bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective and objective neuropsychological abnormalities in a psychosis prodrome clinic
Authors: Hambrecht Martin , Lammertink Michael , Klosterkötter Joachim , Matuschek Eveline , Pukrop Ralf 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundPredicting transitions to psychosis is difficult. Neuropsychology might facilitate predictions.AimsTo report preliminary data on self-perceived and objectively measurable neurocognition in prodromal patients of the first German early recognition centre.MethodSubjective neuropsychological disturbances were assessed in 51 patients with potentially prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia. Initial neurocognitive functioning was compared with matched normals and patients with schizophrenia.ResultsSelf-perceived deficits mostly concerned perception, cognition and stress reactivity. Five transitions happened during the 15-month follow-up. Recently emerging or intensifying deficits were to some extent predictive of transition. Persons at risk performed worse than controls on objectively measured verbal capacity, attention and memory functions.ConclusionsNeuropsychological deficits, either self-perceived or objectively measured, characterise persons at risk for schizophrenia and may contribute to predicting transitions.
Executive dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenia and relationship to duration of untreated psychosis: The West London Study
Authors: Joyce Eileen , Hutton Sam , Mutsatsa Stan , Gibbins Heidi , Webb Emma , Paul Sonja , Robbins Trevor , Barnes Thomas 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundMany studies have demonstrated early generalised cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.AimsTo examine executive function in first-episode schizophrenia, characterise the nature of the impairment and specify any relationships with symptoms and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP).MethodPatients (n=136) and normal controls (n=81) were assessed with the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery, National Adult Reading Test IQ, and Scales for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms.ResultsMemory and executive impairments in patients were independent of IQ level. Spatial working memory was impaired because of inadequate strategy use. On a planning task, patients showed reduced planning times and suboptimal problem-solving. On an attentional set-shifting task, 75% of patients were able to perform an extra-dimensional shift thought to be a core attribute of prefrontal cortex function. Those who failed had significantly longer DUP.ConclusionsPrefrontal cortex function deteriorates at the onset of psychosis and continues to worsen over time.
Improvement in cognitive functioning in patients with first-episode psychosis during treatment with quetiapine: An interim analysis
Authors: Good Kimberley P. , Kiss Ivan , Buiteman Christine , Woodley Hazel , Rui Qing , Whitehorn David , Kopala Lili 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundThe efficacies of second-generation antipsychotic medications in reducing symptoms are reasonably well-documented, but their effects on cognition are less clearly understood.AimsTo undertake an interim analysis of an open label, 2-year study examining the effects of quetiapine on cognition in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and related disorders.MethodCognitive testing was performed before quetiapine was initiated and repeated after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. To date, 13 patients have been fully assessed (mean dose 517.9 mg/day; s.d.=225.8).ResultsStatistically significant improvement was noted on measures of attention (Continuous Performance Test; CPT), verbal productivity (Verbal Fluency Test) and executive function (Object Alternation Test) after 6 and 12 months of treatment. For the CPT, improvement was also noted after 3 months of treatment.ConclusionsDuring treatment for 1 year with quetiapine, cognitive performance was improved in young patients with psychosis. Continued controlled investigations of the effects of quetiapine on cognition are desirable.
Neurological soft signs in first-episode psychosis: A systematic review
Authors: Dazzan Paola , Murray Robin M. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundNeurological soft signs (NSS) are minor neurological signs indicating non-specific cerebral dysfunction. Their presence has been documented extensively in schizophrenia but not during the first psychotic episode.AimsTo review studies that have specifically investigated NSS at the time of the first psychotic episode.MethodA review of studies investigating neurological function in first-episode psychosis, using a clinical examination.ResultsPatients with first-episode psychosis show an excess of NSS, particularly in the areas of motor coordination and sequencing, sensory integration and in developmental reflexes. Furthermore, NSS may be associated with a specific laterality pattern.ConclusionsMore studies on first-onset schizophrenia are needed, evaluating both sensory and motor neurological domains (scoring separately for the two sides of the body), integrating this knowledge with neuroimaging findings and clarifying the role of NSS as markers of cognitive dysfunction.
