bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disordered Water Homeostasis in Schizophrenia and Cerebral Ventricular Size
Authors: Emsley Robin , Roberts Mimi , Smith Roger , Spangenberg Judora , Chalton Derek 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundA possible association between disordered water homeostasis and cerebral ventricular size in patients with schizophrenia was investigated.MethodIn a cross-sectional study of hospitalised patients, cerebral ventricular size was measured in 16 schizophrenic patients with disordered water homeostasis and 16 matched schizophrenic controls by magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsVentricle to brain ratio, third ventricular index, bicaudate index and bifrontal index tended to be greater in those with schizophrenia with disordered water homeostasis, although differences were significant only for the bifrontal index (P<0.05). Strong negative correlations were found between ventricular size and performance on neuropsychological testing in the disordered water homeostasis group.ConclusionThese results provide evidence for an association between structural brain abnormality and disordered water homeostasis in a subset of schizophrenic patients.
Prediction of Dangerous Behaviour in Male Erotomania
Authors: Menzies Robin P. D. , Fedoroff J. Paul , Green Christopher M. , Isaacson Kari 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundNew cases of erotomania in men, plus cases from the literature, were analysed to explore any association between erotomania and dangerousness, and to identify possible predictors.MethodFiles at two in-patient facilities were examined to determine the presence of DSM–III–R delusional disorder, erotomanic type. The sample (13 cases) was divided into dangerous and benign groups on the basis of serious antisocial behaviour directly related to erotomanic delusions. These cases were combined with all reports of erotomania in men (16 cases), found in the English language psychiatric literature, to allow for statistical analysis.ResultsTwo factors, multiple delusional objects (P < 0.0005) and serious antisocial behaviour unrelated to the delusions (P < 0.05), were found to be significantly associated with dangerousness. Using a combination of these two variables it was possible to predict dangerousness with an accuracy of 88.9% (weighted prediction accuracy or ‘hit rate’). We identified no false negatives but three false positives.ConclusionsThe presence of multiple objects, and a history of serious antisocial behaviour unrelated to the erotomanic delusions, are useful predictors of dangerous behaviour in men with erotomania.
The Longitudinal Stability of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , White Leonard , Parrella Michael , Putnam Katherine M. , Kincaid Margaret M. , Powchik Peter , Mohs Richard C. , Davidson Michael 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSevere cognitive impairment affects many patients with schizophrenia, especially geriatric in-patients. Little is known about the course of this impairment, however.MethodTwo hundred and twenty-four geriatric schizophrenic in-patients were examined for changes in cognitive functioning over a one-year follow-up period, and 45 of them were assessed over a two-year period. In addition, the subset of 45 patients participated in a one-week and one-month test-retest reliability study of the instrument used to assess cognitive impairment, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultsThe average MMSE scores did not change over a one- or two-year follow-up period. The test-retest reliability of the scale was extremely good at both retest intervals.ConclusionAmong the implications of these data are that cognitive changes in geriatric schizophrenic patients are very slow and are more consistent with a neurodevelopmental process than a neurodegenerative course.
Positive and Negative Symptom Course in Chronic Community-Based Patients
Authors: Quinlan Donald M. , Schuldberg David , Morgenstern Hal , Glazer William 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe long-term symptom profile of chronic out-patients was studied.Method. 242 out-patients receiving neuroleptic medications (109 with schizophrenia and 133 non-schizophrenics), were studied for positive (SAPS) and negative (SANS) symptoms at baseline and at 24 months to investigate whether these symptom groups changed over out-patient maintenance treatment.ResultsOverall and within groups, negative symptoms decreased and positive symptoms increased. While the sums of the SANS scores for the schizophrenic patients were initially higher, their mean SANS score dropped more over time (P< 0.001), to show no difference from non-schizophrenics at follow-up. Positive symptoms increased in both groups, although schizophrenics were higher at both times; sub-scales within the SANS showed different patterns of change.ConclusionSupport is found for a multidimensional view of both positive and negative symptoms and for a reconsideration of the notion of ‘progressive downward course’ in schizophrenia.
Assessment and Treatment Approaches for Survivors of Torture
Authors: McIvor Ronan J. , Turner Stuart W. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundTorture, with its personal, cultural, political and psychosocial effects, is presented as a complex trauma. The efficacy of different treatment modalities for those survivors who need assistance is examined critically.MethodInternational literature searches using MEDLINE and Psych-Info, books and relevant book chapters were examined.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-five articles were selected for analysis; 30 of the most relevant are discussed.ConclusionsDiscrete approaches to treatment have been developed, but many have yet to be evaluated critically. Common therapeutic elements are outlined. It is recommended that an integrated, flexible, client-centred approach utilising several techniques is most likely to achieve best results. Wider socio-political aspects should be taken into account, and treatment must be consistent with cultural expectations. Future directions for research are outlined and the role of primary prevention is stressed.
