bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary Heart Disease Risk Reduction Intervention Among Overweight Smokers with a Psychotic Disorder: Pilot Trial
Authors: Baker Amanda , Richmond Robyn , Castle David , Kulkarni Jayashri , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Sakrouge Rebecca , Filia Sacha , Lewin Terry J. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present pilot study was to test the feasibility and short-term impact of a multi-component risk factor intervention for reducing (i) coronary heart disease (CHD) risk; (ii) smoking; and (iii) weight among smokers with psychosis. Secondary dependent variables included physical activity, unhealthy eating, substance use, psychiatric symptomatology, treatment retention, general functioning, and quality of life. Method: This was a feasibility study utilizing a pre–post-treatment design with no control group (n=43). All participants provided written informed consent and were assessed before treatment and again a mean of 19.6weeks later. The treatment consisted of nine individual 1h sessions of motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy plus nicotine replacement therapy, in addition to treatment as usual. Research assistants who had not been involved in the delivery of the treatment programme conducted post-treatment assessments. Results: The intervention was associated with significant reductions in CHD risk scores, smoking and weight. A significant improvement was also reported in level of moderate physical activity, and a small change in the unhealthy eating index was reported. No improvement in biological measures (cholesterol and blood pressure) was evident. Conclusions: A multi-component CHD risk factor intervention among smokers with psychosis appears to be feasible and effective in the short-term. A randomized controlled trial replicating and extending these findings is warranted.
Prevalence and Predictors of Suicide Attempt in an Incidence Cohort of 661 Young People with First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Robinson Jo , Cotton Sue , Conus Philippe , Graf Schimmelmann Benno , McGorry Patrick , Lambert Martin 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Studies investigating suicidal behaviour in psychosis rarely focus on incidence cohorts of first-episode patients. This is important, because patients who refuse study participation have higher rates of comorbid substance use disorders and longer duration of untreated psychosis as well as worse course illness, variables potentially linked to higher prevalence of suicidal behaviour. The aims of the present study were therefore to examine the prevalence and predictors of suicide and suicide attempt before and during the first 18–24months of treatment. Method: A retrospective file audit of 661 patients was carried out. Results: Six patients (0.9%) died by suicide, 93 (14.3%) attempted suicide prior to entry, and 57 (8.7%) did so during treatment. Predictors of suicide attempt were: previous attempt (odds ratio (OR)=45.54, 95% confidence interval (CI)=9.46–219.15), sexual abuse (OR=8.46, 95%CI=1.88–38.03), comorbid polysubstance (OR=13.63, 95%CI=2.58–71.99), greater insight (OR=0.17, 95%CI=0.06–0.49), lower baseline Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and Scale of Occupational and Functional Assessment score (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.62–0.91; OR=0.98, 95%CI=0.95–0.99), and longer time in treatment (OR=1.05, 95%CI=1.03–1.08). Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal behaviour was high, indicating that suicidal behaviour in incidence populations is higher than in non-epidemiological cohorts of first-episode patients. The rate of repetition of suicide attempt among the sample, however, was lower than expected, suggesting that specialist services can play a role in reducing suicide risk.
Risk Factors for Deliberate Self-Harm and Completed Suicide in Young Chinese People with Schizophrenia
Authors: Lui Sai-Yu 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Suicide is best conceptualized as a risk rather than all-or-none behaviour. In the literature the majority of suicide studies have adopted a cross-sectional case–control design. Longitudinal design should be used in order to account for the time dimension of variables. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify risk factors and calculate hazard ratios for suicidal behaviour in young Chinese people suffering from schizophrenia. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort design, 234 subjects with schizophrenia in the Early Assessment Service for Young People with Psychosis service were recruited and data retrieved from case notes and discharge summaries. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to analyse potential risk factors. Results: Traditional risk factors were confirmed to be applicable to the present subjects. Continuing medication was a protective factor while hallucination was a risk factor for suicide. Conclusion: The limitations of the present study were due to its retrospective design, reliance on past records, and the large Type II error. A prospective cohort study design is recommended for future research in this area.
Effect of Augmentatory Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia: Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Bagati Dhruv , Nizamie Shamshul Haque , Prakash Ravi 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Auditory hallucinations are a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia and are usually resistant to treatment. The present study was conducted to further support the findings that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces auditory hallucinations, and to evaluate the effect of low-frequency rTMS on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Methods: Forty schizophrenia patients were included in the study. Patients were randomized to control or experimental group. Low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz, 90% motor threshold) was applied to the left temporoparietal cortex of patients in the experimental group for 10 days following the standard guidelines as an addition to antipsychotic treatment. The control group received only antipsychotics. The changes in the psychopathology scores for the auditory hallucinations were recorded using auditory hallucination recording scale. The rater was blind to the intervention procedure. Results: A significant improvement was found in auditory hallucinations in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Left temporoparietal rTMS warrants further study as an intervention for auditory hallucinations. Data suggest that this intervention selectively alters neurobiological factors determining frequency of these hallucinations.
