bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns and predictors of hospitalisation in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Sipos Attila , Harrison Glynn , Gunnell David , Amin Shazad , Singh Swaran P. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundLittle is known about predictors of hospitalisation in patients with first-episode psychosis.AimsTo identify the pattern and predictors of hospitalisation of patients with a first psychotic episode making their first contact with specialist services.MethodThree-year follow-up of a cohort of 166 patients with a first episode of psychosis making contact with psychiatric services in Nottingham between June 1992 and May 1994.ResultsEighty-eight (53.0%) patients were admitted within 1 week of presentation; 32 (19.3%) were never admitted during the 3 years of follow-up. Manic symptoms at presentation were associated with an increased risk of rapid admission and an increased overall risk of admission; negative symptoms and a longer duration of untreated illness had an increased risk of late admission.ConclusionsCommunity-oriented psychiatric services might only delay, rather than prevent, admission of patients with predominantly negative symptoms and a longer duration of untreated illness. First-episode studies based upon first admissions are likely to be subject to selection biases, which may limit their representativeness.
Neurodevelopmental indices and the development of psychotic symptoms in subjects at high risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Lawrie Stephen M. , Byrne Majella , Miller Patrick , Hodges Ann , Clafferty Robert A. , Owens David G. Cunningham , Johnstone Eve C. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundNeurological ‘soft signs’ and minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are reported to be more frequent in patients with schizophrenia than in controls.AimsTo determine whether these disturbances are genetically mediated, and whether they are central to the genesis of symptoms or epiphenomena.MethodWe obtained ratings in 152 individuals who were antipsychotic drug-free and at high risk, some of whom had experienced psychotic symptoms, as well as 30 first-episode patients and 35 healthy subjects.ResultsMPAs and Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) ‘sensory integration abnormalities’ were more frequent in high-risk subjects than in healthy controls, but there were no reliable differences between high-risk subjects with and without psychotic symptoms. MPAs were most frequent in high-risk subjects with least genetic liability and NES scores showed no genetic associations.ConclusionsThe lack of associations with psychotic symptoms and genetic liability to schizophrenia suggests that soft signs and physical anomalies are non-specific markers of developmental deviance that are not mediated by the gene(s) for schizophrenia.
The Wessex Recent In-Patient Suicide Study, 1
Authors: King Elizabeth A. , Baldwin David S. , Sinclair Julia M. A. , Baker Nigel G. , Campbell Michael J. , Thompson Chris 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPsychiatric patients have a higher suicide risk following hospital discharge.AimsTo identify social, clinical and health-care delivery factors in recently discharged patients.MethodRetrospective case-control study of 234 patients who died within 1 year of hospital discharge, matched for age, gender, diagnosis and admission period with 431 controls. Odds ratios for identified risk factors were calculated using conditional multiple logistic regression.ResultsIndependent increased-risk factors were: not being White; living alone; history of deliberate self-harm (DSH); suicidal ideation precipitating admission; hopelessness; admission under different consultant; onset of relationship difficulties; loss of job; in-patient DSH; unplanned discharge; significant care professional leaving/on leave. Reduced-risk factors were: shared accommodation; delusions at admission; misuse of non-prescribed substances; and continuity of contact.ConclusionsContinuity of contact may reduce suicide risk. Discontinuity of care from a significant professional is associated with increased risk of suicide.
The Wessex Recent In-Patient Suicide Study, 2
Authors: King Elizabeth A. , Baldwin David S. , Sinclair Julia M. A. , Campbell Michael J. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPsychiatric patients have an elevated risk of suicide while in hospital.AimsTo compare social, clinical and health-care delivery factors in in-patient and out-patient suicides and their controls.MethodRetrospective case-control study of 59 in-patients and 106 controls, matched for age, gender, diagnosis and admission date. Odds ratios were calculated using conditional multiple logistic regression.ResultsThere were seven independent increased-risk factors: history of deliberate self-harm, admission under the Mental Health Act, involvement of the police in admission, depressive symptoms, violence towards property, going absent without leave and a significant care professional being on leave. When compared with out-patient suicides, in-patients were more often female and male in-patients had a psychotic illness. Unlike the out-patient suicides, social factors were not found to be significant.ConclusionsThe characteristics of inpatient and out-patient suicides differ. Identified risk factors have relatively low sensitivity and specificity.
