bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amygdala volume in schizophrenia: post-mortem study and review of magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Chance Steven A. , Esiri Margaret M. , Crow Timothy J. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundClaims that schizophrenia is a disease of the limbic system have been strengthened by meta-analyses of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies finding reduced hippocampus and amygdala volumes. Some post-mortem studies do not find these abnormalities.AimsTo assess the volume of the amygdala in a series of brains post-mortem.MethodAmygdala volume was estimated using point-counting in both hemispheres of the brains of 10 male and 8 female patients with schizophrenia, and a comparison group of 9 males and 9 females.ResultsNo significant reduction of amygdala volume was found.ConclusionsSignificant volume reduction of the amygdala is not a consistent feature of schizophrenia; findings from early MRI studies using coarse delineation methods may introduce bias to subsequent meta-analyses.
Evidence for non-progressive changes in adolescent-onset schizophrenia
Authors: James A. C. D. , Javaloyes A. , James S. , Smith D. M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundIt is not clear how far brain abnormalities in early-onset schizophrenia result from progressive neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative processes.AimsTo investigate the hypothesis that structural brain abnormalities in adolescent-onset schizophrenia are progressive in the early phase of the illness.MethodA magnetic resonance imaging case–control study of 16 adolescents with schizophrenia (mean age 16.6 years, s.d.=1.9 years) with a meantime of 2.7 years (s.d.=1.7 years) between measurements and 16 matched controls (average age 16.0 years, s. d.=2.0 years) with a mean time of 1.7 years (s.d.=0.5 years) between measurements.ResultsThere was no evidence of progressive structural brain changes during late adolescence. Significant ventricular enlargement (greater in males) and left-sided temporal lobe changes were evident from the outset of the illness.ConclusionsNeurodevelopmental brain abnormalities are non-progressive during late adolescence.
Enhanced semantic priming in schizophrenia: a computer model based on excessive pruning of local connections in association cortex
Authors: Siekmeier Peter J. , Hoffman Ralph E. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMany studies have found that people with schizophrenia exhibit abnormally high levels of semantic priming. Post-mortem and neuroimaging studies of schizophrenia suggest a reduction of neuritic processes (dendrites and synapses).AimsTo demonstrate that reductions in neuritic processes can produce excessive priming in patients with schizophrenia.MethodAssociative memory was simulated using a computer-based neural network system consisting of two interactive neural groups, one coding for individual memories and the other for the category to which each memory belonged.ResultsVariation of a single parameter determining the density of local connections within the two neuronal groups gave a close approximation to levels of memory access and semantic priming previously reported in normal subjects and in patients with schizophrenia.ConclusionsThis study suggests that schizophrenia arises from excessive pruning of local connections in association cortex. Its findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying cognitive priming more generally, and how it might emerge developmentally.
Psychosis in high-security and general psychiatric services
Authors: Walsh Elizabeth , Leese Morven , Taylor Pamela , Johnston Ingrid , Burns Tom , Creed Francis , Higgit Anna , Murray Robin 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundSerious violence is an unusual but significant correlate of psychosis, and leads to the need for specialist secure psychiatric services. Most such service users have previously used general psychiatric services.AimsTo examine diagnostic and socio-demographic differences between high-security psychiatric service users from their peers in community services.MethodTwo groups of patients with psychosis were compared: a national sample of high-security hospital residents, and a sample of patients in contact with general psychiatric services.ResultsSchizophrenia was the almost invariable diagnosis for all special hospital patients. White patients in the community sample were significantly more likely to have affective components to their illness compared with African–Caribbean patients; unlike those in special hospitals. There was a small excess in the proportion of African–Caribbean patients in the special hospital group, controlling for diagnosis, gender and locality. Men were overrepresented in this group.ConclusionsAmong patients with psychosis, having a diagnosis of schizophrenia and being male increase the likelihood of special hospital admission. Suggestions that ethnic minority patients are much more likely to have engaged in serious violence and need high-security placement were not borne out.
Prader–Willi syndrome, compulsive and ritualistic behaviours: the first population-based survey
Authors: Clarke D. J. , Boer H. , Whittington J. , Holland A. , Butler J. , Webb T. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundObsessive–compulsive disorder has been reported in association with Prader–Willi syndrome.AimsTo report the nature and prevalence of compulsive and similar symptoms associated with Prader–Willi syndrome in a population ascertained as completely as possible.MethodAttempted complete ascertainment of people with Prader– Willi syndrome in eight English counties. Administration of standardised rating scales and a structured interview. Comparison with people with learning disability and high body mass indices.ResultsPrader–Willi syndrome was associated with high rates of ritualistic behaviours, such as the need to ask or to tell something, insistence on routines, hoarding and ordering objects and repetitive actions and speech, compared with the control group, and was negatively correlated with IQ and socialisation age. Typical obsessive–compulsive symptoms, such as checking, counting and cleaning compulsions or obsessional thoughts, were not found.ConclusionsRitualistic and compulsive behaviours occur more frequently in association with Prader–Willi syndrome than among people with intellectual disability and significant obesity.
Dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder: two prospective studies of road traffic accident survivors
Authors: Murray James , Ehlers Anke , Mayou Richard A. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundDissociative symptoms during trauma predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they are often transient. It is controversial whether they predict chronic PTSD over and above what can be predicted from other post-trauma symptoms.AimsTo investigate prospectively the relationship between dissociative symptoms before, during and after a trauma and other psychological predictors, and chronic PTSD.MethodTwo samples of 27 and 176 road traffic accident survivors were recruited. Patients were assessed shortly after the accident and followed at intervals over the next 6 months. Assessments included measures of dissociation, memory fragmentation, data-driven processing, rumination and PTSD symptoms.ResultsAll measures of dissociation, particularly persistent dissociation 4 weeks after the accident, predicted chronic PTSD severity at 6 months. Dissociative symptoms predicted subsequent PTSD over and above the other PTSD symptom clusters. Memory fragmentation and data-driven processing also predicted PTSD. Rumination about the accident was among the strongest predictors of subsequent PTSD symptoms.ConclusionsPersistent dissociation and rumination 4 weeks after trauma are more useful in identifying those patients who are likely to develop chronic PTSD than initial reactions.
Accessibility of health and social services to immigrant elders: the Islington Study
Authors: Livingston G. , Leavey G. , Kitchen G. , Manela M. , Sembhi S. , Katona C. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundNumbers of immigrant elders are increasing and it is unclear whether they can access services.AimsTo examine service utilisation of older immigrants compared with their UK-born counterparts and relate it to health difficulties.MethodCross-sectional study in inner London measuring service use, mental health and disability.ResultsA total of 1085 people aged ⩾65 years were interviewed. Independent predictors of contact with a general practitioner included being born in Cyprus. Cypriots were the only immigrant population to report significantly more somatic symptoms than those born in the UK (P=0.005). Africans and Caribbeans used daycare and other social services most frequently.ConclusionsImmigrants could access services. Africans and Caribbeans appear to have poorer physical health and thus have greater contact with services. Cypriots who experience depression may present with prominent somatic symptoms. This is likely to be due to a different idiom of distress.
War pensions (1900–1945): changing models of psychological understanding
Authors: Jones Edgar , Palmer Ian , Wessely Simon 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundWar pensions are used to examine different models of psychological understanding. The First World War is said to have been the first conflict for which pensions were widely granted for psychological disorders as distinct from functional, somatic syndromes. In 1939 official attitudes hardened and it is commonly stated that few pensions were awarded for post-combat syndromes.AimsTo re-evaluate the recognition of psychiatric disorders by the war pension authorities.MethodOfficial statistics were compared with samples of war pension files from the Boer War and the First and Second World Wars.ResultsOfficial reports tended to overestimate the number of awards. Although government figures suggested that the proportion of neurological and psychiatric pensions was higher after the Second World War, our analysis suggests that the rates may not have been significantly different.ConclusionsThe acceptance of psychological disorders was a response to cultural shifts, advances in psychiatric knowledge and the exigencies of war. Changing explanations were both a consequence of these forces and themselves agents of change.
Efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants: A meta-analysis
Authors: Smith David , Dempster Carrie , Glanville Julie , Freemantle Nick , Anderson Ian 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundIn individual studies and limited meta-analyses venlafaxine has been reported to be more effective than comparator antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).AimsTo perform a systematic review of all such studies.MethodWe conducted a systematic review of double-blind, randomised trials comparing venlafaxine with alternative antidepressants in the treatment of depression. The primary outcome was the difference in final depression rating scale value, expressed as a standardised effect size. Secondary outcomes were response rate, remission rate and tolerability.ResultsA total of 32 randomised trials were included. Venlafaxine was more effective than other antidepressants (standardised effect size was −0.14, 95% Cl −0.07 to −0.22). A similar significant advantage was found against SSRIs (20 studies) but nottricyclic antidepressants (7 studies).ConclusionsVenlafaxine has greater efficacy than SSRIs although there is uncertainty in comparison with other antidepressants. Further studies are required to determine the clinical importance of this finding.
