bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Naturalistic Comparison of Models of Programmatic Interventions for Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Forbes David , Lewis Virginia , Parslow Ruth , Hawthorne Graeme , Creamer Mark 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a difficult-to-treat sequel of combat. Data on effectiveness of alternate treatment structures are important for planning veterans’ psychiatric services. The present study compared clinical presentations and treatment outcomes for Australian veterans with PTSD who participated in a range of models of group-based treatment. Method: Participants consisted of 4339 veterans with combat-related PTSD who participated in one of five types of group-based cognitive behavioural programmes of different intensities and settings. Data were gathered at baseline (intake), as well as at 3 and 9 month follow up, on measures of PTSD, anxiety, depression and alcohol misuse. Analyses of variance and effect size analyses were used to investigate differences at intake and over time by programme type. Results: Small baseline differences by programme intensity were identified. Although significant improvements in symptoms were evident over time for each programme type, no significant differences in outcome were evident between programmes. When PTSD severity was considered, veterans with severe PTSD performed less well in the low-intensity programmes than in the moderate- or high-intensity programmes. Veterans with mild PTSD improved less in high-intensity programmes than in moderate- or low-intensity programmes. Conclusion: Comparable outcomes are evident across programme types. Outcomes may be maximized when veterans participate in programme intensity types that match their level of PTSD severity. When such matching is not feasible, moderate-intensity programmes appear to offer the most consistent outcomes. For regionally based veterans, delivering treatment in their local environment does not detract from, and may even enhance, outcomes. These findings have implications for the planning and purchasing of mental health services for sufferers of PTSD, particularly for veterans of more recent combat or peacekeeping deployments.
Programma 2000: Celebrating 10 Years of Activity of an Italian Pilot Programme on Early Intervention in Psychosis
Authors: Cocchi Angelo , Meneghelli Anna , Preti Antonio 
Published: December 2009

Objective: This paper describes the structure and the organization of the single Italian programme specifically targeted at the early detection of and interventions for subjects at onset of or at high risk of psychosis, Programma 2000. Methods: Programma 2000 is a comprehensive multi-modal protocol of early intervention in psychosis, set up in Milan in 1999. The service has been very active since its opening, and at the time of writing (spring (April) 2008), more than 300 young patients have been evaluated through a detailed protocol that embraces Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Cognitive Behavioural Assessment 2.0, Disability Assessment Schedule, Camberwell Family Interview, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Early Recognition Inventory Retrospective Assessment of Symptoms. The treatment includes psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), both structured and unstructured psychosocial interventions and pharmacotherapy, when necessary. Results: The programme focuses on young people aged 17–30 years: to date, a total of 132 subjects with definite psychosis or within the high-risk category have been enrolled in treatment after assessment. Patients with first-episode psychosis were, on average and expectedly, more severe than those in the at-risk group, and were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic drugs. A large majority of patients in both groups received tailored CBT; individual sessions of skills training were provided to two-thirds of patients. In both groups, improvement was found in both the BPRS and HoNOS, and in the level of global functioning as assessed on Global Assessment of Functioning at 6 month and 1 year follow up. Global functioning was more sensitive to change than symptom severity, reflecting the intensive and personalized efforts to improve social and role functioning in patients. Conclusions: Programma 2000 is still in development but it has already gained the support of therapists and other relevant people involved in the life of subjects at onset, or at high risk of psychosis.
Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder on Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Rowe Sarah L. , Jordan Jennifer , McIntosh Virginia V. W. , Carter Frances A. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Joyce Peter R. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to examine whether the presence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) adversely impacted on outcome 3 years after treatment among women with bulimia nervosa (BN), in comparison to those women with either other personality disorders (other PD) or no personality disorder (no PD). Method: Participants were 134 women who received cognitive behaviour therapy for BN. The sample was divided into three groups: BPD (n=38), other PD (n=37), and no PD (n=59). Eating disorder (ED) symptoms and attitudes, and personality traits were examined at pretreatment assessment, 1 year and 3 year follow up. Results: At pretreatment assessment the BPD group had higher purging frequency, more comorbidity and poorer general functioning than the other PD and no PD groups. By 3 year follow up, however, no significant differences were found in ED symptomatology and general functioning among the groups. Pretreatment differences between the BPD and no PD groups on the personality measures of harm avoidance, self-directedness and cooperativeness disappeared over the course of 3 years. Conclusion: Although women with BN and comorbid BPD appear more impaired at pretreatment assessment, they do not have poorer outcome than the other PD and no PD groups. The rate and level of improvement across the groups is not affected by the presence of BPD.