Two-year follow-up after a randomised controlled trial of self- and clinician-accompanied exposure for phobia/panic disorders
Authors: Park Je-Min , Mataix-Cols David , Marks Isaac M. , Ngamthipwatthana Thienchai , Marks Melanie , Araya Ricardo , Al-Kubaisy Tarik 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundLong-term follow-up has rarely been reported after self-exposure therapy for phobias.AimsCompletion of such a follow-up.MethodTwo-year follow-up was achieved in 68 (85%) of 80 patients with phobias who had completed a previous 14-week randomised controlled trial comparing therapist-accompanied self-exposure, self-exposure or self-relaxation. Measures were self-reported ratings of symptoms, satisfaction and use of other treatment.ResultsImprovement at week 14 was maintained 2 years later. Clinician-accompanied exposure and self-exposure did not differ on any measure. Compliance with self-exposure homework during weeks 0–8 predicted more improvement 2 years later. Patients who failed to improve with relaxation by week 14 improved after subsequent crossover to exposure. A need for more treatment for their phobias was still felt by 33 patients (49%).ConclusionsPatients with phobias maintained their improvement to 2-year follow-up after the end of self-exposure therapy.
Sensation-seeking, life events and depression
Authors: Farmer Anne , Redman Kate , Harris Tanya , Mahmood Arshad , Sadler Stephanie , McGuffin Peter 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe relationship between adversity and genetic risk factors in depression could be mediated by familial ‘hazard prone’ traits, as reflected in high levels of sensation-seeking.AimsTo examine whether high sensation-seeking scores are associated with more adverse life events resulting in depression.MethodIn a sib-pair design, 108 probands with depression and their siblings and 105 healthy control subjects and their siblings were compared for psychopathology, life events and scores on the Sensation-Seeking Questionnaire (SSQ).ResultsThe SSQ scores were correlated negatively with depression, were familial and were correlated positively with less severe events, but not the severe events typically associated with depressive onsets.ConclusionsThe SSQ measures a familial personality trait and depression is associated with lower scores. Although high sensation-seeking is associated with a higher rate of life events, these carry little threat.
Association of hypotension with positive and negative affect and depressive symptoms in the elderly
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPrevious research associating hypotension with depression has produced inconsistent results. A possible reasons is that depressive symptom scales reflect both high negative affect and low positive affect.AimsTo examine the association of hypotension with depressive symptoms, negative affect and positive affect.MethodCommunity survey of 340 elderly persons aged 77–99 years.ResultsDiastolic hypotension had a weak association with depression, no association with negative affect and a strong inverse association with positive affect. Systolic hypertension was associated with positive affect. Use of antihypertensive medication was independently associated with lower positive affect.ConclusionsDiastolic hypotension shows a specific association with low positive affect. This association may explain the weak and inconsistent results of earlier studies relating hypotension to depression.
Incidence, correlates and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in the pregnancy after stillbirth
Authors: Turton P. , Hughes P. , Evans C. D. H. , Fainman D. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMany women may suffer psychological symptoms after stillbirth and in the subsequent pregnancy. Stillbirth has not been demonstrated previously to be a stressor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).AimsTo assess incidence, correlates and predictors of PTSD during and after the pregnancy following stillbirth.MethodA cohort study of pregnant women whose previous pregnancy ended in stillbirth.ResultsPTSD symptoms were prevalent in the pregnancy following stillbirth. Case-level PTSD was associated with depression, state-anxiety and conception occurring closer to loss. Symptomsgenerally resolved naturally by 1 year postpartum (birth of healthy baby).ConclusionsWomen are vulnerabe to PTSD in the pregnancy subsequent to stillbirth, particularly when conception occurs soon after the loss.
Value of HoNOS in assessing patient change in NHS psychotherapy and psychological treatment services
Authors: Audin Kerry , Margison Frank R. , Clark John Mellor , Barkham Michael 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundLittle research on the value of Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) has occurred in out-patient settings, particularly psychotherapy services.AimsTo determine whether HoNOS provides an adequate assessment for psychotherapy services which is sensitive to change.MethodsHoNOS ratings from 1688 patients from eight out-patient psychotherapy services were collected. Of these, 362 also had ratings post-treatment. Mean scores, pre- to post-treatment differences, and reliable and clinically significant change criteria were calculated for HoNOS items and for total scores.ResultsThe mean total HoNOS rating was 8.93, which is comparable to psychiatric out-patients. Only three items showed sufficient variability to use in assessing pre- to post-treatment change.ConclusionsSignificant limitations were found in rating items that commonly present to psychotherapists. The lack of variability in most items limits HoNOS's usefulness in this population.
Cross-cultural implementation of a Chinese version of the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng A. T. A. , Tien A. Y. , Chang C. J. , Brugha T. S. , Cooper J. E. , Lee C. S. , Compton W. , Liu C. Y. , Yu W. Y. , Chen H. M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThere are no published reports of cross-cultural equivalence and interrater reliability at the level of individual symptom items assessed by a semi-structured clinical interview employing operationalised clinician ratings.AimsTo assess the cross-cultural clinical equivalence and reliability of a Chinese version of the World Health Organization Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN).MethodUK-US and Taiwanese groups of psychiatrists used Chinese and English transcripts of videotape interviews of Taiwanese patients to discuss cross-cultural issues and ratings of SCAN items. Item ratings were compared quantitatively individually and pooled by SCAN section.ResultsChinese equivalents were found for all SCAN items. No between-group differences were found for most individual items, but there were differences for some scaled items. Average agreement between the two groups was 69–100%.ConclusionsCross-cultural implementation based on SCAN in Taiwan appears valid.