Is Suicidality Distinguishable from Depression? Evidence from a Community-Based Sample
Authors: Fairweather-Schmidt A. Kate , Anstey Kaarin J. , Mackinnon Andrew J. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Suicidal behaviour is often considered in the context of depression. Taking an empirical, dimensional and population-based approach, this investigation examines two issues: first, whether it is justifiable to regard suicidality as a symptom of depression or an independent construct. Second, although suicidal behaviour has been shown to decline with increasing age and differ across gender, little is known about the stability of the underlying construct across the lifespan and between genders. Method: Data were derived from a community-based sample consisting of 7485 people aged 20–24, 40–44 or 60–64 years. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the adequacy of model fit and measurement invariance across gender and then age groups. Results: The data fitted a two-factor model of depression and suicidality better than a single-factor model. Multi-group analysis indicated strict measurement invariance for both gender and age groups, indicating no significant differences between groups in measurement model fit. Conclusions: These analyses establish that suicidality is distinguishable from depression, although the factors are substantially correlated. Results suggest that the underlying factorial relationship between suicidality and depression appears not to vary considerably between genders or across cohorts aged 20–24, 40–44 and 60–64 years. Finally, the analyses also highlight the necessity of inventories with scales identifying symptoms of suicidality independent of depression symptoms.
Citation Bias in Reported Smoking Prevalence in People with Schizophrenia
Authors: Chapman Simon , Ragg Mark , McGeechan Kevin 
Published: December 2009

Objective: A meta-analysis of 42 studies on tobacco smoking among schizophrenia subjects found an average smoking prevalence of 62% (range=14–88%). Statements are common, however, in the research literature and the media that between 80% and 90% of people with schizophrenia smoke. The purpose of the present paper was therefore to determine if citation bias exists in the over-citation and reportage of studies finding high rates of smoking prevalence in schizophrenia subjects. Methods: Two hypotheses were tested: (i) that studies on the prevalence of smoking in people with schizophrenia reporting high smoking rates would be cited more often than studies reporting lower rates; and (ii) that statements about smoking rates among schizophrenic people on the Internet would report very high rates more often than more realistic, less dramatic rates. Results: A 10% increase in reported prevalence of smoking was associated with a 61% (95% confidence interval (CI)=30–98%) increase in citation rate. Journal impact factor (IF) was significantly associated with citation rate (p=0.001) but the country in which a study was carried out did not have an effect (p=0.90). After adjusting for IF, a 10% increase in prevalence of smoking was associated with a 28% increase (95%CI=1–62%) in citation rate. This bias is mirrored on the Internet, where statements abound about uncommonly highly rates of smoking by people with schizophrenia. Conclusions: Studies reporting very high prevalence of smoking among people with schizophrenia are cited more often than those studies reporting a low prevalence, a result consistent with citation bias. This citation bias probably contributes to the misinformation available on the Internet, and may have adverse policy and clinical implications.
Vicarious Trauma, Secondary Traumatic Stress or Simply Burnout? Effect of Trauma Therapy on Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Devilly Grant J. , Wright Renee , Varker Tracey 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to perform an assessment for secondary traumatic stress (STS), vicarious trauma (VT) and workplace burnout for Australian mental health professionals involved in clinical practice. Methods: Recruited directly by mail, randomly selected participants were invited to submit a questionnaire by post or online. Of the 480 participants contacted, 152 mental health professionals completed the questionnaire, which contained measures of STS, VT and burnout. Results: Exposure to patients’ traumatic material did not affect STS, VT or burnout, contradicting the theory of the originators of STS and VT. Rather, it was found that work-related stressors best predicted therapist distress. Conclusions: These findings have significant implications for the direction of research and theory development in traumatic stress studies, calling into question the existence of secondary trauma-related phenomena and enterprises aimed at treating the consultants.
