bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel pharmacological concept in an animal model of psychosis
Authors: Dawirs R. R. , Teuchert‐Noodt G. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: We have analysed pharmacologically induced perturbation of functional and structural neurogenesis in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Method: Juvenile gerbils received a single dose of methamphetamine (METH, 50 mg/kg, i.p.). In adults the following parameters were quantitatively investigated: prefrontal dopaminergic and GABAergic innervation densities (immunocytochemistry), morphogenesis of pyramidal cells (Golgi), dentate granule cell proliferation (BrdU‐labelling), working memory and behavioural inhibition (delayed response, open‐field). Results: A single challenge of METH continuously suppresses granule cell proliferation in adult gerbils and initiates rewiring of neuronal networks in the PFC which run concurrently with the development of severe deficits in PFC‐related behaviours. Conclusion: It appears that a continuous remodelling of neuronal circuits is an inherent property of the brain, the biological significance of which seems to be to ascertain adaptive interaction between brain and environment. Learning more about drug‐induced neuronal reorganization might be basic for understanding the genesis of psychotic conditions in the brain. This presentation is based both on own research and on a review of the literature.
Cognitive subprocesses and schizophrenia. A. Reaction‐time decomposition
Authors: Krieger S. , Lis S. , Gallhofer B. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of the study is to demonstrate that deficits of information processing in schizophrenic patients can be isolated with reaction‐time (RT) decomposition paradigms. Method: Three types of visually presented tasks were applied: simple, disjunctive and choice RT‐tasks. RT were split into movement latency and time necessary to execute movements. Comparisons of three samples of schizophrenic patients (295.3) with individually matched (age, sex, education and handedness) healthy controls are presented: Sample 1: 10 drug‐naive first‐onset patients, Sample 2: 10 neuroleptically treated first‐onset patients, Sample 3: 10 neuroleptically treated chronically ill patients. Results: Findings indicate that schizophrenia affects primarily subprocesses in which percepts are translated into appropriate actions (response‐selection). Neuroleptic treatment improves processing at this stage but is accompanied by slowing of movement execution. Conclusion: Response‐selection is selectively impaired in first‐onset patients. This disturbance, which might be specific for schizophrenia, can be regarded as indication of a disconnection between frontal and posterior areas.
Cognitive subprocesses and schizophrenia. B. Maze tasks
Authors: Krieger S. , Lis S. , Gallhofer B. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: In a companion paper we demonstrated that in reaction‐time tasks the response selection stage is selectively disturbed in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study is the investigation of subprocesses, which are incorporated into repeatedly activated loops of cognitive processes and need additional information from working memory. Method: Maze tasks of varying complexity (with and without bifurcations) were presented to drug‐naive and treated first‐onset schizophrenic patients. The tasks had to be solved under easy and difficult motor‐conditions. Both patient samples were compared with healthy control groups matched by age, sex, education and experience with the experimental setting. Results: In mazes with alternative routes patients exhibited the expected decrease of performance. However, untreated patients improved under difficult motor conditions. This improvement is smaller after neuroleptic treatment. Conclusion: Under difficult motor conditions attention is focused on the execution of movements and thus withdrawn from perceiving irrelevant response alternatives, i.e. the effects of disturbed response selection are reduced.
Neuropsychological impairments in patients with schizophrenia: stability and prediction of outcome
Authors: Gråwe R. W. , Levander S. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To assess neuropsychological impairments among fairly young schizophrenic patients over time, and relations between impairment and symptoms, drug type and dose. Method: Clinical and neuropsychological data for 29 schizophrenic patients have been published earlier. Twenty of these patients were retested after 3 years using the same methods. Results: The patients displayed stable impairments in most neuropsychological tests. Vocabulary and focused attention improved over time, whereas response slowness became more pronounced. Symptoms varied considerably over time. A specific pattern of neuropsychological impairments, but not measures of psychopathology, predicted clinical outcome. Patients were unable to judge their test performance. Conclusion: A few years after the first episode, our patients displayed a specific pattern of neuropsychological impairment, which predicted clinical outcome. One aspect of the impairment appears to be failure at self‐monitoring.
