bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychopathology of Catatonic Speech Disorders and the Dilemma of Catatonia: A Selective Review
Authors: Ungvari Gabor S. , White Erica , Pang Alfred H.T. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: Over the past decade there has been an upsurge of interest in the prevalence, nosological position, treatment response and pathophysiology of catatonia. However, the psychopathology of catatonia has received only scant attention. Once the hallmark of catatonia, speech disorders — particularly logorrhoea, verbigeration and echolalia — seem to have been neglected in modern literature. The aims of the present paper are to outline the conceptual history of catatonic speech disorders and to follow their development in contemporary clinical research. Method: The English-language psychiatric literature for the last 60 years on logorrhoea, verbigeration and echolalia was searched through Medline and cross-referencing. Kahlbaum, Wernicke, Jaspers, Kraepelin, Bleuler, Kleist and Leonhard's oft cited classical texts supplemented the search. Results: In contrast to classical psychopathological sources, very few recent papers were found on catatonic speech disorders. Current clinical research failed to incorporate the observations of traditional descriptive psychopathology. Conclusions: Modern catatonia research operates with simplified versions of psychopathological terms devised and refined by generations of classical writers.
Psychiatric Characteristics of Female Prisoners in Tasmania
Authors: Jones Ivor H. , Marris Ben , Hornsby Helen 
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of the paper is to describe some of the psychiatric, social and criminological features of female prisoners in Tasmania between 1981 and 1990 inclusive. Method: Data were collated from prison records for all 210 women prisoners incarcerated between the above dates. Using the Mental Health Services database it was determined which prisoners had prior contact with State Psychiatric Services, their clinical state, various demographic data and ICD-9 diagnoses. Forensic data obtained from prison records were compared for those with and those without a psychiatric history of attendance at Mental Health Services; appropriate privacy safeguards were used in handling the material. Results: Thirty-five per cent of prisoners had prior contact with the Mental Health Services before imprisonment. They were predominantly persons with an abnormal personality. Non-addictive drug abuse was the next most common psychiatric category (19%). Only 3% suffered from schizophrenia or affective disorder. Those with prior psychiatric presentation had greater social maladjustment, longer sentences for similar offences and a higher recidivism rate. There was an increase in the number of prisoners with and without a psychiatric diagnosis during the decade. Conclusions: Thirty-five per cent of the female prison population had previously attended psychiatric services in the State. This is fewer than reported in Britain and the US, probably because of the different social structure of this community. These persons differ from other prisoners by showing greater impairment in social adjustments and relationships. They appear to be treated differently with respect to sentencing. There was no evidence of a simple reciprocal relationship between deinstitutionalisation and imprisonment.
Hyponatremia, Convulsions and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Male with Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C.L. , Cubis Jeffrey C. , Saboisky John 
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of the study was to highlight the diagnostic difficulties occurring when hyponatremia presents concurrently with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Diagnostic issues in the differentiation between hyponatremia and NMS are discussed. Clinical picture: A case of dilutional hyponatremia (DH) secondary to psychogenic polydipsia (PP) associated with NMS occurring in a male with schizoaffective disorder is described. The clinical picture was complicated by convulsions, perhaps due to clonazepam withdrawal and possible lithium toxicity. Treatment: The patient was treated with supportive medical measures. Outcome: The patient made a full recovery. Conclusions: Hyponatremia and NMS have been found to be associated. This association may be due to an undefined common pathogenesis, or may be coincidental. Hyponatremia may also hinder the diagnosis of NMS.
Eating Disorder Patients at a NSW Teaching Hospital: A Comparison with State-Wide Data
Authors: Beumont P. J. V. , Kopec-Schrader E. M. , Lennerts W. 
Published: November 2007

The aim of the study was to present data which may be useful in deciding the type of services needed for eating disorder (ED) patients in New South Wales (NSW). The demographic and clinical characteristics of 155 patients consecutively admitted to a special ED unit at a major Sydney teaching hospital during the triennium 1989–1991 were documented and compared with relevant data from the State as a whole (709 admissions for ED to public facilities and 938 admissions for ED to private facilities during the same period). The findings are discussed in the light of information from overseas studies. Although a relatively large number of ED patients are admitted to hospitals in NSW, their short duration of stay suggests that many may receive inadequate treatment. The unit in the Department of Psychiatry at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), the largest public ED service in NSW, provides a special service for these patients. It is effective in bringing about nutritional restoration, with a duration of stay similar to those reported from centres overseas. Most referrals are tertiary, and there is a high prevalence of physical morbidity indicating a need for access to general medical facilities. Most serious physical complications occur in patients who can be identified by their chronicity and by the pattern of their behavioural disturbance. These various factors are considered in the formulation of recommendations for rationalising the service.
Group Peer Review in Psychiatry: The Relationship to Quality Improvement and Quality Care
Authors: Balla Margaret , Knothe Barbara , Lancaster Jeanette , Prager Shirley , Beatson Josephine 
Published: November 2007

