bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychoactive substance use diagnoses among psychiatric in‐patients
Authors: Hansen S.S. , Munk‐Jørgensen P. , Guldbæk B. , Solgård T. , Lauszus K.S. , Albrechtsen N. , Borg L. , Egander A. , Faurholdt K. , Gilberg A. , Gosden N.P. , Lorenzen J. , Richelsen B. , Weischer K. , Bertelsen A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and possible under‐diagnosing of substance use disorders and to consider factors that might influence diagnosing of substance use disorders. Method: Data collected from case records and PSE interviews of psychiatric in‐patients from 12 psychiatric departments in Denmark admitted during October 1996 were compared with data from the Danish Psychiatric Register. Results: A substantially lower prevalence of substance use diagnoses were found in the register (26.1%) than in the research data (50.0%). A high prevalence of co‐occurrence between substance use disorders and mental disorders other than substance use disorders was found (37.3%).In the majority of cases knowledge of the substance use disorders was present in the case records, although they had not resulted in a diagnosis. Conclusion: The under‐diagnosis of substance use disorders is due not only to concealed diagnostic signs and symptoms but also to an under‐diagnosis by the psychiatrists, in spite of the fact that information on the substance use was accessible.
Sex ratio of transsexuals in Germany: the development over three decades
Authors: Garrels L. , Kockott G. , Michael N. , Preuss W. , Renter K. , Schmidt G. , Sigusch V. , Windgassen K. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The higher incidence of man‐to‐woman transsexuals compared to woman‐to‐man transsexuals varies markedly from country to country. This is the first survey of the sex ratio to be made in Germany. Method: It covers 1785 patients who between 1964 and 1998 were diagnosed as transsexual at the four largest German centres offering treatment. Results: From 1970 to 1994 the sex ratio remained constant at 2:1 in favour of man‐to‐woman transsexuals. Over the past 4 years, however, it has altered considerably and reached 1.2:1. Conclusion: Up to 1994 our results do not support the assumption that transsexualism is gradually becoming equally prevalent in both sexes. The drop in the sex ratio after 1994 can be explained either as a reduction of an overhang of male‐to‐female transsexuals or as an artificial phenomenon caused by recent developments in therapy and by the views of transsexuals' groups on the treatment they are offered.
Predicting medication adherence in severe mental disorders
Authors: Adams J. , Scott J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This study explored the utility of the health belief model (HBM) in explaining medication adherence in subjects with severe and disabling mental disorders. Method: Six well‐established measuring instruments, with confirmed reliability and validity, were used to assess each component of the HBM and medication adherence in 39 hospital‐treated subjects with affective disorders (n=27) or schizophrenia (n=12). Results: Highly adherent and partially adherent subjects differed significantly in their perception of illness severity, their beliefs about themselves and their control over the disorder, and their concerns about further hospitalization. Two components of the HBM (perceived severity of illness and perceived benefits of treatment) explained 43% of the variance in adherence behaviour. Conclusion: Although the study has a number of methodological limitations, the results suggest that clinical assessment of components of the HBM may improve the detection of patients at risk of medication non‐adherence.
Mental health economic studies from developing countries reviewed in the context of those from developed countries
Authors: Shah A. , Jenkins R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Mental health economic studies from developing countries were reviewed in the context of such studies from developed countries. Method: Mental health economic studies were ascertained through a systematic Medline search, chasing references at the end of papers acquired from the initial medline search and details of studies furnished by members of the WHO collaborating centre. Results: Only a small number of mental health economic studies from developing countries were identified. They were mainly cost‐of‐illness and cost‐effectiveness studies. Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders impose a significant burden in developing countries. It is not always possible to extrapolate findings from developed countries to developing countries. Potential avenues for future research and development are discussed.
Major demographic, social and economic factors associated to suicide rates in Latvia 1980–98
Authors: Rancans E. , Salander Renberg E. , Jacobsson L. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of suicide rates in Latvia 1980–98, when dramatic social and economical changes took place. Special attention is given to demographic risk groups and major socioeconomic correlates influencing the dynamics of suicide rates. Method: Descriptive statistics of suicide rates and major social and economical correlates. Results: During 1980–98 there were rapid swings of suicide rates. The increase was generated mainly by males reaching a maximum of 72 per 100 000 population in 1993. The sudden drop in gross domestic product, the rapid increase in first‐time alcohol psychosis and the percentage of people unemployed did not correspond strictly with the dynamics of suicide rates. Conclusion: Demographic and socioeconomic factors could not explain sufficiently the rapid changes in suicide rates in Latvia during the years 1980–98; psychological factors also have to be considered.