Randomized controlled trials in schizophrenia: a critical perspective on the literature
Authors: Gilbody S. , Wahlbeck K. , Adams C. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The randomized trial provides an opportunity to minimize the inclusion of biases in the evaluation of interventions in psychiatry. Difficulties arise, however, when applying their results to `real world' clinical practice and decision‐making. We, therefore, examined the real world applicability of schizophrenia trials. Method: A narrative overview of the content and quality of the randomized trials relevant to the care of those with schizophrenia is provided. Results: Complex, explanatory, under‐powered randomized drug trials dominate evaluative research in schizophrenia. Conclusion: Explanatory designs are a necessary but insufficient step in establishing the true worth of interventions in schizophrenia. Research from other spheres of mental health and wider health care suggest that pragmatic trials are feasible. This design allows large scale trials to be conducted which include patients which we would recognize from routine practice and which record outcomes which are of genuine interest to decision‐makers.
Referrals to a liaison psychiatry out‐patient clinic in a UK general hospital: a report on 900 cases
Authors: Bass C. , Bolton J. , Wilkinson P. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of consecutive referrals to an out‐patient liaison psychiatry clinic in a large university hospital in the UK.Method: We studied 900 patients using a standardized proforma. Assessments of functional capacity were made using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, and each patient was assigned a psychiatric diagnosis using ICD‐10 criteria.Results: Four of five of all referrals presented with somatic complaints, and 41% had a concurrent physical illness. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were somatoform disorders (55%) and neurasthenia (11%). Although more than half (59%) had no previous psychiatric history, a surprisingly high number (35%) had significant functional impairment (scores of < 50 on the GAF scale). The lack of adequate psychological treatment services often provided a barrier to optimal management of some of the more disabled patients.Conclusion: The general hospital liaison psychiatry clinic provides an acceptable setting in which to assess and manage patients referred from non‐psychiatric colleagues.
Personality profile among primary care patients: experimenting with the Arabic IPDE ICD‐10
Authors: El‐Rufaie O. E. F. , Al‐Sabosy M. , Abuzeid M. S. O. , Ghubash R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:&ensp;To estimate the prevalence of personality disorder (PD) among primary health care (PHC) patients, and to investigate the characteristic features of the International Personality Disorder Examination, the ICD‐10 module (IPDE ICD‐10).Method:&ensp;A sample (n&equals;158) PHC patients in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) were interviewed by general practitioners (GPs) using the Arabic version of the IPDE ICD‐10.Results:&ensp;Patients interviewed were 82 males and 76 females. Definite PD was identified in 12.7%. Prevalence rates among males and females were 9.8 and 15.8% consecutively. Commonest personality disorders were the schizoid (5.1%), anankastic (4.4%) and the emotionally unstable, borderline type (3.8%). Comorbidity of PD was manifested by 30% of definite PD patients. The mean dimensional scores of definite and probable PD patients were 5.6 and 4.3 consecutively.Conclusion:&ensp;The IPDE‐ICD‐10 is useful but relatively time consuming with repetition and need of rephrasing in some items. Dimensional measurement proved essential.
Serum cholesterol and psychological distress in hospitalized depressed patients
Authors: Borgherini G. , Dorz S. , Conforti D. , Scarso C. , Magni G. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To assess the relationship between total serum cholesterol and various psychosocial variables in depressed in‐patients. Method: One hundred and eighty‐six patients had their total fasting serum cholesterol assessed following admission; psychiatric diagnoses were obtained with the structured clinical interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) interview. Psychopathology was measured with a clinician rated scale [Montgomery and Asberg Depressive Rating Scale (MADRS)] and a self‐rating scale [Symptom checklist‐90 (SCL‐90)]. Results: Univariate analyses showed lower total serum cholesterol levels being correlated with higher scores in several psychopathological areas. Multivariate analyses indicated that male gender, lower age and higher MADRS scores were the most predictive variables for lower cholesterol levels. Conclusion: The data suggest, in this depressed population, an association between serum cholesterol and depressive symptoms. What is the cause and what is its effect is not possible to say from this cross‐sectional study.
