bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective examination of illness beliefs and coping in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Searle Aidan , Norman Paul , Thompson Rachel , Vedhara Kav 
Published: January 2008

Objective. According to the common‐sense model of illness behaviour, illness representations are directly related to coping and, via coping, to adaptive or maladaptive outcomes. However, it may be more appropriate to conceptualize coping by assessing what patients actually do – i.e., their coping behaviours – rather than what they say they do in coping scales – i.e., their coping cognitions. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between illness representations and the relative importance of coping cognitions and coping behaviours in the context of the management of type 2 diabetes.Design. The relationship between illness representations and coping variables was explored within a prospective design.Methods. The illness representations of 134 patients were assessed with the IPQ‐R (Moss‐Morris et al., 2002) along with coping cognitions and coping behaviours (medication, physical activity, diet).Results. Illness representations predicted coping cognitions and coping behaviours but coping cognitions did not mediate the relationships between illness representations and coping behaviours.Conclusion. The results demonstrate that illness representations are direct predictors of both coping cognitions and coping behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, coping cognitions and coping behaviours appear to be distinct mechanisms that operate independently. The findings suggest that rather than manipulating patients' coping cognitions to improve patients' health behaviours it may be beneficial to focus on their beliefs about diabetes.
Writing about emotions versus goals: Effects on hostility and medical care utilization moderated by emotional approach coping processes
Authors: Austenfeld Jennifer L. , Stanton Annette L. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. The study compared emotionally disclosive writing and writing about goals as the ‘best possible self’ to a control condition and evaluated coping through emotional processing (EP) and expression (EE) as moderators of effects at 1‐month follow‐up.Method. Undergraduates (N = 63) were randomly assigned to emotional disclosure (EMO), best possible self (BPS), or a control condition (CTL). Outcomes were hostility, medical visits, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and blood pressure.Results. At 1 month, hostility decreased in high‐EP participants in EMO relative to BPS and decreased in low‐EP participants in BPS relative to EMO. Low‐EP participants had fewer medical visits in BPS, whereas high‐EP participants had more visits in BPS relative to other conditions.Conclusions. Benefits may accrue when the expressive task is matched to the individual's preferred coping strategy.
Expressive writing in context: The effects of a confessional setting and delivery of instructions on participant experience and language in writing
Authors: Corter Arden L. , Petrie Keith J. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. Manipulations of the setting and instructions were tested for effects on language use and reported health following expressive writing (EW).Methods. Participants (N = 76) wrote in one of three conditions that differed by setting and the delivery of writing instructions.Results. The results showed that altering the context for EW influences participants' language use and their perceptions of the experience. There was no effect of conditions on self‐reported health.Conclusions. Future research should attend to the ways in which manipulations of EW context affect proposed mediators such as language, as well as outcomes of EW.
Emotional approach coping and self‐efficacy moderate the effects of written emotional disclosure and relaxation training for people with migraine headaches
Authors: Kraft Christina A. , Lumley Mark A. , D'Souza Pamela J. , Dooley John A. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We tested whether emotional skills and headache management self‐efficacy (HMSE) moderated effects of written emotional disclosure (WED) compared with control writing and a different intervention, relaxation training (RT).Design/methods. Undergraduates with migraine headaches reported emotional approach coping (EAC) and HMSE; were randomized to WED, RT, or control; and assessed on health measures at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up.Results. Greater EAC predicted improvement following WED compared with RT and control, whereas low HMSE predicted improvement following both WED and RT, compared with control.Conclusions. Emotional skill may specifically – and low health management self‐efficacy may generally – predict positive responses to WED.
Differential efficacy of written emotional disclosure for subgroups of fibromyalgia patients
Authors: Junghaenel Doerte U. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Broderick Joan E. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. To identify differential health benefits of written emotional disclosure (ED).Methods. Pain‐coping style and demographic characteristics were examined as potential moderators of ED treatment efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with female fibromyalgia patients.Results. Of three pain‐coping styles, only patients classified as interpersonally distressed (ID) experienced significant treatment effects on psychological well‐being, pain, and fatigue. Treatment effects on psychological well‐being were also significantly greater for patients with a high level of education.Conclusions. Patients with an ID‐coping style and/or high education appear to benefit most from ED.
Expressive writing reduces avoidance and somatic complaints in a community sample with constraints on expression
Authors: Swanbon Thomas , Boyce Lindsay , Greenberg Melanie A. 