Normal Asymmetry of the Planum Temporale in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kulynych Jennifer J. , Vladar Katalin , Fantie Bryan D. , Jones Douglas W. , Weinberger Daniel R. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundAbnormal cerebral anatomical lateralisation has been reported in schizophrenia and may implicate anomalous neurodevelopment in the aetiology of this disease. A popular recent hypothesis has predicted that such disturbances in normal lateralisation should be especially apparent in the morphology of the temporal lobes.MethodA temporal cortical region lying in the plane of the Sylvian fissure – known as the planum temporale – exhibits pronounced leftward asymmetry in normal right-handed males. We compared lateralisation of the planum temporale in schizophrenic and control males using MRI surface-rendering morphometry of the supratemporal cortex.ResultsContrary to the lateralisation hypothesis, normal patterns of leftward planum asymmetry were detected in both the schizophrenic and control groups. Schizophrenics and controls also exhibited a predicted symmetry in the bilateral areas of Heschl's gyrus, a supratemporal cortical structure immediately anterior to the planum.ConclusionThese data do not support the notion that neurodevelopmental mechanisms of cerebral asymmetry are abnormal in schizophrenia.
Neuroleptic Associated Tardive Dyskinesias in Young People with Psychoses
Authors: Pourcher Emmanuelle , Baruch Philippe , Bouchard Roch Hugo , Filteau Marie-Josée , Bergeron Danielle 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundApart from ageing, the factors associated with vulnerability to the emergence of tardive dyskinesia are poorly defined.MethodRisk factors associated with the presence of a chronic choreic or dystonic disorder were assessed in a cross-sectional comparison of anamnestic and clinical data in a homogeneous group of 64 young psychotic patients (under 40 years of age) on chronic low to moderate doses of neuroleptics.ResultsDyskinetic subjects presented more indirect indicators of occult brain damage, such as a perinatal event or traumatic brain injuries in infancy and early childhood; neurological examination showed more anomalies in dyskinetic patients than in non-dyskinetics, with a higher prevalence of facial release reflexes.ConclusionThese data may support the hypothesis that occult acquired brain damage is important in the genesis of this ‘drug-induced’ disorder.
The Genetic Epidemiology of Self-Esteem
Authors: Roy Marc-André , Neale Michael C. , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundPrevious studies on self-esteem have focused exclusively on its psychosocial determinants. The goal of the present study is to clarify genetic v. environmental determinants of self-esteem.MethodParticipants were Caucasian women sampled from the Virginia Twin Register: 363 pairs of MZ and 238 pairs of DZ twins were available from the first wave of the study, and 430 pairs of MZ and 308 pairs of DZ twins from the second. Self-esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsUsing univariate twin analyses of self-esteem and a repeated measurement twin model, we found that self-esteem is a moderately heritable trait (heritability = 52% in the repeated measurement model); environmental influences are also very important, and are probably mostly not shared by members of a twin pair.ConclusionsAetiological models of self-esteem which examine only psychosocial factors are incomplete; genetic factors need to be integrated.
Psychological Interventions in Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Catalan Jose 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundInfection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity. This paper summarises the main forms of psychological intervention currently used, and reviews research evidence for their efficacy.MethodPublications on the mental health aspects of HIV infection and psychological interventions were identified through the main HIV journals and general psychiatric and psychological periodicals, with the assistance ofAIDS Abstracts.ResultsPublications concerned psychological interventions at the time of HIV testing, interventions for infected people at different stages of disease, and risk-reduction interventions. While many publications were identified describing uncontrolled investigations, only a few studies had involved systematic evaluative research.ConclusionsThere is a need for systematic evaluation of psychological interventions for HIV infection, in terms of both efficacy and cost.
Tardive Dyskinesia in Schizophrenia: Relationship to Minor Physical Anomalies, Frontal Lobe Dysfunction and Cerebral Structure on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Waddington John L. , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Buckley Peter , Madigan Cathy , Redmond Oonagh , Stack John P. , Kinsella Anthony , Larkin Conall , Ennis Joseph T. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIt was hypothesised that schizophrenic patients with tardive dyskinesia show an excess of neurodevelopmental disturbance, particularly minor physical anomalies, in association with cognitive dysfunction and abnormalities of cerebral structure.MethodForty-seven out-patients with a DSM–III diagnosis of schizophrenia were examined for tardive dyskinesia using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale; they were examined also for minor physical anomalies and neuropsychological test performance. Cortical atrophy, signal hyperintensities and lateral ventricular volume were determined on magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsPatients with and without tardive dyskinesia could not be distinguished by age, gender distribution or a number of clinical measures; however, patients with tardive dyskinesia sorted fewer categories on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (P = 0.04). Cerebral structure in patients with and without tardive dyskinesia could not be distinguished on magnetic resonance imaging but those with dyskinesia, all of whom showed involvement of the orofacial region, showed more evident minor physical anomalies of the head relative to those of the periphery (P = 0.02).ConclusionsTardive orofacial dyskinesia in schizophrenia appears to be associated particularly with poorer frontal lobe function, while predominance of craniofacial dysmorphogenesis may constitute a vulnerability factor that is related to the early origins of the disease process.