Risk factors in the early family life of patients suffering from dissociative disorders
Authors: Pasquini P. , Liotti G. , Mazzotti E. , Fassone G. , Picardi A. ,   The Italian Group for the Study of Dissociation
Published: March 2003

Objective: To test the hypothesis that not only intrafamiliar childhood abuses inflicted to the patient, but also major losses or other severe life events suffered by the mother within 2 years of patient's birth, are risk factors for the development of dissociative disorders (DDs).Method: A multicentric case–control study of 52 cases and 146 controls.Results: We estimated a crude odds ratio (OR) of 2.6 (adjusted 1.9) for mothers' losses or other severe life events experienced within 2 years of patient's birth, and a crude OR of 7.6 (adjusted 7.2) for patient's early traumatic experiences.Conclusion: Mother's losses or other severe life events within 2 years of patient's birth and patient's traumatic experiences during childhood are risk factors for the development of dissociative disorders. A possible explanation of these findings is that disorganized or insecure attachment may increase susceptibility to traumatic experiences and propensity to dissociation in adult life.
Personality dimensions in social phobics with or without depression
Authors: Pélissolo A. , André C. , Pujol H. , Yao S. N. , Servant D. , Braconnier A. , Orain‐Pélissolo S. , Bouchez S. , Lépine J.‐P. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This study investigated the personality traits of social phobics using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Method: A sample of 178 social phobics was assessed with the TCI, and compared with controls. The patients were classified into two groups, according to the absence (SP group) or to the presence (SP+D group) of depression. Results: We found significant elevated scores for harm avoidance (HA) in social phobics when compared with controls (16.2 ± 2.7), in both the SP (26.2 ± 3.5), and the SP+D (28.9 ± 4.7), groups. Lower self‐directedness scores were found in the SP and in the SP+D groups when compared with the controls. Patients with the generalized type of social phobia had higher HA scores as compared with other social phobics. Conclusion: The personality profile obtained in these social phobics, whatever their depressive symptomatology, reflects a dramatically anxious and avoidant temperament associated to an immature character.
Motivational interviewing among psychiatric in‐patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Baker Amanda , Lewin Terry , Reichler Heidi , Clancy Richard , Carr Vaughan , Garrett Rachel , Sly Ketrina , Devir Holly , Terry Margarett 
Published: March 2003

Baker A, Lewin T, Reichler H, Clancy R, Carr V, Garrett R, Sly K, Devir H, Terry M. Motivational interviewing among psychiatric in‐patients with substance use disorders. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002: 106: 233–240. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002. Objective: There were three aims of the present study: 1) to document patterns of substance misuse among psychiatric in‐patients with comorbid alcohol and other drug (AOD) use; 2) to examine associations among psychiatric and substance use diagnoses and readiness to change; and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of an opportunistic motivational interview on engagement in a Specialist Substance Misuse Service (SSMS). Method: One hundred and sixty subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a motivational interview or no intervention. Results: Overall, 66.3% of subjects met intervention threshold for cannabis, 60.6% for alcohol and 22.5% for amphetamines. There was a bimodal distribution of stage of change for cannabis use which was associated with age, with precontemplation being associated with older age and less frequent use. Attendance at the SSMS was low and unrelated to intervention status. Conclusion: A different approach to treatment is recommended, including early intervention among cannabis users.
