bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of hallucinatory experiences in a community sample and ethnic variations
Authors: Johns Louise C. , Nazroo James Y. , Bebbington Paul , Kuipers Elizabeth 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundHallucinations typically are associated with severe psychiatric illness but also are reported by individuals with no psychiatric history.AimsTo examine the prevalence of hallucinations in White and ethnic minority samples using data from the Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities.MethodInterviews of 5196 ethnic minority and 2867 White respondents were carried out. The respondents were screened for mental health problems and the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire asked about hallucinations. Those who screened positive underwent a validation interview using the Present State Examination.ResultsFour per cent of the White sample endorsed a hallucination question. Hallucinations were 2.5-fold higher in the Caribbean sample and half as common in the South Asian sample. Of those who reported hallucinatory experiences, only 25% met the criteria for psychosis.ConclusionsThe results provide an estimate of the annual prevalence of hallucinations in the general population. The variation across ethnic groups suggests cultural differences in these experiences. Hallucinations are not invariably associated with psychosis.
Schizotypal components in people at high risk of developing schizophrenia: early findings from the Edinburgh High-Risk Study
Authors: Miller Patrick , Byrne Majella , Hodges Ann , Lawrie Stephen M. , Owens David G. Cunningham , Johnstone Eve C. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe study of high-risk groups and the development of schizophrenia.AimsTo investigate further schizotypy, measured by the Structured Interview for Schizotypy (SIS), and to examine relationships between schizotypal components, psychotic symptoms on the Present State Examination (PSE) and subsequent schizophrenia.MethodThe SIS and PSE were administered on entry. Schizophrenia onsets were recorded during follow-up.ResultsThe SIS yielded four principal components labelled social withdrawal, psychotic symptoms, socio-emotional dysfunction and odd behaviour. On entry, these differentiated between controls, subjects at risk for schizophrenia with and without symptoms and patients with schizophrenia. Seven of 78 subjects at risk developed schizophrenia within 39 months. This was best predicted by combining the four SIS components.ConclusionsSchizotypy is heterogeneous and may become psychosis, particularly if several of its components are present. As psychosis develops, odd behaviour gives way to psychotic symptoms and social function deteriorates.
The maturing of therapy
Authors: Marks Isaac M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPsychiatric therapy needs assessment regarding its maturation as a therapeutic science.AimsJudgement of whether such a science is emerging.MethodFour criteria are used: efficacy; identification of responsible treatment components; knowledge of their mechanisms of action; and elucidation of why they act only in some sufferers.ResultsBrief behavioural, interpersonal, cognitive, problem-solving and other psychotherapies have a mature ability to improve anxiety and depressive disorders reliably and enduringly, often only with instruction from a manual or a computer. Therapy's cost-effectiveness and acceptability deserve more attention. We know little about which treatment components produce improvement, how they do so and why they do not help all sufferers.ConclusionsTherapy is coming of age regarding efficacy for anxiety and depression, but is only a toddler regarding the scientific principles to explain its effects.
Impact of Event Scale: psychometric properties
Authors: Sundin Eva C. , Horowitz Mardi J. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundFor more than 20 years, the Impact of Event Scale (IES) has been widely used as a measure of stress reactions after traumatic events.AimsTo review studies that evaluated the IES's psychometric properties.MethodLiterature review.ResultsThe results indicated that the IES's two-factor structure is stable over different types of events, that it can discriminate between stress reactions at different times after the event, and that it has convergent validity with observer-diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. The use of IES in many psychopharmacological trials and outcome studies is supportive of the measure's clinical relevance.ConclusionsThe IES is a useful measure of stress reactions after a range of traumatic events, and it is valuable for detecting individuals who require treatment.
Australia's National Mental Health Strategy
Authors: Whiteford Harvey , Buckingham Bill , Manderscheid Ronald 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAustralia commenced a 5-year reform of mental health services in 1993.AimsTo report on the changes to mental health services achieved by 1998.MethodAnalysis of data from the Australian National Mental Health Report 2000 and an independent evaluation of the National Mental Health Strategy.ResultsMental health expenditure increased 30% in real terms, with an 87% growth in community expenditures, a 38% increase in general hospitals and a 29% decrease in psychiatric hospitals. The growth in private psychiatry, averaging 6% annually prior to 1992, was reversed. Consumer and carer involvement in services increased.ConclusionsMajor structural reform was achieved but there was limited evidence that these changes had been accompanied by improved service quality. The National Mental Health Strategy was renewed for another 5 years.
