bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic effect of citalopram in unipolar, recurrent depression
Authors: Hochstrasser B. , Isaksen P. M. , Koponen H. , Lauritzen L. , Mahnert F. A. , Rouillon F. , Wade A. G. , Andersen M. , Pedersen S. F. , De Swart J. C. G. , Nil R. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMajor depression is highly recurrent. Antidepressant maintenance treatment has proven efficacy against recurrent depression.AimsComparison of prophylactic efficacy of citalopram versus placebo in unipolar, recurrent depression.MethodsPatients 18–65 years of age with recurrent unipolar major depression (DSM–IV), a Montgomery–åsberg Depression Rating Scale score of ≥ 22 and two or more previous depressive episodes, one within the past 5 years, were treated openly with citalopram (20–60 mg) for 6–9 weeks and, if responding, continued for 16 weeks before being randomised to double-blind maintenance treatment with citalopram or placebo for 48–77 weeks.ResultsA total of 427 patients entered acute treatment and 269 were randomised to double-blind treatment. Time to recurrence was longer in patients taking citalopram than in patients taking placebo (P< 0.001). Prophylactic treatment was well tolerated.ConclusionsCitalopram (20, 40 and 60 mg) is effective in the prevention of depressive recurrences. Patients at risk should continue maintenance treatment at the dose necessary to resolve symptoms in the acute treatment phase.
Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder in primary care
Authors: Wileman Samantha M. , Eagles John M. , Andrew Jane E. , Howie Fiona L. , Cameron Isobel M. , McCormack Kirsty , Naji Simon A. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundStudies of light therapy have not been conducted previously in primary care.AimsTo evaluate light therapy in primary care.MethodFifty-seven participants with seasonal affective disorder were randomly allocated to 4 weeks of bright white or dim red light. Baseline expectations for treatment were assessed. Outcome was assessed with the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Scale, Seasonal Affective Disorder Version.ResultsBoth groups showed decreases in symptom scores of more than 40%. There were no differences in proportions of responders in either group, regardless of the remission criteria applied, with around 60% (74% white light, 57% red light) meeting broad criteria for response and 31% (30% white light, 33% red light) meeting strict criteria. There were no differences in treatment expectations.ConclusionsPrimary care patients with seasonal affective disorder improve after light therapy, but bright white light is not associated with greater improvements.
Chronic benzodiazepine use in general practice patients with depression: An evaluation of controlled treatment and taper-off
Authors: Zitman Frans G. , Couvée Jaap E. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMany patients with depression take benzodiazepine drugs long term despite the absence of continuing therapeutic value.AimsTo evaluate a treatment programme involving gradual discontinuation with or without simultaneous selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribing and to determine the long-term outcome after benzodiazepine withdrawal.MethodPatients went through three phases – change to an equivalent dose of diazepam; subsequent randomisation to either 20 mg of paroxetine or placebo; and gradual reduction of diazepam in depression-free patients – with a follow-up after 2 or 3 years.ResultsA total of 230 patients were recruited and 75% in the paroxetine group and 61% in the placebo group were successfully treated after 6 weeks (P=0.067). After 2 or 3 years 13% of patients were still benzodiazepine free: 26% of those who had successfully tapered off benzodiazepine and 6% of the total group.ConclusionsTransfer to diazepam followed by gradual withdrawal is an effective way of discontinuing chronic benzodiazepine use. The addition of SSRI treatment is of limited value.
Efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction
Authors: Eardley Ian , Morgan Robert , Dinsmore Wallace , Yates Paula , Boolell Mitradev 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundErectile dysfunction is a common, multi-factorial disorder.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and frequency of use of sildenafil citrate in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction of no established organic cause.MethodThis double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, two-way crossover study was conducted at four centres in the UK in 44 men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction of no clinically obvious organic cause. The study included two 28-day treatment periods, during which time sildenafil or placebo (25–75 mg, based on efficacy) was taken as required.ResultsCompared with placebo, sildenafil was associated with increases in frequency of use, erections adequate for sexual intercourse and level of sexual satisfaction (P< 0.0001). More patients receiving sildenafil stated they would use the treatment again compared with those receiving placebo (P< 0.0001). There were no discontinuations due to sildenafil treatment.ConclusionsSildenafil is effective and well tolerated in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction of no clinically identifiable organic cause.
