MedWorm: Psychiatry

Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

National Institute of Mental Health — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:13:27 +0100

Treatment that includes medication plus a structured training program for parents reduces serious behavioral problems in children with autism and related conditions, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study, which was part of the NIMH Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network, was published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)

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Challenges in the Assessment and Diagnosis of Bipolar Depression

Psychiatric Times — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:00:01 +0100

Charles Bowden, MD, clinical professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, describes the challenges physicians face when they assess and diagnose bipolar depression. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Seasonal Issues

About.com Mental Health — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The winter season brings its own mental health issues. Shorter days and holidays create stress, and we have ways to help. (Source: About.com Mental Health)

The use of oral contraceptives as a prevention of recurrent premenstrual psychosis

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

We present a case of premenstrual psychosis in which hormonal treatment was effective in preventing symptomatic relapses. (Source: Psychiatry Research)

Consistency of immigrant suicide rates in Austria with country-of-birth suicide rates: A role for genetic risk factors for suicide?

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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 ...

Indices of orbitofrontal and prefrontal function in Cluster B and Cluster C personality disorders

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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...

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Posttraumatic stress disorder with and without alcohol use disorders: Diagnostic and clinical correlates in a psychiatric sample

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

Prevalence of insomnia symptoms in sleep laboratory patients with and without sleep apnea

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

Electroconvulsive therapy increases glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) serum levels in patients with drug-resistant depression

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

CD24 gene polymorphism is associated with the disease progression and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in the Iranian population

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

Distinct affective processing of emotionally stimulating written words and pictures in patients with alcohol dependence

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

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A psychometric evaluation of the Personality Assessment Inventory – short form clinical scales in an inpatient psychiatric sample

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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...

Reliability and validity of the Trauma Symptom Inventory with veterans evaluated for posttraumatic stress disorder

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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)

Validity of routine clinical DSM-IV diagnoses (Axis I/II) in inpatients with mental disorders

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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...

Decreased expression of serotonin 1A receptor in the dentate gyrus in association with chronic mild stress: A rat model of post-stroke depression

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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...

Plasma homovanillic acid in adolescents with bulimia nervosa

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:27 +0100

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...

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Perceived criticism: Associations with perceiver characteristics and interpersonal behaviour

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Therapeutic alliance in short-term supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies: A necessary but not sufficient condition for outcome?

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Seasonal trends in depressive problems among United States children and adolescents: A representative population survey

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Reduced brain responses to novel sounds in depression: P3 findings in a novelty oddball task

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Temperament and character personality profile in relation to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in major depressed patients

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

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Persistent nightmares are associated with repeat suicide attempt: A prospective study

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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 ...

An association study of the serotonin transporter and receptor genes with the suicidal ideation of major depression in a Chinese Han population

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on the course of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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 ...

ADHD latent class clusters: DSM-IV subtypes and comorbidity

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Cognitive and electroencephalographic disturbances in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep problems: New insights

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

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Are cognitive deficits in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder related to the course of the disorder? A prospective controlled follow-up study of grown up boys with persistent and remitting course

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0100

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...

Understanding the relationship between baseline BMI and subsequent weight change in antipsychotic trials: Effect modification or regression to the mean?

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

The 844ins68 polymorphism of the cystathionine beta-synthase gene is associated with schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

In conclusion, our study revealed a possible relation of the CBS 844ins68 polymorphism to schizophrenia. (Source: Psychiatry Research)

Defining “good” and “poor” outcomes in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A multidimensional data-driven approach

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Symptoms of schizophrenia and social cognition

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

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Response suppression deficits in treatment-naïve first-episode patients with schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder and psychotic major depression

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Electrophysiological brain activity and antisaccade performance in schizophrenia patients with first-rank (passivity) symptoms

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Proverb comprehension impairments in schizophrenia are related to executive dysfunction

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Perception of self and other in psychosis: A method for analyzing the structure of the phenomenology

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Change in delusions is associated with change in “jumping to conclusions”

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

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Correspondences between theory of mind, jumping to conclusions, neuropsychological measures and the symptoms of schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Effects of presentation modality and valence on affect recognition performance in schizophrenia and healthy controls

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Emotion regulation strategies in patients with schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Facial expression and face orientation processing in schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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...