Short-Term Outcomes of Mothers and Newborn Infants with Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders and Drug Dependency
Authors: Oei Ju Lee , Abdel-Latif Mohamed E , Craig Fiona , Kee Aivy , Austin Marie-Paule , Lui Kei ,   on behalf of the NSW and ACT NAS Epidemiology Group
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics and short-term outcomes of mother–infant pairs with comorbid drug dependency and psychiatric disorders. Methods: A population-based retrospective chart review was carried out of 879 drug-dependent mother and infant pairs in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who delivered between 1 January and 31 December 2004. Results: Psychiatric comorbidity (dual diagnosis, DD) was identified in 396 (45%) of the 879 drug-dependent women. DSM-IV depression (79%), followed by anxiety (20%), was most prevalent. DD women were more likely to use amphetamines (29% vs 18%, p < 0.05), less likely to use opiates (42% vs 51%, p < 0.05) and to have had no antenatal care (24% vs 8%, p < 0.05). They also had more previous pregnancies (4, range = 2–5 vs 3, range = 2–5, p < 0.05) and domestic violence (29% vs 14%, p < 0.05) was more common. DD infants were less likely to be admitted to a nursery (47% vs 55%, p < 0.05). Withdrawal scores were similar (maximum median Finnegan scores = 4 (interquartile range = 3–8) vs 10 (interquartile range = 7–12, p = 0.30) but fewer needed withdrawal medication (19% vs 27%, p < 0.05). Maternal psychotropic agents did not worsen the severity of neonatal withdrawal. Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbidity, especially depression, is common and affects almost half of drug-using mothers. Antenatal care, drug use and social outcomes are worse for DD mothers and their infants. It is recommended that all drug-using women be assessed antenatally for psychosocial disorders so that timely mental health intervention can be offered, if required.
Changes in Use of Psychostimulant Medication for ADHD in South Australia (1990–2006)
Authors: Prosser Brenton , Reid Robert 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to undertake a retrospective analysis of archival data on psychostimulant prescriptions from South Australia for the periods 1990–2000 and 2001–2006 for 7849 youths aged from birth to 18 years. Method: A person-based data set was used to assess: (i) rate of new prescriptions by age group; (ii) demographic characteristics (age of psychostimulant start, male: female ratio); (iii) duration of psychostimulant use; and (iv) geographic variation in psychostimulant prescription. Results: Four major findings were observed: (i) the rate of new prescriptions was highly variable both for 1990–2000 and 2000–2006; (ii) demographic characteristics such as start age and male:female ratio declined over both periods; (iii) the duration of psychostimulant use was approximately 2.5 years for 1990–2000 and 2.0 years for 2000–2006; and (iv) there was geographic variation in both periods with a significant correlation between socioeconomic status and prescription rate per region. Conclusions: The patterns of psychostimulant use in Australia closely parallel the USA. Physicians’ prescribing practice may be extremely volatile. Duration of psychostimulant treatment should receive increased attention. There is pronounced geographic variability in prescription rates, which may be related to socioeconomic status.
Internet-Based Course for the Management of Stress for Junior High Schools
Authors: Vliet Helen Van , Andrews Gavin 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a Web-based stress management programme for schools. Method: A six-lesson Web-based programme was constructed in collaboration with the schools. It was implemented across Year 8 in six schools (464 students). Students completed measures of knowledge, perceived competence, and coping behaviours, prior to the programme; at the conclusion of the last lesson; and 3 months later. Well-being and distress were measured prior to each lesson. Results: Input from schools into the development of the programme was very valuable. Knowledge about stress improved after the six lessons and students reported that support seeking coping had increased and avoidance behaviour decreased. Scores on measures of distress went down and well-being scores rose. Seventy-nine per cent of the students completed five or more lessons. Conclusions: Web-based curriculum-consistent education in mental health is feasible and efficacious at the level expected from a brief universal intervention.
Early Intervention for Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder: Quasi-Experimental Comparison with Treatment as Usual
Authors: Chanen Andrew M. , Jackson Henry J. , McCutcheon Louise K. , Jovev Martina , Dudgeon Paul , Yuen Hok Pan , Germano Dominic , Nistico Helen , McDougall Emma , Weinstein Caroline , Clarkson Verity , McGorry Patrick D. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of specialized team-based early intervention for borderline personality disorder (BPD) with treatment as usual. Method: In a quasi-experimental design, 32 outpatients who received historical treatment as usual (H-TAU) were compared with 78 participants from a recently published randomized controlled trial of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT; n = 41) versus manualized good clinical care (GCC; n = 37), conducted in a specialized early intervention service for BPD (the Helping Young People Early (HYPE) programme). All participants were 15–18-year-old outpatients who fulfilled 2–9 DSM-IV BPD criteria. It was predicted that, compared with H-TAU, HYPE + GCC and HYPE + CAT would show greater reductions in psychopathology and parasuicidal behaviour and greater improvement in global functioning over 24months. Results: At 24month follow up: (i) HYPE + CAT had lower standardized levels of, and a significantly faster standardized rate of improvement in, internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, compared with H-TAU; and (ii) HYPE + GCC had lower standardized levels of internalizing psychopathology and a faster rate of improvement in global functioning than H-TAU. HYPE + CAT yielded the greatest median improvement on the four continuous outcome measures over 24months. No adverse effects were shown with any of the treatments. Conclusions: Specialized early intervention for subsyndromal or full-syndrome BPD is more effective than TAU, with HYPE + CAT being the most effective intervention. Reform of existing services using the HYPE model might yield substantial improvements in patient outcomes.