Published: January 2008

Design and methods. This experimental study examined expressive writing (EW) in a community sample with social constraints on self‐expression. Gay men (N = 62) were assigned randomly to describe gay‐related thoughts and feelings (EW) or to write objectively (CTRL). Self‐reported symptoms and physician visits were assessed at baseline and 1‐ and 2‐month follow‐ups.Results. Significant Group×Time interaction for somatic symptoms indicated buffering effect of EW. EW reduced gay‐related avoidance, relative to CTRL. Avoidance and symptom changes were significantly, positively associated.Conclusions. Consistent with inhibition theory, EW reduces chronic avoidance and buffers stress‐related physical symptoms in stigmatized groups.
No strong evidence for abnormal levels of dysfunctional attitudes, automatic thoughts, and emotional information‐processing biases in remitted bipolar I affective disorder
Authors: Lex Claudia , Meyer Thomas D. , Marquart Barbara , Thau Kenneth 
Published: January 2008

Introduction. Beck extended his original cognitive theory of depression by suggesting that mania was a mirror image of depression characterized by extreme positive cognition about the self, the world, and the future. However, there were no suggestions what might be special regarding cognitive features in bipolar patients (Mansell & Scott, 2006). We therefore used different indicators to evaluate cognitive processes in bipolar patients and healthy controls.Methods. We compared 19 remitted bipolar I patients (BPs) without any Axis I comorbidity with 19 healthy individuals (CG). All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, the Emotional Stroop Test, and an incidental recall task.Results. No significant group differences were found in automatic thinking and the information‐processing styles (Emotional Stroop Test, incidental recall task). Regarding dysfunctional attitudes, we obtained ambiguous results.Conclusions. It appears that individuals with remitted bipolar affective disorder do not show cognitive vulnerability as proposed in Beck's theory of depression if they only report subthreshold levels of depressive symptoms. Perhaps, the cognitive vulnerability might only be observable if mood induction procedures are used.
Investigation of passively mode-locked erbium doped fiber ring laser due to nonlinear polarization rotation
Authors: Nikodem M. , Budnicki A. , Tomczyk G. , Abramski K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPassively mode-locked erbium doped fiber ring laser was investigated. We present optimization of laser configuration where nonlinear polarization rotation was used for modes synchronization. Simulations of pulse propagation inside a laser cavity were applied in order to confirm the optimisation technique. Experimental results are presented and more than 32-nm spectral width of the output frequency comb was obtained.
Adverse Experiences in Psychiatric Training. Part 2
Authors: Kozlowska Kasia , Nunn Kenneth , Cousens Pennelope 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the perceptions of New South Wales (NSW) psychiatric trainees in relation to their training, the adverse events they experienced and the role and quality of the consultant registrar relationship. Method: A self-report questionnaire was developed to probe trainee perceptions of the consultant-trainee relationship and adverse events during training in all those who had completed at least 1 year of training in psychiatry (n = 138) in NSW, as well as all consultants who had completed their training in the last 5 years (n = 95). All subjects were asked to rate the frequency and relative impact of 20 adverse experiences with the opportunity to proffer adversities not listed. They were also asked to rate their experience of their consultants in relation to the adversity. Results: The results from The Training Impact Study exploring adverse events experienced by NSW trainees are presented. Assault by a patient and suicide of a patient are identified as the most stressfull adversities of training in psychiatry. However, more general concerns such as educational and emotional neglect by upervisors, observing consultant maltreatment of patients, exam failure and conflict between consultants were also identified and discussed. Conclusions: The high response rate of both trainees and consultants gives these results a level of representative validity. Recommendations in relation to future training and research are put forward. Specific training in the management of potentially assaultive patients and facilitating trainee recovery from assault or threat of assault should be a priority of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Support and education in relation to patient suicide is also important. Training and recognition of teachers within the College should be encouraged.
The Comorbidity of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Rodney James , Prior Nigel , Cooper Betty , Theodoros Mike , Browning Joanne , Steinberg Ben , Evans Larry 
Published: January 2008

Objective: This study explored the effect of comohid anxiety disorders in patients admitted to an inpatient specialist Mood Disorders Unit for the treatment of a primary major depressive episode. Method: Subjects were assessed on admission and discharge. DSM-Ill-R diagnoses for major depression and anxiety disorders were established using CIDI-Auto; cornorbid anxiety disorders were coexistent in time with the major depression, with both conditions meeting diagnostic criteria at the time of assessment. Severity of illness was assessed using the Hamilton DepressiodMelancholia Scale, the revised Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the revised Beck Depression Inventory. Results: For the analysis, the study cohort was divided into three groups: depression alone (n = 33), one comorbid anxiety disorder (n = 15), and two or more comorbid anxiety disorders (n = 24). No particular anxiety disorder predominated. Interestingly, the presence or absence of comorbid anxiety with severe major depression made no significant difference to treatment choice or outcome results. Specifically, there was no significant difference between the three groups in the utilisation of electroconvulsive therapy and pharmacotherapy (including antidepres-sants, benzodiazepines and neuroleptics); all subjects improved significantly on both depression and anxiety ratings, and length of inpatient stay did not vary significantly between the three groups. Conclusions: The existence of comorbid anxiety disorders in those patients who presented for treatment of a primary major depressive episode did not significantly effect choice of treatment or treatment outcome, suggesting that there is a close interrelationship between the two conditions.
