bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Hampstead Schizophrenia Survey 1991
Authors: McNaught Alan S. , Jeffreys Siobhan E. , Harvey Carol A. , Quayle Anthony S. , King Michael B. , Bird Anne S. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe previous paper reports a high prevalence of schizophrenia (broad definition) in an inner London area. In this paper we test hypotheses for this finding and examine the characteristics of people with schizophrenia who move frequently.MethodPeople with schizophrenia in the Hampstead area were identified by key informant methodology, at two censuses five years apart. This allowed identification of incident cases during these five years and identification of people who had moved into and out of the area.ResultsThe incidence of DSM-III-R schizophrenia in Hampstead between 1986 and 1991 was at least 0.21 per 1000 of the population aged 15 to 54. There was a significant movement of people with schizophrenia to this inner London area from outer London between 1986 and 1991. People with schizophrenia who were relatively mobile were significantly more likely to be male, to suffer with prominent hallucinations, and to have no contact with a GP.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of broad schizophrenia in this inner London area is, in part, due to geographical drift. A significant excess of the people with schizophrenia who move frequently are men with positive symptoms.
The Maudsley Family Study 4. Normal planum temporale asymmetry in familial schizophrenia
Authors: Frangou S. , Sharma T. , Sigmundsson T. , Barta P. , Pearlson G. , Murray R. M. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundLoss or reversal of the normal asymmetry of the planum temporale (PT) has been reported in schizophrenia, and may be due to aberrations in the gene(s) controlling the development of brain asymmetries. We tested this hypothesis in a sample of schizophrenics and their relatives from families multiply affected with the disorder.MethodWe compared 32 schizophrenics and 55 of their non-schizophrenic first-degree relatives with 39 matched community controls. Volumetric measurements of the cortical volume beneath the PT were obtained using the Cavalieri method from three-dimensionally reconstructed magnetic resonance imaging images.ResultsPT volume asymmetry coefficients from patients and their relatives did not differ significantly from those of the controls. Gender-specific analysis did not reveal any differences.ConclusionsAbnormalities in PT volume asymmetry are not present in familial schizophrenia, where genetic factors appear to predominate.
The Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 16. Breast-feeding and schizophrenia: Preliminary results and hypotheses
Authors: McCreadie Robin G. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSchizophrenia may in some cases be a neurodevelopmental disorder. Breast milk is important to the developing brain. Might a lack of breast milk be an environmental risk factor in schizophrenia?MethodMothers of 45 schizophrenic patients in Nithsdale, southwest Scotland, completed a questionnaire about whether or not their offspring had been breast-fed.ResultsThe incidence of breast-feeding in patients was 29% and in sibs 38%. Most patients were born in the 1940s and 1950s. The incidence in patients born in these two decades, 33 and 26%, respectively, was significantly lower than in Scottish surveys in 1946 (81%) and 1958 (51%). Those patients who had not been breast-fed had more schizoid and schizotypal personality traits in childhood and a poorer social adjustment than their sibs; breast-fed patients did not differ from their sibs.ConclusionsFewer schizophrenic patients than normal were breast-fed. Lack of breast milk may be a risk factor in the neurodevelopmental form of schizophrenia.
Delusion, the overvalued idea and religious beliefs: A comparative analysis of their characteristics
Authors: Jones Edgar , Watson J. P. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe study sought to investigate the form of the delusion in schizophrenia and the overvalued idea in anorexia, employing a range of belief characteristics to discover whether differences could be detected between them, and how they stood in general relationship to the religious beliefs of normals.MethodA belief rating scale was devised with 12 characteristics, and completed by 20 schizophrenics, 20 anorectics, and 20 normal controls. Comparisons were drawn between populations using the Mann-Whitney test, and different types of belief were contrasted within diagnostic groups using each subject as their own control by repeated-measures MANOVA.ResultsThe schizophrenic delusion was differentiated from the overvalued idea in anorexia by a number of variables, which also served to distinguish both phenomena from religious beliefs held by normals. The schizophrenic delusion exhibited many of the qualities of an initial (or observational) belief, when its content suggested that it should manifest those of a derived belief. The anorectic overvalued idea, although occasionally an initial belief in terms of its content, was typically held in the form of a derived belief.ConclusionsA wider range of characteristics is required to define all the differences between delusion and the overvalued idea, and these have implications for belief modification programmes.
