bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risperidone in treating behavioural disturbances of Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Durst R. , Rubin‐Jabotinsky K. , Raskin S. , Katz G. , Zislin J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This paper reports the results of risperidone treatment in seven patients (six adults and one adolescent) diagnosed as suffering from Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) accompanied by severe behavioural disturbances. Risperidone was chosen following the failure of these patients to respond to other acknowledged modes of treatment for the psychiatric manifestations of PWS. Method: This was a prospective open‐label study. Measures of Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS), Retrospective Overt Aggression Scale (ROAS), Aggression Score (AS) and weight were obtained during two baseline visits and again following 37 weeks of treatment with risperidone. Results: Low dosages (1–3 mg/day; 1.6 mg/day on average) of risperi‐done brought about notable clinical improvement with no apparent adverse side effects. All measures evaluated — general behaviour, CGIS, OAS and weight — reacted favourably to the treatment protocol. Conclusion: The preliminary results presented here suggest that risperidone is useful in treating PWS due to its positive effect on the disruptive behavioural symptoms that accompany it.
Prevalence and background factorsof depression in first admittedschizophrenic patients
Authors: Bottlender R. , Strauß A. , Möller H. J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and background factors of depression in first admitted schizophrenic patients. Method: The study is an analysis of 998 consecutively admitted schizophrenic patients with their first hospitalization. Patient's characteristics were prospectively assessed using standardized instruments at the time of first admission and discharge. Results: High prevalence rates of depressive symptoms were found. Depressed schizophrenic patients were more likely to have suicidal tendencies, were older, more frequently married, less frequently single and unemployed and had more family members with psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia than the non‐depressed patients. Positive, negative and extrapyramidal symptoms do not have a substantial influence on depression in these patients. Conclusions: The study suggests that depression represents a distinct psychopathological dimension of the acute illness in first admitted schizophrenic patients. In particular, in light of the suicidal tendencies, recognition and treatment of depression is an important clinical task.
Association between oestradiol and puerperal psychosis
Authors: Riecher‐Rössler A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Postpartum psychiatric disorders with long‐lasting adverse sequelae are common during the childbearing years. These disorders can be severe and resistant to conventional psychiatric treatment methods. We present two consecutive cases with puerperal psychosis who were refractory to conventional treatment methods but responded successfully to oestrogen therapy. Method: Serum oestradiol concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay and the documented oestradiol deficiency replaced with physiological oestradiol sublingually. The treatment effect was evaluated by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Results: In both cases the baseline oestradiol concentration was low (28 and 69 pmol/L). During the treatment with oestradiol, there was a concomitant elevation of the concentration of serum oestradiol, which coincided with the decline in psychotic symptoms. Conclusion: The observation of low serum oestradiol together with psychotic symptoms and successful treatment with oestradiol suggests that oestradiol may have a causal relevance to puerperal psychosis and significance in the treatment of this condition.
Specific characteristics of suicide in China
Authors: Qin P. , Mortensen Preben Bo 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aims of this paper are (i) to describe the specific characteristics of suicide in China and compare it with that in a western country, Denmark; and (ii) to discuss the accuracy of suicide data and the possible explanations for suicide behaviour in China. Method: Data for the study are obtained from the World Health Statistics Annual based on official records in China and the Danish Cause‐of‐Death Register, and standardized according to the age‐specified population of China in 1990. Results: The specific characteristics of suicide in China differed strikingly from the general pattern of suicide in other western countries as well as in Denmark: suicide rates in females were higher than in males; rural rates were more than three times higher than urban rates; suicide rates peaked for those aged 75+ years, but with a minor peak in females for those aged 15–24 years old. Conclusion: These specific characteristics of suicide in China may possibly be interpreted in terms of traditional culture, social forces, political environment and economic status.
Bright light therapy of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder in the workplace: morning vs. afternoon exposure
Authors: Avery D. H. , Kizer D. , Bolte M. A. , Hellekson C. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Bright light therapy in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been studied extensively. However, little attention has been given to subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder (SSAD) or the use of bright light in the workplace. Many patients using bright light boxes complain of the inconvenience of use. Much of this inconvenience involves the often‐recommended early timing of the bright light therapy. Patients, who already have difficulty awakening, often have difficulty using the bright light therapy soon after awakening before going to work. If bright light could be used effectively in the workplace, the treatment would be more convenient; the improved convenience would probably improve compliance. In this study, we studied the effectiveness of bright light therapy in subjects with SSAD in the workplace, comparing morning bright light with afternoon bright light. Method: Morning and afternoon bright light treatment (2500 lux) were compared in 30 subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder patients using the bright light therapy in the workplace. Hamilton Depression Ratings and subjective measures of mood, energy, alertness and productivity were assessed before and after 2 weeks of light therapy. Results: Both morning and evening bright light significantly decreased the depression ratings and improved the subjective mood, energy, alertness and productivity scores. However, there were no significant differences between the two times of administration of the bright light treatment. Both bright light treatments were well tolerated. Conclusion: Bright light given in the workplace improves subjective ratings of mood, energy, alertness and productivity in SSAD subjects. Morning and afternoon bright lights resulted in similar levels of improvement.