Mental health of teenagers who use cannabis
Authors: Rey Joseph M. , Sawyer Michael G. , Raphael Beverley , Patton George C. , Lynskey Michael 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThere is concern in the community about increasing cannabis use and its potential effect on health.AimsTo ascertain the prevalence of cannabis use among Australian adolescents, associations with mental health problems, risk behaviours and service use.MethodExamination of data from a national representative sample of households comprising 1261 adolescents aged 13–17 years. Parents completed a psychiatric interview and questionnaires while adolescents completed questionnaires.ResultsOne-quarter of the adolescents in the sample had used cannabis. There were no gender differences. Use increased rapidly with age, was more common in adolescents living with a sole parent and was associated with increased depression, conduct problems and health risk behaviours (smoking, drinking) but not with higher use of services.ConclusionsCannabis use is very prevalent. The association with depression, conduct problems, excessive drinking and use of other drugs shows a malignant pattern of comorbidity that may lead to negative outcomes.
Age, gender and ethnicity of those detained under Part II of the Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Audini Bernard , Lelliott Paul 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAggregate returns give limited information about those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.AimsTo use existing data-sets to examine detentions under Part II of the Act.MethodData from 26 areas, with a combined population of 9.2 million, were combined. Population census data were used to standardise rates of detention by age, gender and ethnicity.ResultsThe 31 702 detentions are distributed bimodally with peaks at age 25–34 years and at over age 80 years. In the younger age group rates of detention are higher for men. The excess of women in the older group is no longer apparent when rates are standardised for age and gender. Detentions are over six times more likely to be of Black people than of White (450 v. 68 per standardised 100 000 population).ConclusionsThe difference in rates of detention between Black and White people is greater than previously thought. The excess of older women detained under Part II of the Act is largely due to the lower life expectancy of men.
Annual cost of bipolar disorder to UK society
Authors: Das Gupta Roben , Guest Julian F. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe socio-economic impact of bipolar disorder in the UK is unknown.AimsTo estimate the annual socioeconomic burden imposed by bipolar disorder on UK society.MethodThe annual cost of resource use attributable to managing bipolar disorder was calculated. Indirect societal costs were also calculated.ResultsThe annual National Health Service (NHS) cost of managing bipolar disorder was estimated to be $199 million, of which hospital admissions accounted for 35%. The annual direct non-health-care cost was estimated to be $86 million annually and the indirect societal cost was estimated to be $1770 million annually.ConclusionsThe annual cost to UK society attributable to bipolar disorder was estimated to be $2 billion at 1999/2000 prices (estimated 297 000 people with the disorder). Ten per cent of this cost is attributable to NHS resource use, 4% to non-health-care resource use and 86% to indirect costs.
Psychotherapy for sexually abused girls: psychopathological outcome findings and patterns of change
Authors: Trowell J. , Kolvin I. , Weeramanthri T. , Sadowski H. , Berelowitz M. , Glasser D. , Leitch I. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundControversy exists about the efficacy of psychotherapy for the mental health problems of sexually abused children.AimsTo compare the relative efficacy of focused individual or group therapy in symptomatic sexually abused girls, and to monitor psychiatric symptoms for persistence or change.MethodA multi-centre psychotherapy outcome study recruited 71 sexually abused girls aged 6–14 years who were randomly assigned to focused individual psychotherapy (up to 30 sessions) or psychoeducational group therapy (up to 18 sessions). Changes over the course of the study were monitored.ResultsBoth treatment groups showed a substantial reduction in psychopathological symptoms and an improvement in functioning, but with no evident difference between individual and group therapy. However, individual therapy led to a greater improvement in manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).ConclusionsThe beneficial effects on PTSD support the use of individual therapy. However, the small sample size and lack of a control group limit conclusions about changes attributable to treatment.
Frequent attenders with medically unexplained symptoms: service use and costs in secondary care
Authors: Reid Steven , Wessely Simon , Crayford Tim , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundFrequent attenders in medical settings account for a disproportionate amount of health-care resources. Little is known about service use and costs of secondary care in those frequent attenders presenting with medically unexplained symptoms.AimsTo compare health-care use and costs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms with other frequent attenders in secondary care.MethodIn a sample of 400 frequent attenders of secondary care services, those presenting with medically unexplained symptoms were identified by a review of medical records. Their use of health-care resources was compared with that of other frequent attenders.ResultsOf the frequent attenders 17% had at least two medically unexplained consultation episodes. These patients had a greater number of referrals to secondary care and were more likely to undergo particular investigations.ConclusionsFrequent attenders with medically unexplained symptoms account for levels of service use and expenditure that are comparable with other frequent attenders, but the use and cost of medical investigations in this group are significantly greater.