Neuropsychological functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: a review
Authors: Michiels Veronique , Cluydts Raymond 
Published: March 2003

Objective: In this paper we review critically the current status of neurocognitive studies in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Method: CFS literature was monitored as part of a large research project which involved several neuropsychological and psychopathological studies. The literature survey was the result of several consecutive searches on Medline and PsycInfo databases. Results: The neurocognitive studies are reviewed in terms of scientificaly accepted aspects of attention and memory. In addition, we review possible explanations for cognitive dysfunction in CFS. This is preceded with a discussion of the methodological limitations that are considered to explain inconcistencies across neuropsychological studies in CFS. Conclusion: The current research shows that slowed processing speed, impaired working memory and poor learning of information are the most prominent features of cognitive dysfunctioning in patients with CFS. Furthermore, to this date no specific pattern of cerebral abnormalities has been found that uniquely characterizes CFS patients. There is no overwhelming evidence that fatigue is related to cognitive performance in CFS, and researchers agree that their performance on neuropsychological tasks is unlikely to be accounted solely by the severity of the depression and anxiety.
A statistical model for length of psychiatric in‐patient treatment and an analysis of contributing factors
Authors: Stevens Andreas , Hammer Katrin , Buchkremer Gerhard 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Direct illness costs in psychiatry are strongly related to the length of in‐patient stay (LOS). Prior studies have shown that LOS depends upon many factors; however, there is no systematic work on their interrelation and relative contribution. Method: A detailed statistical analysis of the factors explaining LOS for n=4706 consecutive admissions (1994–97) to the psychiatric hospital of the University of Tübingen is presented. Results: The distribution of LOS follows an exponential decay function, suggesting a hazard‐based process. Cox regression indicates that the incidence of discharge and hence LOS is modulated by a number of illness‐related and other factors, and their relationship is explored. Conclusion: While a linear model is commonly assumed, LOS in psychiatry is governed by a hazard‐based process. As a tool in quality management, LOS data for psychiatric hospitals might be routinely analyzed and the effects of non‐illness‐related factors minimized.
A review of psychosocial outcome in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: MacQueen Glenda M. , Young L. Trevor , Joffe Russell T. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to review outcome in patients with bipolar disorder as assessed by interepisode level of functioning, as until recently this dimension of outcome has been relatively under‐emphasized. Method: Studies that examined psychosocial outcome in bipolar disorder were reviewed on the basis of rating measurements employed, length of follow‐up, number of subjects followed and degree of impairment reported. Studies were included only if results from patients with bipolar and unipolar disorder were reported in such a way that the groups could be distinguished. Results: When studies of psychosocial outcome in bipolar disorder are examined in aggregate, it appears that 30–60% of individuals with this disorder fail to regain full functioning in occupational and social domains. Conclusion: This review highlights the fact that inter‐episode functional recovery is incomplete in some patients, suggesting that comprehensive rehabilitative assessment and intervention may be essential to reduce the morbidity associated with this disorder.
The quest for biological correlates of social phobia: an interim assessment
Authors: Dewar K. M. , Stravynski A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:The primary goal of this review was to assess critically the literature concerning the ongoing search for possible biological correlates of social phobia.Methods:In addition to manual searches, Medline, Current Contents and Psych Info databases were searched for relevant publications.Results:On the evidence of an extensive body of research, so far biological correlates of social phobia remain elusive. Furthermore, the majority of studies reveal by default that the neurobiological functioning of social phobics is very much like that of normal control subjects.Conclusion:The conceptual and methodological foundations underpinning the current research programme are discussed critically. Its main weaknesses were found to be: lack of theory to guide research and aid the interpretation of results, static comparisons between subject groups and analysis oblivious to great individual variations. Possibilities of alternative approaches to study the neurobiology of social phobia are raised. Among others, continuous and situation‐specific measurement, subjects used as their own controls and neurobiological correlates of clinical improvement following psychotherapy are considered.
Neuropsychological performance of psychotic patients in community care: results from the UK700 study
Authors: Gilvarry C. M. , Barber J. A. , Van Os J. , Murray R. M. ,   UK700 Group*
Published: March 2003

Objective: To compare cognitive performance in chronic schizophrenic and affective psychotic patients maintained in community care. Method: We studied a sample of community‐based patients (n=707) with chronic psychotic disorders. Neuropsychological assessment was completed using the National Adult Reading Test (NART) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Results: Affective psychotic patients had higher premorbid IQ than schizophrenic patients before adjustment for confounding factors (P=0.03); however, after adjustment for ethnic group and social class this became non‐significant (P=0.19). There were no significant differences between groups on the TMT, parts A or B. Conclusion: Unlike studies suggesting that schizophrenic patients are more cognitively impaired than affective psychotic patients, our study suggests a degree of cognitive homogeneity between those patients who develop a chronic illness. Measures of premorbid IQ suggest that this cognitive homogeneity exists prior to the onset of illness.
