bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of the PECS for Improving the Communicative, Relational and Social Skills in Children with Autistic Disorder: Preliminary Results
Authors: Lerna A. , Esposito D. , Russo L. , Massagli A. 
Published: March 2009

The aim in the current study was to investigate the efficacy of the PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) in a sample of children with Autistic Disorder (AD) in the development of the communication, alternating gaze and pointing in children with Autistic Disorder (AD).The sample included 5 children diagnosed with AD (DSM-IV-TR), no verbal language, followed by the team of the Rehabilitation Centre belonging to Scientific Institute “E. Medea”, Association “La Nostra Famiglia” Branch of Ostuni (Italy). The children were tested on their ability with neuropsychiatric, psycholinguistics and psychological assessment at the pre and post of the trial.The treatment PECS has gone on for two years with a frequency of three times a week (45 minutes each one).The observed behavioral variables were: spontaneous request of objects using the notebook PECS, alternating gaze, pointing, and possible vocalizing and verbalizing on imitation.The data were collected at the beginning and at the end of the trial, using play-interaction videotapes, lasting 20 minutes each. Segments (10 min) of videos were randomly selected for coding.The behaviours were coded using the Observer XT. 7 and the results were analyzed statistically with the SPSS programme.The results show a significant increase in the number of spontaneous requests, in the capacity of alternating gaze, pointing, vocalizing and verbalizing on imitation.Finally the PECS seems to allow not only to develop a functional communication in AD, but also to increase social communicative behaviours of children with AD. Nevertheless further studies are necessary.
Motor Aptitude and Attention in Pacients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Parcias S.R. , dos Santos K. , da Silva M.E. Merlin , Bellé A.M. Belindo , de Souza A.L. Bertoncini , Oltramari B. Castro , Magro K.C. 
Published: March 2009

An important part of the patients are affected with Mental Disorder associate with the cognitive alterations and its exercises an influence in the patient's daily routine.This field study, a descriptive diagnostic encompassing the case and had as objective to evaluate the cognitive aspects: motor aptitude and attention.The sample was the intentional kind, composed of female patients with diagnosis of Mental Disorder (major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) according to DSM IV, in depressive condition, from 22 to 55 years old, interned in a psychiatric hospital.For the evaluation of the motor aptitude it was used the Motor Aptitude Rank for the Elderly (Escala Motora para a Terceira Idade - EMTI - Pink Grandson, 2002) adapted that evaluates the general and specific motor aptitude: Specific Motricity, Global Motricity, Balance, Corporal Design, Space Organization, Shedule Organization. It was used the TMT (Trail Making Test - parts A and B - neuropsychological battery Halstead-Reitan) to evaluate the attention (Reitan, 1958).The data had been organized and analyzed through descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.Results:General Motor Aptitude (GMA) was classified as Normal Low; Global Motricity, Balance, Corporal Design, Space Organization and Schedule Organization had low output; the worse execution in the TMT indicating attention deficit disorder; the increasing of the time in the execution of the TMT proportional to the increase of the age; a negative value of the correlation of the GMA and the attention, a bigger slowness in the execution of the TMT tests shows minors values of GMA.
Institutionalized Child and Adolescent Population in a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic: A Review of 4 Years
Authors: Santos V. , Soares M. , Pedroso S. , Sousa F. 
Published: March 2009

Background:The Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges that the family is the natural environment for the upbringing of a child and that the parents have the primary responsibility for the child's education. However, it also mentions the need to find adequate substitute care whenever the child is temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or when the child's best interests cannot be secured within the family environment. This substitute care may include adoption, foster placement or, as last resort, placement in an institution suitable for child care. Although some institutions have high quality standards for child care, this is not always the case.Institutionalized children are likely to come from unfavourable family environments, where they were victims of multiple psychosocial adversities, and studies show they present high scores of emotional and conduct disorders, together with cognitive problems.Methods:We examined medical files of all the institutionalized children and adolescents who attended the outpatient clinic of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Coimbra, Portugal, between the years 2005 and 2008, in order to characterize this population.Results:There was a male excess in our sample. The majority of the children and adolescents were institutionalized due to abuse and/or neglect and had conduct or oppositional defiance disorder. A considerable number had cognitive deficits.Discussion:Mental health services should work closely with these institutions to identify their strengths and difficulties, facilitating prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric problems.