Monitoring community psychiatric services in Italy: differences between patients who leave care and those who stay in treatment
Authors: Percudani Mauro , Belloni Giancarlo , Contini Agostino , Barbui Corrado 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundContinuity of care has been monitored rarely in Italian community mental health centres.AimsTo estimate the long-term probability of leaving care in first-contact patients attending an out-patient service, and to identify patients most likely to drop out.MethodAll patients who had a first contact with the community mental health centre of Magenta during a 1-year recruitment period were followed up for 24 months. Patients who failed to return after the last out-patient visit were regarded as ‘drop-outs'.ResultsDuring the 1-year recruitment period 330 subjects were at their first contact. The 1-year incidence of first-contact patients was nearly 33 per 10 000 inhabitants. At follow-up, 46% of patients had dropped out. In comparison with patients with psychoses, subjects suffering from neurotic (P=0.004) and personality disorders (P=0.029) were more likely to drop out.ConclusionsIn the Italian system of community psychiatric care nearly half of the patients are no longer in contact after 2 years. Those who stay in treatment are more likely to suffer from psychosis, suggesting a commitment of Italian outpatient facilities to tackling the needs of patients with more severe disorders.
Observer effects and heritability of childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms
Authors: Martin Neilson , Scourfield Jane , McGuffin Peter 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundTwin studies have found that childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a strong genetic component. Estimates of heritability the extent of non-additive genetic effects and of ‘sibling contrast’ effects vary between different studies.AimsTo use multiple informants to assess the extent to which observer effects influence such estimates in an epidemiological sample of twins.MethodQuestionnaire packs were sent to the families and teachers of twins aged 5–16 years in the Bro Taf region of South Wales. The twins were ascertained from community paediatric registers.ResultsBoth parent— and teacher-rated data showed a high degree of heritability for ADHD measured as a symptom dimension, but the correlation between the two types of rater was modest. Bivariate analyses suggested that parent and teacher ratings reflect the effects of different genes. Self-report data from twins aged 11–16 years showed no evidence of genetic effects.ConclusionsAlthough ADHD is shown to be highly heritable by both parent— and teacher-rated data, the underlying genotypes may be substantially different. This has implications for study designs aiming to find genes that contribute to the disorder.
Use of a routine, self-report outcome measure (HoNOSCA–SR) in two adolescent mental health services
Authors: Gowers Simon , Levine Warren , Bailey-Rogers Sarah , Shore Alison , Burhouse Emma 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) is an established outcome measure for child and adolescent mental health. Little is known of adolescent views on outcome.AimsTo develop and test the properties of an adolescent, self-rated version of the scale (HoNOSCA–SR) against the established clinician-rated version.MethodA comparison was made of 6-weekly clinician-rated and self-rated assessments of adolescents attending two services, using HoNOSCA and other mental health measures.ResultsAdolescents found HoNOSCA–SR acceptable and easy to rate. They rated fewer difficulties than the clinicians and these difficulties were felt to improve less during treatment, although this varied with diagnosis and length of treatment. Although HoNOSCA–SR showed satisfactory reliability and validity, agreement between clinicians and users in individual cases was poor.ConclusionsRoutine outcome measurement can include adolescent self-rating with modest additional resources. The discrepancy between staff and adolescent views requires further evaluation.
Islington study of dementia subtypes in the community
Authors: Stevens Tim , Livingston Gill , Kitchen Ginnette , Manela Monica , Walker Zuzana , Katona Cornelius 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundEpidemiological studies of dementia subtypes have revealed widely varying distribution rates. There are almost no published community prevalence data for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or the frontal lobe dementias (FLD).AimsTo identify the distribution of dementia subtypes in a representative community population of older people.MethodPeople aged ⩾65 years in randomised enumeration districts in Islington, north London, were screened using a reliable and valid questionnaire. People screened as having dementia were assessed in detail and diagnoses were made according to standard diagnostic criteria.ResultsOf 1085 people interviewed, 107 (9.86%) met screening criteria for dementia. Diagnoses were made for 72 people (67.3%). Distribution of subtypes varied according to the criteria used; the best-validated criteria yielding: Alzheimer's disease 31.3%; vascular dementia 21.9%; DLB 10.9%; and FLD 7.8%.ConclusionsAlzheimer's disease is confirmed as the most common cause of dementia in older people, followed by vascular dementia. However, DLB and FLD occur sufficiently often to be seen frequently in clinical practice and should be incorporated into future editions of standard diagnostic criteria.
