bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of bupropion for smoking cessation in smokers with a former history of major depression or alcoholism∗
Authors: Hayford Kara E. , Patten Christi A. , Rummans Teresa A. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Offord Kenneth P. , Croghan Ivana T. , Glover Elbert D. , Sachs David P. L. , Hurt Richard D. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundA past history of major depression or alcoholism has been associated with poorer smoking treatment outcomes.AimTo evaluate the efficacy of bupropion for smoking cessation in smokers with a former history of major depression or alcoholism, and changes in depressive symptoms during smoking abstinence.MethodData were drawn from a multicentre trial of bupropion for smoking cessation. Smokers (n=615) received placebo or bupropion sustained-release at 100, 150, or 300 mg/day for six weeks after target quit date (TQD). The primary outcome was the point prevalence smoking abstinence at the end of treatment and at one year. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms.ResultsA significant dose – response effect of bupropion for smoking cessation was found. This was independent of history of major depression or alcoholism. Among those continuously abstinent from smoking for two weeks following TQD, an increase in BDI score was associated with a return to smoking at end of treatment.ConclusionsBupropion is efficacious for smoking cessation independently of a former history of major depression or alcoholism. Increases in depressive symptoms during an initial period of abstinence are associated with a return to smoking.
Randomised placebo-controlled trial of moclobemide, cognitive–behavioural therapy and their combination in panic disorder with agoraphobia
Authors: Loerch Bernd , Graf-Morgenstern Mechthild , Hautzinger Martin , Schlegel Sabine , Hain Christoph , Sandmann Juergen , Benkert Otto 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIn the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia, the efficacy of pharmacological, psychological and combined treatments has been established. Unanswered questions concern the relative efficacy of such treatments.AimsTo demonstrate that moclobemide and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective singly and more effective in combination.MethodFifty-five patients were randomly assigned to an eight-week treatment of: moclobemide plus CBT; moclobemide plus clinical management (‘psychological placebo’); placebo plus CBT; or placebo plus clinical management.ResultsComparisons between treatments revealed strong effects for CBT. Moclobemide with clinical management was not superior to placebo. The combination of moclobemide with CBT did not yield significantly better short-term results than CBT with placebo. The CBT results remained stable during a six-month follow-up, although a substantial proportion of patients treated with placebo plus CBT needed additional treatment.ConclusionsCBT was highly effective in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia and reduced agoraphobia to levels that were comparable to those of non-clinical controls.
Family intervention for intellectually disabled children
Authors: Russell Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar , John Jacob Kochukaleekal , Lakshmanan Jeyaseelan L. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundResources to address the needs of parents of intellectually disabled children in developing countries are limited.AimsThe efficacy of interactive group psychoeducation on measures of parental attitude towards intellectual disability was assessed in southern India.MethodFifty-seven parents randomised to 10 weeks of experimental and control therapy were assessed using the Parental Attitude Scale towards the Management of Intellectual Disability. The pre- and post-intervention measurements were done by a single-blinded rater and compared.ResultsThe intervention group had a statistically significant increase in the outcome scores and clinical improvement in the total parental attitude score, orientation towards child-rearing, knowledge towards intellectual disability and attitude towards management of intellectual disability, but no change in attitude towards the intellectual disability subscale.ConclusionsInteractive group psychoeducation is effective for changing the attitude of parents with intellectually disabled children, and is a viable option to be developed in situations where resources are limited.
Psychotropics and suicide prevention
Authors: Isacsson Göran , Holmgren Per , Druid Henrik , Bergman Ulf 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSystematic clinical investigations of consecutive suicides have found psychiatric disorders in 90–95% of subjects (depressive disorder 30–87%).AimsTo investigate use of psychotropics in men and women of different ages who commit suicide.MethodResults of toxicological screening in 5281 suicides in Sweden 1992–94 were studied.ResultsPsychotropics were detected in 45.3% of the suicides. Antidepressants were detected in 12.4% of the men and 26.2% of the women (7.2% and 14.2%, respectively, of those under 30 years of age). Neuroleptics or antiepileptics (in the absence of antidepressants) were detected in 8.3%, and anxiolytics/hypnotics alone in 20.5% of the subjects. Overdose by an antidepressant was the probable cause of death in 2.1% of the men and 7.9% of the women.ConclusionsThe pattern of psychotropics detected in toxicology was incongruent with the pattern of diagnoses found in the clinical investigations of suicides mentioned above. Depression appears to be undertreated in individuals committing suicide, especially in men and in subjects under 30 years of age.