Tracking Depression-Related Mental Health Literacy Across South Australia: A Decade of Change
Authors: Goldney Robert D. , Dunn Kirsten I. , Grande Eleonora Dal , Crabb Shona , Taylor Anne 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to measure and compare levels of depression-related mental health literacy in South Australia across three points in time: 1998, 2004, and 2008. Method: Participants were those recruited for the 1998, 2004, and 2008 South Australian Health Omnibus Surveys. Comparisons were made across overall levels of depression-related mental health literacy as well as between responses to independent questionnaire items. Results: A significant improvement was found in the overall measure of depression-related mental health literacy between 1998 and 2004 and this was consolidated in 2008. Some discrete changes in literacy were found between 2004 and 2008, with improvements recorded across some demographic groups and in participants’ ability to accurately classify symptoms. Participants in 2008, however, were significantly less likely to endorse providers or treatments as ‘helpful’ than in 2004. Conclusions: Although knowledge and understanding of depression have improved significantly and stabilized since 1998, patient confidence in both mental health therapists and treatment options fell between 2004 and 2008, although it is still greater than in 1998.
Crime Victimization of Persons with Severe Mental Illness in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chien-Chi , Sheu Chuen-Jim , Liu Shen-Ing , Sun Yi-Wen , Wu Shu-I , Lin Ying 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Research in the West has shown that persons with severe mental illness are easy targets of criminals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the types, incidence, and prevalence of crime victimization and its demographic and clinical correlates among persons with severe mental illness in Taiwan. Methods: Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or major affective disorders were selected from the psychiatric service of a general hospital. They were asked about any crime perpetrated against them within the preceding year. Only crimes occurring after a psychiatric diagnosis had been made were included. The results of this survey were compared with crimes among the general population in 2000 as reported by the Taiwan Crime Victimization Survey of the Ministry of Justice. Results: The 1 year prevalence of victimization in the study population was 16.8%, compared with 11.3% in the general population. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables it was found that those with affective disorders or a history of alcohol abuse were more likely to be victimized. Conclusion: In Taiwan, persons with severe mental illness are more vulnerable to crime victimization than the general population.
Design and Clinical Characteristics of a Homogeneous Schizophrenia Pedigree Sample from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Thara Rangaswamy , Srinivasan Tirupati , John Sujit , Nancarrow Derek , Chant David , Holliday Elizabeth , Mowry Bryan 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The genetic complexity of schizophrenia may be compounded by the diagnostic imprecision inherent in distinguishing schizophrenia from closely related mood and substance use disorders. Further complexity may arise from studying genetically and/or environmentally diverse ethnic groups. Reported here are the ascertainment, demographic features and clinical characteristics, of a diagnostically and ethnically homogeneous schizophrenia pedigree sample from Tamil Nadu, India. Also reported is the theoretical power to detect genetic linkage in the subset of affected sibling pairs. Method: Affected sibling pair and trio pedigrees were identified by caste/ethnicity. Affected probands and siblings fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Results: The present sample consisted of 159 affected sibling pairs and 187 parent–offspring trios originating primarily from the Tamil Brahmin caste, but also incorporating pedigrees from genetically similar, geographically proximal caste groups. Consistent with previous studies in Tamil Nadu, a very low prevalence of affective psychoses such as schizoaffective disorder, was observed, with most affected individuals having schizophrenia (499/504). Also observed were extremely low rates of nicotine (12.4%), alcohol (1.1%) and illicit drug use (0%). Most affected individuals exhibited negative symptoms (>90%) and a severe, chronic course. All participants lived in the same geographic and climatic region and most affected individuals resided with close family members, increasing uniformity of the sociocultural environment. In affected sibling pairs, power to detect linkage to small-effect risk loci was modest, but this homogeneous sample may be enriched for loci of larger effect. Conclusions: This Indian schizophrenia sample exhibits diagnostic and ethnic homogeneity with high consistency of sociocultural environmental features. These characteristics should assist efforts to identify risk genes for schizophrenia.