Somatoform disorders: severe psychiatric illnesses neglected by psychiatrists
Authors: Bass Christopher , Peveler Robert , House Allan 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundSomatoform disorders have few peers in terms of personal morbidity and cost to the health service, yet many psychiatrists train without any experience of them.AimsTo review the prevalence, disability and economic burden of somatoform disorders, and to explore the reasons why they are neglected by psychiatrists.MethodA selective review of the key literature.ResultsPsychiatrists' current preoccupation with so-called ‘serious mental illness’ gives somatoform disorders low priority. Some health planners have erroneously equated severity with diagnosis rather than level of need and disability. As a consequence the development of psychiatric services has been neglected.ConclusionsGreater recognition of the importance of somatoform disorders will only occur if high quality research and teaching receive priority, and if the Royal Colleges continue to press for increasing public awareness of their importance. Services should be driven by clinical need rather than diagnosis.
Venlafaxine Extended Release (ER) in the Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Allgulander Christer , Hackett David , Salinas Eliseo 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundGeneralised anxiety disorder (GAD) has received less study than other anxiety disorders, particularly its long-term treatment.AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine extended release (ER) in patients with GAD.MethodA total of 541 out-patients, 18–86 years old, were recruited to this 24-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of three fixed doses (37.5, 75 and 150 mg/day) of venlafaxine ER.ResultsAll doses of venlafaxine ER showed efficacy superior to placebo, apparent from week 2, that was sustained throughout the 24-week study for the two higher doses. The discontinuation rate did not differ significantly among the treatment groups.ConclusionsVenlafaxine ER is an effective and safe treatment for GAD for up to 6 months.
Randomised controlled general practice trial of sertraline, exposure therapy and combined treatment in generalised social phobia
Authors: Blomhoff S. , Haug T. T. , Hellström K. , Holme I. , Humble M. , Madsbu H. P. , Wold J. E. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundNo controlled trial of treatment of generalised social phobia has been conducted in general practice.AimsTo examine the efficacy of sertraline or exposure therapy, administered alone or in combination in this setting.MethodStudy was of a randomised, double-blind design. Patients (n=387) received sertraline 50–150 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients were additionally randomised to exposure therapy or general medical care.ResultsSertraline-treated patients were significantly more improved than non-sertraline-treated patients (χ2=12.53,P<0.001; odds ratio=0.534; 95% CI 0.347–0.835). No significant difference was observed between exposure— and non-exposure-treated patients (χ2=2.18,P=0.140; odds ratio=0.732; 95% CI 0.475–1.134). In the pairwise comparisons, combined sertraline and exposure (χ2=12.32;P<0.001) and sertraline (χ2=10.13;P=0.002) were significantly superior to placebo.ConclusionsSertraline is an effective treatment for generalised social phobia. Combined treatment with sertraline and exposure therapy, conducted by the general practitioner, may enhance the treatment efficacy in primary care.
Seasonal affective disorder: prevalence, detection and current treatment in North Wales
Authors: Michalak Erin E. , Wilkinson Clare , Dowrick Chris , Wilkinson Greg 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThere is a paucity of information concerning the prevalence and detection of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in UK populations.AimsTo determine the prevalence, detection and current treatment of SAD within a general population sample.MethodThe study was conducted in conjunction with the Outcomes of Depression International Network (ODIN) project, a large European study of depression. At the North Wales arm of the project, 1999 adults were randomly selected from a health authority database and screened by post for SAD with the Seasonal Patterns Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Those scoring above cut-off were offered diagnostic interview, after which diagnosis of SAD according to DSM–IV criteria could be made.ResultsThe prevalence rate of SAD was calculated to be 2.4% (95% CI 1.4–1.3). The majority of identified cases had not previously received a diagnosis of SAD from their general practitioner, although over half had been diagnosed with other forms of depression and had been prescribed antidepressant medication.ConclusionsAlthough SAD was found to be common in this general population sample it appeared to be largely underdiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed.