Effects of morning phototherapy on circadian markers in seasonal affective disorder
Authors: Thompson C. , Childs P. A. , Martin N. J. , Rodin I. , Smythe P. J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe suppression of melatonin by light at 00.30 hours has been shown to be greater in winter than in summer in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but not in matched normal controls.MethodIn this study 12 patients with SAD and 12 matched normal controls were exposed to morning light therapy in the winter. Melatonin profiles and sensitivity to light were measured before and after treatment.ResultsThe SAD but not the normal group showed a phase advance of melatonin rhythms in response to phototherapy. There was an association between phase position and phase shift in the SAD but not in the normal group.ConclusionsThere may be instability of circadian rhythms in SAD mediated by a high-amplitude phase response curve, rather than a fixed phase abnormality as had been previously suggested. This instability may be secondary to impaired serotoninergic function in the afferent pathways to the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
Treatment, outcome and predictors of response in elderly depressed in-patients
Authors: Heeren T. J. , Derksen P. , Ten Ham B. F. V. Heycop , Van Gent P. P. J. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundFull recovery rates in naturalistic studies of the treatment of elderly depressives are invariably lower than in clinical trials. This may be the result of inadequate treatment due to the lack of clear treatment strategy recommendations for the elderly.MethodThis is a naturalistic prospective study of depressed elderly in-patients in three Dutch psychiatric hospitals. Patients were included when they suffered from any mood disorder according to DSM - III - R criteria. Severity of the depression was measured on the Montgomery -Asberg Rating Scale.ResultsAntidepressants were prescribed to more than 90% of the patients. More than half of them received only one treatment. The dose of the antidepressants was less than the recommended dose for adults in 55% of cases. Full recovery from the depressive episode was achieved in less than half of the patients (33–45%).ConclusionsIn the present study a relatively poor outcome of the antidepressant treatment of elderly depressives has been found. A combination of low treatment expectations and fear of vigorous treatment seems to have been important.
Personality disorder and suicide
Authors: Cheng Andrew T. A. , Mann A. H. , Chan K. A. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe relationships between personality disorders and suicide were investigated among two aboriginal groups and the Han Chinese in East Taiwan.MethodBiographical reconstructive interviews were conducted for consecutive suicides from each of the three ethnic groups (116 suicides in total), 113 of whom were matched with two controls for age, gender, and area of residence.ResultsIn all three groups, a high proportion of suicides suffered from ICD-10 personality disorder before suicide (46.7–76.7%), and the most prevalent category was emotionally unstable personality disorder (F60.3) (26.7–56.7%). The risk for suicide was mainly significantly associated with F60.3, comorbidity among personality disorders, and comorbidity of personality disorder with other psychiatric disorders, particularly severe depression.ConclusionThe main category of personality disorder significantly associated with the risk of suicide is F60.3 in ICD-10. The risk is highest for a comorbidity of this category and severe depression.
The Bentham Unit: A pilot remand and assessment service for male mentally disordered remand prisoners
Authors: Murray Kevin , Akinkunmi Akintunde , Lock Martin , Brown Rosslyn 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundBecause of continuing concern regarding the inadequacy of existing NHS provision for mentally disordered remand prisoners, the Bentham Unit was commissioned as a pilot project to provide rapid assessment and, where appropriate, hospital admission for such prisoners from the former North West Thames catchment area.MethodInformation is presented on the 150 referrals and 62 admissions in the first year of the service's operation.ResultsThe service met the Reed Report targets for assessment time. Most of those referred were previously known to psychiatric services. The alleged offences were more serious than anticipated. Those admitted were transferred to appropriate services of the conclusion of their court cases, and remained in contact with services three months later. Waiting for the conclusion of court proceedings significantly prolonged the length of stay. Substantial cost transfers from the criminal justice system to the health system were evident.ConclusionsAdequate services for mentally disordered remand prisoners are entirely achievable; provision of such services is a resource issue, not a clinical problem.
Stress and psychiatric disorder in rural Punjab
Authors: Mumford David B. , Saeed Khalid , Ahmad Imtiaz , Latif Shazia , Mubbashar Malik H. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe prevalence of psychiatric disorders in rural Punjab is unknown. Previous studies in rural areas elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent have yielded widely differing estimates.MethodFirst-stage screening of a village near Gujar Khan used the Bradford Somatic Inventory and Self Reporting Questionnaire. Psychiatric interviews were conducted with stratified samples using the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research.ResultsIt is estimated that 66% of women and 25% of men suffered from anxiety and depressive disorders. Levels of emotional distress increased with age in both genders. Women living in unitary households reported more distress than those living in extended or joint families. With younger men and women, lower levels of education were associated with greater risk of psychiatric disorders. Social disadvantage was associated with more emotional distress.ConclusionsThis study in rural Punjab confirms the findings of a previous study in Chitral, northern Pakistan, of high levels of emotional distress and psychiatric morbidity among women in rural areas of Pakistan.