Helpseeking and access to mental health treatment for obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Goodwin Renee , Koenen Karestan C. , Hellman Fred , Guardino Mary , Struening Elmer 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To identify predictors of helpseeking and use of mental health treatment for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) using the behavioral model of health service use. Method: Data were drawn from the 1996 National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day. Participants (n=14 860) completed screening measures providing information about demographics, mental disorders, helpseeking, and treatment experiences for OCD. Results: Previous use of mental health treatment was associated with comorbid panic disorder [odds ratio (OR)=1.6 (1.3–1.98)], while minority racial status [OR=0.7 (0.5–0.9)] emerged as a barrier to receiving care among individuals with OCD. Among those who had never received mental health care, comorbid panic disorder [OR=2.0 (1.5–2.8)], post‐traumatic stress disorder [OR=1.7 (1.3–2.4)], and suicidal ideation [OR=1.7 (1.2–2.3)] increased readiness to seek treatment while being employed [OR=0.7 (0.5–0.9)], and feeling one could handle the problem on his/her own [OR=0.5 (0.3–0.7)] decreased readiness to seek help for the first time. Conclusion: These data suggest that access to treatment for OCD may not be equally accessible to all in need by revealing non‐disease related factors (e.g. race, health beliefs) that have a significant impact on decisions to seek and use mental health treatment.
Cognitive‐based measures screening for depression in the medically ill: the DMI‐10 and the DMI‐18
Authors: Parker G. , Hilton T. , Bains J. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: We suggest that the identification of depression in the medically ill (DMI) might be improved by focussing on cognitive features. Method: We recruited 302 patients to complete our provisional cognitive‐based measure. Subsets also completed one of two comparator screening measures, either the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) or the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI‐PC). One hundred and sixty patients were then assessed by a psychiatrist who estimated whether they were `clinically depressed' and who also administered a standardized interview for depression (the CIDI). Results: Analyses identified items discriminating clinically depressed and non‐depressed individuals, allowing development of brief (10‐item) and extended (18‐item) measures. The two new measures were compared with the HADS and the BDI‐PC in discriminating depressed and non‐depressed medically ill patients. Conclusion: A cognitive construct‐based approach to assessing depression in the medically ill appears strongly supported. We provide brief (DMI‐10) and extended (DMI‐18) measures that appear to have utility as screening instruments. Consideration of the discriminating items may also assist clinical decision making.
An association between depression, anxiety and thyroid function – a clinical fact or an artefact?
Authors: Engum Anne , Bjøro Trine , Mykletun Arnstein , Dahl Alv A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the association between depression, anxiety and thyroid dysfunction. Method: The study is part of the HUNT‐study. Individuals aged 40–89 years (n=30 589) with thyroid assays, and self‐rating of depression and anxiety – Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) – were divided in six categories according to thyroid function. Relations were investigated with logistic regression analysis. Results: The group with biochemical hypothyroidism had significantly lower risk for depression and anxiety compared with the reference group with normal thyroid function. Subclinical hypothyroidism, and latent and overt biochemical hyperthyroidism were not risk factors for depression or anxiety. When individuals with former known thyroid disease were excluded from the analyses, the results were essentially identical, but this group had an increased risk of both anxiety and depression, independent of thyroid function. Conclusion: In this large, unselected population, we found no statistical association between thyroid dysfunction, and the presence of depression or anxiety disorder.
Characteristics of women seeking treatment for premenstrual syndrome in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Mei‐Chun , Liu Chia‐Yih , Chen Kuang‐Chao , Hsieh T'sang‐T'ang 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of 150 women who visited a premenstrual syndrome (PMS) clinic in a Taiwanese medical center staffed by both psychiatrists and gynecologists. Method: All subjects were interviewed and assessed for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) using DSM‐IV criteria, a PMS questionnaire, and the structured Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Where PMDD was suspected, subjects were followed using a daily symptom record. Results: A total of 110 subjects (73%) met the ICD‐10 criteria for PMS. The most common PMS symptoms were minor psychological discomfort, muscular tension, and aches or pains. For 129 subjects (86%), other concurrent psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using the MINI. Of these, 48 (37%) reported premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of a previously diagnosed psychiatric condition. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that women who complain of PMS may be at a high risk of other psychiatric dysfunction, especially mood disorder. Further, the high proportion of PME cases determined in this study suggests that further investigation is required.