Enhancing Treatment Fidelity in Psychotherapy Research: Novel Approach to Measure the Components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Relapse Prevention in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Wade Darryl , Cotton Sue , Gee Donna , Pearce Tracey , Crisp Kingsley , McGorry Patrick D. , Gleeson John F. 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Establishing treatment fidelity is one of the most important aspects of psychotherapy research. Treatment fidelity refers to the methodological strategies used to examine and enhance the reliability and validity of psychotherapy. This study sought to develop and evaluate a measure specifically designed to assess fidelity to the different therapeutic components (i.e. therapy phases) of the individual intervention of a psychotherapy clinical trial (the EPISODE II trial). Method: A representative sample of sessions stratified by therapy phase was assessed using a specifically developed fidelity measure (Relapse Prevention Therapy–Fidelity Scale, RPT-FS). Each RPT-FS subscale was designed to include a different component/phase of therapy and its major therapeutic ingredients. Results: The measure was found to be reliable and had good internal consistency. The RPT-FS discriminated, almost perfectly, between therapy phases. The analysis of the therapeutic strategies implemented during the intervention indicated that treatment fidelity was good throughout therapy phases. While therapists primarily engaged in interventions from the appropriate therapeutic phase, flexibility in therapy was evident. Conclusions: This study described the development of a brief, reliable and internally consistent measure to determine both treatment fidelity and the therapy components implemented throughout the intervention. This methodology can be potentially useful to determine those components related to therapeutic change.
Shyness 3: Randomized Controlled Trial of Guided Versus Unguided Internet-Based CBT for Social Phobia
Authors: Titov Nickolai , Andrews Gavin , Choi Isabella , Schwencke Genevieve , Mahoney Alison 
Published: December 2009

Objective: In two previous randomized controlled trials Titov et al. demonstrated significant benefit from an Internet- and email-based treatment programme for social phobia. The present study (Shyness 3) explores whether participants are able to complete this programme independently. Method: A total of 98 individuals with social phobia were randomly assigned to a clinician-assisted computerized cognitive behavioural treatment (CaCCBT) group, a self-guided computerized CBT (CCBT) group, or to a waitlist control group. CaCCBT group participants completed the usual Shyness programme consisting of six online lessons, cognitive behavioural homework assignments, email contact with a therapist, and participation in an online discussion forum. CCBT group participants accessed the same resources except for therapist emails. An intention-to-treat model was used for data analyses. Results: A total of 77% of CaCCBT and 33% of CCBT group participants completed all lessons. Significant differences were found after treatment between CaCCBT and control groups (mean between-groups effect size (ES) for the social phobia measures = 1.04), and between the CaCCBT and CCBT groups (mean between-groups ES for the social phobia measures = 0.66). No significant differences were found after treatment between the CCBT and control groups (mean between-groups ES for the social phobia measures = 0.38). CCBT participants, however, who completed the six lessons made good progress (mean within-group ES for the social phobia measures = 0.62). Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that both the CaCCBT and CCBT procedures were acceptable to participants. Conclusions: The reliability of this Internet-based treatment programme for social phobia has been confirmed. The therapist-guided condition was superior to the self-guided condition, but a subgroup of participants still benefited considerably from the latter. These data confirm that self-guided education or treatment programmes for common anxiety disorders can result in significant improvements.
Lifetime Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plans and Attempts in Rural and Urban Regions of Beijing, China
Authors: Ma Xin , Xiang Yu-Tao , Cai Zhuo-Ji , Li Shu-Ran , Xiang Ying-Qiang , Guo Hong-Li , Hou Ye-Zhi , Li Zhen-Bo , Li Zhan-Jiang , Tao Yu-Fen , Dang Wei-Min , Wu Xiao-Mei , Deng Jing , Chan Sandra S. M. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chiu Helen F. K. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: There has been no large-scale survey of suicide-related behaviours including suicidal ideations, plans and attempts in China involving both rural and urban areas and using standardized assessment tools. The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime prevalence of suicide-related behaviour and its relationship with sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders in the rural and urban regions of Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 5926 subjects were randomly selected in Beijing and interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Basic sociodemographic and clinical data and data on suicide-related behaviour were also collected. Results: The overall lifetime prevalence estimates of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts were 2.3%, 1.4%, and 1.0%, respectively; the corresponding figures were 2.8%, 1.6%, and 1.3% in the rural sample, and 1.8%, 1.3%, and 0.9% in the urban sample. Age (>25years), female sex, unmarried status, lower education level, lower (<RMB500month−1) or higher (>RMB2000month−1) monthly income and presence of major medical disorders were significantly associated with increased risk of suicide-related behaviour. 36.2% of subjects with suicide-related behavior consulted a medical practitioner and 20.7% consulted a psychiatrist. Conclusions: The prevalence of lifetime suicide-related behaviour in Beijing is lower than in Western countries, but the low percentage of subjects treated for suicide-related behaviour indicates a major public health problem that should be addressed. National surveys are needed to further explore the prevalence of suicide-related behaviour in China.