Induced Delusional Disorder in Rural Areas: A Case of Folie a Quatre
Authors: Peritogiannis V. , Lekka M. , Papavassiliou N. , Mantas C. , Mavreas V. , Hyphantis T. 
Published: March 2009

Background and aim:Induced delusional disorder or folie a deux is characterized by the presence of similar delusional ideas in two or more individuals. The delusional system develops as a result of a close relationship with a person with an established psychotic disorder. Most commonly the affected persons are members of a family.Methods:An unusual case of folie a famille involving four siblings, brother and three sisters, (folie a quatre) is presented. This case was detected in the context of a community-based psychiatric service in Greece, the Mobile Psychiatric Unit of the prefectures of Ioannina and Thesprotia.Results:A 46-year-old woman was referred from primary care physicians for the management of a psychotic exacerbation. On the examination it was revealed that she and her three older siblings were sharing the delusional idea of being affected by their neighbors with magic. These siblings had been living in social isolation for long and have been querulant and aggressive toward their neighbors, against whom they had undertaken a succession of lawsuits. None of the rest siblings accepted to be examined so it could not be determined who the inducer was or what the diagnoses were for each of the affected persons. The patient did not receive the prescribed medication and did not engage in follow-up.Conclusions:Cases of induced delusional disorder may be difficult to be detected and treated. Mobile psychiatric units in co-operation with primary care physicians may have an opportunity to provide appropriate treatment for such patients in rural areas.
A Case of Selective Mutism in an Eight-Year Old Girl with Thalassaemia Major After Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Plener P. , Gatz S.A. , Schuetz C. , Ludolph A.G. , Kölch M. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:Selective Mutism (DSM-IV: 313.23, ICD-10: F94.0) is a rare phenomenon in child and adolescent psychiatry, with prevalence rates below 1%. Patients limit their verbal communication and social functioning is severely impaired. Evidence for treatment strategies is scarcely available, especially in patients with concomitant pediatric disorders.Method:This case report provides information on the psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment of selective mutism in an eight-year old girl with thalassemia major. The patient presented to the psychiatric department after her second (successful) bone marrow transplantation for treatment of her selective mutism which was present already prior to transplantation. As permanent medications she received penicillin prophylaxis (500.000 IE/d) and deferasirox (Exjade; 20-25 mg/kg/d), a recently approved iron chelator.Results:Long term psychotherapy (CBT) in a day-time clinic, supported by the use of the SSRI Fluoxetine (10 mg), led to a decrease in the Selective Mutism score from 29 to 17 points - GAF improved by 21 points. Reintegration in the school context was established. Mean levels of Fluoxetin and N-Fluoxetin were 287,8 ng/ml without significant level fluctuations.Conclusion:This case adds further evidence, that a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacological interventions (SSRI) proves effective in treatment resistant Selective Mutism. Monitoring blood levels of the SSRI is crucial in providing treatment to patients receiving multi-pharmacological treatment.
The Scandinavian Solutions for Wellness Study - an Observational Study on the Effectiveness of the Lifestyle Program Solutions for Wellness
Authors: Porsdal V. , Kleivenes O.K. , Beal C. , Svanborg P. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:It is known that psychiatric disorders often lead to unhealthy life styles and reduced quality of life, which can lead to weight gain, possibly enhanced by psychotropic treatment.Solutions for Wellness (SfW) is an educational program for life style changes for psychiatric patients. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness of SfW.Method:30 psychiatric clinics collected data for the study. Quality of life was measured by the Subjective Wellbeing under Neuroleptics scale (SWN), at baseline and at the end of SfW participation at 3 months. Demographic, disease and treatment data were also collected. A control group consisted of patients from centers that did not offer the SfW program.Results:314 patients were enrolled in SfW group, 59 in the control group. 54% of the total group had schizophrenia, 67% received atypical antipsychotics. The baseline mean BMI in the SfW group was 31.7 kg/m2.SWN scores for the SfW group improved significantly from baseline to the end of the program (mean increase 3.3 ± 12.2), but not significantly more than for the control group (mean difference 1.4, p = 0.4158 (t-test)). The SfW group demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI, weight and waist circumference from baseline. The decreases were significantly larger compared to the control group for BMI (p = 0.0018) and weight (p = 0.0027) (t-tests).Conclusion:Patients in the SfW program improved in BMI, weight, waist circumference and SWN total score. Changes in weight and BMI were significantly larger in the SfW group compared to the control group.