Self-exposure therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia
Authors: Ito L. M. , De Araujo L. A. , Tess V. L. C. , De Barros-Neto T. P. , Asbahr F. R. , Marks I. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundExposure to external phobic cues is an effective therapy for panic/agoraphobia but the value of exposure to interoceptive cues is unclear.AimsRandomised controlled comparison in panic/agoraphobia of the effects of (a) external, (b) interoceptive or (c) combined external and interoceptive self-exposure to (d) control subjects.MethodEighty out-patients were randomised to a control group or to one of three forms of self-exposure treatment (external, interoceptive, or combined). Each treatment included seven sessions over 10 weeks and daily self-exposure homework. Assessments were at pre- and post-treatment and up to 1 year post-entry. Assessors remained blind during treatment.ResultsThe three self-exposure groups improved significantly and similarly at post-treatment and up to 1-year follow-up, and significantly more than did the control subjects. Rates of improvement on main outcome measures averaged 60% at post-treatment and 77% at follow-up.ConclusionsThe three methods of self-exposure were equally effective in reducing panic and agoraphobic symptoms in the short- and long-term.
Schizophrenia and the frontal lobes
Authors: Highley J. Robin , Walker Mary A. , Esiri Margaret M. , McDonald Brendan , Harrison Paul J. , Crow Timothy J. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundIt has been suggested that there is frontal lobe involvement in schizophrenia, and that it may be lateralised and gender-specific.AimsTo clarify the structure of the frontal lobes in schizophrenia in a postmortem series.MethodThe volume of white matter and cortical components of the frontal lobes was measured in brains of controls and patients with schizophrenia using planimetry and the Cavalieri principle. The components measured were: superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, a composite of inferior frontal gyrus and orbito-frontal cortex, as well as total frontal lobe cortex and white matter. In addition, the anterior cingulate gyrus was measured.ResultsNo diagnosis, gender, diagnosis × side, diagnosis × gender or diagnosis × gender × side interactions were observed in the volume of any of the components, the grey matter as a whole or the white matter. No evidence for volumetric inter-group differences was found for the anterior cingulate gyrus.ConclusionsSuch structural abnormalities as are present in the frontal lobes are more subtle than straightforward alterations in tissue volume; they may include changes in shape and the pattern of gyral folding.
Handedness, language lateralisation and anatomical asymmetry in schizophrenia
Authors: Sommer Iris , Aleman André , Ramsey Nick , Bouma Anke , Kahn René 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundCerebral lateralisation appears to be decreased in schizophrenia. Results of studies investigating this, however, are equivocal.AimsTo review quantitatively the literature on decreased lateralisation in schizophrenia.MethodMeta-analyses were conducted on 19 studies on handedness, 10 dichotic listening studies and 39 studies investigating anatomical asymmetry in schizophrenia.ResultsThe prevalence of mixed- and left-handedness (‘non-right-handedness’) was significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls, and also as compared to psychiatric controls. The analysis of dichotic listening studies revealed no significant difference in lateralisation in schizophrenia. However, when analysis was restricted to studies using consonant-vowel or fused word tasks, significantly decreased lateralisation in schizophrenia emerged. Asymmetry of the planum temporale and the Sylvian fissure was significantly decreased in schizophrenia, while asymmetry of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle was not.ConclusionStrong evidence is provided for decreased cerebral lateralisation in schizophrenia.