A randomized, controlled trial of a brief interventional package for schizophrenic out‐patients
Authors: Cunningham Owens D. G. , Carroll A. , Fattah S. , Clyde Z. , Coffey I. , Johnstone E. C. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To evaluate the impact on outcome of a simple educational intervention in schizophrenic patients at risk of relapse. Method: At discharge, 114 schizophrenic patients with at least one previous episode were assigned randomly to a simple educational intervention which had no resource implications, or standard care. Results: The intervention failed to improve outcome. While insight and treatment attitudes improved, suicidal ideation increased. Systematic management of treatment‐emergent adverse effects offered no benefits, although incapacitation from extrapyramidal side‐effects at discharge predicted relapse. Conclusion: There are limits to which psychoeducational interventions can be simplified without loss of effectiveness in terms of relapse prevention in schizophrenia. Enhanced insight may be associated with increased suicidal ideation.
Symptomatic recovery and social functioning in major depression
Authors: Furukawa T. A. , Takeuchi H. , Hiroe T. , Mashiko H. , Kamei K. , Kitamura T. , Takahashi K. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine whether social functional recovery precedes, runs in parallel with, or lags behind symptomatic recovery from major depressive episodes. Method: Psychiatric out‐patients or in‐patients aged 18 years or over, diagnosed with unipolar major depressive disorder according to DSM‐IV, and who had received no antidepressant medication in the preceding 3 months were identified at 23 collaborating centres from all over Japan (n=95). They were rated with the 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) monthly, and with the Social Adjustment Scale‐Self Report (SAS‐SR) 6‐monthly. Remission was defined as 7 or less on the HRSD and recovery as 2 or more consecutive months of remission. Results: The GAS ratings showed continuous amelioration from baseline to remission, remission to recovery, and after sustained recovery. The same trends were observed for SAS‐SR scores. Conclusion: We can expect further amelioration in social adjustment after symptomatic remission and recovery of major depressive episodes.
Effectiveness of psychological debriefing
Authors: Arendt M. , Elklit A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To identify literature concerning the effectiveness of psychological debriefing (PD) and analyse results according to different criteria of success and different uses of the intervention format. Method: Literature search was made in databases PubMed, PsycInfo and Psychlit. Twenty‐five studies were selected for a thorough description. Forty‐two studies provided additional information. Results: Results indicate that, in general, debriefing does not prevent psychiatric disorders or mitigate the effects of traumatic stress, even though people generally find the intervention helpful in the process of recovering from traumatic stress. The intervention holds potential as a screening procedure, and there may be economic arguments for continued use. When used with adherence to traditional descriptions of treatment group, events, group format, leadership and time spent, a preventive effect emerges. No tendency according to timing was found. Conclusion: Current uses of PD are problematic. The concept needs to be redefined, and the scope of application must be revised. The objectives for use need to be clarified.
Visual binding abilities in the initial and advanced stages of schizophrenia
Authors: Parnas J. , Vianin P. , Sæbye D. , Jansson L. , Volmer Larsen A. , Bovet P. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The study tests the hypothesis that intramodal visual binding is disturbed in schizophrenia and should be detectable in all illness stages as a stable trait marker. Method: Three groups of patients (rehospitalized chronic schizophrenic, first admitted schizophrenic and schizotypal patients believed to be suffering from a pre‐schizophrenic prodrome) and a group of normal control subjects were tested on three tasks targeting visual ‘binding’ abilities (Müller‐Lyer's illusion and two figure detection tasks) in addition to control parameters such as reaction time, visual selective attention, Raven's test and two conventional cortical tasks of spatial working memory (SWM) and a global–local test. Results: Chronic patients had a decreased performance on the binding tests. Unexpectedly, the prodromal group exhibited an enhanced Gestalt extraction on these tests compared both to schizophrenic patients and to healthy subjects. Furthermore, chronic schizophrenia was associated with a poor performance on cortical tests of SWM, global–local and on Raven. This association appears to be mediated by or linked to the chronicity of the illness. Conclusion: The study confirms a variety of neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia which, however, in this sample seem to be linked to chronicity of illness. However, certain aspects of visual processing concerned with Gestalt extraction deserve attention as potential vulnerability‐ or prodrome‐ indicators. The initial hypothesis of the study is rejected.