A New Proposed Protocol to Evaluate Anxiety, Depression and the Needs of Cancer Patients
Authors: Torre E. , Zeppegno P. , Probo M. , Lavatelli L. , Colombo M. , Ferrante D. , Gambaro G. , Krengli M. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:To examine the perceived needs by patients and radiotherapists using a modified by us version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN).Methods:We eliminated 4/22 areas of the CAN scale -ideated for psychotic patients- in order to adapt it to oncological subjects (naming it CANo). Each of the scale areas values: the existence of a specific need; the help received from care-givers; the help coming from social services; the completeness of the help received. CANo was administrated to 30 solid cancer subjects consecutively admitted in 2007 to the Radiotherapy Department of Novara Hospital (Italy), and to their respective treating radiotherapists. Patients with cognitive impairment were excluded. Patients were also administrated the following protocol: HADS (Hospital anxiety and depression scale); Paykel's list of stressful events; MBTI (Mayer-Briggs Type Indicator); EORTC QLQ-C30.Results:Anxiety and depression occurred at any level in 15/30 of cases. There was a significant correlation (Spearman coefficient: SC) between the numbers of needs on CANo scale and anxiety (SC:0.4; p=0.002) or depression (SC:0.48; p=0.006) levels. Higher scores in all functional EORTC scales corresponded to lower needs detected by CANo. Patient needs were perceived less important by patients themselves than their physicians (mean satisfied need scores: 1.87 vs. 3; unsatisfied need scores: 0.63 vs. 1.03). The staff overestimated patient physical health needs (7/30 vs 3/30), psychological distress (20/30 vs 5/30), relationship difficulties (9/30 vs 2/30), received information correctness (7/30 vs 2/30).Conclusions:The CANo scale may be useful to detect oncological patient needs and to improve the quality of care.
Study of the Correlations Between Theory of Mind, Symptoms and Personality Characteristics of a Non-Psychiatric Population
Authors: Zeppegno P. , Probo M. , Antona M. , Gogliani A. , Torre E. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:A deficit in the theory of mind has been identified, although without univocal results, in various pathologies, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some personality disorders. Aim of the study was to evaluate, in a non- psychiatric population, the correlation of personological characteristics and symptoms with theory of mind and emotion recognition tasks.Methods:The following protocol was administrated to 130 voluntary students from Novara (Italy) School of Medicine: EPQ-R test for personality analysis; an intention-inferencing task for theory of mind (adapted from Happè's version); the emotion recognition test (adapted from Blair's version); and SCL-90 for symptoms evaluation. Spearman correlation coefficient (SC) was calculated; p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:No statistically significant correlations were found between the EPQ-R (psychoticism, estroversion and nevroticism) and theory of mind test scores. Better performances in the theory of mind test corresponded to lower scores in SCL-90 subscales: obsessive-compulsive disorder (SC:-0.248; p=0.004); depression (SC:-0.280; p=0.001); anxiety (SC:-0.276; p=0.001); hostility (SC:-0.178; p=0.042); phobic anxiety (SC:-0.197;p=0.025); paranoid ideation (SC:-0.191;p=0.03); and psychoticism (SC:-0.189; p=0.032). A lower capacity in the recognition of the happiness emotion corresponded to higher scores in the hostility (CS:-0.194; p=0.027) and phobic anxiety (CS:-0.211; p=0.016) SCL-90 subscales, while higher scores in the EPQ-R subscale psychoticism and somatisation SCL-90 subscales were respectively related to lower skills in the recognition of fear (CS:-0.226; p=0.01) and envy (CS:-0.193; p=0.028) emotions.Conclusions:Theory of mind skills seem independent from personological traits, but are inversely correlated to various symptomatological subscale scores. The recognition of specific emotions correlates selectively with various personological traits and symptomatological subscales.