Structural magnetic resonance imaging in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, psychotic and severe non-psychotic depression and healthy controls
Authors: Salokangas R. K. R. , Cannon T. , Van Erp T. , Ilonen T. , Taiminen T. , Karlsson H. , Lauerma H. , Leinonen K.-M. , Wallenius E. , Kalijonen A. , Syvälahti E. , Vilkman H. , Alanen A. , Hietala J. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundStructural brain abnormalities are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders.AimsTo study how regional brain volumes and their ratios differ between patients with schizophrenia, psychotic depression, severe non-psychotic depression and healthy controls.MethodMagnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain on first-episode patients and on healthy controls.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia had a smaller left frontal grey matter volume than the other three groups. Patients with psychotic depression had larger ventricular and posterior sulcal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes than controls. Patients with depression had larger white matter volumes than the other patients.ConclusionsLeft frontal lobe, especially its grey matter volume, seems to be specifically reduced in first-episode schizophrenia. Enlarged cerebral ventricles and sulcal CSF volumes are prevalent in psychotic depression. Preserved or expanded white matter is typical of non-psychotic depression.
Brain morphology in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia: A study of multiple brain structures
Authors: Cahn W. , Pol H. E. Hulshoff , Bongers M. , Schnack H. G. , Mandl R. C. W. , Haren N. E. M. Van , Durston S. , Koning H. , Van Der Linden J. A. , Kahn R. S. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundAlthough brain volume changes are found in schizophrenia, only a limited number of structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have exclusively examined antipsychotic-naïve patients.AimsTo comprehensively investigate multiple brain structures in a single sample of patients who were antipsychotic-naïve.MethodTwenty antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 20 healthy comparison subjects were included. Intracranial, total brain, frontal lobe, grey and white matter, cerebellar, hippocampal, parahippocampal, thalamic, caudate nucleus and lateral and third ventricular volumes were measured. Repeated-measures analyses of (co)variance were conducted with intracranial volume as covariate.ResultsThird ventricle volume enlargement was found in patients compared with the healthy subjects. No differences were found in other brain regions.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that some brain abnormalities are present in the early stages of schizophrenia. Moreover, it suggests that brain abnormalities reported in patients with chronic schizophrenia develop in a later stage of the disease and/or are medication induced.
Duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to care in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Skeate Amanda , Jackson Chris , Wood Max Birch , Jones Chris 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundStudies have consistently found that many individuals with first-episode psychosis experience significant delays before receiving treatment. Current research investigating treatment delays has focused on the relationship between demographic factors and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). However, treatment-seeking behaviours in this group have not been investigated.AimsTo examine psychological processes that influence the decision-making process to contact primary care, in individuals with emerging psychosis.MethodThe influence of coping style, health locus of control and past health help-seeking behaviour on DUP was investigated in clients with a first episode of psychosis. This involved scrutiny of general practitioner (GP) records in an average of 6 years before the first treatment.ResultsShorter DUP was associated with more frequent GP attendance in the 6 years before the onset of psychosis and lower health threat avoidant coping scores.ConclusionsPatients with short DUP have a history of higher contact with their GP and, as a group, tend not to avoid health threats. The study underlines the importance of engaging young people and their families with primary care as one of a series of strategies to reduce DUP.
Randomised controlled trial of early detection and cognitive therapy for preventing transition to psychosis in high-risk individuals
Authors: Morrison A. P. , Bentall R. P. , French P. , Walford L. , Kilcommons A. , Knight A. , Kreutz M. , Lewis S. W. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundThere is interest in the possibility of indicated prevention of psychosis. There is a strong case for using psychological approaches to prevent transition to psychosis in high-risk patients.AimsTo identify individuals at high risk of transition to psychosis, and psychological characteristics relevant to the development of psychosis in this group.MethodThe design of a randomised controlled trial of cognitive therapy for the prevention of psychosis in people at high risk (meeting operational criteria of brief or attenuated psychotic symptoms, or first-degree family history with functional decline) is outlined. The first patients recruited are compared with non-patient samples on cognitive and personality factors; an interim analysis of transition rate is reported.ResultsCases (n=31) were recruited mainly from primary care. Of the 23 high-risk patients monitored for 6–12 months, 5 (22%) made the transition to psychosis. The high-risk group scored significantly higher than non-patients on measures of schizotypy, metacognitive beliefs and dysfunctional self-schemas (sociotropy).ConclusionsThe findings validate the methods of identifying individuals at high risk of experiencing a psychotic episode. Compared with non-patient controls, the cases showed dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and self-schemas.
Neurocognitive dimensions characterising patients with first-episode psychosis
Authors: Friis S. , Sundet K. , Rund B. R. , Vaglum P. , Mcglashan T. H. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundAssessment of neurocognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia is hampered by the multitude of tests used in the literature.AimsWe aimed to identify the main dimensions of an assessment battery for patients with first-episode psychosis and to estimate the relationship between dimension scores and gender, age, education, diagnosis and symptoms.MethodEight frequently used neuropsychological tests were used. We tested 219 patients 3 months after start of therapy or at remission, whichever occurred first.ResultsWe identified five dimensions: working memory (WM); verbal learning (VL); executive function (EF); impulsivity (Im); and motor speed (MS). Significant findings were that the MS score was higher for men, and the WM and VL scores were correlated with years of education.ConclusionsNeurocognitive function in first-episode psychosis is described by at least five independent dimensions.