Genetic and host factors for dementia in Down's syndrome
Authors: Schupf Nicole 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe high risk for dementia in adults with Down's syndrome has been attributed to triplication and overexpression of the gene for amyloid precursor protein (APP). But the wide variation in age at onset must be due to other risk factors.AimsTo identify factors which influence age at onset of dementia in Down's syndrome.MethodStudies of factors which influence formation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) were reviewed, including atypical karyotypes, susceptibility genotypes, gender and oestrogen deficiency, and individual differences in Aβ peptide levels.ResultsThe apolipoprotein E $4 allele, oestrogen deficiency and high levels of Aβl-42 peptide are associated with earlier onset of dementia, while atypical karyotypes and the apolipoprotein E $2 allele are associated with reduced mortality and reduced risk of dementia.ConclusionsFactors which influence Aβ levels, rather than overexpression of APP, may account for the differences in age at onset of dementia in Down's syndrome.
Effects of exercise on depressive symptoms in older adults with poorly responsive depressive disorder
Authors: Mather Anne S. , Rodriguez Cesar , Guthrie Moyra F. , McHarg Anne M. , Reid Ian C. , McMurdo Marion E. T. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundDepression is common in later life.AimsTo determine whether exercise is effective as an adjunct to antidepressant therapy in reducing depressive symptoms in older people.MethodPatients were randomised to attend either exercise classes or health education talks for 10 weeks. Assessments were made ‘blind’ at baseline, and at 10 and 34 weeks. The primary outcome was seen with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Secondary outcomes were seen with the Geriatric Depression Scale, Clinical Global Impression and Patient Global Impression.ResultsAt 10 weeks a significantly higher proportion of the exercise group (55% v. 33%) experienced a greater than 30% decline in depression according to HRSD (OR=2.51, P=0.05, 95% Cl 1.00–6.38).ConclusionsBecause exercise was associated with a modest improvement in depressive symptoms at 10 weeks, older people with poorly responsive depressive disorder should be encouraged to attend group exercise activities.
Effectiveness of time-limited psychotherapy for minor psychiatric disorders
Authors: Blay Sergio Luís , Fucks Jair S. Vel , Barruzi Márcia , Di Pietro Mônica Cristina , Gastal Fábio Leite , Neto Alfredo Maluf , De Souza Mateus P. , Glausiusz Ladislau R. U. , Dewey Michael 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPsychotherapy research rarely has studied outcome in the longer term.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of brief group dynamic psychotherapy (BGDP) intervention in patients with minor psychiatric disorders compared with the usual clinical management shortly after treatment termination and to investigate whether intervention would show a differential effect at 2-year follow-up.MethodPatients were allocated randomly to an experimental or control group. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used as a primary outcome measure.ResultsBased on improvement in the GHQ, at termination of treatment the BGDP group showed a significant improvement in 23 out of 42 (54.8%) compared with II out of 41 (26.8%) in the clinical management group. The difference in the total improvement rate is 28% (95% Cl 8–48) (χ2=67; d.f.=l; P=0.009). In contrast, no differential follow-up effects were found between the BGDP and clinical management groups.ConclusionsPsychotherapy appears to have beneficial effects at termination of treatment but the changes attained were not stable.
Sexual orientation and mental health: results from a community survey of young and middle – aged adults
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Korten Ailsa E. , Rodgers Bryan , Jacomb Patricia A. , Christensen Helen 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundCommunity surveys have reported a higher rate of mental health problems in combined groups of homosexual and bisexual participants, but have not separated these two groups.AimsTo assess separately the mental health of homosexual and bisexual groups compared with heterosexuals.MethodA community survey of 4824 adults was carried out in Canberra, Australia. Measures covered anxiety depression, suicidality alcohol misuse, positive and negative affect and a range of risk factors for poorer mental health.ResultsThe bisexual group was highest on measures of anxiety depression and negative affect, with the homosexual group falling between the other two groups. Both the bisexual and homosexual groups were high on suicidality. Bisexuals also had more current adverse life events, greater childhood adversity, less positive support from family, more negative support from friends and a higher frequency of financial problems. Homosexuals reported greater childhood adversity and less positive support from family.ConclusionsThe bisexual group had the worst mental health, although homosexual participants also tended to report more distress.
Mental health and the built environment: Cross – sectional survey of individual and contextual risk factors for depression
Authors: Weich Scott , Blanchard Martin , Prince Martin , Burton Elizabeth , Erens Bob , Sproston Kerry 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of the physical environment on individual health.AimsThe present study tested the hypothesis that the prevalence of depression is associated with independently rated measures of the built environment, after adjusting for individuals' socio-economic status and the internal characteristics of their dwellings.MethodCross-sectional survey of 1887 individuals aged 16 years and over in two electoral wards in north London. Depression was ascertained using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES–D). The built environment was rated independently, using a validated measure.ResultsAfter adjusting for socio-economic status, floor of residence and structural housing problems, statistically significant associations were found between the prevalence of depression and living in housing areas characterised by properties with predominantly deck access (odds ratio=1.28, 95% Cl 1.03–1.58; P=0.02) and of recent (post-1969) construction (odds ratio=l.43, 95% Cl 1.06–1.91; P=0.02).ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression was associated with independently rated features of the built environment, independent of individuals' socio-economic status and internal characteristics of dwellings.
