse outcomes such as criminalization of otherwise law-abiding citizens and diversion of resources from more effective policing or health service initiatives.
Victimization of Patients with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B. , De Castella A. R. , Filia K. M. , Filia S. L. , Benitez J. , Kulkarni J. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Previous research has predominately focused on patients with mental illness as the instigators, rather than the victims, of violence and criminal activity. However, patients with schizophrenia appear to experience a higher degree of victimization compared to general community samples. We aimed to establish the 1-month prevalence of violent and non-violent victimization in a sample of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and to investigate the determinants of victimization. Method: Reports of violent and non-violent victimization were recorded in 348 patients in Dandenong, an outer metropolitan suburb of Melbourne, Australia along with the subjective perception of patients as to their degree of protection from being robbed or attacked. Patients reporting victimization were compared with those who did not, across a range of clinical and psychosocial variables. Results: 11.2% of the sample reported being the victim of non-violent crime and 4.3% the victim of violent crime in the 1-month period. 23.2% reported dissatisfaction with their protection against being attacked or robbed. The major determinant of victimization was the lack of any meaningful daily activity. Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are at increased risk of victimization, both of the violent and non-violent type. Further research is required to understand the pathways through which victimization occurs and to understand whether psychosocial interventions can reduce victimization in this patient population.
The Impact of Beyondblue: The National Depression Initiative on the Australian Public's Recognition of Depression and Beliefs About Treatments
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Jorm Anthony F. , Christensen Helen , Griffiths Kathleen M. , Jorm Anthony F. , Christensen Helen , Griffiths Kathleen M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To evaluate whether a campaign to increase public knowledge about depression ( beyondblue: the national depression initiative) has influenced the Australian public's ability to recognize depression and their beliefs about treatments. Method: Data from national surveys of mental health literacy in 1995 and 2003–04 were analysed to see if states and territories which funded beyondblue (the high exposure states) had greater change than those that did not (the low exposure states). In both surveys, participants were asked what was wrong with a person in a depression case vignette and to give opinions about the likely helpfulness for this person of a range of treatments. In the 2003–04 survey participants were also asked questions to assess awareness of beyondblue. Results: Awareness of beyondblue in the states that provided funding was found to be around twice the level of those that did not. Using the low-exposure states as a control, the high-exposure states had greater change in beliefs about some treatments, particularly counselling and medication, and about the benefits of help-seeking in general. Recognition of depression improved greatly at a national level, but slightly more so in the high-exposure states. Conclusions: The data are consistent with beyondblue having had a positive effect on some beliefs about depression treatment.
Screening and Treatment for Depression During Pregnancy: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Carter Frances A , Carter Janet D , Luty Suzanne E , Wilson Deborah A , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Joyce Peter R 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the recruitment and retention of depressed pregnant women, identified initially through screening, to a randomized controlled psychotherapy trial. Method: Consecutive pregnant women presenting for routine ultrasound scan were asked to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Women who scored greater than 12 on the EPDS and who agreed to contact were invited to attend an initial assessment to determine eligibility for the trial. Consenting, eligible women were randomized to either cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or routine clinical care (RCC). Follow-up assessments were conducted at mid (6 weeks following initial assessment), end (approximately 36 weeks gestation), and postpartum (approximately 4 months postdelivery) for all participants. Results: 400 women were offered the EPDS, and 93% completed the questionnaire (370/400). Thirteen percent (49/370) of these women scored greater than 12, although only a minority of these women agree to be contacted (15/49). Of those who agreed to be contacted, less than half attended initial interview (7/15 attended; 3/15 ineligible; 5/15 declined). Upon interview, all women except for one, were eligible and consenting (6/7). Three women were randomized to CBT and three to RCC. Only one woman randomized to CBT chose to commence treatment, and only one woman randomized to RCC was offered treatment for her low mood by her lead maternity provider. Conclusions: While the vast majority of pregnant women were willing to complete a depression screening questionnaire, most did not agree to additional contact or assessment, and either were not offered treatment or did not accept treatment. This was not an effective recruitment strategy for a randomized controlled psychotherapy trial.
Work-Related Subjective Experiences Among Community Residents with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Waghorn Geoff , Chant David , King Robert 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To develop a self-report scale of subjective experiences of illness perceived to impact on employment functioning, as an alternative to a diagnostic perspective, for anticipating the vocational assistance needs of people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders.Method: A repeated measures pilot study (n1= 26, n2= 21) of community residents with schizophrenia identified a set of work-related subjective experiences perceived to impact on employment functioning. Items with the best psychometric properties were applied in a 12 month longitudinal survey of urban residents with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (n1= 104; n2= 94; n3= 94).Results: Construct validity, factor structure, responsiveness, internal consistency, stability, and criterion validity investigations produced favourable results. Work-related subjective experiences provide information about the intersection of the person, the disorder, and expectations of employment functioning, which suggest new opportunities for vocational professionals to explore and discuss individual assistance needs.Conclusion: Further psychometric investigations of test-retest reliability, discriminant and predictive validity, and research applications in supported employment and vocational rehabilitation, are recommended. Subject to adequate psychometric properties, the new measure promises to facilitate exploring: individuals' specific subjective experiences; how each is perceived to contribute to employment restrictions; and the corresponding implications for specialized treatment, vocational interventions and workplace accommodations.