Objective: This study sought to elucidate the contribution of peer review groups involving psychiatrists to quality improvement and quality care. Method: Audio-taped interviews of groups engaged in peer review were analysed using a qualitative methodology. Participants' views of the ways in which they experienced and conceptualised peer review were explored. Results: The views of participants in peer review groups were analysed, and categories evolved which identified differences in how they perceived the structure and function of group peer review. Conclusions: Participants in the groups studied perceived peer review as a professional growth forum within a quality improvement framework providing critical review of treatment, continuing education, and a sense of collegiality. Boundaries of acceptable practice were tested and defined. At its best, participation in peer review groups enhanced reflective practice which achieved new understandings of clinical work. In this regard, peer review is seen as a highly desirable method for the maintenance of professional standards.
Intervention and Social Breakdown in the Elderly
Authors: Little John D. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To discuss the ethical and clinical issues associated with the management of social breakdown in the elderly (SBE) in relation to the case of a 76-year-old recluse who was referred following community concerns about her living conditions and behaviour. Method: Longitudinal assessment and management of the patient resulted in a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with fluphenazine decanoate. Results: The patient responded to treatment and was returned home, after which a relationship was maintained by community services. Conclusions: A coherent and defensible position on both clinical and ethical grounds may be made in favour of intervention with SBE. Practical aspects of the process are suggested.
Querulous Paranoia in Chinese Patients: A Cultural Paradox
Authors: Pang Alfred H.T. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Lum Francis , Lai Kelly , Leung C. M. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: There has been no reported case of querulous paranoia from the Asian population. A prospective study was undertaken to identify patients with querulous paranoia in an outpatient clinic. Method: One thousand, five hundred and fifty-one new referrals to a university-affiliated psychiatric outpatient clinic in Hong Kong were screened for querulous paranoia during routine clinical work. Results: Three patients with querulous paranoia (0.19%) were identified during 1 year. The case histories of these three patients are reported. Conclusion: Possible reasons for the low reporting rate are discussed and the importance of sociocultural traditions in the development and recognition of querulous paranoia is emphasised.
The Delusion of Infection with HIV
Authors: Nash Louise 
Published: November 2007

Objective: This article briefly describes the consultation-liaison service of the HIV/AIDS service of the Royal North Shore Hospital, and reviews three men who had the delusional belief of being infected with HIV. Method: Twenty-three consecutive referrals from the HIV/AIDS unit to consultation-liaison psychiatry were reviewed. Three of these patients persistently believed that they were infected with HIV despite low risk factors and negative blood tests. Results: These three men had a major depression. Two of the three patients were offered treatment with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. The third declined psychiatric follow-up. Conclusion: The presentation of a patient for HIV testing, with an atypical history, should raise the interviewer's concern that there may be an underlying mental illness, in particular a depressive disorder.
Computerised Psychoeducation for Patients with Eating Disorders
Authors: Andrewes David G. , Mulder Claudia , O'connor Peter , McLennan Jim , Say Stephen , Derham Harry , Weigall Sue 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To assess a new computer-based method of health education for patients with bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Method: Fifty-four patients with DSM-III-R diagnosed eating disorders were allocated randomly to one of two groups, one receiving a computer-presented health education package called DIET, the other experiencing a placebo computer-based program. Each group contained 14 anorexia nervosa patients, four anorexic patients with bulimia and nine bulimic patients. Groups were equivalent in terms of the severity of their eating disorder as measured on the Eating Disorders Inventory and their estimated premorbid intelligence according to the National Adult Reading Test. Both groups were assessed before and after intervention on a questionnaire measuring knowledge of eating disorders and a questionnaire measuring attitudes to eating-disordered behaviour. Results: The DIET group members were significantly improved when compared to the placebo group in terms of both their knowledge and attitudes towards their disorder. The patients rated the DIET program as being both easy to use and helpful. Conclusion: The DIET program has been found to be a resource-efficient means of health education for patients with eating disorders. Further research is required to assess whether the program has therapeutic effects in terms of behavioural improvement.
A Malay Crosscultural Worldview and Forensic Review of Amok
Authors: Hatta S. Mohamed 
Published: November 2007