Protean nature of mass sociogenic illness
Authors: Bartholomew Robert E. , Wessely Simon 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundEpisodes of mass sociogenic illness are becoming increasingly recognised as a significant health and social problem that is more common than is presently reported.AimsTo provide historical continuity with contemporary episodes of mass sociogenic illness in order to gain a broader transcultural and transhistorical understanding of this complex, protean phenomenon.MethodLiterature survey to identify historical trends.ResultsMass sociogenic illness mirrors prominent social concerns, changing in relation to context and circumstance. Prior to 1900, reports are dominated by episodes of motor symptoms typified by dissociation, histrionics and psychomotor agitation incubated in an environment of preexisting tension. Twentieth-century reports feature anxiety symptoms that are triggered by sudden exposure to an anxiety-generating agent, most commonly an innocuous odour or food poisoning rumours. From the early 1980s to the present there has been an increasing presence of chemical and biological terrorism themes, climaxing in a sudden shift since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA.ConclusionsA broad understanding of the history of mass sociogenic illness and a knowledge of episode characteristics are useful in the more rapid recognition and treatment of outbreaks.
Recruitment into psychiatry
Authors: Brockington Ian F. , Mumford David B. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundDespite improvements in psychiatric teaching, British medical schools have never produced enough graduands aiming for psychiatry.AimsTo inform the strategy for improving recruitment.MethodA literature review.ResultsThe number of psychiatrists required depends on the role of psychiatry, which is constantly changing. The present requirement is about 250–300 per year, including replacements and new posts. The number of psychiatric trainees has always been higher than expected from the career plans of newly qualified doctors, but the number of British graduates passing the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Membership examination has still fallen short, requiring a supplement of foreign medical graduates. The recent 50% expansion in medical students may make this country self-sufficient.ConclusionsTo improve recruitment, the College should focus on influences before and after undergraduate training – the kind of student entering medical school and the factors favouring sustained psychiatric practice after graduation.
Sustained attention deficit in bipolar disorder
Authors: Clark Luke , Iversen Susan D. , Goodwin Guy M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundRecovery in bipolar disorder is central to its definition but is rarely complete. Previous work has suggested that neuropsychological impairment persists during the euthymic state but has been confounded partly by mild affective symptoms in remitted patients.AimsTo characterise neuropsychological functioning in the euthymic phase of bipolar disorder with an emphasis on tasks of executive functioning.MethodThirty euthymic patients with bipolar disorder were compared with thirty healthy controls on neuropsychological tasks differentially sensitive to damage within prefrontal cortex.ResultsBipolar I patients were impaired on tasks of attentional set shifting, verbal memory and sustained attention. Only sustained attention deficit survived controlling for mild affective symptoms. This deficit was related to progression of illness, but was none the less present in a subgroup of patients near illness onset.ConclusionsSustained attention deficit may represent a neuropsychological vulnerability marker for bipolar disorder, providing a focus for further understanding of the phenotype and analysis of the neuronal networks involved.
Case–control study of neurocognitive function in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder: An association with mania
Authors: Cavanagh J. T. O. , Van Beck M. , Muir W , Blackwood D. H. R. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundNeurocognitive impairments in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder may represent trait rather than state variables.AimsTo test the hypothesis that euthymic patients with bipolar disorder would exhibit impairment in verbal learning and memory and executive function compared with healthy controls matched for age, gender and premorbid IQ.MethodTwenty euthymic patients with bipolar disorder were matched, on a case-by-case basis, to twenty healthy community controls. Cases and controls were tested with a battery of neuropsychological tests.ResultsImpairments were found in cases compared with controls in tests of verbal learning and memory. Verbal learning and memory correlated negatively with the number of manic episodes.ConclusionsImpaired verbal learning and memory may be a trait variable in bipolar disease. There are implications for adherence to medication and relapse and for the role of early treatment interventions. Prospective designs and targeting first-episode groups may help to differentiate traitv.disease process effects.
Randomised trial of thyroxine to prevent postnatal depression in thyroid-antibody-positive women
Authors: Harris Brian , Oretti Rossana , Lazarus John , Parkes Arthur , John Rees , Richards Colin , Newcombe Robert , Hall Reginald 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundWomen who are positive for thyroid antibodies in early gestation are prone to post-partum depression, apparently independent of thyroid dysfunction, as measured by serum levels of free thyroxine, free triodothyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. This finding may be due to infrequent monitoring of thyroid function, because hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and combinations of both may occur post-partum.AimsTo test the hypothesis that stabilising thyroid function post-partum by administering daily thyroxine reduces the rate of occurrence and severity of associated depression.MethodIn a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 100 of thyroxine or placebo was given daily to 446 thyroid-antibody-positive women (342 of whom were compliant) from 6 weeks to 6 month spost-partum, assessing their psychiatric and thyroid status at 4-weeklyintervals.ResultsThere was no evidence that thyroxine had any effect on the occurrence of depression. The 6-month period prevalence of depression was similar to that reported previously.ConclusionsThe excess of depression in thyroid-antibody-positive women in the post-partum period is not corrected by daily administration of thyroxine.