Cigarette smoking and psychotic symptoms in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Corvin Aiden , O'Mahony Ed , O'Regan Myra , Comerford Claire , O'Connell Robert , Craddock Nick , Gill Michael 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAn association exists between smoking and schizophrenia, independent of other factors and related to psychotic symptomatology.AimsTo determine whether smoking is associated with psychosis in bipolar affective disorder.MethodSmoking data were collected from 92 unrelated patients with bipolar affective disorder. An ordinal logistic regression analysis tested the relationship between smoking severity and psychotic symptomatology, allowing for potential confounders.ResultsA significant relationship was detected between smoking/heavy smoking and history of psychosis (68.7%, n=44). Smoking was less prevalent in patients who were less symptomatic (56.5%, n=13) than in patients with a more severe psychosis (75.7%, n=31). Prevalence and severity of smoking predicted severity of psychotic symptoms (P=0.001), a relationship independent of other variables (P=0.0272).ConclusionA link between smoking and psychosis exists in bipolar affective disorder and may be independent of categorical diagnosis.
Twin study of symptom dimensions in psychoses
Authors: Cardno Alastair G. , Sham Pak C. , Murray Robin M. , McGuffin Peter 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundSymptomatology in psychoses can be summarised as quantitative symptom dimensions, but their genetic basis is unknown.AimsTo investigate whether genes make an important contribution to symptom dimensions.MethodA total of 224 probandwise twin pairs (106 monozygotic, 118 same-gender dizygotic) where probands had psychosis were ascertained from the Maudsley Twin Register in London. Factor analysis was performed on lifetime symptoms rated on the Operational Checklist for Psychotic Disorders (OPCRIT). Correlations of dimension scores within monozygotic and dizygotic pairs concordant for Research Diagnostic Criteria psychoses were performed. Relationships between dimension scores and genetic loading for psychoses were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsPatterns of familial aggregation consistent with a genetic effect were found for the disorganised dimension and for some measures of the negative, manic and general psychotic dimensions. Disorganised dimension scores were related significantly to genetic loading for psychoses.ConclusionsThe disorganised dimension, and possibly other symptom dimensions, may be useful phenotypes for molecular genetic studies of psychoses.
Family history, place and season of birth as risk factors for schizophrenia in Denmark: A replication and reanalysis
Authors: Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , Mortensen Preben Bo 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAlthough a family history of schizophrenia is the strongest individual risk factor for schizophrenia, environmental factors related to urbanicity may contribute to a substantial proportion of the population occurrence of the disease.AimsThis study replicates previous findings in four mutually exclusive Danish study populations, including out-patient information, ICD–10 diagnoses of schizophrenia, and a broader adjustment for mental illness in family members.MethodWe established a population-based cohort of 2.66 million Danish people using data from the Civil Registration System linked with the Psychiatric Case Register.ResultsOverall, 10 264 persons developed schizophrenia during the 50.7 million person-years of follow-up. The risk of schizophrenia was increased by urbanicity of place of birth and by family history of schizophrenia or other mental disorders.ConclusionsUrban–rural differences of schizophrenia risk were replicated and could not be associated with the potential sources of bias we assessed. Environmental factors underlying the effect of place of birth are major determinants of schizophrenia occurrence at the population level, although the effect of family history is the strongest at the individual level.
Social Functioning and the Course of Early-Onset Schizophrenia
Authors: Lenior Marie E. , Dingemans Peter M. A. J. , Linszen Don H. , De Haan Lieuwe , Schene Aart H. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundSchizophrenia implies severe social impairments. Since the treatment of patients with schizophrenia shifted from long-term hospital admissions to community services, research on social functioning has become increasingly important.AimsFollow-up assessment of social functioning in young patients with schizophrenia during a 5-year period after intervention.MethodDuring intervention, families were randomised into two conditions: standard intervention and standard plus family intervention.ResultsAlthough no differential treatment effect with regard to the course of the illness was found, patients from the standard plus family intervention condition stayed for fewer months in institutions for psychiatric patients than patients from the standard intervention condition.ConclusionsFamily intervention has helped parents to support their children, thereby diminishing institutional care.
Effects of long-term treatment with antipsychotics on serum leptin levels
Authors: Herrán Andrés , García-Unzueta María Teresa , Amado José Antonio , De La Maza María Teresa , Álvarez Concepción , Vázquez-Barquero José Luis 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAbnormal regulation of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin could play a role in body weight gain induced by antipsychotics.AimsTo study the effects of long-term antipsychotic treatment on leptin levels in patients with schizophrenia.MethodSerum leptin levels were determined in 59 out-patients with chronic schizophrenia and in the same number of healthy subjects controlled by gender, age and body mass index.ResultsLeptin levels did not differ between patients and controls. Leptin levels in patients with schizophrenia correlated with weight gain, even after controlling for current weight, but did not show any association with clinical variables. Antipsychotic class tended to exert different effects over leptin levels (among atypicals, olanzapine induced a greater increase).ConclusionsElevation of leptin levels induced by chronic antipsychotic treatment can be attributed to weight gain, but other mechanisms could be involved.