The genetics of autism
Authors: Lauritsen M. , Ewald H. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To review systematically the empirical evidence for the involvement of genetic risk factors in infantile autism. Method: We aimed at including all relevant papers written in English. We conducted a Medline search in September 2000. In addition we searched the reference lists of related papers. Results: A relatively small number of reports including family and twin studies, comorbidity, cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies were reviewed. Conclusion: As well family, twin, cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies supported the importance of genetic risk factors in infantile autism. In most individual cases probably at least a few gene variants simultaneously determine the genetic risk. Presently the most interesting chromosome regions concerning the aetiology of autism are chromosomes 7q31–35, 15q11–13 and 16p13.3 which have been suggested by different lines of genetic research.
Reasoning about the optimal duration of prophylactic antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia: evidence and arguments
Authors: Bosveld‐van Haandel L. J. M. , Slooff C. J. , Van Den Bosch R. J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To review evidence‐based literature regarding the necessary duration of antipsychotic relapse prevention in schizophrenia and related psychoses. Method: A computerized search was performed on Medline, Embase Psychiatry and PsycLIT which covered the period 1974–99. We also used cross‐references. Results: Although schizophrenia refers mainly to an intrinsic biological vulnerability, only maintenance studies with a follow‐up of 2 years at most are available. Relapses appear unpredictable and occur even after long‐term successful remission during antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion: Since rehabilitation efforts have effects only after long‐term endeavours, antipsychotic relapse prevention should be maintained for long periods. It is reasonable to treat patients suffering from schizophrenia and related psychoses for longer periods than indicated by the current guidelines.
Subclinical suspiciousness as a risk factor for depressive episodes
Authors: Messias Erick , Kirkpatrick Brian 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Previous studies suggest suspiciousness is associated with an increased risk of major depressive episodes in psychotic patients. We tested the hypothesis that this relationship would extend to nonpsychotic groups. Method: Data came from the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) study, a longitudinal population‐based study conducted at five sites in the United States. Baseline clinical and demographic features were used to predict the onset of episodes of depression at 1‐year follow‐up in subjects without psychotic symptoms. Results: Subclinical suspiciousness was associated with an increased risk of new episodes of depression after accounting for demographic variables. However, three of six subclinical delusion‐like experiences were also associated with an increased risk of depressive episodes. None of the subclinical hallucination‐like experiences predicted subsequent risk. Conclusion: Subclinical suspiciousness appears to increase the risk of depression in the general population. Some other delusion‐like experiences may do the same.
Ward atmosphere in acute psychiatric in‐patient care: patients' perceptions,ideals and satisfaction
Authors: Middelboe Thomas , Schjødt Torben , Byrsting Karin , Gjerris Annette 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To investigate the relationship between patients' perception of the real and ideal ward atmosphere and their satisfaction. Method: Patients filled in the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS, Real and Ideal Form) and a satisfaction questionnaire. Patient characteristics were derived from clinical assessments. Results: WAS ratings were almost independent of patient characteristics. Patients in locked wards perceived more anger and aggression and patients subjected to coercive measures perceived less autonomy and practical orientation. Patient satisfaction was predicted by higher scores on the WAS Relationship‐ and System Maintenance dimensions, explaining 41% of the variance. In particular support, order and organization predicted satisfaction. Except from the areas of anger/aggression and staff control, patients gave the ‘ideal’ ward higher ratings on all subscales. The perceived gap between the ‘ideal’ and ‘real’ ward explained 45% of variance in satisfaction. Conclusion: Patients' perception of ward atmosphere is a clinically meaningful measure appearing to be a strong predictor of satisfaction.