Life dissatisfaction as a predictor of fatal injury in a 20‐year follow‐up
Authors: Koivumaa‐Honkanen H. , Honkanen R. , Koskenvuo M. , Viinamäki H. , Kaprio J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To investigate the role of life satisfaction (LS) in fatal injuries with special references to unintentional injuries and whether health status modifies this relationship. Method: A sample of adult Finns unselected for health status (n=29 173) responded in 1975 to a LS scale. Nationwide registry for deaths was used. The dissatisfied were compared with the satisfied by Cox regression. Results: During 1976–1995, 469 fatal injuries occurred, of which 235 were unintentional. Dissatisfaction predicted fatal unintentional [hazard ratio (HR)=2.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77–4.51] and intentional injury (HR=3.26; 2.01–5.30). The risk of fatal unintentional injury was 7.8‐fold (women) and 4.0‐fold (men) increased in the sick and dissatisfied compared with the healthy and satisfied. A repeatedly reported dissatisfaction (1975, 1981) provided a HR of 5.17 (1.48–18.0) for unintentional injury death during 1981–1995. The found effect was partly mediated through health behavior and social situation. Conclusion: Life dissatisfaction predicts both unintentional and intentional injury death.
An interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 21 in a case of a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Takhar J. , Malla Ashok K. , Siu V. , MacPherson Colin , Fan Y. S. , Townsend L. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Case of an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 21 presenting with first episode of psychosis. Method: A case report. Results: A 16‐year‐high school student of Somalian origin presented with a first episode of psychosis, mild mental retardation and dysmorphic features. Chromosome analysis revealed an interstitial deletion in the long arm of chromosome 21, described as 46, XX del (21) (q21q22.1). Conclusion: First episode of psychosis occurred in combination with neurobiological vulnerability and a complex genetic inheritance. The occurrence of psychosis in our case may be attributable to genes located within the region 21q21q22.1. The possibility that other loci exist on chromosome 21, which predispose to schizophrenia has to be considered. Identification of susceptibility genes will greatly facilitate investigation of factors that contribute to the disease process and may lead to early intervention and prevention.
Influence of gender on social outcome in schizophrenia
Authors: Usall J. , Haro J. M. , Ochoa S. , Márquez M. , Araya S. ,   the NEDES group
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To study the relevance of gender on social functioning in schizophrenia.Method:  A sample of 200 schizophrenic (DSM‐IV criteria) out‐patients were followed‐up during 2 years and were administered the following instruments: Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Disability Assessment Scale (DAS‐sv), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. A regression model was created with DAS and GAF as dependent variables, and gender, PANSS, age of onset, duration of illness and marital status as independent variables. Separate regression models were then generated for females and males.Results:  Gender influenced significantly on DAS and GAF, with men showing worse functioning. In gender specific analyses, we found a significant influence of illness duration and Positive and Negative PANSS on social functioning in men, and of age at onset and Negative PANSS in women.Conclusion:  Gender had a significant influence on social functioning in schizophrenia, even after adjusting for the other independent variables.
Family history of suicidal behaviour: prevalence and significance in deliberate self‐harm patients
Authors: Hawton Keith , Haw Camilla , Houston Kelly , Townsend Ellen 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To investigate whether there are differences between the characteristics of deliberate self‐harm (DSH) patients with and without a family history of suicidal behaviour.Method:  In 146 DSH patients, those with and without a positive family history were compared with regard to the nature and repetition of their DSH episodes, and psychological and psychiatric characteristics.Results:  Fifty‐two (35.6%) patients had a family history of suicidal behaviour. DSH was more frequent in patients' mothers (17.1%) than fathers (2.7%). Patients with a family history of suicidal behaviour, especially females, had higher state anger scores.Conclusion:  Family history of suicidal behaviour appears to be associated with greater anger. Absence of other associations suggests that family history probably has less implication for individuals who have already engaged in DSH than in contributing to its initiation. Future studies should include patients with violent or life‐threatening DSH acts.