Psychiatric Disorders in Childhood and Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Kevere L. , Purvina S. , Bauze D. , Zeibarts M. , Rizevs A. , Purvins I. , Caune M. , Andrezina R. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Homocysteine (Hcy) is studied in relation to gender dependent schizophrenia in young males and to affective disorders in females. In relation with Hcy also the level of Vit.B12 and folic acid is investigated as they have ability to decrease the level of Hcy essentially.Aim:The aim of our study is to get information about serum level of Hcy, Vit.B12 and folic acid in patients with schizophrenia's spectrum, autism, mood disorders and mental retardation and their possible link.Material and methods:In the study 91 patients of Children's Psychiatric Hospital with above-mentioned diagnosis were involved, 37 of them with schizophrenia's spectrum disorders. Patients were selected according to their diagnosis (in line with ICD-10) and current clinical state. Each diagnosis and clinical state was coded depending on its severity and course of disease.The level of Hcy was stated by isocratic HPLC system with fluorometric detection (Shimadzu LC-20, model RF-10AxL).Results:Correlation among diagnosis, severity of disease and level of Hcy was r = -0.401 (p < 0.01). It was found out that the level of Hcy was the highest in 14 schizophrenic patients with acute condition and adverse course of disease.Conclusion:First obtained data are indicative of potential link among the level of Hcy and schizophrenia and its severity, thereby it allows advancing hypothesis that Hcy can be as one of risk factors of schizophrenia.
Paraphilias
Authors: Ramos A. , Chaleira R. , Cintra P. 
Published: March 2009

Paraphilias, in modern sexuality, are synonymous of sexual deviation, that were classified as aberrations and perversions by classic psychiatry and psychoanalysis.Until recently, almost all sexual acts besides the introduction of penis inside vagina were considered a deviation.The freedom of 60's and 70's and the developments of sexology have contribute to dissipate this concept to concrete and circumscribed situations.The aim of this work is to present a revision of the epidemiology, diagnostic issues, clinical course, physiology, prognostic and treatment options of parafhilias.The method used consists of bibliographic research and medline related articles research.After the research we have considered the list ofl disorders having in account o the most recent investigations and progresses in the field of sexualityTreatment options range from psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, adapted to the cilinical context of each patient.
Perception of Psychiatry and Mental Disease Among Lebanese Non Psychiatric Doctors
Authors: Richa S. , Naddaf M. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:Evaluate the attitudes of non psychiatrist doctors and residents working in Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital towards mental illness and medical students of Saint Joseph University.Method:A 25-question-questionnaire about the perception of severe mental illness, of psychiatric treatments, of psychiatrists, and of psychiatry as a future career, which was distributed to Saint Joseph University medical students over the 7 years via the delegates of each class, to the doctors via their secretaries in their clinics, and personally to the residents between the period of November 27 and December 28, 2007.Results:We have found negative attitudes towards mental illness in the studied population but positive attitudes towards psychiatric treatments, psychiatry, and psychiatrists with higher scores among doctors than students towards mental illness (p = 0.0073) and towards psychiatric treatments (p = 0.0016) but no significant difference between different groups in the scores of perception of psychiatry (p = 0.78) and psychiatrists (p = 0.42). No difference was found between males and females for none of the scores.Conclusion:This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that medical students’ attitudes are negative towards mental illness but positive towards psychiatric treatments, psychiatry, and psychiatrists during their first years of medical studies and stay the same after receiving a theoretical psychiatry course and after a clinical training in a psychiatric hospital and even when they become residents and that these attitudes become more positive when they become doctors.