Relationship between 5-HT function and impulsivity and aggression in male offenders with personality disorders
Authors: Dolan M. , Anderson I. M. , Deakin J. F. W. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundReduced serotonergic (5-HT) function and elevated testosterone have been reported in aggressive populations.AimsTo investigate relationships between impulsivity, aggression, 5-HT function and testosterone in male offenders with personality disorders.MethodSixty male offenders with DSM–III–R personality disorders and 27 healthy staff controls were assessed using the Special Hospital Assessment of Personality and Socialisation (SHAPS), impulsivity and aggression ratings, d-fenfluramine challenge and plasma hormone concentrations.ResultsThe SHAPS non-psychopaths and those with schizoid personality disorders had enhanced 5-HT function (prolactin response to d-fenfluramine). Reduced 5-HT function was found in offenders with DSM–III–R borderline personality disorders and those with a history of repeated self-harm or alcohol misuse. The 5-HT function was inversely correlated more strongly with impulsivity than with aggression. Plasma testosterone correlated positively with aggressive acts. The SHAPS primary psychopaths had lower initial cortisol and higher testosterone concentrations than controls.ConclusionsFuture studies are needed to investigate regional brain 5-HT function.
Exposure to anaesthetic agents, cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology in the elderly
Authors: Ancelin Marie-Laure , De Roquefeuil Guilhem , Ledésert Bernard , Bonnel François , Cheminal Jean-Claude , Ritchie Karen 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundAnaesthesia could provoke persistent alterations in specific cognitive domains in the elderly where ageing-related neuronal changes may exacerbate pharmacotoxic effects.AimsTo evaluate anaesthesia effects on the incidence of cognitive dysfunction after orthopaedic surgery in elderly patients.MethodA total of 140 patients over the age of 64 years completed a full range of computerised cognitive tests. The study takes into account effects of pre-operative cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptomatology and ability to perform activities of daily living.ResultsPostoperative cognitive decline persisted for up to 3 months in 56% of subjects. Dysfunction was limited to verbal, visuo-spatial and semantic abilities and secondary and implicit memory. Age, low educational level, pre-operative cognitive impairment or depression are risk factors.ConclusionsCognitive functions are not equally affected, type of impairment being determined by the risk factors described above and anaesthesia type.
Incidence of psychotic disorders in immigrant groups to the Netherlands
Authors: Selten J.-P. , Veen N. , Feller W. , Blom J. D. , Schols D. , Camoenië W. , Oolders J. , Van Der Velden M. , Hoek H. W. , Rivero V. M. Vladár , Van Der Graaf Y. , Kahn R. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundPrevious reports on the incidence of schizophrenia in immigrant groups to The Netherlands were based on hospital data.AimsTo compare the incidence of psychotic disorders in the immigrant groups to that in natives.MethodTwo-year first-contact incidence study in The Hague.ResultsThe risks of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder (DSM–IV criteria) were increased for subjects born in Morocco (gender and age-adjusted relative risk=4.5; 95% CI 1.4–8.5), Surinam (relative risk=3.2; 1.8–5.7), The Netherlands Antilles (relative risk=2.9; 0.9–9.5) and other non-Western countries (relative risk=2.4; 1.3–4.7). This risk was also increased for Moroccans (relative risk=8.0; 2.6–24.5) and Surinamese (relative risk=5.5; 2.5–11.9) of the second generation. The risks for Turkish immigrants, first or second generation, and for immigrants from Western countries were not significantly increased.ConclusionsThis study indicates that the incidence of schizophrenia is increased in several, but not all, immigrant groups to The Netherlands. It is possible that factors associated with a process of rapid westernisation precipitate schizophrenia in people who are genetically at risk.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa: relation to psychiatric status and forgiveness among survivors of human rights abuses
Authors: Kaminer Debra , Stein Dan J. , Mbanga Irene , Zungu-Dirwayi Nompumelelo 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundThe impact on individual survivors of human rights abuses of testifying before South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has not been established.AimsTo examine the degree to which participation in the TRC is related to current psychiatric status and forgiveness among survivors.MethodSurvivors (n=134) who gave public, closed or no testimony to the TRC completed instruments measuring exposure to human rights abuses, exposure to other traumatic events, current psychiatric status and forgiveness attitudes towards the perpetrator(s).ResultsThere was no significant association between TRC participation and current psychiatric status or current forgiveness attitudes, and low forgiveness was associated with poorer psychiatric health.ConclusionsTruth commissions should form part of, rather than be a substitute for, comprehensive therapeutic interventions for survivors of human rights abuses. Lack of forgiveness may be an important predictor of psychiatric risk in this population.