Psychiatric Illness Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Sole and Partnered Parents in New Zealand
Authors: Tobias Martin , Gerritsen Sarah , Kokaua Jesse , Templeton Robert 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To quantify the excess risk of specific, diagnosable mental illnesses experienced by sole parents in New Zealand, and to estimate the contribution of socioeconomic position (SEP), co-residence with other adults (as a proxy for social and practical support) and physical health status to this excess risk. Methods: Data used in the present study were from the New Zealand Mental Health Survey, a nationally representative population-based household survey of 12992 adults (16+years) fielded in 2004. The sample included 1216 sole and 3681 partnered parents living with one or more dependent children, with an overall response rate of 73%. Mental illness (12month prevalence of anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders, and suicidality) was measured with version 3.0 of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Illness severity was measured with the Sheehan Disability Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. Covariates included household income from all sources, labour market attachment, co-residence with other adults and doctor-diagnosed chronic physical illness. Multiple logistic regression was then carried out on the weighted cross-sectional survey dataset. Results: Adjusting for demographic variables, sole parents had significantly higher 12month prevalences of mental illnesses than their partnered counterparts, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI)=2.0–3.3) for any mental illness, 2.9 (95%CI=2.1–4.0) for any serious mental illness, 2.2 (95%CI=1.7–2.8) for anxiety disorder, 2.6 (95%CI=2.0–3.4) for mood disorder, 3.6 (95%CI=2.2–6.0) for substance use disorder and 2.5 (95%CI=1.5–4.0) for suicidal ideation. Chronic physical illness accounted for only a small proportion of these excess risks. SEP and co-residence of another adult each explained approximately one-quarter of the excess risks and jointly explained approximately half (except for substance use disorders). Almost all of the effect of SEP was mediated by income, with employment status making only a very small independent contribution. Conclusions: The present results confirm the higher prevalence of mental illness experienced by sole parents, underlining the importance of improving access to primary mental health care, including alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, for sole parents. But they also caution against a solely clinical response and highlight a need to better understand and respond to the social and economic processes that lie behind the associations between mental health, socioeconomic position and sole parenthood in New Zealand.
Personality Differences Between Depressed Melancholic and Non-Melancholic Inpatients
Authors: Alex Rubino I. , Zanasi Marco , Robone Camilla , Siracusano Alberto 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to confirm that non-melancholic depression corresponds to a higher degree of personality dysfunction compared to melancholia. Method: A total of 188 inpatients, with a main DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder, were classified as melancholic and non-melancholic according to CORE system, DSM-IV, Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) Retarded Depression, and RDC Agitated Depression. Personality was assessed by means of the Temperament and Personality Questionnaire (T&P). Only patients at the nadir of their episode were included. Results: Compared to non-melancholic depressives, patients with CORE melancholia scored lower on social avoidance and higher on effectiveness and cooperativeness; patients with RDC Retarded Depression scored lower on Anxious–Worrying and Cooperativeness; patients with RDC Agitated Depression scored lower on Social Avoidance, Rejection Sensitivity and Anxious–Worrying, and higher on Effectiveness; while patients with DSM-IV melancholia scored higher on Irritability and lower on Cooperativeness. Both CORE and RDC Agitated Depression were associated with higher scores of Perfectionism. Conclusions: The hypothesis of an association of melancholic depression with less marked personality dysfunction was confirmed for CORE melancholia and RDC Agitated Depression, and not supported for DSM-IV melancholia. Mixed evidence was obtained for RDC Retarded Depression. Personality of melancholic depressives seems to be characterized not only by less dysfunction but also by perfectionism, akin to the features of Tellenbach's typus melancholicus.
Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder in an Australian Specialist Outpatient Clinic: Comparison Across Large Datasets
Authors: Mitchell Philip B. , Johnston Amy K. , Corry Justine , Ball Jillian R. , Malhi Gin S. 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: There have been relatively few detailed reports on the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder in large outpatient clinical samples. This paper reports on findings from the Black Dog Institute Bipolar Disorders Clinic (BDI-BDC) and compares this dataset with the predominantly outpatient Stanley Foundation Bipolar Disorders Network (SFBN) and Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) samples. Methods: A total of 217 patients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder were assessed in detail in the BDI-BDC using a series of standardized and non-standardized structured interviews. Ninety per cent had bipolar I disorder, and 10% bipolar II disorder. This sample was compared with the SFBN and STEP-BD datasets. Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of the three samples were remarkably similar. Female gender and younger age were overrepresented compared to the general population. Functional impairment, indicated by marital status and labour force participation, was clearly more common among the study subjects than in the general population. In all three samples, prior educational attainment was higher than the general population. With respect to clinical features, approximately half of each sample was euthymic and approximately one-third was in a DSM-IV episode of depression at study entry. One-half reported depression as their first episode of mood disturbance. Similar proportions identified positive family histories of bipolar disorder (40%) and unipolar depression (55%). Other clinical characteristics demonstrated more variation between the samples. The STEP-BD population reported an earlier age of onset. The SFBN subjects reported higher numbers of overall episodes, but psychotic features and suicide attempts were less common than in the BDI-BDC sample. Conclusions: This report highlights the marked commonalities of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with bipolar disorder recruited predominantly in the outpatient setting in three different continents, that is, Australia, North America and Europe. It also demonstrates some critical distinctions between such samples, emphasizing the need to be aware of these differences when interpreting findings, such as treatment outcome, from different bipolar disorder datasets.
Can the Highly Cited Psychiatric Paper be Predicted Early?
Authors: Hyett Matthew , Parker Gordon 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Predicting the impact of any research article on its scientific discipline is often viewed as requiring the passage of time. A recent BMJ article, however, reported that an article's citation rate at 2years could be predicted by data available 3weeks following publication. The question remains as to whether establishing a citation trajectory at an early stage holds for psychiatric publications, given the low percentage of psychiatric articles in their analysis. The aim of the current article was to critically examine this area of the scientific literature. Method: Data were collected from the Institute for Scientific Information on scientific papers published in January/February 2006, in the top 30 psychiatric journals. Analyses examined the comparative impact of early citation numbers and several predictors identified in the BMJ article. Results: Only two BMJ variables (a larger number of references per article and larger number of authors) predicted higher citations at 2years in the principal analysis. Citation counts at 1, 3, 6 and 12months predicted citations at 2years, with increasing success over time, and such citation counts were distinctly superior to the quantified variables in the previous study. Conclusions: It appears doubtful that data available at 3weeks after publication for psychiatric articles are useful in predicting citation counts at 2years. The trajectory of citation counts for a psychiatric article becomes more apparent with time.
Parent Problem Checklist: Measure of Parent Conflict
Authors: Morawska Alina , Thompson Emma 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to validate the psychometric properties of the Parent Problem Checklist (PPC), and to examine the contribution of conflict specific to child-rearing to the prediction of child problems. Method: The study examined the relationship between marital conflict, parenting conflict and emotional and behavioural problems in children aged 2–16 years, in evaluating the psychometric properties of the PPC in a sample of 200 parents. Results: Analysis of the PPC indicated good reliability and validity. Findings support the hypothesis that parenting conflict influences children's outcomes more than either general marital conflict or marital satisfaction. Conclusions: There are a number of implications for clinical practice and understanding the role of parenting conflict in the development of child difficulty.
Stabilization of the Internal Structure of Persistent Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Chang Jae Seung , Yi Jung Seo , Ahn Yong Min , Kim Jong Hoon , Kim Yong Sik 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the phenomenological characteristics of auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia. Difficulties in understanding the clinical significance of auditory verbal hallucinations may be attributed to the changes in symptom structure over the long-term course of the illness. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the longitudinal changes in the phenomenological dimensions of auditory verbal hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales–Auditory Hallucination Subscale, 40 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia (drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia, n=21; and drug-free chronic schizophrenia, n=19) who reported persistent auditory verbal hallucinations were assessed before the initiation of antipsychotic treatment and after 6 months of treatment. To detect the changes in underlying clusters of phenomenological variables, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional analysis were performed. Results: The phenomenological variables of auditory verbal hallucinations formed two main clusters with 6 month treatment: emotional and cognitive. Physical characteristics failed to indicate a stable cluster. Psychosocial disruption, which initially formed a cluster with cognitive variables, congregated with emotional variables at 6 months. Subgroup analysis indicated that the cluster structure of the first-episode group showed more dynamic changes than did that of the chronic schizophrenia group. Conclusions: Phenomenological variables characterizing persistent auditory verbal hallucinations can be differentiated into emotional and cognitive clusters with achievement of symptom stabilization, and the changes in physical characteristics may not be the sole sign of clinical improvement.