Randomised controlled trial of cognitive-behavioural therapy in early schizophrenia: Acute-phase outcomes
Authors: Lewis Shôn , Tarrier Nicholas , Haddock Gillian , Bentall Richard , Kinderman Peter , Kingdon David , Siddle Ronald , Drake Richard , Everitt Julie , Leadley Karen , Benn Andy , Grazebrook Katy , Haley Cliff , Akhtar Shahid , Davies Linda , Palmer Steve , Faragher Brian , Dunn Graham 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) improves persistent psychotic symptoms.AimsTo test the effectiveness of added CBT in accelerating remission from acute psychotic symptoms in early schizophrenia.MethodA 5-week CBT programme plus routine care was compared with supportive counselling plus routine care and routine care alone in a multi-centre trial randomising 315 people with DSM–IV schizophrenia and related disorders in their first (83%) or second acute admission. Outcome assessments were blinded.ResultsLinear regression over 70 days showed predicted trends towards faster improvement in the CBT group. Uncorrected univariate comparisons showed significant benefits at 4 but not 6 weeks for CBTv. routine care alone on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total and positive sub-scale scores and delusion score and benefits v. supportive counselling for auditory hallucinations score.ConclusionsCBT shows transient advantages over routine care alone or supportive counselling in speeding remission from acute symptoms in early schizophrenia.
OPUS study: Suicidal behaviour, suicidal ideation and hopelessness among patients with first-episode psychosis
Authors: Nordentoft M. , Jeppesen P. , Abel M. , Kassow P. , Petersen L. , Thorup A. , Krarup G. , Hemmingsen R. , Jørgensen P. 
Published: October 2002

BackgroundPatients with first-episode psychosis comprise a high-risk group in terms of suicide.AimsTo identify predictive factors for suicidal behaviour and to examine the effect of integrated treatment on suicidal behaviour and hopelessness.MethodA total of 341 patients with a first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder were randomised to integrated treatment or treatment as usual.ResultsDuring the 1-year follow-up period, 11% attempted suicide. This was associated with female gender, hopelessness, hallucinations and suicide attempt reported at baseline, with the two latter variables being the only significant ones in the final multivariate model. The integrated treatment reduced hopelessness.ConclusionsHallucinations and suicide attempt before inclusion in the study were the most significant predictors of suicide attempt in the follow-up period.
A survey of opinions on the management of individuals who express suicidal ideation while intoxicated with alcohol
Authors: McCaffery Rosemary , Lee Alyson , Jauhar Pramod , Scott Jan 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodIt was noted that approaches to the assessment and management of individuals intoxicated with alcohol who express suicidal ideation varied widely. This study explored what guidance is currently available and sought the opinions of 218 junior and senior psychiatrists.ResultsThe Royal College of Psychiatrists has no specific guidelines on this issue, but the Medical Defence Union and Scottish Central Legal Office gave opinion regarding a psychiatrist's duty of care and clinical responsibilities. This information did not reflect the opinions of the psychiatrists canvassed. There was no consensus among the 65% of clinicians who responded to the survey.Clinical ImplicationsThere is a need for greater clarity and guidance on the management of individuals who are intoxicated and express acute suicidal ideation. Sharing of good practice guidelines and greater integration of local and national policies is needed. It is certainly a topic worthy of inclusion in all induction days for junior psychiatrists.
Intensive day programme treatment for severe anorexia nervosa – the Leicester experience
Authors: Birchall H. , Palmer R. L. , Waine J. , Gadsby K. , Gatward N. 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodTo look at whether the opening of a day programme for the intensive care of people with severe anorexia nervosa in Leicester had the expected impact on admission rates, length of stay, cost of treatment and also simple measures of whether patients got better. Is this day programme an effective resource?ResultsSince the opening of the day programme, in-patient bed days and overall costs of treatment for local patients have been reduced, and the early results in terms of weight gain and readmission rates are promising.Clinical ImplicationsWith many areas planning to set up eating disorder services for local patients, it is important to consider which are the best resources to invest in. The experience of a well-established specialist service in Leicester has shown that a day programme can be an enriching and cost-effective way to treat patients with anorexia nervosa, but that it does not replace the need for the availability of in-patient beds.