Quick rating of depressed mood in patients with anxiety disorders
Authors: McKenzie Nigel , Marks Isaac 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundRegular assessment of mood is often important for treatment but traditional measures can be time-consuming. A quick ‘litmus test’ is needed.AimsTo test the reliability and validity of a single-item scale for mood.MethodMood was measured repeatedly in 812 patients (258 in-patients, 554 out-patients) being treated in an anxiety disorders unit. Patients had self- and clinician ratings of a single-item depression scale and also rated the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI–21). Their single-item scores were compared with BDI–21 scores and with outcome measures.ResultsThe single-item depression scores correlated 0.71 to 0.78 with the BDI–21 scores. Clinically useful cut-off points were identified. Depression scores at discharge, but not pre-treatment, correlated significantly with improvement in the main problem.ConclusionsThe quick single-item depression scale, whether rated by patient or by clinician, is a reasonable rough guide to mood in anxiety disorders and saves time for the patient and the clinician compared to longer measures.
Depression of older age
Authors: Copeland John 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe EURODEP collaboration was formed to take advantage of existing studies of random community samples of older people in Europe, using GMS–AGECAT for case identification and diagnosis. Later, other centres joined, and the EURO–D scale was developed to harmonise the different methods used with the GMS. Previous studies had revealed different levels of depression in Europe but had been confounded by the use of unreconcilable methods. These studies attempt to overcome this problem.AimsTo introduce the first set of publications from the EURODEP collaboration.Method results and conclusionsPresented in five accompanying papers (pp. 307–345, this issue)
Predictors of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Freedman Sara A. , Brandes Dalia , Peri Tuvia , Shalev Arieh Y. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundMost individuals who, shortly after trauma, express symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recover within one year of their traumatic experiences. In contrast, those who remain ill for one year rarely recover completely. The early identification of the latter is, therefore, very important.AimsTo prospectively evaluate predictors of PTSD at four months and one year.MethodWe followed 236 trauma survivors recruited from admissions to a general hospital's emergency room for four months, at which point 41 (17.4%) met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Twenty-three of these individuals, and 39 individuals without PTSD at four months, were assessed again at one year.ResultsDepressive symptoms were the best predictors of PTSD at both time points. Intrusive symptoms and peri-traumatic dissociation were better at predicting four-month PTSD than one-year PTSD.ConclusionsThe occurrence of depression during the months that follow a traumatic event is an important mediator of chronicity in PTSD.
Validation of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales
Authors: Bebbington Paul , Brugha Terry , Hill Trevor , Marsden Lucy , Window Suzanne 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) were developed to assess the outcome of severe mental disorders in relation to the Health of the Nation Strategy for England.AimsTo validate the HoNOS.MethodOne hundred and fifteen patients were assessed by key workers using HoNOS, and by research workers using SCAN, SBS, and SRPS, and completing HoNOS in the light of this additional material. These assessments were repeated after 6 weeks.ResultsThe performance of HoNOS in the hands of key workers was generally poor, in relation both to the research workers' rating of HoNOS and to the criterion instruments. Performance was particularly poor when the change in scores was used as a measure of outcome.ConclusionsThere are serious problems in using HoNOS as a routine measure of clinical status in busy psychiatric services. Its performance is probably related to the training and experience of key workers. Sequential ratings are not a good method for assessing outcome. Managers and planners should be cautious in adopting HoNOS, but it is worthy of consideration in developing a suite of locally agreed outcome measures.
Brief scale for measuring the outcomes of emotional and behavioural disorders in children
Authors: Gowers Simon G. , Harrington Richard C. , Whitton Anna , Lelliott Paul , Beevor Anne , Wing John , Jezzard Robert 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundFollowing the development of a child and adolescent version of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOSCA), field trials were conducted to assess their feasibility and acceptability in routine outcome measurement.AimsTo evaluate the reliability, validity and acceptability of HoNOSCA in routine outcome measurement.MethodFollowing training, 36 field sites provided ratings on 1276 cases at one time point and outcome data on 906. Acceptability was assessed by way of written feedback and at a debriefing meeting.ResultsHoNOSCA demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity characteristics. It was sensitive to change and its ability to measure change accorded with the clinicians' independent rating. HoNOSCA was reasonably acceptable to clinicians' from a range of disciplines and services.ConclusionsProvided that training needs can be met, HoNOSCA represents a satisfactory brief outcome measure which could be used routinely in child and adolescent mental health services.
Changes in personality traits during treatment with sertraline or Citalopram
Authors: Ekselius Lisa , Von Knorring Lars 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundRecent studies indicate that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce the symptoms accompanying personality disorders and modulate a normal personality.AimsTo examine the effect of two SSRIs, sertraline and Citalopram, on personality traits in major depressed patients.MethodPersonality traits were evaluated at baseline and after six months using the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP).ResultsAfter treatment, significant changes in the direction of normalisation were seen in all scales. To determine whether the observed changes could be explained by improved depressive symptoms, multiple stepwise regressions with the separate KSP as dependent variables were performed. Improvements in depressive symptoms only accounted for 0–8.4% of the observed variance.ConclusionsIn depressed patients treated with SSRIs significant effects are seen on personality traits measured by the KSP.