Operating conditions of psychiatric hospitals and early readmission — effects of high patient turnover
Authors: Heggestad Torhild 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To study the association between hospitals' operating conditions and the risk of early readmission. The hypothesis was that high patient turnover might lead to a rise in the risk of readmission soon after discharge (within 30 days). Method: A multivariate model including hospital and patient variables was tested using Cox's regression analysis, adjusting for clustering effects. The material included data from 20 hospitals, with 5520 patients in the final model. Results: High patient turnover (annual discharges per bed) was significantly associated with an increased risk of readmission (hazard ratio (HR)=3.37 (95% CI=2.39–4.75)). In addition, being discharged from a ward with relatively low access to therapists increased the hazard further. Conclusion: High patient turnover at the discharging ward was found to increase the patients' hazard of early readmission. This observation supports the hypothesis of a link between the operation conditions of the hospitals and patient outcome on a short time‐scale.
Musical hallucinations associated with abruptly developed bilateral loss of hearing
Authors: Tanrıverdi Nilgün , Akif Sayılgan Mehmet , Özçürümez Gamze 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To present a depressive patient who developed abrupt hearing loss with musical hallucinations. Method: This study is a case report. The patient was evaluated by cranial CT, EEG, audiometry, brain SPECT, MMPI and the Hamilton Depression Scale. Results: A patient with depression developed abrupt hearing loss with musical hallucinations following an intramuscular injection of gentamycin. Audiometry showed mild sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. The Hamilton Depression Scale disclosed moderate depression. Her symptoms disappeared with the initiation of antidepressive medication. Conclusion: Musical hallucinations are the hearing of tunes, melodies, harmonics, rhythms and timbres. They have been reported to be in association with hearing loss in several published cases. The uniqueness of our patient was that she was younger than previously reported cases of musical hallucinations, who were elderly people, and her symptoms of depression disappeared gradually after the initiation of moclobemide.
Screening for autism spectrum disorders in adult psychiatric out‐patients: a preliminary report
Authors: Nylander Lena , Gillberg Christopher 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among adult psychiatric out‐patients; to evaluate the efficacy of a new brief screening questionnaire (ASDASQ). Method: 1323 adult psychiatric out‐patients were screened by staff. Analysis of psychiatric records of patients (n=66) scoring high on the ASDASQ yielded 31 patients with a suspected ASD. Twenty‐two of these patients were clinically examined. Three psychometric aspects of the questionnaire were studied. Results: Seventeen patients were found by clinical examination to have an ASD. Since two patients scoring low on the ASDASQ were known to have an ASD, at least 19 patients in this population (1.4%) had a definite ASD. Seventeen of the ASD patients had been previously diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders, most frequently schizophrenia (n=5). Of patients attending a treatment centre for severe psychiatric disabilities (n=499), 3.2% had an ASD. The ASDASQ showed good reliability across and within raters. Internal consistency was excellent. Conclusion: Adult psychiatric patients sometimes have undiagnosed autism spectrum disorders. The ASDASQ can be useful for screening.
Psychometric properties of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) questionnaire in a Spanish psychiatric population
Authors: Gutiérrez F. , Torrens N. , Boget T. , Martín‐Santos R. , Sangorrín J. , Pérez G. , Salamero M. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were examined in a psychiatric population. Method: Internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity were studied in a sample of 416 psychiatric patients. Results: A moderate to high internal consistency for all personality dimensions was found, except for Persistence. A confirmatory factor analysis of the TCI performed at the subscale level revealed an uncertain factor structure. However, when analysed separately, both the 11 temperament subscales (plus Persistence) and the 13 character subscales shaped four and three factors, respectively, in agreement with the biosocial model of personality. Finally, concurrent validity analyses were conducted using EPQ, SPSR and SSS questionnaires showing results consistent with theory. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the TCI is a reliable and valid instrument, although the Persistence dimension might require further revision.
HIT, hallucination focused integrative treatment as early intervention in psychotic adolescents with auditory hallucinations:a pilot study
Authors: Jenner J. A. , Van De Willige G. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Early intervention in psychosis is considered important in relapse prevention. Limited results of monotherapies prompt to development of multimodular programmes. The present study tests feasibility and effectiveness of HIT, an integrative early intervention treatment for auditory hallucinations, in community psychiatry. Method: Adolescents with auditory hallucinations consecutively referred to Groningen Voices Outpatient Department. Independent research staff collected diagnosis, sociodemographics, psychiatric history, former treatment and current treatment status from medical files. The auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale, Groningen Social Disabilities Scale and five‐point rating scales on characteristics and subjective burden of voices, and satisfaction with therapy were scored with semi‐structured interview. Results: Good compliance and high satisfaction with HIT treatment in most cases; 65% free of voices; majority demonstrates substantial improvement on mastery, anxiety, interference with thinking and social functioning; none worsened. Conclusion: Integrative treatment as composed in the HIT‐programme is feasible in community psychiatry and appears to be an effective early intervention in adolescents with schizophrenia both in reducing psychotic symptoms as improving quality of life.