Objective: This article attempts to review the criteria for the amok phenomenon since the late 15th century and how its meaning has evolved into its present day usage. Method: A literature search was conducted examining and quoting Western sources vis-a-vis amok in the Malay context, ancient and modern. Results: This crosscultural approach overlaps with the forensic aspects of the phenomenon. This is inevitable as the word ‘amok’ itself brings to mind the phenomenon of violence which most often results in the breaching of the law. The changing face of amok as defined by Western authors is highlighted and compared to amuk as understood by modern Malays. Conclusions: It is inferred that amok as understood and classified in modern psychiatry has a different criteria set when compared and contrasted with the Malay understanding of amuk. With the broadening of the definition of amok, it is finally portrayed as being a syndrome that belongs to the East as well as the West.
Delivery of Medication to Psychiatric Patients in Community Health Services in New South Wales
Authors: Buhrich Neil , Butchart Anne , Johnston Susan , Lauchlan Roberta 
Published: November 2007

Objective: We investigated the supply and monitoring of medication to patients who attend community mental health services in NSW. Method: The staff at four metropolitan and one rural community centre health service were interviewed. Information sought included policies and procedures concerning medication, the delivery of medication to patients, and staff reports concerning their knowledge and practice related to the legal requirements of the New South Wales Poisons Act 1966. Results: Sixty-five (62%) of 104 coordinators, medical officers and staff who were responsible for case managing patients were interviewed. The centres all differed in their existing policies and practices and the extent to which they were supported by their local hospital and retail pharmacies. Only one centre had a designated pharmacist and this was a part-time position. Conclusions: The delivery of medication at most centres is a fairly ad hoc arrangement with staff organising medication as best as they can. At times the supply of medication to patients fails to comply with legal and New South Wales Department of Health requirements.
Alprazolam-Induced Hypomania
Authors: Reddy Janardhan Y.C. , Khanna Sumant , Anand Uday , Banerjee Amiya 
Published: November 2007

Objective: There are reports of alprazolam-induced hypomania/mania. Here is a case report of a patient who developed hypomania during treatment with alprazolam, but not with diazepam, another benzodiazepine derivative. Clinical picture: The illness was of 2 months' duration and the patient received a diagnosis of anxious depression. Following treatment with alprazolam, the patient developed hypomania characterised by euphoria, overactivity, overtalkativity, racing thoughts, oversocialisation, enhanced self-confidence and disturbed sleep. Treatment: Hypomania subsided when alprazolam was withdrawn. There was no recurrence with fluoxetine or diazepam that ameliorated the primary condition. Outcome: The patient was symptom-free on follow-up. Conclusions: Alprazolam can induce hypomania/mania and, perhaps, it differs from other benzodiazepines in its mode of action. Clinicians have to be alert to the possibility of their patients developing hypomania/mania while on alprazolam.
Postpartum Psychiatric Disorder: Who Should be Admitted and to Which Hospital?
Authors: Barnett Bryanne , Morgan Mary 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To review the question of whether an infant should be admitted to psychiatric services when a severe psychiatric disorder necessitates admission of the mother. Method: All available literature on mother-infant joint admission was reviewed and arguments for and against are summarised. Results: Early reports favoured joint admission, then opinions changed, possibly for economic reasons. Recent thinking encompasses research data on (i) longer-term adverse effects of postnatal depression on the children, and (ii) the finding of psychological and psychiatric morbidity in many of the fathers. Joint admission to designated special units is valuable, but such facilities are only cost-efficient and effective if established as part of an appropriate broader plan for managing postpartum psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: (1) Further research is needed to answer this question definitively. (2) Services at primary and secondary level require expansion. (3) All services should target the whole family.
Approaches to Measuring Quality of Life and their Relevance to Mental Health
Authors: Stedman Terry 
Published: November 2007

Objectives: This paper describes the ‘sociological’ and ‘health-related’ approaches to the measurement of quality of life and aims to describe their major findings, shortcomings and potential uses with mental health problems. Method: The literature is selectively reviewed to illustrate the major developments and conclusions. Results: Despite the lack of an accepted definition of quality of life, sociological approaches have repeatedly shown in general populations, the mentally ill and the elderly that subjective assessments are more influential in determining expressions of happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction than are the objective circumstances of a person's life. This supports the use of subjective judgements as the basis for quality-of-life determinations. Conclusions: The quality-of-life approaches can help to answer a broad range of questions of interest to psychiatry. Health-related quality-of-life approaches are potentially useful methods of demonstrating the impact of mental illness and the benefit of interventions. Further work is required to determine whether the commonly used measures are sensitive to change.
Rehabilitation of Frontal/Executive Impairments in Schizophrenia
Authors: Delahunty Ann , Morice Rodney 
Published: November 2007