Chronic, treatment-resistant depression and right fronto-striatal atrophy
Authors: Shah P. J. , Glabus M. F. , Goodwin G. M. , Ebmeier K. P. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) is relatively common but its neurobiological basis is poorly understood. Fronto-striatal structural brain changes have been reported in patients with depression but their association with treatment resistance and chronicity has not been established.MethodMagnetic resonance images of 20 patients with TRD were compared with images of 20recovered patients and 20 healthy controls. Images were compared using a voxel-based analysis (VBA) method; the results were validated by conventional volumetric analysis. The clinical associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes with illness duration and severity were examined by VBA.ResultsOnly the TRD group exhibited right fronto-striatal atrophy, and subtle MRI changes in the left hippocampus on VBA. Atrophy was confirmed on volumetric analysis, the degree correlating with the cumulative number of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments received, suggesting an acquired deficit.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate fronto-striatal atrophy in patients with depression with poor outcome; the atrophy is more marked in those with more severe illness.
Psychiatry of whiplash neck injury
Authors: Mayou Richard , Bryant Bridget 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe psychiatric outcome of whiplash neck injury is controversial.AimsTo describe outcomes and predictors as compared with other types of road accident injury.MethodConsecutive emergency department attenders (n=1148; whiplash 278) assessed by self-report at baseline, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years.ResultsModerate to severe pain was reported by 27% of whiplash sufferers at I year and by 30% at 3 years. Psychiatric consequences were common and persistent. Whiplash victims and those with bony injury were more likely to seek compensation. Accident and early post-accident psychosocial variables predicted the pain at 1 year. Claiming compensation at 3 months predicted the pain at 1 year for those with whiplash or bony injury.ConclusionsThere is no special psychiatry of whiplash neck injury. Psychological variables and consequences are important following whiplash in a similar manner to other types of injury.
Use of health care services in seasonal affective disorder
Authors: Eagles John M. , Howie Fiona L. , Cameron Isobel M. , Wileman Samantha M. , Andrew Jane E. , Robertson Carol , Naji Simon A. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundLittle is known about the presentation and management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in primary care.AimsTo determine the use of health care services by people suffering from SAD.MethodFollowing a screening of patients consulting in primary care, 123 were identified as suffering from SAD. Each was age— and gender-matched with two primary care consulters with minimal seasonal morbidity yielding 246 non-seasonal controls. From primary care records, health care usage over a 5-year period was established.ResultsPatients with SAD consulted in primary care significantly more often than controls and presented with a wider variety of symptoms. They received more prescriptions, under went more investigations and had more referrals to secondary care.ConclusionsPatients with SAD are heavy users of health care services. This may reflect the condition itself, its comorbidity or factors related to the personality or help-seeking behaviour of sufferers.
Genetics, molecular biology, neuropathology and phenotype of frontal lobe dementia
Authors: Lovestone Simon , Philpot Michael , Connell James , Lantos Peter , Powell John , Russ Carsten , Anderton Brian 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMutations in tau have been found in a group of related disorders including the frontal lobe dementias.AimsTo describe the clinical features and molecular pathology changes in a single case of a patient with frontal lobe dementia.MethodA case report was compiled from neuropathological reports and genomic and gene expression analyses.ResultsA case with a splice-site mutation resulting in a typical frontotemporal clinical and neuropathological phenotype was found. Gene expression analysis suggests differential expression of isoforms of tau in regions in the brain.ConclusionsFrontotemporal dementia can result from gene mutations that alter splicing and expression of tau.
The Work and Social Adjustment Scale: a simple measure of impairment in functioning
Authors: Mundt James C. , Marks Isaac M. , Shear M. Katherine , Greist John M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPatients' perspectives concerning impaired functioning provide important information.AimsTo evaluate the reliability and validity of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS).MethodData from two studies were analysed. Reliability analyses included internal scale consistency, test – retest and parallel forms. Convergent and criterion validities were examined with respect to disorder severity.ResultsCronbach's α measure of internal scale consistency ranged from 0.70 to 0.94. Test – retest correlation was 0.73. Interactive voice response administrations of the WSAS gave correlations of 0.81 and 0.86 with clinician interviews. Correlations of WSAS with severity of depression and obsessive–compulsive disorder symptoms were 0.76 and 0.61, respectively. The scores were sensitive to patient differences in disorder severity and treatment-related change.ConclusionsThe WSAS is a simple, reliable and valid measure of impaired functioning. It is a sensitive and useful outcome measure offering the potential for readily interpretable comparisons across studies and disorders.