Bereavement and grief in adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Hollins Sheila , Esterhuyzen Alexander 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThis paper reports the results of the first systematic study of the reaction of people with learning disabilities to bereavement.MethodA sample of 5O parent-bereaved people with learning disabilities was compared with a matched control group of 50 non-bereaved people. A semi-structured bereavement questionnaire was used along with the following instruments: the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC), the Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults (PIMRA) and the Life Events Checklist.ResultsHighly significant differences are demonstrated between bereaved and non-bereaved samples on both the total scores and most of the subscores of the ABC and PIMRA. Staff and carers did not usually attribute behaviour problems to the bereavement and its concomitant life events, nor was there a recognition of psychopathology due to bereavement.ConclusionsThe impact in terms of psychiatric and behavioural morbidity of loss of a parent, with its concomitant life events, in adults with learning disabilities has been underestimated.
The familial aggregation of common psychiatric and substance use disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey: A family history study
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Davis Christopher G. , Kessler Ronald C. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundMost family studies of psychiatric disorders examine one syndrome at a time, and identify probands in clinical rather than epidemiological settings.MethodIn the National Comorbidity Survey, 5877 respondents were asked about the history of five psychiatric disorders in their parents: major depression (MD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), antisocial personality disorder (ASP), alcohol abuse/dependence (AAD) and drug abuse/dependence (DAD).ResultsSignificant familial aggregation was seen for all disorders. Controlling for other disorders produced only modest reductions in the odds ratios for MD. GAD and AAD and larger reductions for ASP and DAD. The familial transmission of these disorders can be explained by underlying vulnerabilities to internalising and to externalising disorders transmitted across generations with moderate fidelity.ConclusionsFamilial aggregation of common psychiatric and substance use disorders is substantial in epidemiologic samples. The examined environmental adversities account for little of the observed parent-offspring transmission of these conditions.
Appraisal, psychological adjustment and expressed emotion in relatives of patients suffering from schizophrenia
Authors: Barrowclough Christine , Parle Michael 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIt is argued that coping theory may be useful in attempting to understand how relatives adapt to the demands of living with a schizophrenia sufferer.MethodIn a prospective study, univariate and multivariate relationships were explored between appraisal variables (appraisal of symptom threat (primary appraisal) and perceived symptom control (secondary appraisal)) and (a) expressed emotion, and (b) psychological distress in relatives of schizophrenic patients. The profile of relatives who showed sustained distress over time was also examined.ResultsThe appraisal variables were found to be related to both the concurrent distress (GHQ scores), EE ratings of relatives at the time of the patients relapse and hospitalisation, as well as the subsequent GHQ scores of relatives when the patient was discharged back home. Relatives who showed sustained distress were likely to show high EE and have a longer caring history.ConclusionsThe study gives some support to the theory that appraisal processes underlie how relatives react to having a family member with schizophrenia, and may have implications both for identifying those at risk of poor adaptation, and for understanding strategies that improve well-being.
Bereitschaftpotential in schizophrenia
Authors: Karaman Taha , Özkaynak Sibel , Yaltkaya Korkut , Büyükberker Çetin 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSeveral reports have documented the presence of motor abnormalities in schizophrenic patients.MethodThirty schizophrenics and 28 healthy controls were included in the study. Scalp-recorded bereitschaftpotentials (BPs) generated prior to voluntary movements were recorded in all subjects.ResultsThe early (NSI) and late components of BP and peak negativity were reduced in all schizophrenic patients. In particular, the NSI was reduced in patients with positive symptoms, and the late component in patients with negative symptoms.ConclusionsThese findings provide further support for the involvement of frontal cortex, subcortical structures and their connections in schizophrenia, and highlight some differences between positive and negative symptom clusters.
Prospective longitudinal study of depression and anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Starkstein Sergio E. , Chemerinski Erán , Sabe Liliana , Kuzis Gabriela , Petracca Gustavo , Tesón Alejandro , Leiguarda Ramón 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe aim was to examine the longitudinal evolution of depression and anosognosia in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodSixty-two of a consecutive series of 116 AD patients that were examined with a structured psychiatric interview had a follow-up evaluation between one and two years after the initial evaluation.ResultsAt the initial evaluation 19% of the 62 patients had major depression, 34% had dysthymia, and 47% were not depressed. After a mean follow-up of 16 months, 58% of patients with major depression at the initial evaluation were still depressed, whereas only 28% of patients with initial dysthymia and 21% of the non-depressed patients were depressed at follow-up. During the follow-up period, all three groups showed similar declines in cognitive status and activities of daily living. At the initial evaluation, 39% of the patients had anosognosia, and there was a significant increment of anosognosia during the follow-up period.ConclusionsWhile dysthymia in AD is a brief emotional disorder, major depression is a longer-lasting mood change. Anosognosia is another prevalent disorder among AD patients, and increases with the progression of the illness.