Brain mechanisms associated with depressive relapse and associated cognitive impairment following acute tryptophan depletion
Authors: Smith Katharine A. , Morris John S. , Fristdn Karl J. , Cowen Philip J. , Dolan Raymond J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundAcute tryptophan depletion lowers brain serotonin synthesis and results in a transient, but striking, clinical relapse in recovered depressed patients.AimsTo identify brain regions which change their activity as an acute depressive relapse evolves and to determine how pathological mood might modulate neural activity during a cognitive task.MethodWe used H215O positron-emission tomography (PET) to study eight recovered depressed men after tryptophan depletion and after a control procedure. During both PET scan sessions, subjects performed a paced verbal fluency task which alternated with a control verbal repetition task.ResultsIncreasing levels of depression after tryptophan depletion were associated with diminished neural activity in the ventral anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus regions. In addition, depressive relapse attenuated cognitive task-related activation in the anterior cingulate cortex.ConclusionsOur data indicate that changes in neural activity in distinct brain regions mediate the clinical phenomena of depression and depression-related cognitive impairment following acute tryptophan depletion. These changes could be associated with the widespread distribution of serotonin neurons in brain pathways associated with the expression of affect and cognitive performance.
Fluoxetine in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Connor Kathryn M. , Sutherland Suzanne M. , Tupler Larry A. , Malik Mary L. , Jonathan R. , Davidson T. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundMost pharmacotherapy trials in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been conducted upon male combat veterans. Outcome studies relating to civilians are therefore needed.AimsTo demonstrate that fluoxetine is more effective than placebo in treating PTSD.MethodCivilians with PTSD (n=53) were treated for 12 weeks with fluoxetine (up to 60 mg/day) or placebo. Assessments of PTSD severity, disability, stress vulnerability, and high end-state function were obtained.ResultsFluoxetine was more effective than placebo on most measures at week 12, including global improvement (much or very much improved: fluoxetine 85%, placebo 62%, difference 0.24, 95% CI 0.01–0.47; very much improved: fluoxetine 59%, placebo 19%, difference 0.40, 95% CI 0.16–0.64), and high end-state function (fluoxetine 41%, placebo 4%, difference 0.37, 95% CI 0.17–0.57)ConclusionsFluoxetine was superior for measures of PTSD severity, disability, stress vulnerability, and high end-state function. The placebo-group response was low when viewed as a broad outcome based on a portfolio of ratings, but was higher with a traditional global rating criterion.
First-contact incidence rate of schizophrenia on Barbados
Authors: Mahy George E. , Mallett Rosemarie , Leff Julian , Bhugra Dinesh 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe incidence rate for broad schizophrenia among second-generation African–Caribbean people in the United Kingdom has been reported as high. Ethnicity, migration and psychosocial stressors have been suggested as causal factors.AimsTo determine the incidence of schizophrenia for the whole population of Barbados using an identical methodology to two previous studies in Trinidad (Bhugra et al, 1996) and London (Bhugra et al, 1997)MethodA12-month study of all persons in the 18–54-year age group presenting with a psychosis for the first time was carried out on the population of Barbados. Information was collected using World Health Organization screening and measurement instruments.ResultsOn an island of just over a quarter of a million, 40 out of the 53 patients that met the inclusion criteria were categorised as S+ (narrow) schizophrenia, giving an incidence rate of 2.8/10 000 (95% CI 1.97–3.7). The incidence rate for broad schizophrenia was calculated at 3.2/10 000 (95% CI 2.3–4.1), which is significantly lower than the comparable rate for London's African–Caribbeans of 6.6/10000 (95% CI 4.5–8.7)ConclusionsThe very high rate for broad schizophrenia among African–Caribbean people in the UK is probably due to environmental factors.
North Staffordshire Community Beds Study: Longitudinal evaluation of psychiatric in-patient units attached to community mental health centres
Authors: Boardman Anthony P. , Hodgson Richard E. , Lewis Martyn , Allen Keith 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThis study evaluates two in-patient units attached to community mental health centres (CMHCs) that were designed to supplement acute in-patient care and to integrate with community-based after-care services.AimTo examine the comparative outcome of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) admitted to the two units.MethodAll patients with SMI admitted to the acute psychiatric wards serving the two CMHCs, those transferred to the community in-patient units and those admitted directly to these units (n=110) were compared with patients (n=67) admitted to acute wards serving two similar catchment areas without associated community beds. Baseline clinical and social measures were made and repeated at six and 12 months. Satisfaction with services was assessed at 12 months.ResultsThe experimental group showed significantly better outcomes, significant reduction in unmet need and better satisfaction with services.ConclusionsThe use of the community beds appears to have significant benefits for patients with SMI.
