MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Psychiatry Research' source. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:36:49 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287636&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517811000034X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The publisher regrets that the incorrect version of was published in this paper. The correct is shown below. The publisher would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287636 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:21 +0100 3287636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287635&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000821%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has long been considered as a candidate for vulnerability to schizophrenia in view of both its function and location in the genome (). Data have been reported showing allelic association of the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene with the clinical manifestations and the response to or dose requirements of antipsychotics in schizophrenia (), though negative associations of COMT gene with schizophrenia were found in Chinese Han and other populations (). Therefore, it is hypothesized that the functional polymorphism of the COMT gene could be related to drug response to antipsychotics in Chinese Han schizophrenia because of the role of COMT in dopamine catabolism. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287635 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:21 +0100 3287635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287634&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001164%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Mr. M., a 27-year-old man, was hospitalized due to an exacerbation of his paranoid schizophrenia persisting for 8 years. Laboratory tests, a magnetic resonance imaging scan and an electroencephalogram revealed no indication of an organic cause of his recurrent psychotic symptoms. When the patient was earlier treated with several atypical as well as typical antipsychotics, either inadequate symptom control, or multiple adverse effects such as severe sleepiness, extrapyramidal motor side effects and sexual dysfunction were observed. Therefore we decided to treat him with clozapine. At that point, all laboratory results including creatine kinase (CK) (47 U/l) were within the normal range. After 5 days of upwardly titrating the dose of a generic manufactured clozapine to 50 mg, an increase o... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287634 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:21 +0100 3287634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287633&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001292%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We investigated impulse-control disorders (ICDs), alcohol use and outcome expectancies in students (n=571, 63.9% female, age: M=21.7) using questionnaires. Twenty (3.5%) were positively screened for lifetime ICDs, mostly males (n=16, 80%). Disorder-specific rates ranged between 0 and 1.2%. Differences in alcohol use and expectancies between ICDs and controls did not reach significance. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287633 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:21 +0100 3287633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287632&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001267%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The prevalence of sleep disturbance among 400 patients, diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), was assessed via structured interviews. Sleep disturbance was reported in 50.3% of patients, especially among those with the binge-eating/purging subtype. Patients with sleep disturbance had more disturbing symptoms; including higher binge frequency and vomiting frequency Additional differences were also identified. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287632 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:21 +0100 3287632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287631&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001115%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The functional val108/158met polymorphism of the COMT gene (rs4680) was evaluated in major depressive disorder (MDD), and in the treatment response to antidepressants in MDD. We could not demonstrate any significant difference in the distribution of this COMT single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the treatment response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or between patients with MDD and control subjects. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287631 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:20 +0100 3287631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287630&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001188%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We tested for associations between five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the area containing the Neuregulin 1 gene (NRG1) and three SNPs within the brain-derived neutrophic factor gene (BDNF) in an Italian sample consisting of 171 schizophrenia subjects and 349 controls. No association was found for any of the polymorphisms tested, either in single locus or in haplotype analysis. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287630 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:20 +0100 3287630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287629&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002333%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated the capacity of two measures to detect simulated psychopathology. Forty-one first-year psychology students were randomly allocated to experimental groups that included malingering and control conditions. Analogue malingerers were given a financial incentive to simulate believable psychological impairment. Controls received standardised test instructions and the prize incentive, contingent on good effort. In a between-group simulation design, group differences on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the revised Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R) were assessed. Group comparisons revealed elevation of the majority of clinical index scores among malingerers and a consistent pattern of results across tests. Analysis of the test operating characteristics of the mal... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287629 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:20 +0100 3287629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287628&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003879%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study is to clarify the prevalence of “hikikomori” and to examine the relation between “hikikomori” and psychiatric disorders. A face-to-face household survey was conducted of community residents (n=4134). We defined “hikikomori” as a psychopathological phenomenon in which people become completely withdrawn from society for 6 months or longer. We asked all respondents whether they had any children currently experiencing “hikikomori”. For respondents aged 20–49 years old (n=1660), we asked whether they had ever experienced “hikikomori”. A total of 1.2% had experienced “hikikomori” in their lifetime. Among them, 54.5% had also experienced a psychiatric (mood, anxiety, impulse control, or substance-related) disorder in their lifetime. Responden... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287628 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287627&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004095%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related characteristics of patients admitted to any acute psychiatric inpatient facilities in Italy for the first time in their life, and to identify reasons contributing to admission. Data from the PROGRES-Acute Project, a national survey on facilities admitting acute psychiatric patients in Italy, were used. A cluster analysis was carried out in order to identify patients' groups sharing similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Among patients admitted during the index period, 337 were at their first-ever admission. Median age at admission was 40, and about 46% of patients were not receiving any treatment in the month prior to admission. Social/work functioning problems, social withd... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287627 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287626&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800379X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Previous studies concerned with the relation of proximity to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent psychopathology have produced conflicting results. The goals of this analysis are to assess the appropriateness of using Bayesian hierarchical spatial techniques to answer the question of the role of proximity to a mass trauma as a risk factor for psychopathology. Using a set of individual-level Medicaid data for New York State, and controlling for age, gender, median household income and employment-related exposures, we applied Bayesian hierarchical modeling methods for spatially aggregated data. We found that distance from the World Trade Center site in the post-attack time period was associated with increased risk of anxiety-related diagnoses. In the months foll... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287626 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287625&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002145%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There is evidence that proneness to experience psychological distress is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, an attempt is made to examine the possible association between stressful events and cognitive impairment of the elderly, based on a sample of 1271 patients (500 male, 771 female) diagnosed with dementia according to the DSM-IV criteria and 140 age- and gender-matched cognitive healthy subjects. All patients were recruited from the Memory and Dementia Outpatient Clinic of the 3rd University Department of Neurology in “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, and examined over a period of 7 years. The majority of patients reported a history of a stressful event before the onset of dementia (n=990, 77.9%), while fewer patients reporte... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287625 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287624&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000201%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study was to validate the Dutch version of the Kessler-10 (K10) as well as an extended version (EK10) in screening for depressive and anxiety disorders in primary care. Data are from 1607 participants (18 through 65 years, 68.8% female) of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), recruited from 65 general practitioners. Participants completed the K10, extended with five additional questions focusing on core anxiety symptoms, and were evaluated with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI lifetime version 2.1) to assess DSM-IV disorders (major depressive disorder, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia). Reliability (Cronbach's α) of the Dutch K10 was 0.94. Based on Receiver Operating... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287624 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287623&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003995%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined the association between Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (A-DES) scores and those for the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR), as well as subscales of the TAS and the YSR, in a sample of Finnish adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (n=4019). Factor analysis suggested that dissociation can be considered distinctive from other psychopathology. A-DES scores, however, associated strongly with several other scales and subscales measuring psychiatric symptoms. In logistic regression models the strongest associations were observable between the A-DES and TAS subscale ‘difficulty identifying feelings’ (DIF) and the YSR subscale ‘thought problems’. Thus, dissociation and alexithymia can be considere... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287623 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287622&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004113%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of the study was to evaluate relationships between sleep habits and depressive symptoms. Pilot study data were collected about sleep schedules, related factors and depression in female college students to find whether their sleep schedules correlate with affective symptoms. In the subsequent main study, similar information was collected under more controlled conditions. Depression was measured using the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and HAM-D-3 (modified Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Response rates were 31.3% of eligible students for the pilot survey and 71.6% for the main study. Both studies showed that about 20% of students reported weekday sleep debts of greater than 2 h and about 28% reported significantly greater sleep debt and had signi... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287622 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:18 +0100 3287622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287621&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000031%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness with high prevalence of co-occurring alcohol use disorder. Linkage studies have revealed several candidate genes in the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways which may be associated with both bipolar and alcohol use disorders. We investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in candidate genes and alcohol use disorder comorbidity in bipolar patients. We performed a retrospective study of a genomic database consisting of 278 bipolar disorder patients. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder was according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID-I). RFLP analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms were performed in dopamine (DRD1, DRD2 and DRD3) and serotonin receptor and transporter genes (5HTTLPR, 5HT1B, 5HT2... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287621 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287620&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004186%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In everyday life, we often estimate rather than know. It was the goal of this study to assess the effect of depressed mood on cognitive estimation in old age. Cognitive estimation was performed in 44 subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD; DSM-IV) and 48 age-matched healthy subjects (HS). Severity of depressive symptoms was rated with the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS, mean=18.6±S.D. 4.85). Estimation tasks comprised the dimensions length (coin diameter), weight (pile of paper), quantity (number of marbles in a glass jar), and time (estimation of time it takes for a marble to roll down a marble track both before and after having observed it). Other than the procedure followed in previous tests on cognitive estimation, the tasks were performed by obser... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287620 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287619&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003910%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: According to earlier observations, minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are more prevalent in psychotic disorders, especially in schizophrenia, and represent an indicator of abnormal fetal development. Limited research has been conducted on these structural abnormalities among patients with unipolar depression, with and without psychotic features. We hypothesized that the mean total MPA score would be greater in patients with psychotic depression than depressive patients without psychosis and control subjects. An extended scale of MPAs was used to detect the presence or absence of 51 MPAs in women with recurrent unipolar depression with psychotic symptoms (n=50), women with recurrent unipolar depression without psychotic symptoms (n=50) and healthy female controls (n=50). Women with r... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287619 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287618&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003594%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined 14 stabilized young patients with recent onset schizophrenia and 16 healthy controls matched for gender, age, and years of education. Schizophrenia patients (13 males, 1 female) had a mean age of 26.3±5.8 years and a mean number of years of study of 9.6±3.6. Their illness had a mean duration of 147 weeks. Patients displayed moderate overall slow reaction times (387 ms) in comparison with controls (322 ms). Onset of IOR was found to be delayed in schizophrenia patients appearing between 700 and 800 ms following the cue onset while it appeared at 300 ms in controls. In patients, IOR was constant up to 1100 ms; however, its amplitude was weak with an average of 6 ms. Validity effects (overall and at each SOA value) were uncorrelated to age, years of study, duration of illne... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287618 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287617&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004344%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Cardiovascular risk factors, especially obesity and smoking are highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Central obesity and the metabolic syndrome are conditions mostly attributed to the use of antipsychotic medication and lifestyle habits, and they constitute a significant health concern. Our study sample included 105 patients suffering from schizophrenia aged 36.25±10.03 and 156 normal control subjects aged 36.03±11.33. All patients were in- or out-patients of a private hospital. Clinical diagnosis was made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Height, weight, waist circumference and number of cigarettes smoked daily were recorded. Duration of illness was calculated based on records concerning the age of first onset of psychotic symptoms. Body Surface Area (BSA) and Body ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287617 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287616&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109003096%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we examined a retrospective marker of prenatal testosterone release — 2D:4D finger length ratio (2D:4D), the relative length of 2nd to 4th digit, in 64 Asian patients with schizophrenia and 64 sex-matched controls. No significant difference in mean finger lengths was present, however 2D:4D ratio was significantly different between patients and controls. The effect was primarily seen in males consistent with a ‘less masculinised’ pattern and hypotheses suggesting that schizophrenia may be associated with an abnormality in prenatal circulating testosterone. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287616 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287615&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003922%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study is to profile the peripheral biomarkers (tyrosine hydroxylase, TH; interleukin-1β, IL-1β; and tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) for schizophrenia and explore their relations with clinical symptoms. Thirty-nine patients with schizophrenia were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and 25 siblings and 30 normal healthy subjects were used as controls. The mRNA expression levels of TH, IL-1β and TNF-α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as determined with semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, were all significantly increased in both patients (3-fold) and siblings (2-fold) as compared with normal control. Both IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly correlated with scores on the general psychopathology ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287615 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287614&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178110000259%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287614 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0100 3287614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159642&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003764%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: This retrospective chart review of a clinical cohort of 19 refractory schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients treated with maintenance electroconvulsive therapy addresses the indications for this treatment, its efficacy, and its impact on daily functioning and hospitalizations. Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy combined with medication appears to be an efficient alternative to pharmacological treatment alone. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159642 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:29 +0100 3159642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159641&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000936%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We sought to characterize the cognitive and affective empathic abilities of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). While controls showed higher cognitive as compared with affective empathy scores, the BPD group demonstrated the opposite pattern. These results suggest that a dysfunctional pattern of empathic capacity may account for behavioral difficulties in BPD. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159641 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:29 +0100 3159641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159640&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000778%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study was conducted to examine the relationship between whole blood serotonin level and behavioral symptoms in 78 subjects with autism. No significant associations were found between serotonin level and the primary behavioral outcome measures. However, a significant inverse relationship between serotonin level and self-injury was demonstrated. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159640 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159639&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900122X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotics, contributing to poor treatment adherence, and previously linked to the −759C/T polymorphism near the serotonin receptor 2C gene. The effect of this polymorphism was analyzed in schizophrenia patients treated with iloperidone for up to 7 months. No association was detected with the modest weight changes observed in these patients. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159639 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159638&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002893%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We investigated whether sex differences in answering strategy occur in normal controls (C). Furthermore, it was tested whether these sex differences were subject to change over time, and whether they were associated with hormonal treatment at time points 2 and 3 in patients with Gender Identity Disorder (GID). Two subtests measuring arithmetic ability were used: arithmetic aptitude (AA) and arithmetic operations (AO). Both the controls (n=29) and GID patients (n=33) were tested at baseline (T1), three months (T2) and 12months (T3) after the start of hormonal treatment in the GID group. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed no differences between C males and females, for T1 and T2. At T3, C males guessed more than C females. At baseline, GID males and C males left an equ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159638 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159637&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001947%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Our objective was to explore the dose–response relationship in patients with panic disorder and social anxiety disorder comorbidity (DSM-IV). After 1 week of no-drug washout, 36 such patients were assigned to a double-blind controlled comparison of the effects of 30 mg and 60 mg of tranylcypromine, and were followed up for 12 weeks. The main instrument used to measure the number of panic attacks was the Sheehan Panic and Anticipatory Anxiety Scale. The primary outcome measure for social anxiety disorder symptoms was the mean change from baseline in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). After 12 weeks of treatment, panic attacks were reduced 69.6% from baseline in the 30-mg group (n=19) compared with a 74.8% reduction in the 60-mg group (n=17). Twelve patients (70.6%) ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159637 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159636&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000572%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of socioemotional functioning in models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study investigated whether OCD symptoms were associated with capacity for theory of mind (ToM) and basic affect recognition. Non-clinical volunteers (N=204) completed self report measures of OCD and general psychopathology, in addition to behavioral measures of ToM and affect recognition. The results indicated that higher OCD symptoms were associated with reduced ToM, as well as reduced accuracy decoding the specific emotion of disgust. Importantly, these relationships could not be attributed to other, more general features of psychopathology. The findings of the current study therefore further our understanding of how the processing and inte... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159636 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159635&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109003151%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study evaluated platelet MAO activity with a spectrofluorimetric method in 72 boys and 12 girls with predominantly hyperactive, predominantly inattentive, and combined subtype of ADHD (DSM-IV criteria), and in 64 control children. The results showed significantly lower platelet MAO activity in children with hyperactive, inattentive, and combined subtype of ADHD than in control children. There was no significant association between platelet MAO activity and gender or age. The limitation of the study was in the small sample of girls with ADHD (N=12), and in the determination of only one peripheral marker. In line with hypotheses of lower platelet MAO activity in different types of psychopathology, children with different subtypes of ADHD had significantly lower platelet MAO-B activity t... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159635 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159634&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900211X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Impaired recognition of facial affect has been reported in youths and adults with antisocial behavior. However, few of these studies have examined subjects with the psychiatric disorders associated with antisocial behavior, and there are virtually no data on females. Our goal was to determine if facial affect recognition was impaired in adolescent girls with conduct disorder (CD). Performance on the Ekman Pictures of Facial Affect (POFA) task was compared in 35 girls with CD (mean age of 17.9years±0.95; 38.9% African-American) and 30 girls who had no lifetime history of psychiatric disorder (mean age of 17.6years±0.77; 30% African-American). Forty-five slides representing the six emotions in the POFA were presented one at a time; stimulus duration was 5s. Multivariate analyses ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159634 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159633&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001127%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Despite evidence from case series, the comorbidity of eating disorders with psychosis is less investigated than their comorbidity with anxiety and mood disorders. We investigated the occurrence of symptoms of psychosis in 112 female patients diagnosed with DSM-IV eating disorders (anorexia nervosa=61, bulimia nervosa=51) and 631 high school girls in the same health district as the patients: the items of the SCL-90R symptom dimensions “paranoid ideation” and “psychoticism” were specifically examined. No case of co-morbid schizophrenia was observed among patients. Compared with controls, the patients with anorexia nervosa were more likely to endorse the item “Never feeling close to another person”; the patients with bulimia nervosa were more likely to endorse the item �... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159633 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0100 3159633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159632&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003971%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) was assessed among overweight and obese, weight-loss-seeking individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Sixty-eight consecutive overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) individuals with SMI (mean age=43.9 years; mean BMI=37.2 kg/2; 67.6% Caucasian, 60.3% female) who were enrolled in a group behavioral weight loss treatment program were assessed at baseline for NES and BED with clinician-administered diagnostic interviews. Using conservative criteria, 25.0% met criteria for NES, 5.9% met criteria for BED, and only one participant met criteria for both NES and BED. This is the first study to find that obese individuals with SMI, compared with previously studied populations, are at sig... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159632 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159631&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001073%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report CES-D construct validity and diagnostic validity for major depression in a probability sample of 168 community-dwelling Chinese American women. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach's α=0.86). Good construct validity was indicated by significantly higher mean CES-D scores for respondents who reported lower social support, worse self-perceived general health, or stressful life events, including intimate partner violence. Cultural response bias was found, with positively-stated CES-D items (e.g. “I was happy”) producing higher depression scores in immigrants and subjects who preferred to speak Chinese. Diagnostic validity for major depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A CES-D cut-off score of 16 had sensitivity of 100% (95% ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159631 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159630&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001723%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Current symptom rating scales and diagnostic categories for bipolar disorder (BD) do not provide dimensional profiles of the types of behavior disturbed in this complex disorder. To overcome these limitations we identified the principal domains of behavioral symptomatology in bipolar individuals, including all mood states, and used a more comprehensive rating scale for BD: the Bipolar Inventory of Signs and Symptoms Scale (BISS). A total of 246 patients with BD (196 with BD type I, and 50 with BD type II) were interviewed using the BISS. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the BISS results using the maximum likelihood factor extraction method, followed by oblique rotation of the extracted factor loadings. We determined the strength of relationships between factor scores ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159630 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159629&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003946%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to overcome these methodological issues. During an 8-year timeframe, onset rates of unipolar depressive episodes requiring hospitalization from individuals living up to 15 km from a selected meteorological station were stratified by clinical subtypes and modeled as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) functions of orthogonal climatic factors obtained by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). For comparison purposes, onset rates stratified by demographic factors and by diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and admission rates were also modeled. The main findings were a negative 1--month delayed relationship between onset rates of episodes with melancholic features and a climatic factor mainly composed of ambient temperature/sunlight, and a negative 1-mon... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159629 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159628&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004162%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Police work is one of the most stressful occupations. Previous research has indicated that work stress and trauma exposure may place individuals at heightened risk for the development of depression symptomatology. This prospective longitudinal study was designed to examine predictors of depression symptoms in police service. Participants comprised 119 healthy police recruits from an ongoing prospective study. They completed baseline measures of depression symptoms, childhood trauma exposure, neuroticism, and self-worth during academy training. Follow-up measures of depression symptoms, PTSD symptoms, critical incident exposure, negative life events, and routine work environment stress were assessed after 12 months of police service. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was co... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159628 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159627&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002710%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examines the proposal that abnormalities in recollection (a form of recall) result from a breakdown in frontal strategic memory processes involved in encoding and retrieval, and executive functions linked to reality monitoring, planning, problem-solving, reasoning and decision-making. We investigated two predictions arising from this theory. Firstly, patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (MDD) will display a dissociation between (deficient) recollection and (preserved) familiarity. Secondly, if recollection impairments are indicative of a breakdown in prefrontal strategic memory processes which are dependent, at least in part, on executive processes, then an explicit correlational approach predicts that recollection will be positively associated with the severity o... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159627 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159626&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000250%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Increased platelet activation has been proposed as a potential mechanism by which depression may lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, we measured platelet activation in 104 patients with stable CHD, including 58 with a current episode of major depression and 46 without past or current major depression. Participants were instructed not to take aspirin for 7 days prior to the study appointment. Platelet activation was measured by plasma concentrations of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and beta-thromboglobulin (β-TG), and by 24-h urinary concentrations of 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (TBXB2). We observed no differences in the mean levels of PF4, B... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159626 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159625&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002345%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined whether combined therapy with a psychosocial intervention for relapse prevention (PIRP) and risperidone administered by long-acting injection (RLAI) would be more effective in reducing relapses than RLAI with treatment-as-usual (TAU) among outpatients with schizophrenia. We conducted a prospective, controlled study over 2 years in 46 patients with schizophrenia receiving RLAI, of which 21 and 25 patients were assigned to the PIRP and TAU control groups, respectively. The 1- and 2-year relapse rates were lower and medication compliance was higher in the PIRP group than in the TAU group. Cox proportional analysis revealed that time from baseline to relapse was associated with RLAI discontinuation. These results indicate that PIRP can be effective in maintaining medication complia... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159625 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100 3159625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159624&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000110%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There is substantial evidence suggesting that individual variability in antipsychotic treatment response could be genetically determined. Variations in several serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene polymorphisms have been associated with antipsychotic response among chronic patients with schizophrenia, although their implication in early response among first-episode patients remains unclear. Two polymorphisms in the 5-HTT gene (a 44 bp insertion/deletion in the promoter region and the functional polymorphism rs25531) were genotyped in a sample of 147 drug-naïve patients experiencing a first episode of a non-affective psychosis. Early (6 weeks) response to antipsychotic treatment with haloperidol, olanzapine or risperidone was assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159624 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:26 +0100 3159624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159623&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109005101%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159623 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:26 +0100 3159623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111188&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900331X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Schizophrenia has been associated with various abnormalities in neuronal membrane phospholipids (). Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is crucial to phospholipid hydrolysis (). Five subtype enzymes are included, secreted PLA2s (sPLA2), cytosolic PLA2s (cPLA2), Ca2+ independent PLA2s (iPLA2), platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), and lysosomal PLA2s (). (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111188 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111187&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109003254%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Fifteen depressed subjects received six bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments under etomidate anesthesia. They were randomized to blindly either receive propofol 0.5mg/kg 15s post-stimulus or not. Propofol infusion significantly prevented long seizures, and prevented cognitive decrements in most neuropsychological tests, several significantly. Propofol interruption may clinically help reduce ECT side-effects. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111187 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111186&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900050X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examined anticipatory and consummatory pleasure in schizophrenia patients with and without negative symptoms. Negative symptom patients experienced less anticipatory pleasure than non-negative symptom patients; only one facet of consummatory pleasure was unaffected in negative schizophrenia. Greater pleasure deficits were correlated with more severe positive and negative symptoms. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111186 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111185&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000456%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Most schizophrenic patients have a deficit in auditory sensory gating that appears to be mediated by the α-7 nicotinic receptor. This pilot study examines the effects of varenicline, an α-7 agonist, on the P50 auditory evoked potential in six schizophrenic patients. The study was canceled because of concerning side effects consistent with those reported by the FDA. However, in this small group of subjects, varenicline did not consistently enhance P50 auditory gating. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111185 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111184&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109003084%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Previous studies have found haplotypic association of HTR4 variants and schizophrenia. Examining case–control pairs, G–G of rs7713886 was associated with schizophrenia risk. The A–A–G–G–G–A–A rs9325104-rs1422636-rs7715569-rs6873382-rs7711800-rs10078551-rs2068190 haplotype was overrepresented in the schizophrenia cases. The associations were no longer significant after corrections for multiple comparisons. No association was found in the family sample. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111184 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111183&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002492%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between functional polymorphisms in genes coding for dopamine metabolism and transport enzymes and the incidence of acute antipsychotic (AP)-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). We did not find evidence of the involvement of these polymorphisms in the predisposition towards or protection from EPS. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111183 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111182&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002236%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In patients from two clinical trials, we investigated the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes with prolactin level changes during treatment with olanzapine/fluoxetine combination. In both cohorts, three dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) SNPs were associated with prolactin changes. DRD2 may influence susceptibility to hyperprolactinemia associated with antipsychotic treatment. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111182 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:01 +0100 3111182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111181&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003491%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Using cocaine-sensitized mice as a model for psychosis, this study investigated whether subchronic treatment with clozapine could affect the sensitized state of the animals and examined the accompanying molecular changes in the brain. To induce sensitization, ICR mice (n=44) were treated with cocaine for 5 days. After 7 days of withdrawal, sensitization was confirmed by a cocaine challenge. Then, the sensitized animals were treated with clozapine for 5 days and rechallenged with cocaine. The frontal cortices were removed from the mice (n=16) 24 h after the last challenge, and the phosphorylation status of some key signaling molecules was investigated. Compared with the sensitized mice receiving the vehicle treatment, the sensitized mice receiving subchronic clozapine showed l... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111181 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111180&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000547%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Gene×environment interactions have been found to be associated with the development of antisocial behaviors. The extant gene×environment research, however, has failed to measure directly the ways in which global measures of genetic risk may interact with a putative environmental risk factor. The current study addresses this gap in the literature and examines the interrelationships among a global measure of genetic risk based on five genetic polymorphisms, a measure of parent–child relations, and eight antisocial phenotypes. Analysis of African-American males (N=145 to 159) drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) revealed two broad findings. First, the genetic risk and parent–child relations scales were inconsistently related to the outco... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111180 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111179&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003740%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Associations between childhood sexual interactions with other children, and preferred and actual age of sexual partners, as well as adults' sexual interest in children, were explored in a sample of 1312 Finnish male twins. Experience of sexual interaction with other children was associated with lower minimum age of preferred and actual sexual partners in adulthood. In addition, such interactions were connected to an increased likelihood of adults' sexual interest in children under the age of 16 years. None of the participants who reported no such interactions had sexual interest in children in adulthood. In addition, the presence of a female co-twin was associated with higher levels of childhood sexual interactions and lower minimum age of preferred and actual sexual partners. F... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111179 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111178&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002455%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In the present study we investigated the evaluation of body shapes in patients with restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) on both automatic and controlled levels. The first aim of the study was to examine whether an ultra-thin ideal or negative attitudes toward overweight might be the motivation behind pathological restriction. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between body figure evaluations, eating disorder symptoms and mood. A Modified Affective Priming Test was used to measure implicit evaluations of body silhouettes, while a Likert scale was used to assess explicit evaluations. The study involved 35 women with restrictive anorexia nervosa and 35 age- and education-level-matched controls with normal body weight. In contrast to the control group, the patients did ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111178 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111177&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004125%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A total of 946 Japanese children in the 5th to 9th grades and their parents were studied in order to investigate the extent to which parenting characteristics (measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument) and the personality of the child (measured by the junior version of the Temperament and Character Inventory) would be associated with the two aspects of the externalizing problems — aggression and delinquency — of the child (measured by the Child Behavior Checklist). A series of regression analyses demonstrated that (1) aggressive children were higher in Novelty Seeking, and delinquent children were higher in Novelty Seeking and lower in Harm Avoidance, and (2) both aggressive and delinquent children were characterised by low maternal care, paternal over-protection, and low ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111177 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111176&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003934%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examined the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), in a cohort of adult psychiatric patients. A total of 300 psychiatric outpatients and an additional 300 healthy controls completed the ESS. Excessive sleepiness was defined by a score of ≥10. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was higher in the psychiatric group (34%) than the control group (27%), and the mean ESS score was also significantly higher in the psychiatric group. The prevalence of excessive sleepiness was higher for female psychiatric patients, but this pattern was not found in the control group. Surprisingly, there was no difference in ESS score between patients taking antipsychotic medication and those not taking antipsychotic medication. The da... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111176 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111175&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000754%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, are independently associated with an increased risk of both diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, but the reasons for these associations are unknown. We sought to determine whether psychological factors were associated with a greater prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with coronary heart disease, and the extent to which such an association may be explained by socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and biological mediators. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1024 outpatients with stable coronary heart disease. Psychological factors, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, hostility, anger, and optimism–pessimism, were assessed using validated standardized questionnaires. The presence or absence... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111175 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111174&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002497%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We investigated the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI) in persons with DSM-IV psychotic disorders. We also examined cardiac conduction abnormalities, and the role of antipsychotic medication in them. The study was based on a nationally representative survey of 8028 persons aged 30 years or over from Finland. Diagnoses of CHD and MI were based on electrocardiographic findings, health examination, and register information. QTc was calculated using the Bazett formula, and Minnesota classification was used for conduction abnormalities. We found that large Q-waves suggesting past MI were significantly more frequent in persons with schizophrenia, while the prevalence of CHD in persons with psychotic disorders did not differ significantly from the... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111174 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111173&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003570%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to identify risk factors involved in Internet addiction. A total of 216 college students (132 males and 84 females) were given the following: (a) the diagnostic interview for Internet addiction, (b) the Iowa gambling test for decision-making deficits, (c) the Balloon Analog Risk Test (BART) to assess risk-taking tendencies, and (d) the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) for personality characteristics. The results revealed the following: (a) 49% of males and 17% of females were addicted, (b) the addicted students tended to select more advantageous cards in the last 40 cards of the Iowa test, indicating better decision making, (c) no difference was found for the BART, indicating that addicted subjects were not more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors and (... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111173 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111172&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003788%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) often show deficits in everyday decision-making, a phenomenon which is leading to a growing research interest in neuropsychological aspects of decision-making in OCD. Previous investigations of OCD patients demonstrated deficits in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), a decision-making task with implicit rules. Results were interpreted as reflecting orbitofrontal cortex dysfunctions observed in OCD. The aim of the present study is to investigate OCD patients' performance on the Game of Dice Task (GDT), a decision-making task with explicit and stable rules. For this purpose, 23 patients with OCD and 22 healthy comparison subjects were examined with the GDT and the IGT as well as with tests of executive functioning. While patients perfor... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111172 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111171&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001632%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined rates and clinical correlates of comorbid ICDs in 70 consecutive child and adolescent subjects with lifetime DSM-IV OCD (32.9% females; mean age=13.8±2.9 years). Comorbidity data were obtained with structured clinical interviews using DSM-IV criteria. OCD severity was assessed with the Child Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. All variables were compared in OCD subjects with and without current ICDs. 12 (17.1%) subjects met criteria for a current ICD. Pathological skin picking and compulsive nail biting were the most common ICDs with current rates of 12.8% and 10.0%, respectively. OCD subjects with current ICDs were significantly more likely to have a co-occurring tic disorder (66.7% vs. 20.7%). Although having an ICD was associated with greater numerical scores of OCD sym... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111171 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0100 3111171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111170&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001139%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The risk factors for suicidal behaviour in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been less studied compared than in other anxiety disorders. In the present study, we examined the demographic and clinical correlates of current suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with OCD. Forty-four patients were grouped into those with (n=23) and without current SI (n=21) as assessed by the Scale for Suicidal Ideation. The Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptomatology. Following Bonferroni correction, only the severity of depression differed significantly between the two groups. The presence of major depression and aggressive obsessions, the level of hopelessness, and the severity of OC symptomatology were significant predicto... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111170 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111169&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800351X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Individuals with a first episode of psychotic illness are known to be at high risk of suicide, yet little is understood about the timing of risk in this critical period. The present study aimed to examine the temporal pattern of suicide risk in patients with early psychosis (EP) and to determine whether discrete periods of significantly elevated risk can be identified up to 24 months after commencing treatment. Suicidality ratings collected each month as part of patient routine assessment at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) were retrieved from the service database for patients treated between December 2002 and December 2005 (N=696). Time-series analysis was performed on suicide risk estimated from the aggregated data of 94 individuals who met the st... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111169 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111168&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800440X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study is to update age and sex mortality rates for suicide in Italy; to evaluate the methods of suicide; to consider the effect of under-reporting on mortality rate for suicide; to compare age-adjusted mortality rates for suicide; and to examine some possible causes for the misclassification of suicide. Temporal trends, from 1980 to 2002, were analyzed using joinpoint regression. Suicide rates decreased from 1980 to 2002 by 10.5% for men and by 44% for women. The change in suicide methods indicated an increasing use of highly lethal methods. The under-reporting of suicide seems to have no effect on temporal changes in mortality rates or on the geographical distribution. These data indicate that Italy is a country at low risk for suicide. (Source: Psychiatry Resear... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111168 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111167&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000109%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: This naturalistic study investigated the mechanisms of change in measures of negative thinking and in 24-h urinary metabolites of noradrenaline (norepinephrine), dopamine and serotonin in a sample of 43 depressed hospital patients attending an eight-session group cognitive behavior therapy program. Most participants (91%) were taking antidepressant medication throughout the therapy period according to their treating Psychiatrists' prescriptions. The sample was divided into outcome categories (19 Responders and 24 Non-responders) on the basis of a clinically reliable change index [Jacobson, N.S., & Truax, P., 1991. Clinical significance: a statistical approach to defining meaningful change in psychotherapy research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59, 12–19.] appl... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111167 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111166&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000067%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Depression and mania have been linked with low cholesterol though there has been limited prospective study of cholesterol and subsequent course of affective illness. We studied the relationship between fasting total cholesterol and subsequent depressive and manic symptoms. A total of 131 participants from a prospective cohort study were identified as having had a fasting total cholesterol evaluation at intake. Participants were predominantly inpatients at index visit and were followed for a median of 20 and up to 25 years. Cholesterol was modeled with age, gender, and index use of a mood stabilizer in linear regression to assess its influence on subsequent depressive symptom burden in participants with unipolar disorder as well as depressive and manic symptom burden in participa... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111166 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111165&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003545%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis abnormalities have been reported in some patients with major depression. To knowledge, however, the effects of low-frequency right prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the HPT axis have not yet been elucidated. The goal of this study was to evaluate alterations in the HPT axis associated with the therapeutic efficacy of TMS treatments. Twenty patients with treatment-resistant depression received five 60-s 1-Hz trains over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Twelve treatment sessions were administered within a 3-week period (total pulses, 3600). Responders were defined as a ≥50% decrease in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (f... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111165 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111164&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000080%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Treatment-resistant depression may be related to polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) or dysregulation of noradrenergic systems. To examine 5-HTTLPR genotypes and responses to treatment, adult patients (N=261) with current major depression and a symptom severity rating ≥18 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) were treated for 8 weeks with open-label sertraline (100–200 mg/d). Patients remaining symptomatic (total score >4, or >1 on any item of the HAMD17 Maier–Philipp subscale) were randomly assigned to double-blind therapy with sertraline plus either atomoxetine (40–120 mg/d) or placebo for 8 additional weeks. 5-HTTLPR genotype did not predict responses to sertraline monotherapy or discontinuation rates.... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111164 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111163&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003600%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study comprised 144 unrelated manic patients who met strict DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder and 157 healthy unrelated controls. All subjects were of Korean ethnicity. To evaluate the clinical symptoms, we used the Young Mania Rating Scale at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment. No statistically significant difference in genotype distribution was found between manic patients and normal controls. There was also no significant difference in symptomatology among the genotypes in manic patients. In therapeutic response, however, patients with the Met/Met genotype were significantly more frequent in the non-responder than in the responder group. Our results suggest that the COMT gene polymorphism in the therapeutic response to mood stabilizers in manic patients. Further studies wit... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111163 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111162&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004034%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In many countries fewer than 20% of individuals with schizophrenia receive depot antipsychotic medication. Frequently stated reasons are psychiatrist's, patient's and relative's objections to depot treatment. This is the first study that directly compares the attitudes to depot antipsychotics of psychiatrists, patients and relatives. A semi-structured questionnaire about their attitudes towards depot antipsychotics was completed by 255 participants (83 patients diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder, 81 psychiatrists in private practice and 91 relatives, not directly related to the patients). Patients were more negative towards depot injections than psychiatrists and relatives. They particularly fear to be constricted in their autonomy when treated with depot antipsychotics and th... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111162 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111161&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001103%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of our study was to investigate and compare the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) in resting lymphocytes of 20 psychotic patients and 20 healthy control subjects, by means of both the binding parameters (Bmax and Kd) of 3H-WIN 35,428, and the reuptake parameters (Vmax and Km) of 3H-DA. The results showed that both the Bmax of 3H-WIN 35,428 binding and the Vmax of 3H-DA reuptake of the patients were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects, while the Kd or Km did not show any change. These findings, while indicating a reduced density of the lymphocyte DAT proteins, provide further support of the role of DA in psychoses and suggest that DA alterations may not be limited to brain structures. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111161 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0100 3111161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111160&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000225%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examined the simultaneous levels of these key components of one-carbon metabolism and its consequences in unique, medication-naïve first-episode psychotic patients (FEP, n=31) and healthy controls (HC, n=48) matched for confounds such as race, diet and lifestyle to reduce the variability. Significantly lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 in plasma and folate in red blood cells were observed in FEP compared to HC. These reductions paralleled the significant increase in plasma homocysteine and cortisol levels. Significantly reduced levels of membrane DHA were also observed in FEP compared to HC. This study, using a unique cohort, provided a broader mechanism (disturbed folic acid–vitamin B12–DHA balance) of altered one-carbon metabolism and one of its key consequential com... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111160 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111159&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003521%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined whether the GRIK3 (T928G) polymorphic variants in patients with schizophrenia are different from those of their first-degree relatives and healthy controls. The study population was composed of 256 patients with schizophrenia, 305 first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients and 242 healthy control subjects. The GRIK3 (T928G) polymorphism was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The frequency of the TT genotype was predominant, whereas the GG genotype was rare among all groups. The frequencies of GRIK3 (T928G) genotype distributions in the patients with schizophrenia were similar to those of their relatives. The frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls. Similarly, GG genotype distribution in relatives was ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111159 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111158&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900002X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study provides preliminary evidence of how polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter can be informative in predicting individual responses to smoking reduction therapy. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111158 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111157&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002539%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There is a well-documented disruption of the neural network associated with reward evaluation in schizophrenia. This same system is involved in coding the incentive value of food in healthy individuals, but few studies to date have examined anhedonia and its relation to food hedonicity and preference in schizophrenia. Relative preference and hedonic food ratings were examined in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. In the relative preference task, subjects viewed photographs of food items and selected the one that they most preferred. Hedonic ratings were obtained by asking subjects how much they liked the food stimulus on a scale of 1–5. There were no overall response time differences between the two groups in the relative preference task, but schizophrenia patients sh... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111157 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111156&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002898%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study appears to be the first to report this relationship across a continuum of delusion-proneness in a nonpsychiatric sample. This finding contributes to the cognitive neurobiological understanding of delusions and adds further support for the dimensional construct of propensity for delusions. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111156 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111155&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003909%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objectives were to determine the neurological soft signs (NSS) scores in unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls and to examine their relationships with schizotypal dimensions. Participants comprised 31 unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls matched according to age, gender and school level who were assessed by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Krebs et al. NSS Scale. Higher NSS total scores and sub-scores were found in the unaffected siblings compared with the controls. The SPQ total score was significantly higher in unaffected siblings compared with control subjects. The NSS total score was positively correlated with the SPQ total score and the SPQ disorganization sub-score in unaffect... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111155 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0100 3111155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111154&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810900016X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Episodic memory deficits are present in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and their unaffected relatives and could be considered as a cognitive indicator of genetic vulnerability to SZ. The present study, involving patients with SZ as well as their parents, used experimental tasks specifically designed to disentangle the contribution of familiarity and recollection processes to episodic memory. The performance of patients with SZ (n=26) and their unaffected parents (n=35) was compared with that of healthy control groups matched on socio-demographic variables (controls of patients, n=26; controls of parents, n=35) on two memory tasks assessing recollection and familiarity. The first task was designed to investigate item recognition and memory for item-spatial context associations w... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111154 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:57 +0100 3111154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111153&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001152%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Early identification of schizophrenia in patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) may help to avoid inappropriate treatment and may enhance long-term outcome by addressing issues such as family network, treatment adherence and functional and symptomatic outcome. It was the aim of the study to determine baseline variables that significantly predicted a diagnosis of schizophrenia in patients with FEP. The sample consisted of 133 FEP patients hospitalized for at least 6 weeks, in whom a DSM-IV diagnosis was confirmed after 1 year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups, those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (Schizophrenia group, n=63; 47.8%), and those with other psychosis, who were grouped under Non-Schizophrenic Psychosis (NSP, n=70; 52.2%). Sociodemographic (ma... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111153 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:57 +0100 3111153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111152&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001644%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article summarizes the empirical evidence with emphasis on illuminating potential mediators, moderators, and mechanisms of the disgust–anxiety disorder association that may inform the development of an integrative conceptual model. Early research using neuroimaging methods suggest that disgust processing is associated with activation of the insula. This research has the potential to facilitate progress in developing an empirically informed psychobiological theory on the causal role of disgust in the anxiety disorders. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111152 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:57 +0100 3111152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111151&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109004752%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111151 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:25:57 +0100 3111151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012293&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000912%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We present a case of premenstrual psychosis in which hormonal treatment was effective in preventing symptomatic relapses. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012293 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012292&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800396X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Multifaceted evidence (family, twin, adoption, molecular genetic, geographic, and surname studies of suicide) suggests genetic risk factors for suicide. The migrant study design is also informative in this context, but underused. In particular, immigrant studies of suicide with a continental European host country are unavailable. The correspondence of suicide prevalence among 22 immigrant groups in Austria (1970–2006) with those of the homelands during the same period was analyzed. Immigrant and homeland suicide rates were significantly positively associated. Controls for age of suicide victim, immigrant group size, national pride, and quality of life in the homelands left the finding essentially unchanged. This correspondence of immigrant and country-of-birth suicide rates is ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012292 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012291&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004381%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neuropsychological studies implicate disruption of frontal systems in personality disorders. Few studies have examined the performance of Cluster B and Cluster C personality disorder patients on tests of orbitofrontal (OFC) and prefrontal (PFC) cortex function. Patients carrying diagnoses of either Cluster B (n=56) or Cluster C (n=19) personality disorders were compared with healthy control subjects (n=61) on the Iowa Gambling Task and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. They also completed the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence as a control for general intellectual ability. On the gambling task, Cluster B and Cluster C patients made more disadvantageous decisions during certain portions of the task but overall did not differ from healthy controls. Where... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012291 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012290&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003818%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study compared outpatients (n=196) with PTSD versus PTSD+alcohol use disorders (AUD) on clinical measures. PTSD+AUD patients were more likely to meet criteria for Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders. Emotion dysregulation may help account for the relationship between PTSD and AUD. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012290 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012289&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000705%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of insomnia symptoms in 100 adult patients referred for laboratory evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sixty-one percent met ISI criteria for a moderate to severe degree of insomnia symptoms. The distribution of insomnia symptoms did not differ by OSA severity. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012289 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012288&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000195%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report that serum levels of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were increased following ECT of patients with drug-resistant depression. When patients were sub-classified into ECT responders and non-responders, serum GDNF levels were significantly increased (58%) in responsive patients following ECT. No significant increase was seen in non-responders. These results suggest that successful ECT may be associated with elevated serum GDNF levels. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012288 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012287&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000146%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CD24 gene on the risk and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) was investigated in the Iranian population. Our data revealed that the susceptibility and the progression of MS in individuals with the CD24V/V genotype were greater than in those with the CD24A/V and CD24A/A genotypes. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012287 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012286&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002254%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We explored the affective processing of patients with alcohol dependence to emotionally stimulating written words and pictures. The alcoholic group demonstrated dichotomous responses and was incapable of compromising in neutral conditions. The dichotomous response pattern and positivity offset differed between words and pictures in patients with alcohol dependence. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012286 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012285&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004022%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Few studies have assessed the psychometric properties of the Personality Assessment Inventory short-form (PAI-SF) clinical scales, and none have conducted these evaluations using participants from psychiatric inpatient units. The present study evaluated item-level tests of scaling assumptions of the PAI-SF using a large (N=503) clinical sample of participants who completed the PAI during their admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Internal consistency reliability was high across scales, and tests of item-scale convergence and discrimination generally confirmed hypothesized item groupings. Scale-level correlations supported unique variance being measured by each scale. Finally, agreement between the PAI short- and full-form scales was found to be high. The results are discuss... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012285 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012284&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004058%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined the TSI's psychometric properties using archival data from 221 treatment-seeking veterans evaluated for military-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results demonstrated adequate internal consistency for the TSI's clinical scales (alphas ranging from 0.73 to 0.91). Convergent validity was established for clinical scales tapping PTSD's re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, and depression and irritability, against other similar measures. Structural validity was also supported in confirmatory factor analyses, with a three-factor model, and a similar model merging two of these three factors, best fitting the observed data. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012284 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012283&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800348X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The assessment of diagnoses is a central issue in the treatment of patients with mental disorders. The aim of this study was to validate routine clinical diagnoses by means of a semi-standardized and structured interview. Semi-standardized and structured interview diagnoses were based on videos of 55 inpatients. The routine clinical diagnoses were given by therapists during the course of psychotherapy. Validation was carried out through proportional agreement, Cohen's kappa, Yule's Y, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis. Agreement rates between diagnoses given in semi-standardized structured interviews and those given in routine clinical assessment were low for the majority of specific disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder). Higher agreement rates wer... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012283 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012282&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002266%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Alterations of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission are implicated in post-stroke depression (PSD). Serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor-based abnormalities have been the focus of intensive study in depression. Here we investigated the expression of the 5-HT1A receptor and gene in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) by chronic mild stress (CMS) after stroke and the effect of citalopram. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were separated into control, stress only, ischemic stroke, PSD and citalopram-treated groups. The putative PSD animal model involved cerebral ischemia induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by exposure to CMS combined with single housing. All animals were assessed for depression-like behavior. The 5-HT1A receptor and mRNA level in DG were quantified by W... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012282 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012281&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000298%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Dopaminergic abnormalities in bulimia nervosa have been reported in some studies, but results are not consistent across studies. In the present study, clinical characteristics, plasma level of homovanillic acid (pHVA) and two scales – the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) – were assessed in 36 adolescent bulimia nervosa patients (mean age16.3 years, S.D. 1.1) who were consecutively seen on an Eating Disorder Unit. Levels of pHVA were also measured in 16 healthy control adolescents from the general population. Patients had significantly higher mean pHVA than controls. Eighteen patients (50%) had a pHVA level equal to or higher than the mean of control subjects plus one standard deviation, and this group of patients had significantly higher me... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012281 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100 3012281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012280&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003466%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined (in Study 1) to what extent PC reflects the perceiver's current depressive and marital complaints, whether PC measures reciprocal criticism that characterizes dyads rather than individuals, and (in Study 2) whether PC reflects actual interactive behaviour. Both studies compared a single-item with a multi-item measure of PC. In Study 1, general community couples completed self-reports of PC, depressed mood, and marital dissatisfaction, and expressed their feelings in a brief EE interview (Five Minute Speech Samples). Multilevel analyses suggested that PC was associated with both partners' expressions of criticism, and the perceiver's depressive and marital complaints. In Study 2, general community couples completed self-reports of PC and participated in a videotaped problem solv... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012280 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012279&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003442%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined data from a previously published randomized controlled study. Outpatients suffering from depression (n=74) received the same antidepressant (clomipramine) and were randomized into two groups, receiving either psychodynamic or supportive psychotherapy. Subjects were assessed at inclusion (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, SCID), during treatment and at discharge (Global Assessment Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Helping Alliance questionnaire). Over time, the therapeutic alliance improved regardless of condition, and the relationship between alliance and outcome strengthened. This relationship was significant only among patients assigned to the supportive therapy condition. These data suggest that although the therapeutic alliance is an important facto... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012279 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012278&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800231X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examined season-of-assessment differences in parent and child reports of depressive problems on well-validated instruments in 2009 U.S. children and adolescents, aged 6 to 18 years, from a nationally representative population survey. A parent completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for each participant and 1226 of the 11–18-year-olds completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Outcome measures were CBCL and YSR withdrawn/depressed syndrome scale scores and rates of clinically elevated scores. Overall fall/winter versus spring/summer differences were not found on the CBCL or YSR for depressive problem severity or rates of depressive problems. Age, sex, and latitude were examined as potential moderators of the association between season-of-assessment and the outcomes. Of these... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012278 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012277&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003867%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There have been conflicting findings as to whether the P3 brain potential to targets in oddball tasks is reduced in depressed patients. The P3 to novel distracter stimuli in a three-stimulus oddball task has a more frontocentral topography than P3 to targets and is associated with different cognitive operations and neural generators. The novelty P3 potential was predicted to be reduced in depressed patients. EEG was recorded from 30 scalp electrodes (nose reference) in 20 unmedicated depressed patients and 20 matched healthy controls during a novelty oddball task with three stimuli: infrequent target tones (12%), frequent standard tones (76%) and nontarget novel stimuli, e.g., animal or environment sounds (12%). Novel stimuli evoked a P3 potential with shorter peak latency and mo... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012277 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012276&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003478%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: To prevent suicidal behaviour, it is important to better understand those personality traits associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. A sample of 394 consecutive major depressed outpatients admitted to Bonn University Hospital was subdivided into three groups: Lifetime suicide attempters (N=32; 8.1%), suicide ideators (N=133) and patients without suicide ideation (N=229). Psychodiagnostic measures embraced the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Symptom Checklist-90-R and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Suicide attempters and ideators showed higher scores on emotional distress and depression. Analysis of covariance (covariates: age, gender, depression) revealed that suicide attempters score higher on the temperament dimension harm avoidance compare... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012276 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012275&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003454%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to determine if sleep disturbances and nightmares are associated with increased risk of repeat suicide attempt. Patients (n=165) aged 18–68 years who were admitted to medical or psychiatric wards after a suicide attempt completed an initial interview; 98 of these took part in a 2-month follow-up interview. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and two self-report instruments, the Uppsala Sleep Inventory and the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) Self-Rating Scale for Affective Syndromes, were administered both at baseline and follow-up. Data concerning repeat suicide attempts within 2years were obtained from hospital records. Analyses were ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012275 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012274&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004435%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Major depression (MD) is a common psychiatric disorder and one of its most serious symptoms is suicidal ideation. Six polymorphisms in four genes related to the serotonin system, including the HTTLPR and HTTVNTR in the SLC6A4 gene, rs6295 in the HTR1A gene, rs11568817 and rs130058 in the HTR1B gene, and rs6313 in the HTR2A gene, were studied in 420 patients with MD to investigate the relationship between these genes and suicidal ideation in MD. An allele association study revealed a significant relationship between rs11568817 and suicidal ideation, while no association was found for any of the other five polymorphisms. A haplotype association study suggested that the rs11568817–rs130058 haplotype of the HTR1B gene is significantly associated with suicidal ideation in MD. No ass... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012274 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012273&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000171%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The main aim of this study was to examine the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-associated genes and the course of ADHD. Subjects were derived from identically designed case-control family studies of boys and girls with ADHD and a genetic linkage study of families with children with ADHD. Caucasian probands and family members with ADHD and with available genetic data were included in this analysis (N=563). The course of ADHD was compared in subjects with and without putative risk alleles (DRD4 7-repeat allele, DAT1 10-repeat allele, and 5HTTLPR long allele). The persistence of ADHD (full or subthreshold diagnosis in the last month) was plotted using Kaplan-Meier survival functions and tested with Cox proportional hazard models. Survival analyses ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012273 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012272&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003569%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, latent class analyses (LCA) are used to identify ADHD phenotypes using K-SADS-IVR (Schedule for Affective Disorders & Schizophrenia for School Age Children-IV-Revised) symptoms and symptom severity data from a clinical sample of 500 ADHD subjects, ages 6–18, participating in an ADHD genetic study. Results show that LCA identified six separate ADHD clusters, some corresponding to specific DSM-IV subtypes while others included several subtypes. DSM-IV comorbid anxiety and mood disorders were generally similar across all clusters, and subjects without comorbidity did not aggregate within any one cluster. Age and gender composition also varied. These results support findings from population-based LCA studies. The six clusters provide additional homogenous groups that can be u... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012272 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012271&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003892%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There is overlap between the behavioural symptoms and disturbances associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and sleep problems. The aim of this study was to examine the extent of overlap in cognitive and electrophysiological disturbances identified in children experiencing sleep problems and children with AD/HD or both. Four groups (aged 7-18) were compared: children with combined AD/HD and sleep problems (n=32), children with AD/HD (n=52) or sleep problems (n=36) only, and children with neither disorder (n=119). Electrophysiological and cognitive function measures included: absolute EEG power during eyes open and eyes closed, event-related potential (ERP) components indexing attention and working memory processes (P3), and a number of standard neuropsycho... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012271 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012270&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003430%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: To investigate the longitudinal course of cognitive functions in boys with persistent and remittent attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from childhood into young adult years. Males (n=217) 15–31 years with and without ADHD were assessed at 3 time points over 10 years into young adulthood. Subjects were stratified into Remittent ADHD, and Persistent ADHD based on the course of ADHD. Cognitive domains included: 1) overall IQ (overall IQ, block design IQ, vocabulary IQ); 2) achievement scores in reading and math and measures of executive function (Wechsler arithmetic, digit span, digit symbol, Rey–Osterrieth, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Stroop Test). Cognitive outcomes were modeled as a function of group (Controls, Remittent ADHD, and Persistent ADHD), age... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012270 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100 3012270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012269&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003508%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether prior evidence of an inverse relationship between initial body weight and subsequent antipsychotic-induced weight change represents true effect modification or a statistical artifact, regression to the mean (RTM). We conducted a post-hoc analysis after pooling seven randomized, placebo- or active-controlled trials of ziprasidone and other antipsychotic agents. ANCOVA was applied to evaluate treatment-by-baseline body mass index (BMI) range interaction effect on weight change. Regression analysis was applied to estimate the potential bias due to RTM. Statistical interaction tests between baseline BMI ranges and treatment assignments (haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone, versus placebo) were not significant within st... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012269 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012268&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002278%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, our study revealed a possible relation of the CBS 844ins68 polymorphism to schizophrenia. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012268 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012267&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003119%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The study's goal was to characterize the typology of patient outcomes based on social and occupational functioning and psychiatric symptoms following antipsychotic drug treatment, and to explore predictors of group membership representing the best/worst outcomes. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to define groups of patients (n=1449) based on endpoint values for psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, and useful work measured up to 30 weeks of treatment. Stepwise logistic regression was used to construct predictive models of cluster membership for baseline predictors, and with 2/4/8 weeks of treatment. Five distinct clusters of patients were identified at endpoint (Clusters A–E). Patients in Cluster A (25.6%, best outcome) had minimal psychiatric symptoms and mild fu... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012267 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012266&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000535%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated the relationship between deficits in social cognition and the dimensional descriptors for schizophrenia. Social cognitive functioning was measured using patient narratives describing card arrangements using the picture arrangement subtest of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. Stories were rated for number of normative themes, number of words, coherence, plausibility of attributions of emotions, and plausibility of attributions of intentions. Symptoms of Psychoticism were positively related to all ratings except of the plausibility of attributions of intentions. Ratings of story coherence, number of normative ideas, plausibility of attributions of intentions, and plausibility of attributions of emotions were negatively related to symptoms of disorganiza... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012266 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012265&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003855%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Recent evidence indicates common genetic, neurobiological, and psychopharmacological aspects of schizophrenia and psychotic affective disorders. Some similarities in neurocognitive deficits associated with these disorders have also been reported. We investigated performance on antisaccade and visually-guided saccade tasks in treatment-naïve first-episode psychosis patients (schizophrenia n=59, major depression n=15, bipolar disorder n=9), matched non-psychotic major depression patients (n=40), and matched healthy individuals (n=106). All psychosis groups displayed elevated antisaccade error rates relative to healthy individuals. Antisaccade latencies were elevated in schizophrenia, but no significant error rate or latency differences were observed among psychosis groups. For sch... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012265 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012264&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003958%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we conducted a broad assessment of FRS patients' performance using data collected as part of the Western Australia Family Study of Schizophrenia, with a focus on event-related potential (ERP) measures [P50 suppression, mismatch negativity (MMN), the auditory oddball target (P300)], and the antisaccade task. A total of 39 patients (23 patients with, and 16 patients without FRS) and 80 controls were included. The results showed that patients with FRS had significantly reduced amplitude and longer latencies on the P300, as compared to controls. In addition, patients with FRS demonstrated more abnormalities on antisaccade error measures (error rate, self-correction latencies) relative to controls. On these measures, the performance of patients without FRS was not significantly d... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012264 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012263&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000468%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the pattern of proverb comprehension impairment and its relationship to proverb familiarity and executive dysfunction in schizophrenia. To assess the specificity of the impairment pattern to schizophrenia, alcohol-dependent patients were included as a psychiatric comparison group, as deficits of executive function and theory of mind as well as dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, which have been related to proverb comprehension difficulties, are common in both disorders. Twenty-four schizophrenia patients, 20 alcohol-dependent patients and 34 healthy controls were administered a multiple-choice proverb interpretation task incorporating ratings of subjective familiarity and measures of executive function. Schizophrenia patients chose the correct abs... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012263 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012262&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000183%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although the phenomenology accompanying psychoses is fascinating, hitherto empirical examinations have been qualitative and thus limited in their clinical conclusions regarding the actual underlying cognitive mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of the delusion, which is often distressing to the patient. We investigated the internal cognitive structure (i.e., connections) of some delusions pertaining to self and others in a patient with psychosis who was very fluent and thus able to provide a lucid account of his phenomenological experiences. To this end we employed a clustering method (HICLAS disjunctive model) in conjunction with standard neuropsychological tests. A well-fitting, but parsimonious solution revealed the absence of unique feature sets associate... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012262 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012261&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003880%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Evidence has been put forward that premature termination of data collection and jumping to conclusions behavior (JTC) is associated with delusions. However, few investigations have attempted to track associations between changes in delusions and changes in JTC measures. In the current study individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders completed a version of the JTC task (involving fishing from lakes as opposed to drawing beads from a jar) at two timepoints 12 weeks apart. The results revealed significant negative correlations between change in task performance (number of requested pieces of information) and change in delusion scores over time. This evidence is consistent with the contention that the JTC task is sensitive to the cognitive systems underlying delusions in schi... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012261 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012260&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003843%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Tasks measuring reasoning biases and social cognition were originally applied to the study of schizophrenia in order to shed light on the cognitive underpinnings of positive symptoms. However, the empirical evidence for overlap between these tasks, and their association with positive symptoms, remains preliminary. In the current study we explore these associations using multivariate methodology, with primary interest in two commonly studied paradigms: jumping to conclusions (JTC) and theory of mind (ToM). We also included measures of memory, executive function and fluency performance, in order to relate the cognitive constructs to more traditional neuropsychological constructs. Forty-six schizophrenia inpatients were administered JTC, ToM, verbal fluency, executive functioning, a... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012260 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012259&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004174%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The majority of affect recognition research has used visual stimuli, with only a minority of studies examining auditory affect recognition, and fewer still comparing affect recognition across presentation modalities. In the current study, we evaluated affect recognition between 45 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 56 healthy community controls on an auditory-only affect recognition task, as compared to a multichannel (videotape) version of the same task. We further examined between-group performance differences on auditory versus multichannel presentation modalities for a subset of positive and negative valence items. Results indicated that: 1) in general, healthy controls performed better than schizophrenia patients on affect recognition; 2) schizoph... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012259 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012258&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002777%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia patients might experience difficulties in applying two widely used emotion regulation strategies, reappraisal and suppression. We investigated the relationships among emotion regulation strategies, alexithymia (i.e. inability to identify and verbalize feelings) and the role of pre-morbid IQ on alexithymia in schizophrenia. Participants comprised 31 schizophrenia patients and 44 healthy subjects who were tested on measures of emotion regulation strategies (ERQ), alexithymia (BVAQ) and pre-morbid IQ (NART). Patients reported significantly more use of suppression strategies and tended to use reappraisal strategies less frequently. Patients differed significantly on the cognitive–emotional component of alexithymia. This difference remained significant even with pre-mo... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012258 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012257&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109002182%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia patients exhibit deficits in recognition and identification of facial emotional expressions, but it is unclear whether these deficits result from abnormal affective processing or an impaired ability to process complex visual stimuli such as faces. Participants comprised 16 outpatients with schizophrenia and 22 matched healthy control subjects who performed two computerized visual matching tasks (facial emotional expression and orientation). Accuracy and reaction time were recorded. Clinical symptoms were assessed in the patients using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). Social functioning as measured by the Zigler social competence scale was indexed... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012257 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012256&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002655%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Language symptoms in schizophrenia are exacerbated by arousal of negative affect; the extent of this effect varies widely among patients. The present study assessed predictors of affective speech reactivity. Based on earlier research, it was expected that speech reactivity would be predicted by a combination of neurocognitive and emotional variables. We assessed patients (n=50) for baseline depression; neurocognitive functioning in the domains of sustained attention, immediate auditory memory, organizational sequencing, and conceptual sequencing ability; and clarity of speech communication in both stress and non-stress conditions. Twenty-three subject-nominated "significant others" (SOs) also participated in the study, and were assessed for levels of expressed emotion (EE) as an ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012256 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100 3012256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012255&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109004077%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012255 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:24 +0100 3012255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920090&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002229%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study we investigated whether ECS could affect the phosphorylation status of DARPP-32. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent ECS and were sacrificed by decapitation at 0, 2, 10, 60, and 180 min after treatment. The phosphorylations of Thr34 and Thr75 residues of DARPP-32 and Ser159 residue of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) were investigated in the striatum. The activity of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and the binding between DARPP-32 and PP1 were also analyzed. Thr34 phosphorylation of DARPP-32 increased immediately after ECS and this state was maintained for more than 60 min. The activity of PP1 decreased and the binding between PP1 and DARPP-32 increased in accordance with this phosphorylation pattern. However, the phosphorylation at Thr75 showed no significant change except fo... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920090 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:40 +0100 2920090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920089&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109001061%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examines the degree to which an eating disorder (ED) is associated with the recurrence and severity of suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, rates of co-occurring Axis I and II disorders, and psychosocial functioning among Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) outpatients. A group of 135 treatment-seeking women with BPD were assessed using structured clinical interviews. BPD was assessed using the International Personality Disorders Examination, confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID)-II, and Axis I disorders were assessed with the SCID I. A total of 17.8% of the sample met criteria for a current ED, with 6.7% meeting criteria for Anorexia Nervosa (AN), 5.9% for Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and 5.2% for Binge-Eating Disorder (BED). In this BPD sample, in ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920089 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:40 +0100 2920089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920088&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002552%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Low plasma total testosterone (T) levels may influence the sense of well-being and produce depressive symptomatology, increasing the risk of suicide. In a previous study, we reported reduced serum T levels in male psychiatric patients after a suicide attempt. The reduction was more pronounced in subjects who used violent attempt methods, and we discussed the possible influence of stress of hospitalization, serious medical condition and treatment. In order to minimize the influence of such factors, we compared in this study the levels of plasma sex hormones of 15 psychiatric patients (10 suffering from schizophrenia and 5 from depression) who had attempted suicide by jumping with those of a group of 18 male subjects who were hospitalized after accidentally falling from a high heig... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920088 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:40 +0100 2920088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920087&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001741%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Several theories propose that the primary cognitive impairment in schizophrenia concerns a deficit in the processing of external input information. There is also evidence, however, for impaired motor preparation in schizophrenia. This provokes the question whether the impaired motor preparation in schizophrenia is a secondary consequence of disturbed (selective) processing of the input needed for that preparation, or an independent primary deficit. The aim of the present study was to discriminate between these hypotheses, by investigating externally guided movement preparation in relation to selective stimulus processing. The sample comprised 16 recent-onset schizophrenia patients and 16 controls who performed a movement-precuing task. In this task, a precue delivered information... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920087 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:40 +0100 2920087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920086&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002217%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Deficits in emotion-based learning are implicated in many psychiatric disorders. Research conducted with patients with schizophrenia using one of the most popular tasks for the investigation of emotion-based learning, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), has largely been inconclusive. The present study employed a novel, contingency-shifting variant IGT with hallucination- and delusion-prone university students to determine whether previous findings were due merely to the presence of psychosis. Following initial screening of a sample of 253 students (mean age=20.13 years, S.D.=3.27), 28 high (10 male, 18 female) and 27 low (12 male, 15 female) hallucination-prone and 27 high (7 male, 20 female) and 26 low (11 male, 15 female) delusion-prone individuals completed the contingency-shifting... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920086 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:40 +0100 2920086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920085&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003107%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The claim that the prefrontal cortex, particularly its orbito-frontal part, is involved in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is based upon evidence from neuroimaging as well as behavioral studies. Studies have repeatedly suggested problems with delayed alternation learning in OCD, an executive dysfunction that presumably involves the orbito-frontal cortex. However, it is unclear whether such impairment stems from perseveration or strategic deficits as these aspects are intertwined in the original task. In the present study, 36 OCD and 16 healthy controls underwent a variant of the delayed alternation task involving three response options instead of two as in the original task. This modification enabled us to separate perseveration errors (i.e., the participant incorrectly cho... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920085 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920084&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109000055%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We describe preliminary methodological and statistical recommendations for a systematic approach to determining what constitutes a subtype, how to determine inclusion in the spectrum, and means for ruling out candidate disorders. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920084 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920083&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108004010%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Clinical and neurobiological evidence suggests that concurrent presentation of schizophrenia and obsessive–compulsive (schizo-OCD) symptoms represents a distinct clinical entity. Given that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia have been modeled as having different neurofunctional profiles, the overlap between them represents a heuristic challenge for cognitive and endophenotype research. Event-related potentials (ERPs) may be used to probe neurophysiological correlates of the cognitive, emotional and behavioral disturbances found in neuropsychiatric entities such as schizo-OCD. Here we measure ERPs during a discriminative response task (DRT) in patients presenting with the DSM-IV criteria for both schizophrenia and OCD. We also performed these measurements in p... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920083 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920082&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002357%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Within the spectrum of disorders that manifest obsessive–compulsive (OC) features lies a sub-cluster of neurological conditions. Autism and Parkinson's disease (PD) are examples of two such neurological disorders that seem quite dissimilar on the surface. Yet, both conditions can include repetitive behaviors of a compulsive–impulsive nature. Furthermore, while autism and PD differ in other associated symptom domains that shape the course of each disorder, both disorders share some phenomenology in the core domain of repetitive behaviors and involve basal ganglia and frontal lobe dysfunction, similar to OC disorder (OCD). Accordingly, examination of the similarities and differences between autism and PD may provide insight into the pathophysiology and treatment of OC spectrum ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920082 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920081&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001753%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The question of whether Tourette's syndrome (TS) and trichotillomania (TTM) are best conceptualized as obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders was raised by family studies demonstrating a close relationship between TS and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), and by psychopharmacological research indicating that both TTM and OCD respond more robustly to clomipramine than to desipramine. A range of studies have subsequently allowed comparison of the phenomenology, psychobiology, and management of TS and TTM, with that of OCD. Here we briefly review this literature. The data indicate that there is significant psychobiological overlap between TS and OCD, supporting the idea that TS can be conceptualized as an OCD spectrum disorder. TTM and OCD have only partial overlap in their p... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920081 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920080&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002047%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Impulse-control disorders (ICDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of conditions linked diagnostically by difficulties in resisting “the impulse, drive, or temptation to perform an act that is harmful to the person or to others.” Specific ICDs share clinical, phenomenological and biological features with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) that have suggested that these disorders might be categorized together. However, other data suggest significant differences between OCD and ICDs. In this article, clinical, phenomenological and biological features of the formal ICDs are reviewed and compared and contrasted with those of OCD. Available data indicate substantial differences between ICDs and OCD that suggest independent categorizations. Existing research gaps are identified a... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920080 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920079&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002370%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Several axis-I neuropsychiatric disorders are characterised by repetitive motor habits suggestive of underlying inhibitory dyscontrol, and may constitute members of a putative obsessive–compulsive (OC) spectrum. Notable examples include obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and trichotillomania (repetitive hair-pulling). Multiple tiers of evidence link these conditions with underlying dysregulation of fronto-striatal circuitry and monoamine systems. These abnormalities represent key targets for existing and novel treatment interventions. Nonetheless, the brain bases of these conditions, and treatment mechanisms, remain poorly characterised. Animal models of repetitive habits and inhibitory control problems show great potential for augmenting our understanding of the pathophysio... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920079 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920078&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108003752%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: This paper reviews the current state of research into the genetics of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Heredity has a major role in OCD etiology. This evidence comes from several methodological approaches such as family, twin, and segregation analysis studies. A major single gene effect as well as a polygenic hypothesis has been suggested based on segregation studies. In addition, candidate gene association and linkage analyses have shown not only one gene, but a few interesting genes and areas of the genome that may be relevant in OCD. In this search for genes, new definitions of the OCD phenotype have emerged, and some of them may be considered intermediate phenotypes between the gene effect and OCD–DSM-IV diagnosis. The phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of OCD magni... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920078 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920077&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002369%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The research planning agenda for DSM-V examined possible similarities in phenomenology, comorbidity, familial and genetic features, brain circuitry, and treatment response between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and several related disorders that are characterized by repetitive thoughts or behaviors. Such data support a re-examination of the DSM-IV-TR classification of OCD and the anxiety disorders, with possible inclusion of a group of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs) in DSM-V. Various disorders were systematically examined for inclusion in such a grouping, and later a smaller number were determined to meet threshold criteria for inclusion in the OCSDs. The disorders that were originally examined included OCD, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920077 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920076&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002382%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The American Psychiatric Association, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health, has undertaken a 5-year international research planning effort in preparation for the formal revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. One element of the project was a conference titled “Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Spectrum,” in which participants reviewed an array of disorders that cross current diagnostic categories. Questions raised challenge those responsible for the DSM-V revision to assess the pros and cons of changing definitions, boundaries, or linkages among diverse conditions characterized by obsessive-compulsive behaviors in the revised classification. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920076 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920075&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178109003722%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920075 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:39 +0100 2920075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832038&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002199%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Common clinical wisdom suggests that people who engage in self-injury are impulsive. However, virtually all prior work in this area has relied on individuals' self-report of impulsiveness, despite evidence that people are limited in their ability to accurately report on cognitive processes that occur outside awareness. To address this knowledge gap, we used performance-based measures of several dimensions of impulsiveness to assess whether people engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) demonstrate greater impulsiveness than non-injurers. In Study 1, we compared adolescent self-injurers (n=64) to age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-matched, non-injurious controls (n=30) on self-reported impulsiveness (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children, Prese... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832038 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:31 +0100 2832038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832037&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001996%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Several studies have revealed a relatively high frequency of hypokalemia in the general psychiatric population. This may be explained by adrenergic stimulation observed in the acute phase of psychiatric disorders. Little is known about the effects of hypokalemia on cardiac repolarisation in these circumstances.The current study was designed to determine if the hypokalemia observed among patients with acute psychiatric disorders can cause significant QT interval prolongation, and thus increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Electrocardiograms were obtained in 282 non-selected patients admitted to a psychiatric unit. Heart-rate adjusted QT intervals (QTc) were compared to serum potassium levels and to other risk factors for QT prolongation (bradycardia, age, gender, and admini... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832037 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:31 +0100 2832037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832036&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002011%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we measured the plasma levels of Lp(a) in 35 patients with major depressive disorder and 35 healthy controls. The two groups were matched by age and gender. Lp(a) measurement was performed using an immunoturbidimetric method. Total cholesterol was significantly lower in the patient group (mean ±SD: 144.65±22.13 vs. 186.14±34.48 mg/dl. The Lp(a) levels of the patient group differed significantly from control values. Patients with major depressive disorder had higher plasma levels of Lp(a) than healthy controls (34.94±18.01 vs. 20.08±11.27 mg/dl). The results of the present study suggest that the increase of Lp(a) may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk in patients with major depressive disorder. (Source: Psychiatry Research) Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832036 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:31 +0100 2832036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832035&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002023%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to investigate serum oxytocin levels in patients with depression and the effects of gender and antidepressant treatment on these levels. Serum oxytocin levels were measured before and after treatment with antidepressant drugs or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 40 inpatients (30 women, 10 men) who met the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder (n=29) or bipolar affective disorder depressive episode (n=11), and in 32 healthy controls (20 women, 12 men). Serum oxytocin levels were decreased both pre-treatment and post-treatment in the patients compared with those in the controls. Serum oxytocin levels were not affected by antidepressant drug treatment or ECT. The female patients had significantly lower oxytocin levels than the control females, whereas no difference ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832035 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832034&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001984%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study we investigated plasma-BDNF response during an incremental exercise test in 18 patients suffering from moderate major depressive disorder (MDD) and 18 controls. The patients were not treated with antidepressants or neuroleptics. Possible associations between plasma plasma-BDNF levels, dexamethasone suppression test cortisol levels and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores were also tested. No difference in basal BDNF levels between patients and controls was found. BDNF increased significantly during exercise in both male and female patients as well as in male controls, with no significant differences between the groups. BDNF levels declined after exercise, but after 60 min of rest BDNF levels showed tendencies to increase again in male patients. No correl... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832034 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832033&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800173X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study had two distinct objectives. First, to examine the relationships between meta-cognitions and anxiety disorders. Second, to identify specific meta-cognitions as unique predictors of generalized anxiety (GAD), depression (DD) and obsessive–compulsive (OCD) disorders. A total of 180 cases were analyzed using the Meta-cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ), Anxious Thoughts Inventory (AnTI), and the Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ). The results suggest that all the five types of negative metacognitive beliefs measured by the MCQ are significantly correlated with one another and with AnTI and TCQ scores except for cognitive self-consciousness, which failed to correlate with TCQ scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that the clinical cases differed from normal subjects in their beliefs ... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832033 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832032&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002205%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated the performance of attention, executive function and verbal memory during remission from unipolar depressive episodes. We tested the hypothesis that outpatients do not differ in cognitive variables from controls. We did this using a well-defined outpatient sample, consisting of medicated and unmedicated patients, with a history of MDD. Ninety-seven subjects with MDD in remission ranging from young to old were compared with 97 healthy control subjects. Both samples were balanced for age, gender, and education levels. The Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were used. Patients with remitted MDD, in comparison with controls, were impaired on tasks of attention, executive function and verbal memory. The individual level of depressive sym... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832032 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832031&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800187X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Fourteen men scoring high and 14 men scoring low on a positive schizotypy scale participated in a lateralized emotional Stroop task. Vocal reaction times for color naming of neutral, positive and negative emotional words were recorded. Across participants, the color naming of neutral and emotional words was slightly faster to right than to left visual field presentations. In men with high scores on positive schizotypy, the presentation of negative words to the left visual field (right hemisphere) resulted in significant affective interference with color naming, which was significantly larger than in men with low scores. Correlational analysis also showed that positive schizotypy was significantly associated with emotional interference in response to LVF negative words. The outcom... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832031 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832030&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS016517810800200X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Few studies have compared neurocognitive performance in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD), stabilized patients with schizophrenia (SC) and normal controls (NC) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, and those that have been conducted have yielded discrepant results. We evaluated the neurocognitive profile shown by 73 euthymic patients with BD, 89 stabilized patients with SC and 67 NC. All participants completed a cognitive battery in which the domains evaluated were executive functioning, sustained attention, and verbal and visual memory. Individuals with BD were administered the Quality of Life Scale (QLS). Patients with BD manifested dysfunction in executive functioning (moderate-to-large effect size), sustained attention (moderate effect size) and verbal/... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832030 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832029&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108002035%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: It has been proposed that psychophysiological abnormalities in schizophrenia, such as decreased amplitude of the evoked potential component P300, may be genetically influenced. Studies of heritability of the P300 have used different and typically more complex tasks than those used in clinical studies of schizophrenia. Here we present data on P300 parameters on the same set of auditory and visual tasks in samples of twins, and patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to examine the P300 as a possible endophenotype. Evidence from the twin study indicated that the auditory, but not visual, P300 amplitude is genetically influenced at centro-parietal sites. Similarly, auditory and to a lesser extent visual P300 amplitude were decreased in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Res... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832029 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832028&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001728%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aims to further explore associations between betel use and symptoms of schizophrenia in a 4-month longitudinal study in Nepal. Sixty Nepali patients with schizophrenia were recruited from regional outpatient clinics. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale were used to assess symptoms and social functioning in regular betel users and non-users. No significant group differences or dose–response relationships were noted on either initial or follow-up assessments. Stratifying by sex also failed to reveal an association between symptoms and betel use, which stands in contrast with previously reported data from Micronesia. There were no differences seen in social functioning other than a significantly higher proportion of bet... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832028 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832027&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001923%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Virtual reality may be a good alternative method for measuring personal space and overcoming some limitations in previous studies on the social aspects of schizophrenia. Using this technology, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of personal space in patients with schizophrenia and evaluate the relationship between their social behaviors and schizophrenic symptoms. The distance from a virtual person and the angle of head orientation while talking to a virtual person in a virtual environment were measured in 30 patients with schizophrenia and 30 normal controls. It was found that patients with schizophrenia had longer distances and larger angles than did normal controls. The severity of the negative syndrome had significant inverse correlations with the distance from the an... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832027 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832026&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001972%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Cognitive dysfunction is a chronically disabling feature of schizophrenia, associated with limits in obtaining rehabilitation improvements. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of intensive computer-aided cognitive remediation treatment (CRT) added to a standard rehabilitation treatment (SRT), in enhancing neuropsychological performances and daily functioning in patients with schizophrenia. A 12-week, randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of neurocognitive remediation was carried out on 86 patients with clinically stabilized DSM-IV schizophrenia. Patients were assessed on cognitive and daily functioning before and after either CRT or placebo training that had been added to their SRT. After 3 months the repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant time×tr... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832026 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832025&cid=s_38636_172_f&fid=38636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psy-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165178108001881%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Motor symptoms are frequent in schizophrenia and relevant to diagnosis. They are usually assessed by clinical observation and ratings based on psychometric scales. However, investigations with quantitative measurements are rare. To understand the relationship between the objective parameters of a quantitative motor activity measurement and the items related to motor symptoms of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), 55 schizophrenia patients were studied with 24-h continuous wrist actigraphy. Activity level, movement index, and mean duration of uninterrupted immobility periods were analyzed for wakeful periods. Actigraphic parameters were strongly inter-correlated. High PANSS negative syndrome subscale scores predicted low activity levels. Single PANSS items, such as s... Psychiatry Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832025 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0100 2832025