Patients’ Self-Report as Predictor of Self-Harm and Violence in an Acute Psychiatric Unit. A Prospective Naturalistic Study
Authors: Roaldset J.O. , Bjørkly S. , Gøtestam K.G. 
Published: March 2009

The risk of self-harm and violent behaviour by psychiatric patients is an important clinical research topic. However, a literature search on measurement of patients’ structured self-reported assessment of future risk of violent, suicidal or self mutilating behaviour failed to disclose any published empirical research. In the acute psychiatric ward at Ålesund Hospital in Norway we conducted a study of risk assessment of self harm and violent behaviour at admittance and at discharge, followed by prospective measurement of occurred episodes.All admitted patients during one year (489 persons with 716 stays) were included. At admittance and at discharge the Violence Risk Screening-10 (V-RISK-10), items taping suicidal thoughts and behaviour, and patients’ structured self-reported risk of self-harm and violent behaviour (583 self-reports) were scored (six items: no risk-, little-, moderate-, high-, very high risk, don't know the risk, will not answer). The patients were asked to give a blood sample to measure lipids and serotonin. Incidents of aggressive behaviour (against others and self-directed) were monitored during hospital stay (phase 1) and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after discharge (phase 2).Preliminary results pertaining to the relationship between the patients’ predictions of self-harm and violent behaviour and occurred episodes during the subsequent hospital stay (phase 1) and the first three months after discharge (phase 2), indicate that the predictive validity of patients’ self-report was highly significant both for violent behaviour, suicidal behaviour and self mutilation in phase 1 and phase 2. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to high.
Psychiatric Development in Huntington Disease
Authors: Roque M. , Craveiro A. 
Published: March 2009

Huntington Disease (HD) is an untreatable condition with an hereditary basis, autosomal dominant, progressive and Neurodegenerative, with average beginning age in-between 35 and 44 years old. Choreic movements are the major feature of this disease, but the most precocious symptoms are psychiatric alterations. Studies reveal depression numbers to be double than those found in the general population, with disturbing numbers in suicide attempts. Behavioural alterations (psychotic symptoms, agitation, irritability, and insomnia) may become severe in long-term course.Objective:The authors’ aim is to approach the different psychiatric manifestations in HD, and Psychiatry's role in afflicted families.Methods:The authors undertake a revision of this topic in the literature.Conclusion:Familiar history is underestimated, and in the course of the disease, antidepressive treatments are underutilized. Atypical antipsychotic with minimal extrapyramidal side effects are welcome on motor as well as behavioural symptoms. Family counselling and psychological support is key.
The Effect of Psychiatric Clerkship on Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Psychiatry and Their Intention to Pursue Psychiatry as a Career
Authors: Samimi-Ardestani S.M. 
Published: March 2009

Background:The attitudes of medical students toward psychiatry have been studied extensively in other countries. A positive attitude to psychiatry may make future doctors more responsive to the psychological needs and comorbidity of patients in all branches of medicine.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine whether attitudes toward psychiatry improved during psychiatric attachment as well as the relationship between attitudes to psychiatry and intention to pursue psychiatry as a career.Methods:On the first and last day of their psychiatric attachment 109 fifth year medical students of SBMU were asked to participate in the study. They completed a demographic form and “Attitude toward Psychiatry Questionnaire”. They also responded to two questions which measured their intention to pursue psychiatry as a prospective career.Results:Students had favorable attitude toward psychiatry before the attachment with mean score of 84.14 on Attitude to Psychiatry Questionnaire (neutral score 72). These attitudes become more positive after attachment. Students’ intention to pursue psychiatry as a career increased during attachment (t=-4.85 df =107 p=0.000). Improvement in attitudes was related to an increased intention to pursue psychiatry as a career (rho=0.170 n=109 p=0.032).Conclusions:The study confirms earlier reports of a significant positive impact of undergraduate psychiatric attachment on medical students’ attitudes toward psychiatry and their intention to pursue psychiatry. Thus, teaching psychiatry at an undergraduate level may well have important implications.