An audit of seizure duration in electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: MacEwan Tom 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodBrief or missed seizures might indicate that electronvulsive therapy (ECT) is not being delivered effectively. This cycle of audit at an ECT clinic aimed to measure rates of brief or missed seizures in two study periods, before and after the acquisition of a more powerful ECT machine.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the rate of brief or missed seizures in audit two. There was a significant increase in the restimulation rate in audit two, but without the desired effect of inducing adequate seizures.Clinical ImplicationsIneffective delivery of ECT might result in poor response to the treatment and should be minimised. Certain aspects of ECT delivery improved in the clinic studied but some patients received an ineffective second dose of electrical charge.
Clozapine initiation in the community
Authors: O'Brien Aileen , Firn Mike 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodThe study aims to describe the experience of an assertive community treatment team when commencing clozapine at home rather than in hospital, following a locally-devised policy. Any failed attempts and problems experienced are described.ResultsThere have been no serious adverse events with 13 patients who have been started on clozapine at home.Clinical ImplicationsFor an assertive community treatment team, home-initiation of clozapine is a practical option, particularly when patients refuse to come in to hospital.
Monitoring patients on lithium – a good practice guideline
Authors: Nicholson Joy , Fitzmaurice Brian 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodTo develop a guideline that would encourage a systematic approach for both psychiatrists and general practitioners in the provision of safe, effective and consistent management of patients who are prescribed lithium. A multi-disciplinary working group developed the guideline following literature review and consultation with lithium clinics and specialist centres nationally.ResultsThe Lothian lithium guidelines include three sections: (a) a lithium treatment plan; (b) advice for clinicians on managing lithium levels; and (c) pointers for counselling patients on lithium. The treatment plan is a key document in the guidelines which, once completed, ensures continuity of care with the transfer of patient-specific information.Clinical ImplicationsThis development has provided the opportunity for primary and secondary care services to work together in producing a guideline that will improve patient care and minimises risk.
Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy: a role for etomidate
Authors: Benbow Susan M. , Shah Priti , Crentsil Joe 
Published: October 2002

Aims and MethodThree cases are described to illustrate the elective use of etomidate in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) anaesthesia.ResultsUse of etomidate is described in an individual who was treated with an electrical stimulus at the maximum level for the ECT machine in use; in a person who had severe side-effects with an alternative induction agent; and in a person with severe cardiac disease.Clinical ImplicationsThe anaesthetic drug should be tailored to the individual needs of the person being treated with ECT. Clinics should involve local anaesthetic departments in reviewing their anaesthetic practice.
Global adaptive output feedback controllers with application to non‐linear friction compensation
Authors: Santosuosso Giovanni L. , Tomei Patrizio 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a class of non‐linear systems in which a set of constant parameters is unknown and some state variables are not available for measurement. For such systems we provide a constructive procedure for the solution of the global adaptive tracking problem with dynamic partial state feedback. We illustrate an application of the control strategy to the adaptive non‐linear friction compensation of a DC motor servomechanism. We improve previous results in tow directions: we allow for a subset of the unmeasurable states to enter in a system non‐linearly; we consider systems which are linearly parametrized with respect to a set of unknown constant parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and simulation of a double‐star induction machine vector control using copper‐losses minimization and parameters estimation
Authors: Mimouni M.F. , Dhifaoui R. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis paper shows that it is possible to extend the principle of field‐oriented control (FOC) approach to a double‐star induction motor (DSIM). In the first stage, a robust variable structure current controller based on space phasor voltages PWM scheme is established. In this current controller design, only the stator currents and rotor speed sensors are used. In the second stage, the FOC method developed for DSIM is motivated by the minimization of the copper losses. The developed approach uses a loss model controller (LMC) and an adaptive rotor flux observer to compute the adequate rotor flux value minimizing the copper losses. The control variables are the stator currents or the machine input power. Compared to the constant rotor flux approach, it is proved that higher performances are achieved. However, the sensitivity of the FOC to parameter error of the machine still remains a problem. To guarantee the performance of the vector control, the stator and rotor resistances are adapted on‐line, based on the Lyapunov theory. An appropriate choice of the reference model allows building a Lyapunov function by means of which the updating law can be found. The simulation results show the satisfactory behaviour of the proposed identification algorithm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in the pattern of age‐dependent increase in the BMI from 20–59 years
Authors: Welon Zygmunt , Szklarska Alicja , Bielicki Tadeusz , Malina Robert M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis of a linear increase of the BMI with age among adults. Materials comprised 32,762 occupationally active females and males 23–59 years age resident in Wroclaw, southwestern Poland. All subjects were medically examined in the course of health screening. The BMI increases linearly with age in women, but increases with age in men in two stages—a more intensive rise between 20–40 years and much slower increase between 40–60 years. This hypothesis was verified with a linear regression model in women but for men piecewise regression with a break at 40 years of age fits the age trends. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:693–698, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.