Application of Risk Assessment for Violence Methods to General Adult Psychiatry: A Selective Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Simpson Alexander I. F. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: General adult psychiatrists are required to assess risk of violence as frequently as forensic psychiatrists. Yet most of the literature on risk assessment has originated from forensic settings, has been written by forensic psychiatrists, is applicable to forensic patients but may not apply to general psychiatric settings. Because the patient population and the nature of risk assessed may differ between the two settings, there is a need to consider the relevance of systems of assessment of risk of violence specific to the context of general adult psychiatry. Methods: We searched the literature on the way risk has been conceptualized in different disciplines using Medline database from 1993 to 2003. Keywords used were violence and risk management and risk assessment. Additional papers were identified from cross-references and personal knowledge of authors. Results: Seven hundred and nine key papers were identified. We identified three common key concepts that define risk: Uncertainty, weighing up the likelihood of different outcomes arising and, the possibility of benefits as well as harm due to risk assessment. The impact of safety culture – the collection of beliefs, norms, attitudes, roles and practices while making daily activities and management decisions – on psychiatric thinking is examined. We review the two main methods of risk assessment from forensic psychiatric literature (actuarial and clinical) with a view to examine their utility in general adult psychiatric context. Conclusions: In order to develop a system of risk assessment relevant to general adult psychiatry, we note the benefits of shifting from risk prediction to assessment, management and reduction of risk, the need to merge actuarial and clinical approaches, communication of risk and finally the need to involve patients in the process of risk assessment.
The Validity of the DSM-IV Subtypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Woo Bernardine S. C. , Rey Joseph M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To examine the validity of the three subtypes of ADHD defined by DSM-IV. Method: Studies published in English were identified through searches of literature databases. Results: Estimates of the prevalence of ADHD have increased as a result of the introduction of DSM-IV criteria. Factor analytical and genetic studies provide some support for the validity of the distinction between the three subtypes. However, diagnosis of the combined subtype seems more reliable than the other two subtypes, although reliability is largely unknown for the latter. The hyperactive-impulsive subtype, the least common, differs from the other two subtypes in age distribution, association with other factors and neuropsychological parameters. Almost all treatment trials are based on participants with the combined type. Conclusion: Data supporting the validity of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes of ADHD a decade after the publication of DSM-IV are still scarce. Given that inattention is the hypothesized core ADHD symptom, it remains to be demonstrated that hyperactive-impulsive children who are not inattentive have the same condition. One of the main research deficits refers to data on treatment of the inattentive and hyperactive impulsive subtypes.
What is a Clinically Important Level of Improvement in Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
Authors: Hazell Philip , Lewin Terry , Sly Ketrina 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To compare the desired and actual reduction in scores on a parent reported behaviour rating scale in a naturalistic sample of children and adolescents who had been treated with psychostimulant medication, referenced to global ratings of treatment benefit. Method: Forty-five parents reporting poor global response to psychostimulant treatment, 44 reporting moderate response, and 49 reporting a high response retrospectively completed Conners rating scales describing their child prior to treatment, the child currently, and how the parent hoped the child would be following treatment. Results: Percentage actual improvement in behaviour rating scales from baseline ranged from around 25% for the poor responders to above 50% for the high responders. Desired improvement was above 50%, with no significant difference between the groups on level of expectation. Conclusions: Percentage cut points used to indicate clinical improvement reported in previous controlled trials of psychostimulant medication are probably too low, and could lead to an overestimate of treatment effect. Expectation of treatment benefit is unlikely to contribute to variation in treatment response.
Dyssomnia in Children Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Critical Review
Authors: Bullock Gabrielle L. , Schall Ulrich 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Studies prior to 1999 reported prevalent sleep disturbances in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these reports were largely inconclusive and inconsistent in their findings, hence the current review based on studies published thereafter. Method: An online research of the National Library of Medicine and the Cochrane Library was conducted using the terms ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’, ‘sleep’, ‘human’, and ‘English language’. Results: Sixteen articles met the search criteria with 10 reporting objective measures of sleep characteristics (i.e. polysomnography, actigraphy, and/or video recording). These studies confirm an increase of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and a proportional decrease of REM sleep in children diagnosed with ADHD. Stimulant treatment appears to have little effect on sleep quality while parent's reports of poor sleep in their ADHD-diagnosed offspring was largely inconsistent with the objective measures. Conclusions: The review demonstrated a link between disturbances in sleep architecture and ADHD. Whether this is of an intrinsic or extrinsic cause remains debateable, as both behavioural (parental reporting) and physiological (objective differences in sleep architecture) factors are indicated. The effect of stimulant medication on sleep also requires further research, as current evidence is limited by study design.