Seasonal changes in psychological well-being in an elderly population
Authors: Eagles John M. , McLeod Isabella H. , Douglas A. Stuart 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundLittle is known about seasonal fluctuations in psychological well-being among elderly people.MethodOver a period of 21 months, 1466 elderly people completed the General Health Questionnaire and the Leeds Scales for Depression and Anxiety. Scores during the winter months (December to February) were compared with those during other months of the year.ResultsScores on all scales were significantly higher during the winter months, but there was no difference in rates of caseness. Unlike younger populations, elderly women did not exhibit greater seasonality in well-being than did elderly men.ConclusionsElderly people exhibit a small seasonal fluctuation in psychological well-being, which is probably of little clinical importance, and there is no gender difference. The findings support the contention that seasonal mood changes are most pronounced among females of reproductive age.
Postpartum psychiatric illness in Arab culture: Prevalence and psychosocial correlates
Authors: Ghubash R. , Abou-Saleh M. T. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThere have been numerous studies of the prevalence of postpartum depression and its putative risk factors in Western Europe and North America, but very few studies in developing countries including the Arab world.MethodNinety-five women admitted to the New Dubai Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for childbirth were studied. All subjects were assessed in the postpartum period using clinical and socio-cultural instruments: the Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ) at day 2, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at day 7, and the Present State Examination (PSE) at week 8 ± 2 and week 30 ± 2 after delivery.ResultsThe prevalence rate of psychiatric morbidity was 24.5% by the SRQ, 17.8% by the EPDS, and 15.8% by the PSE. A number of psychosocial factors emerged as putative risk factors for postpartum depression.ConclusionsThe prevalence rates of postpartum psychiatric morbidity and its risk factors in this Arab culture are similar to the results obtained in numerous previous studies in industrialised countries. These findings have implications for the early detection and care of women at risk for postpartum depression.
History of violent behaviour and schizophrenia in different cultures
Authors: Volavka Jan , Laska Eugene , Baker Sheryl , Meisner Morris , Czobor Pal , Krivelevich Ilya 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundInformation on patterns and correlates of the violent behaviour of individuals with schizophrenia is largely limited to populations in developed countries. Data from a World Health Organization epidemiological study of schizophrenia and related disorders, the Determinants of Outcome of Severe Mental Disorders (DOSMD), presented an opportunity to study patterns of violence across multinational settings.MethodCentres in 10 countries participated in the DOSMD study. An incidence sample of 1017 patients with schizophrenia who had their first-in-lifetime contact with a helping agency as a result of their psychotic symptoms was obtained. Data were available on their history of violent behaviour, substance use, and demographics.ResultsThe occurrence rate of assault in the entire cohort was 20.6 per hundred, but the rate was three times higher in the developing countries (31.5 per hundred) than in the developed countries (10.5 per hundred). History of assault was associated with positive symptoms, such as excitement and auditory hallucinations, and with serious alcohol problems.ConclusionsThe cultural context and the specific characteristics of the disease in individuals with schizophrenia may interactively affect rates of violent behaviour.
Cost-effectiveness of clozapine
Authors: Aitchison Katherine J. , Kerwin Robert W 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSchizophrenia is highly expensive in calculable and incalculable costs. Measures which impact the cost in the most severely affected are likely to produce the greatest cost reductions. Studies regarding clozapine in the USA have demonstrated clear cost-effectiveness, despite the high prescription costs. There are no prior UK studies.MethodWe performed a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the three years prior to commencing clozapine to the period following establishment of clozapine treatment (mean 36.4 months) for 26 patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in all clinical ratings applied (and a mean net saving of £3768 per annum). The cost-effectiveness of clozapine was double that of conventional neuroleptics (15.2 pre-, 33.0 post-clozapine, P < 0.005).ConclusionsAs a naturalistic study our data provide valuable information on the cost-effectiveness of clozapine in the UK. Our methodology could be applied in a community setting or in the study of another atypical neuroleptic.
Acute and one-year outcome of a randomised controlled trial of brief cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder in primary care
Authors: Scott Christine , Tacchi Mary Jane , Jones Roger , Scott Jan 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundThe consensus statement on the treatment of depression (Paykel & Priest, 1992) advocates the use of cognitive therapy techniques as an adjunct to medication.MethodThis paper describes a randomised controlled trial of brief cognitive therapy (BCT) plus ‘treatment as usual’ versus treatment as usual in the management of 48 patients with major depressive disorder presenting in primary care.ResultsAt the end of the acute phase, significantly more subjects (P < 0.05) met recovery criteria in the intervention group (n=15) compared with the control group (n=8). When initial neuroticism scores were controlled for, reductions in Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores favoured the BCT group throughout the 12 months of follow-up.ConclusionsBCT may be beneficial, but given the time constraints, therapists need to be more rather than less skilled in cognitive therapy. This, plus methodological limitations, leads us to advise caution before applying this approach more widely in primary care.