Objective: A relatively high prevalence of deficits in cognitive flexibility, working memory and planning ability has been reported in schizophrenia patients. The objective was to develop a rehabilitation training program in an attempt to improve these specific cognitive functions. Method: The deficits in cognitive flexibility, working memory and planning ability were interpreted as reflecting executive cognitive processing impairments secondary to prefrontal neural system dysfunction. Following the ‘process specific’ approach, it was considered important to develop tasks that hypothesised the exercise of these cognitive abilities and the more molecular information processes thought to be fundamental to these abilities. Care was taken to ensure that all tasks involved the practice of processes thought to activate frontal/prefrontal neural systems. Attentional, visual, verbal, conceptual, motor and fine motor tasks were considered important for each process area in order to involve as many functional modalities as possible. Results: A program comprising cognitive shift, working memory and planning modules was developed. Conducted over 11 weeks, four modules were of 2 weeks' duration, and the fifth of 3 weeks' duration. Four individual 1 hour training sessions were conducted each week. Core elements of the modules are described. Conclusion: Consisting predominantly of pencil and paper information processing exercises, all of the training exercises are presented in the volumes of the Frontal/Executive Program. The program appears to be user-friendly with therapists now successfully delivering the program, in its entirety, to schizophrenia patients. Should future studies replicate preliminary findings of improved neurocognitive performance following training with the program, such findings would have important implications for the treatment of schizophrenia.
A Prospective Study of Childhood Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Port Pirie, South Australia
Authors: Sawyer Michael G. , Mudge Jane , Carty Vanessa , Baghurst Peter , McMichael Anthony 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To describe the extent to which emotional and behavioural problems experienced by 5-year-old children living in or around Port Pirie, South Australia, persisted when the children were aged 11–12 years. Method: Childhood emotional and behavioural problems were identified at the age of 5 years using Child Behaviour Checklists completed by mothers. When the children were aged 11–12 years, problems were identified using checklists completed by mothers, children and teachers. Results: Attention problems, aggressive behaviour and anxious/depressed problems were the most persistent problems over this period of the children's lives. In general, the strongest relationship over time occurred when reports were obtained from mothers on each occasion. A weaker relationship existed between earlier mother-reported problems and later teacher-reported problems, while the relationship between mother-reported problems and later self-reported problems occupied an intermediate position. Conclusion: The course of problems among children in Port Pirie appeared similar to that previously reported for children in Holland and North America. To better understand the aetiology of psychiatric disorders and to plan for effective interventions, more information is needed about the natural course of childhood emotional and behavioural disorders in Australia.
Assessing the Prevalence of Eating Disorders in an Australian Twin Population
Authors: Wade Tracey , Heath Andrew C. , Abraham Suzanne , Treloar Susan A. , Martin N. G. , Tiggemann M. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper examines the prevalence of disordered eating in a female Australian twin population aged between 28 and 90 years in 1993. Method: In two waves of data collection, the eating behaviour of 3869 female twins was first assessed in 1988–1989 by self-report questionnaire and then in 1992-1993 with a telephone interview, using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism interview. Results: It was found that about 0.4% of the women have a lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa and 1.8% of the group have suffered from bulimia nervosa. The incidence of bulimia nervosa but not anorexia nervosa was markedly higher for those women under 45 (2.3% bulimia nervosa) than for those women 45 years or older. Furthermore, one in three women have at some stage in their life used some extreme method of weight control. Conclusions: The levels of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa found are commensurate with those found in smaller studies in Australia and other parts of the world. The finding of widespread use of extreme weight control methods is of concern as this behaviour is a well-recognised precursor to more serious eating disorders.
Lithium-Induced Neurotoxicity at Serum Lithium Levels within the Therapeutic Range
Authors: Arya Dinesh K. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To report the occurrence of lithium-induced neurotoxicity and extrapyramidal symptoms at serum lithium levels within the therapeutic range. Clinical picture: On two occasions, a 73-year-old patient presented with symptoms of lithium-induced neurotoxicity and extrapyramidal symptoms when her serum lithium levels were within the therapeutic range. Treatment and outcome: Both lithium-induced neurotoxicity and extrapyramidal symptoms resolved when lithium was withdrawn. Conclusion: Even when serum lithium levels are within the therapeutic range, lithium-induced neurotoxicity may occur. Patients on neuroleptics and the elderly in particular may be more vulnerable to these side effects.
Phobic Disorders are Associated with Temperament in Alcoholic Men
Authors: Sellman J. Douglas , Joyce Peter R. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To investigate whether in a sample of men with alcohol dependence those with comorbid phobic disorders had higher persistence scores than those without. Method: Ninety-nine men with moderate–severe alcohol dependence recruited from an alcohol treatment programme were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) and completed a Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Results: Subjects with a comorbid phobic disorder had significantly higher persistence scores compared to those without. Conclusions: The temperament dimension, persistence, is associated with phobic disorder.