Understanding the roles of genome and envirome: methods in genetic epidemiology
Authors: Neiderhiser Jenae M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundIn order to understand studies of psychiatric epidemiology focusing on the ‘genome’ and ‘envirome’, basic knowledge of the logic and methods is necessary.AimsTo provide a review of typical methods used in genetic epidemiology.MethodReviews of the research designs usually employed in quantitative and molecular genetic studies. Genotype-environment correlation and interaction are also discussed.ResultsQuantitative genetic studies indicate that genetic influences are important for both psychiatric disorders and behavioural traits. Specific gene loci can be tested for associations with both psychiatric risk and behavioural traits by means of molecular genetic techniques. There has been little examination of genotype-environment correlation and interaction, although the few reports that have appeared suggest that these complex relationships are important.ConclusionsAdvances in quantitative and molecular genetics now permit more careful examination of genotype-environment interaction and correlation. Studies combining molecular genetic strategies with measurement of the environment are still at an early stage, however, and their results must be awaited.
Genes, environment and schizophrenia
Authors: Tsuang Ming T. , Stone William S. , Faraone Stephen V. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundData from family, twin and adoption studies show overwhelming evidence of a substantial genetic component in schizophrenia and although molecular genetic studies have been more difficult to replicate, recent improvements in technology have resulted in the implication of genes at several chromosomal loci. Nevertheless, it remains clear that environmental factors both add to and interact with genetic factors to produce the disorder.AimsTo incorporate genetic and environmental risk factors into a neurodevelopmental model in order to conceptualise the liability to schizophrenia.MethodA representative selection of the literature related to this issue is reviewed, together with a reformulation of Meehl's term ‘schizotaxia’ to describe the liability to the disorder.ResultsThe literature supports a multi-factorial view of the liability to schizophrenia, which includes both genetic and environmental components.ConclusionsSchizotaxia provides a useful way to conceptualise both the liability for schizophrenia, and also the development of treatment strategies aimed at the eventual prevention of the illness.
Obstetric complications and schizophrenia: prenatal underdevelopment and subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment
Authors: Kunugi H. , Nanko S. , Murray R. M. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMany studies have shown an association between obstetric complications and schizophrenia.AimsTo investigate the possible relationship between prenatal underdevelopment, neurodevelopmental abnormality and subsequent schizophrenia.MethodThe literature was reviewed. In particular, by pooling data from recently published reports, we examined whether low birthweight (<2500 g) is a risk factor for schizophrenia.ResultsLow birthweight was significantly more common for subjects with schizophrenia than for control subjects:P< 0.00001, odds ratio 2.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.3). Individuals born prematurely are at greater risk of perinatal brain damage and subsequent neurodevelopmental abnormalities, which may constitute vulnerability to the development of schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia who had low birthweights also tended to have poor premorbid psychosocial adjustment.ConclusionsLow birthweight is a modest, but definite, risk factor for schizophrenia. Brain damage associated with prenatal underdevelopment has a role in the pathogenesis of poor premorbid functioning and subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment in some cases of schizophrenia.