The Effect of a New Integrated Mental Health Service on Hospitalisation
Authors: Mellsop Graham W. , Blair-West George W. , Duraiappah Vasanthi 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to partially evaluate a new integrated mental health service by monitoring inpatient lengths of stay. We hypothesised that the median cumulated length of stay for inpatients would decrease, and that the frequency of readmissions would not increase. Method: Data was collected for two 6-month periods before and after the introduction of an integrated mental health service (IMHS). Two functionally identical wards (G and E) were studied. Ward G was then integrated with the regional community psychiatry service, while Ward E remained non-integrated. Results: Following integration, the median cumulative length of stay in the IMHS's Ward G was more than halved in comparison with both its own baseline and with the non-integrated ward. The average length of stay of overdose patients at the regional general hospital that was serviced by the IMHS was also reduced from 2.6 days to 1.5 days. The non-IMHS ward had a non-significant increase in admissions and no change in cumulative length of stay. Conclusion: The hypotheses of this study were supported by the results. Twelve beds were subsequently closed as a result of the efficiencies generated by integration. These findings support the model of true integration trialled here.
Integrated Mental Health Care: Practitioners' Perspectives
Authors: Allen Ruth E.S. , Read John 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Integrated mental health care (IMHC) is a community-based model that considers the patient and informal carers to be the major contributors to stable recovery from severe mental health problems. This study investigates the implementation of IMHC by 35 New Zealand practitioners 1 year after being trained in the model. It also explores their experiences and perceptions regarding the model. Method: Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered by combining a questionnaire survey with in-depth interviews. Results: Few of the trainees had been able to implement the model as much as they would have liked. A primary barrier to implementation was created by the resource constraints that impede most innovative community care initiatives even when demonstrated to be more cost-effective than traditional hospital-based approaches. Concerns particular to IMHC included issues relating to flexibility, time-intensiveness and applicability to New Zealand. Many practitioners found some of the specific intervention strategies and the clear overall structure of the model useful. Its psychosocial emphasis had a positive impact on many practitioners' beliefs about the causes and prognosis of severe mental health problems. Conclusions: Participants offer a range of recommendations as to how IMHC might be applied and adapted. Consultation with staff, consumers, families and Maori, as well as a strengthening of the psychosocial components, are recommended.
Substance use Disorders among Men in Prison: A New Zealand Study
Authors: Bushnell John A. , Bakker Leon W. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: This study set out to determine the extent of alcohol and drug disorder among male prisoners prior to their incarceration in a New Zealand prison. Method: Sections of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule that assess alcohol and drug disorders according to DSM-III criteria were administered to 100 sequential new arrivals at a male medium/minimum security prison. Results: Eighty-one percent of the prisoners had a lifetime alcohol disorder, and 39% of them had symptoms in the 6 months prior to incarceration. Half of the prisoners had met criteria for an alcohol-dependence syndrome. Thirty percent had a lifetime drug use disorder with 14% showing symptoms in the last 6 months prior to incarceration. One-quarter had been drug dependent. After adjustment of the lifetime prevalence estimates for the differing age distribution within the prison, alcohol disorder was more than twice as common among prisoners as in the general population, and drug use disorder was eight times as common. Conclusions: Since high rates of alcohol and drug disorder are found among sentenced prisoners, both in the 6 months prior to incarceration and over their lifetime, resources within the prison may need to be directed towards minimising the harm from substance use disorder and associated risk behaviour.
Interaction of Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors with Perhexiline
Authors: Alderman Christopher P. , Hundertmark James D. , Soetratma Tanya W. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To report two cases of perhexiline toxicity associated with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. Clinical picture: Serum perhexiline concentrations progressively increased after a 69-year-old man was concurrently prescribed paroxetine for the treatment of depression. An 84-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with severe, symptomatic perhexiline toxicity associated with fluoxetine treatment. Treatment: In both cases, perhexiline therapy was suspended and treatment with SSRIs was withdrawn. Outcome: Serum perhexiline concentrations declined following the withdrawal of paroxetine in one case, but in the case of the second patient perhexiline concentrations were extremely slow to decrease, resulting in referral to a rehabilitative care unit for convalescence. Conclusions: Serum perhexiline concentrations may be elevated during concurrent treatment with SSRIs, potentially resulting in severe toxicity.