Platelet serotonin transporters and the transporter gene in control subjects, unipolar patients and bipolar patients
Authors: Mellerup Erling , Bennike Bente , Bolwig Tom , Dam Henrik , Hasholt Lis , Balslev Jørgensen Martin , Plenge Per , Asger Sørensen Sven 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to relate the number of platelet serotonin transporters in unipolar and bipolar patients and in control subjects to two polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene: a VNTR in intron 2 and a deletion/insertion in the promoter region. Method: Density of platelet serotonin transporters was determined by radioligand binding analysis. Genotyping was performed by PCR amplification of polymorphic regions followed by size determination of the obtained fragments. Results: The control subjects and the two groups of patients were similar with respect to the genotype and allele distribution belonging to the two polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene for. An interaction between status (control, unipolar‐ or bipolar patient) and VNTR genotype regarding the number of platelet serotonin transporters was observed; unipolar patients with the genotype 12/10 had more platelet serotonin transporters than bipolar patients and controls with this genotype. No association related to the polymorphism was found in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene. Conclusion: An association was observed between the polymorphism in intron 2 of the serotonin transporter gene and the number of platelet serotonin transporters. Unipolar patients with a particular genotype had more platelet serotonin transporters than the corresponding controls and bipolar patients.
A structured interview guide increases Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale reliability in raters with low clinical experience
Authors: Crippa J.A.S. , Sanches R.F. , Hallak J.E.C. , Loureiro S.R. , Zuardi A.W. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To assess the beneficial impact of a structured interview on the reliability of BPRS ratings in raters with low clinical experience. Method: Each patient was rated once a week in two separate interviews, conducted on the same day. The first interview was conducted by a rater with low clinical experience (recruited from a group of five residents in psychiatry and one clinical psychologist in training). All second interviews were conducted by the same highly experienced psychiatrist. Results: The number of items with full agreement between observers increased with the use of SIG. The value of intraclass correlation coefficients for individual items and the total score also increased, approaching reported studies with experienced raters. Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of SIG reduces variability of information gathering in reliability testing of BPRS with less experienced raters.
A review of the epidemiological transition in dementia — cross‐national comparisons of the indices related to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Authors: Suh Guk‐Hee , Shah Ajit 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To examine temporal changes in the prevalence of dementia and associated factors. Method: All publications on the epidemiology of dementia were identified using a medline search for the years 1966–1999. Results: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become nearly twice as prevalent as vascular dementia (VaD) in Korea, Japan, and China since transition in early 1990s. Prior to this, in the 1980s, VaD was more prevalent than AD in these countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence of dementia was low. Indian studies were contradictory, with both AD and VaD being more prevalent in different studies. American and European studies consistently reported AD to be more prevalent than VaD. Conclusion: A theoretical model of transition from low incidence–high mortality society to high incidence–high mortality society to low incidence–low mortality society may explain these findings. Rigorous testing in prospective, longitudinal and population‐based cross‐national studies using culture‐fair diagnostic instruments is required.
Prevalence of mental illness in homeless men in Munich, Germany: results from a representative sample
Authors: Fichter Manfred M. , Quadflieg Norbert 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of the study was a reliable assessment of the prevalence of DSM‐IV mental disorders in a representative sample of homeless men in the city of Munich. Method: A preliminary survey yielded an estimate of 1022 single homeless men in Munich divided among three sectors (shelter users, service users and street dwellers). A random sample of 265 single homeless men was surveyed from these three sectors. An age‐matched comparison group of 178 men was selected randomly from a community register. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐IV) was used for diagnostic classification. Results: The lifetime prevalence rates of mental disorders were as follows: 72.7% vs. 15.2% for alcohol dependence, 32.8% vs. 7.3% for mood disorders, 15.9% vs. 6.2% for anxiety disorders and 9.8% vs. 0.6% for psychotic disorders. Of the homeless males in Munich, 93.2% had at least one lifetime DSM‐IV axis I diagnosis, while this was the case for only 38.2% of the community controls. One‐month prevalence for all SCID DSM‐IV axis I disorders in homeless males was 73.4%. Conclusion: Lifetime DSM‐IV axis I mental disorders were 2.4 times more frequent among homeless individuals compared to community control. Implications for health care planning are discussed.
Telepsychiatry: assessment of televideo psychiatric interview reliability with present‐ and next‐generation internet infrastructures
Authors: Yoshino Aihide , Shigemura Jun , Kobayashi Yuji , Nomura Soichiro , Shishikura Kurie , Den Ryosuke , Wakisaka Hitoshi , Kamata Shiho , Ashida Hiroshi 
Published: March 2003

Objective: We assessed the reliability of remote video psychiatric interviews conducted via the internet using narrow and broad bandwidths. Method: Televideo psychiatric interviews conducted with 42 in‐patients with chronic schizophrenia using two bandwidths (narrow, 128 kilobits/s; broad, 2 megabits/s) were assessed in terms of agreement with face‐to‐face interviews in a test–retest fashion. As a control, agreement was assessed between face‐to‐face interviews. Psychiatric symptoms were rated using the Oxford version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and agreement between interviews was estimated as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The ICC was significantly lower in the narrow bandwidth than in the broad bandwidth and the control for both positive symptoms score and total score. Conclusion: While reliability of televideo psychiatric interviews is insufficient using the present narrow‐band internet infrastructure, the next generation of infrastructure (broad‐band) may permit reliable diagnostic interviews.