Moving on from old dichotomies: beyond nature-nurture towards a lifeline perspective
Authors: Rose Steven 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundGenetics is increasingly being used to explain human behaviours, with growing enthusiasm for what could be termed ‘genetic determinism’, which an ultra-Darwinist approach seeks to apply to all aspects of the human condition.AimsTo consider the validity of the claims concerning the genetics of human behaviour and psychological distress.MethodA critical review of the current assumptions about the relative contributions of genetics and the environment.Results and conclusionsOrganisms are in constant interaction with their environment: that is, organisms select environments just as environments select organisms. Like organisms, environments evolve and are homeodynamic rather than homeostatic; both ‘genome’ and ‘envirome’ are abstractions from this continuous dialectic.
Epidemiology in neurobiological research: exemplified by the influenza-schizophrenia theory
Authors: Munk-J⊘rgensen Povl , Ewald Henrik 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundDuring recent years the strategy for aetiological research in schizophrenia has been to concentrate on two closely connected directions: the search for the genetic element and the search for environmental factors. Damage to the immature brain during pregnancy and delivery has given us the most interesting results from recent environmental research.AimsTo examine the validity of the influenza-schizophrenia hypothesis.MethodA review of register-based epidemiological studies in Denmark conducted over a 10-year period.ResultsThe studies reviewed provided strong inferential evidence in favour of the hypothesis, but some methodological problems are unresolved and not all replication studies have been positive.ConclusionsThe brain-damage hypothesis points to possibilities for identifying high-risk individuals at an early stage of life and perhaps establishing specific preventive programmes. There is, however, a great need for closer international collaboration in future research.
Towards a molecular epidemiology of alcohol dependence: Analysing the interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors
Authors: Heath A. C. , Madden P. A. F. , Bucholz K. K. , Bierut L. J. , Whitfield J. B. , Dinwiddie S. H. , Slutske W. S. , Statham D. B. , Martin Nicholas G. 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundProgress in identifying genetic factors protective against alcohol dependence (AIcD) requires a paradigm shift in psychiatric epidemiology.AimsTo integrate analysis of research into the genetics of alcoholism.MethodData from prospective questionnaire and interview surveys of the Australian twin panel, and from a subsample who underwent alcohol challenge, were analysed.ResultsIn men, effects of alcohol dehydrogenase ADH2∗1/∗2 genotype or high alcohol sensitivity (risk-decreasing), and of history of childhood conduct disorder, or having monozygotic co-twin or twin sister with AIcD (risk-increasing) were significant and comparable in magnitude. Religious affiliation (Anglican versus other) was associated with the ADH2 genotype, but did not explain the associations with AIcD symptoms. No protective effect of the ADH2∗1/∗2 genotype was observed in women.ConclusionsThe early onset and strong familial aggregation of AIcD, and opportunity for within-family tests of genetic association to avoid confounding effects, make epidemiological family studies of adolescents and young adults and their families a priority.
Genetics, environment and cognitive abilities: review and work in progress towards a genome scan for quantitative trait locus associations using DNA pooling
Authors: Plomin Robert , Craig Ian 
Published: August 2002

BackgroundMultivariate genetic research indicates that genetic effects on diverse cognitive abilities are general rather than specific or modular. General cognitive ability (g), a key factor in learning and memory, is among the most heritable behavioural traits.AimsTo give a brief overview of quantitative genetic research on g and to describe initial results from a programme of research that aims to identify genes responsible for the substantial heritability of general cognitive ability.MethodThe research uses a new technique called DNA pooling, which combines DNA from individuals within a group and makes it feasible to screen thousands of DNA markers for a systematic scan of the genome for associations between DNA markers and g. Two independent samples of children with very high g scores and two control samples of children with average g scores were compared in a systematic scan of 147 markers on chromosome 4 and 66 markers on chromosome 22.ResultsThree replicated associations on chromosome 4 were identified using DNA pooling and confirmed using individual genotyping.ConclusionsThese first results of the application of DNA pooling in systematic analysis of allelic association are encouraging.