Is Pre-Psychotic Intervention Realistic in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders?
Authors: Yung Alison R. , McGorry Patrick D. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the logistic and ethical questions related to the possibility of intervention prior to the onset of first-episode psychosis (i.e. during the prodromal phase). Method: The method involved examination of the published literature on prevention of psychotic disorders and other mental disorders, and critical evaluation of current practice in treating pre-psychotic individuals. Results: Issues of possibly unnecessary or premature labelling, stigma and treatment arise. The question of whether such early intervention merely diagnoses the disorder earlier but does not actually improve outcome is also discussed, as are the economic implications of shifting emphasis from treatment of established disorders to preventive interventions. Conclusions: There are many legitimate concerns related to intervening in pre-psychotic individuals which must be understood by those involved in planning preventive interventions. Policies should be developed incorporating some of the ethical and economic concerns, and these need to be evaluated and changed in response to ongoing research. However, these issues need not stand in the way of the development of innovative preventive approaches to the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Tests in Psychiatry
Authors: Ellard John 
Published: January 2008

Objective: This essay examines the proposition that clinical psychiatrists should make more use of the ancillary tests available to them. It argues that many of the tests are of doubtful validtty and are more concerned with sorting patients into categories which are both impermanent and insubstantial than with clinical usefulness. Method: Consideration is given to the way in which many psychiatrists use those tests of mental status which are available to them, often showing little awareness of the scoring procedures, norms and limitations of the tests being used. Many of the questionnaires available restrict the field of enquiry to achieve reliability at the cost of validity. Careful examination of some commonly used measures has shown that they do nothing to improve diagnostic accuracy and can be misleading. Simple direct questions can be more useful and more valid. Results and Conclusions: The ancillary tests available to psychiatrists do little to assist them and the important problems of clinical management. In general, they are more concerned with attaching labels to patients than throwing light on the nature of their disorders and how they may be managed.
A Comparison of the Eating Disorder Examination and a General Psychiatric Schedule
Authors: Wade Tracey , Tiggemann Marika , Martin Nicholas , Heath Andrew 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the adequacy of a general interview schedule for the purpose of assessing bulimia net vosa. Method: In two waves of data collection 18–24 months apart, 250 women were assessed for disordered eating. The first interview was typical of that included in many psychiatric interview schedules and was used to screen women for selection in a subsequent interview. This latter interview, using the Eating Disorder Examination, represents the ‘gold standard’ for the assessment of disordered eating. Results: While the psychiatric interview satisfactorily assessed disturbed eating in general, it seemed less capable of accurately assessing cases of bulimia nervosa in particular, the major weakness being the overestimation of binge-eating. Conclusions: Structured psychiatric interviews are suitable for screening purposes to identify women with disordered eating, but identification of bulimia nervosa requires further assessment with a suitable instrument.
Disordered Water Homeostasis in Asian Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Chong Siow-Ann , Tan Lay-Ling , Wong Mun-Chong , Woo Siew-Choo , Tan Chay-Hoon , Ng Li-Ling 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of polydipsia-hyponatremia among patients with schizophrenia in an Asian mental hospital. Method: Seven hundred and twenty-eight inpatients with schizophrenia were assessed for polydipsia-hyponatremia using case notes reviews, specific gravity of urine, normalised diurnal weight gain, and serum sodium levels. Results: One hundred and three (13.8%) patients had polydipsia, 30 (4.1%) had polydipsia-hyponatremia and 14 (13%) had a history of water intoxication. Eight of the 30 patients were receiving carbamazepine, three were on tricyclic antidepres-sants and two had diabetes mellitus and were on sulfonylureas. Conclusion: The prevalence of water intoxication among polydipsic patients was low compared to Western studies. This could be due to different methods of assessing polyuria, or ethnic differences and/or the prohibition of smoking in our patients. Certain medications might have also contributed to hyponatremia.
Depression in Hepatolenticular Degeneration (Wikon's Disease)
Authors: Walter Garry , Lyndon Bill 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To describe the course of depression in a patient with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease). Clinical picture: A 21 -year-old male with hepatolenticular degeneration is described in whom depression was the earliest manifestation. Insomnia and psychomotor slowing were prominent. Treatment: The mood disturbance showed limited response to tricyclic antidepres-sants, mianserin, lithium augmentation and initial decoppering therapy. Introduction of the chelating agent tetrathiomolybdate was followed by normalisation of mood and improvement in non-psychiatric symptoms. Outcome: Three years after the disorder was first diagnosed the patient was euthymic and fully functional. Conclusions: Although hepatolenticular degeneration is rare, it commonly presents with psychiatric symptoms. It is important for psychiatrists to be aware of the condition and its psychiatric manifestations.