Prevalence and Correlates of Depression in a Population of Nonagenarians
Authors: Forsell Y. , Jorm A. F. , Strauss E. Von , Winblad B. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundClinicians see many more nonagenarian patients now and there is a need for epidemiological data relating to this group. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and syndromes in this age group.MethodThe DSM–IV and the ICD–10 criteria for depression were used and correlated with physical health, disability in daily life, gender, use of drugs, social circumstances and cognitive dysfunction. Data were derived from 329 persons aged 90 and over, registered in a parish of Stockholm, who had been extensively examined by physicians and nurses.Results/ConclusionsThe prevalence of Major Depressive Episode as defined in DSM–IV was 7.9%; and of mild, moderate and severe Depressive Episode (combined); as defined in ICD–10 9.1%. No gender difference was found. Disability in daily life and the use of psychotropic drugs were found to correlate with depressive symptoms and syndromes.
Cognitive Functioning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Fatigue
Authors: Cope Helen , Pernet Amanda , Kendall Brian , David Anthony 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThis study examines whether cognitive dysfunction in chronic fatigue may be accounted for by depression and anxiety or is due to brain pathology evident on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodTwenty-six subjects with chronic fatigue, with and without coexisting depression, and 18 age-matched normal controls were recruited from primary care following a presumed viral illness six months previously. Comparison was made with 13 psychiatric controls with depressive illness on standardised cognitive tests. MRI determined the presence of cerebral white-matter lesions.ResultsNo substantial differences in performance were shown between subjects with chronic fatigue, most of whom met the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, and controls. Subjective cognitive dysfunction increased with psychopathology. White-matter lesions were found in a minority from all groups. Improvement in fatigue and depression coincided with improved performance on cognitive measures.ConclusionsSubjective complaints of cognitive impairment are a prominent feature of chronic fatigue, but objective cognitive and MRI abnormalities are not. Such complaints probably reflect psychopathology rather than a post-viral process.
The Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Mercury Poisoning
Authors: O'Carroll R. E. , Masterton G. , Dougall N. , Ebmeier K. P. , Goodwin G. M. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe detailed effects of mercury poisoning on cognitive function, brain anatomy and regional brain function are largely unknown. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who was exposed to toxic levels of inorganic mercury.MethodFour years after exposure, the patient was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) and detailed neuropsychological evaluation.ResultsThe patient developed a myriad of physical and psychiatric complaints, including stomatitis, muscle spasm, tremor, skin rash and the psychiatric syndrome known as ‘erythism’ (Mad Hatter's disease). Neuropsychological evaluation revealed marked and significant deficits of attention concentration, particularly when under time pressure. The MRI scan was unremarkable; however, SPECT revealed hypermetabolism of the posterior cingulate cortex.ConclusionsMercury poisoning appeared to result in a dysregulation of posterior cingulate cortex, which was associated with attention/concentration deficits and marked anxiety/agitation.
Effect of Valine on 5-HT-mediated Prolactin Release in Healthy Volunteers, and on Mood in Remitted Depressed Patients
Authors: Williamson D. J. , McTavish S. F. B. , Park S. B. G. , Cowen P. J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundAnimal experimental studies suggest that the amino acid valine may decrease brain serotonin (5-HT) function by inhibiting the transport of the 5-HT precursor, L-tryptophan, across the blood barrier. The aim of the present study was to assess whether valine could decrease brain 5-HT function in healthy subjects and provoke symptomatic relapse in recently remitted depressed patients taking antidepressant drug treatment.MethodWe studied the effect of valine (30 g) on the prolactin (PRL) response to the 5-HT releasing agent, d-fenfluramine, in healthy male subjects and on the mood of 12 remitted depressed patients taking either selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (n = 10) or lithium and amitriptyline (n = 2).ResultsValine significantly lowered the PRL response to d-fenfluramine in healthy subjects. In the remitted depressives, valine caused a mild but detectable lowering of mood on a number of measures but only one patient experienced a significant relapse in mood.ConclusionsValine administration may decrease brain 5-HT neurotransmission in humans. This effect could explain the mild increase in depressive symptoms in patients taking 5-HT-potentiating drugs.