Increased libido in a woman treated with fluvoxamine: a case report
Authors: Hori Hiroko , Yoshimura Reiji , Nakamura Jun 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe a case of increased libido during fluvoxamine therapy. Method: Single case report. Results: The patient, a 27‐year‐old married Japanese woman with borderline personality disorder, developed an increased libido with the administration of fluvoxamine. The increased libido disappeared after fluvoxamine was discontinued. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that fluvoxamine can cause increased libido in some patients.
OCD and transvestism: is there a relationship?
Authors: Abdo Carmita Helena Najjar , Hounie Ana , De Tubino Scanavino Marco , Miguel Euripedes Constantino 
Published: March 2003

Objective: There have been reports of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) patients with comorbid paraphilias. In this paper, two cases of comorbidity between OCD and transvestism are reported with the aim of discussing possible explanations for this association. Method: Longitudinal case studies of two patients with OCD and tranvestism according to the DSM‐IV were assessed using semi‐structured interviews. Results: Both patients presented with OCD and comorbid transvestism with different clinical features and treatment response. The case whose cross‐dressing was more egodystonic responded better to treatment. Conclusion: It is possible that some cases of transvestism are OCD‐related while others are more related to a gender identity disorder. A dimensional approach focusing on common phenomenological and neurobiological substrates is suggested as particularly useful for clinical management and future research of both disorders.
Late‐onset bipolar disorder due to hyperthyroidism
Authors: Nath Jisu , Sagar Rajesh 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Bipolar disorder starts typically in early age and late‐onset cases are rare. Late‐onset cases are more likely to have comorbid medical illnesses responsible for them. This case report highlights late‐onset bipolar disorder due to hyperthyroidism. Method: A 65‐year‐old patient of bipolar disorder has been described. Result: Physical examination and laboratory investigations detected presence of hyperthyroidism and the patient was treated with antithyroid and anxiolytics. Conclusion: A thorough examination and investigation are required in late‐onset cases of bipolar disorder to rule out secondary causes. Definitive antimanic agents or mood stabilizers may not be required in such cases.
The Parma High School Epidemiological Survey: obsessive‐compulsive symptoms
Authors: Maggini C. , Ampollini P. , Gariboldi S. , Cella P. L. , Peqlizza L. , Marchesi C. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of obsessive‐compulsive symptoms in a population of Italian adolescents. Method: A sample of 2877 high‐school students, 1463 males (51%) and 1414 females (49%), aged 16–21 years were assessed with the Leyton Obsessional Inventory — Child Version (LOI‐CV). Two groups of subjects were defined as ‘positive’ on the screen: the high interference (HI) (i.e. all subjects who scored 25 or more in the interference score), and the supernormals (Sn). Results: Females scored higher than males both on yes and interference scores. One hundred and nineteen (4.1%) and 87 (3.0%) constitute, respectively, the HI and the Sn groups. The most interfering symptoms were obsessions linked to dirt phobia, rumination and nail biting. Conclusion: The prevalence estimates of OCD symptoms confirmed the recent data of the literature that adolescent OCD symptoms are more frequent than was believed previously. Females showed more symptoms and more interference on personal functioning than males.
Psychological consequences of the 1998 landslide in Sarno, Italy: a community study
Authors: Catapano F. , Malafronte R. , Lepre F. , Cozzolino P. , Arnone R. , Lorenzo E. , Tartaglia G. , Starace F. , Magliano L. , Maj M. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This community study assessed the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the psychosocial consequences of the landslide which occurred in Sarno, Southern Italy, in May 1998. Method: A random sample (n=272) of the population living in the highest risk area of Sarno, and a control group recruited in a small town situated near the disaster area, but not affected by the event, were assessed 1 year after the disaster by standardized instruments. Results: Of the subjects recruited in Sarno, 27.6% met DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD; 59% subjects recruited in Sarno and 35% of the control group were identified as ‘probable cases’ by the GHQ‐30 (P<0.0001). Subjects recruited in Sarno had significantly higher scores on the four GHQ‐30 subscales identified by factor analysis. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the negative impact of a natural catastrophic event on mental health, and the need for preventive interventions.