Schizophrenia and temporal lobe asymmetry
Authors: Highley J. Robin , McDonald Brendan , Walker Mary A. , Esiri Margaret M. , Crow Timothy J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundA previous report by Crow of a left-sided increase in temporal horn volume in schizophrenia implies a left-sided loss of tissue.AimsTo elucidate the structural nature of schizophrenia.MethodThe volume of grey matter in the temporal pole and inferior, middle and superior temporal gyri was measured, in addition to the total volume of grey and white matter, in the temporal lobes of the brains of 29 patients with schizophrenia and 27 controls.ResultsWe found a significant left-sided reduction in the superior temporal gyrus in both males and females with schizophrenia, which was related to increasing age of onset in the males. The total volume of temporal lobe grey and white matter was also significantly reduced. Although being more marked on the left than the right, the lateralisation for these total grey and white measures (by contrast with the superior temporal gyrus alone) did not attain formal statistical significance.ConclusionsConfirmation of a lateralised reduction in the superior temporal gyrus, which is differentially related to age of onset according to gender, adds to evidence that the changes in schizophrenia are in systems that are lateralised. The findings implicate language as the relevant function.
Ecstasy – long-term effects on the human central nervous system revealed by positron emission tomography
Authors: Obrocki Jost , Buchert Ralph , Väterlein Ole , Thomasius Rainer , Beyer Wolfgang , Schiemann Thomas 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe main psychotropic agent of the popular illicit drug ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In the light of animal studies and examinations of human cerebrospinal fluid, MDMA is suspected of causing neurotoxic lesions to the serotonergic system.AimsTo postulate a relationship between ecstasy use and lasting alterations to the cerebral glucose metabolic rate.MethodPositron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) was performed on seven ecstasy users and seven subjects without any known history of illicit drug use. Data were compared for a limited number of brain regions.ResultsBy comparison with the control group, the glucose metabolic uptake of the ecstasy user group was altered within the amygdala, hippocampus and Brodmann's area 11ConclusionsThe results suggest the possibility that ecstasy use has lasting effects on central neuronal activity in humans.
Preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation among children of women with schizophrenia
Authors: Bennedsen B. E. , Mortensen P. B. , Olesen A. V. , Henriksen T. B. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence about the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with schizophrenia.AimsTo investigate the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and intra-uterine growth retardation among women with schizophrenia.MethodA total of 2212 births to 1537 women with schizophrenia in Denmark were compared with a random sample of all deliveries in Denmark in 1973–1993 (122 931 births to 72 742 women)ResultsThe children of women with schizophrenia were at increased risk of preterm delivery (relative risk=1.46, 95% CI=1.19–1.79), low birth weight (relative risk=1.57, 95% 0=1.36–1.82) and small for gestational age (relative risk=1.34, 95% CI=1.17–1.53)ConclusionsWomen with schizophrenia are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. This may be associated with an increased mortality and general morbidity and risk of schizophrenia in their children.
Association of low serum total cholesterol with major depression and suicide
Authors: Partonen T. , Haukka J. , Virtamo J. , Taylor P. R. , Lönnqvist J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIt has been suggested that low serum total cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of suicide.AimsTo study the association between serum total cholesterol, depression and suicide using versatile, prospective data.MethodA total of 29 133 men aged 50–69 years were followed up for 5–8 years. Baseline blood samples were analysed for serum total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Self-reported depression was recorded, data on hospital treatments due to depressive disorders were derived from the National Hospital Discharge Register and deaths from suicide were identified from death certificates.ResultsLow serum total cholesterol was associated with low mood and subsequently a heightened risk of hospital treatment due to major depressive disorder and of death from suicide.ConclusionsOur results suggest that low serum total cholesterol appears to be associated with low mood and thus to predict its serious consequences.
Guiding principles of drug demand reduction: An international response
Authors: Ghodse Hamid 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe 20th century has seen the globalisation and homogenisation of substance misuse problems, blurring traditional boundaries between producer and consumer countries and forcing the international community to consider new responses to substance misuse.AimsTo highlight the importance of the principles of illicit drug demand reduction and related activities in tackling global drug problems and to discuss the commitment made by United Nations (UN) Member States at the highest political level towards meeting the objectives set in their Declaration on the Guiding Principles.MethodA review of international responses to substance misuse.ResultsTraditionally, the focus has been on reducing the supply of controlled drugs, while maintaining adequate supplies of narcotic and psychotropic drugs for clinical and scientific purposes. However, it has become apparent that supply reduction in isolation is insufficient and demand reduction is now receiving greater emphasis – culminating in the UN General Assembly adopting the Declaration on the Guiding Principles of Demand Reduction in 1998.ConclusionsThis declaration offers a genuinely holistic approach to the complexities of substance misuse. To be successful, it requires the commitment of governments at the highest level and the willing participation of small communities.