Incidence of Clinically Diagnosed Subtypes of Dementia in an Elderly Population
Authors: Brayne C. , Gill C. , Huppert F. A. , Barkley C. , Gehlhaar E. , Girling D. M. , O'Connor D. W. , Paykel E. S. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIn developed countries, most dementia appears to be due to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. We report rates for incidence of subtypes of dementia based on clinical diagnosis.MethodThis study was a 2.4-year (s.d. 2.6 months) follow-up of a cohort aged 75 years and over, seen initially in a prevalence study of dementia. A screening interview in 1173 survivors was followed in a subsample of 461 respondents by a diagnostic interview 1.8 months after screening (s.d. 1.5 months). This comprised a standardised interview with respondent and informant, with venepuncture where possible. Clinical diagnoses of subtypes were made by specified criteria.ResultsThe incidence of Alzheimer's disease of mild and greater severity was 2.7/1000 person-years at risk (1.6–4.4); in men 1.5 (0.8–2.7) and in women 3.3 (1.8–5.9). The incidence of vascular dementia was 1.2/100 person-years at risk (0.7–1.9); in men 1.1 (0.4–2.8) and in women 1.2 (0.7–2.0). Alzheimer's disease, but not vascular dementia, showed a marked increase with age, particularly in women. Rates for minimal dementia of different subtypes showed similar age and sex effects, but were much higher for Alzheimer's disease than vascular dementia.ConclusionsThe striking rise in incidence rates of dementia in the very old appear to be due to Alzheimer's disease, while rates for vascular dementia remain relatively constant. These trends are particularly marked for minimal dementia, but emphasise the importance of Alzheimer's disease in the community as a cause of cognitive decline of all degrees.
A 15–20 Year Follow-Up of Adult Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Quinton David , Gulliver Lesley , Rutter Michael 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundAn exploratory study was undertaken of the importance of personality disorder in predicting the long-term outcome for both episodic disorders and social functioning.MethodIn 1966–67, a representative series of patients with children, free of episodic illness for at least one year, was sampled from the Camberwell Psychiatric Register and systematically assessed over a four-year period, using measures of known reliability and validity. Psychiatric disorder was measured using a PSE-compatible instrument. The follow-up after 15–20 years used the PSE and a systematic assessment of social functioning.ResultsOverall outcomes were similar across diagnoses, but an initial categorical diagnosis of personality disorder predicted much poorer outcomes on psychiatric and social measures for patients with unipolar depressive disorders than for those with other diagnoses.ConclusionsThe findings indicate the importance for prognosis of including a systematic assessment of personality disorder in the clinical assessment of patients with depressive disorder.
The Maine and Vermont Three-Decade Studies of Serious Mental Illness
Authors: DeSisto Michael , Harding Courtenay M. , McCormick Rodney V. , Ashikaga Takamaru , Brooks George W. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThis paper supplements the cross-sectional outcome comparisons of the companion paper by providing a brief account of the longitudinal courses of the Maine and Vermont samples across several outcome domains.MethodA Life Chart method was used to document changes in individual lives over the domains of residence, work, income source, and use of community resources over a 20-year period. Reliability studies between states were conducted.ResultsThroughout much of the period, more Vermont subjects lived independently, were working, and were less likely to use community resources compared to Maine subjects.ConclusionsDifferences in both policies and programmes contributed to course differences between the groups. System characteristics that may lead to better outcomes are discussed.
Regional Brain Activity in Chronic Schizophrenic Patients during the Performance of a Verbal Fluency Task
Authors: Frith C. D. , Friston K. J. , Herold S. , Silbersweig D. , Fletcher P. , Cahill C. , Dolan R. J. , Frackowiak R. S. J. , Liddle P. F. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThis study examined the pattern of cerebral blood flow observed in chronic schizophrenic patients while they performed a paced verbal fluency task. Such tasks engage a distributed brain system associated with willed action. Since willed action is impaired in many chronic schizophrenic patients we hypothesised that task performance would be associated with an abnormal pattern of blood flow.MethodPositron emission tomography (PET) was applied to 18 chronic schizophrenic patients stratified into three groups on the basis of verbal fluency performance and current symptoms. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured while the patients performed (a) verbal fluency, (b) word categorisation, and (c) word repetition. Results were compared with six normal controls matched for age, sex and premorbid IQ. Analysis was restricted to six brain regions previously identified in studies of normal volunteers.ResultsIn five brain areas, including the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the patients showed the same pattern of activation as control subjects. However, in the left superior temporal cortex, all patient groups failed to show the normal decrease in blood flow when verbal fluency was compared with word repetition.ConclusionThese observations suggest that (a) chronic schizophrenic patients can show a normal magnitude of frontal activation when matched for performance with controls, and (b) they fail to show the expected reductions of activity in the superior temporal cortex. This latter result may reflect abnormal functional connectivity between frontal and temporal cortex.