Cognitive impairments, emotion, stress, and language in schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:25 +0100

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 ...

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Editorial Board

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:24 +0100

(Source: Psychiatry Research)

Depressive disease in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia and end stage of renal disease: case series study

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: The frequency of MED was not different from the literature, but the frequency of DD was higher. In opposition to what was expected, there wasn't difference between the ages in MED. However, in agreement with the literature, it prevailed the highest ages in DD. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Topiramate-induced bilateral acute glaucoma: case report

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

O topiramato, uma sulfa monossacarídica, usada primariamente como um anticonvulsivante, é uma droga relativamente nova no mercado brasileiro. Devido às potencialidades terapêuticas do topiramato em uma gama variada de patologias (enxaquecas, transtornos do humor, etc.), assim como pelas diversas novas apresentações comerciais surgidas no país ultimamente, espera-se que seu uso venha a ser cada dia mais comum. O presente relato se refere a um grave efeito colateral decorrente do uso da medicação em questão, ocorrido em um homem de 36 anos - o glaucoma agudo bilateral, evento ainda pouco relatado na literatura mundial. Por conta de tal quadro, o paciente teve de se submeter a uma iridotomia bilateral.The topiramate, a monosaccharide sulfa, primarily used as an anticonvulsant, was r...

Low weight associated with food phobia: a differential diagnosis with anorexia nervosa

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

The objective of this article is to present a FP clinical case and to discuss the psychopathology, diagnostic difficulties and recommended therapeutics, based on clinical evolution of the case and recent scientific evidences. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Associations, causation and model in psychiatry

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

This paper discusses models, associations and causation in psychiatry. The different types of association (linear, positive, negative, exponential, partial, U shaped relationship, hidden and spurious) between variables involved in mental disorders are presented as well as the use of multiple regression analysis to disentangle interrelatedness amongst multiple variables. A useful model should have internal consistency, external validity and predictive power; be dynamic in order to accommodate new sound knowledge; and should fit facts rather than they other way around. It is argued that whilst models are theoretical constructs they also convey a style of reasoning and can change clinical practice. Cause and effect are complex phenomena in that the same cause can yield different effects. Conv...

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Medical prescriptions characteristics in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Some aspects are worrying, such as the low adhesion to the medical treatments, relatively low average doses and psychostimulants increasing prescriptions even for children up to 3 years old. Social characteristics and the health system used by the affected ones give origin to great variations on the clinical practice. An interesting issue is the evidence that the Brazilian prescriptions system isn't the most restrictive one. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

An evaluation of the quality of life of schizophrenic patients admitted to a forensic hospital

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: A low QOL was noticed among the patients that are under involuntary commitment, a reality that needs to be modified by making possible changes in Brazilian policies. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Alcoholism and family: the experience of women members who participate in self-help group Al-Anon

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: We hope that the results this research may contribute to enhancing the support offered by Al-Anon, stimulate new studies in the area and strengthen, among health professionals, recognizing the group as important to support effective resource for families. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Major depressive disorder: motor aptitude and attention evaluation

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In most patients, the general motor aptitude, the global motricity and the temporal organization were considered below average. It were also detected some dysfunctional problems, the influence of age on the level of attention and the negative relationship between the level of attention and the motor performance: the higher the time to make the Trail Making Test, the worse is the performance in Motor Scale for the Elderly. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Lesch's Typology in Brazilian alcoholic patients

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: Distinguishing clinical types of alcohol dependence according to Lesch's Typology was considered applicable in a high demanding Brazilian public outpatient service, in which the results were similar to those reported in studies realized in other countries. The application of this classification may provide significant changes in strategies for individualized approaches that may be of a great importance in the treatment of alcohol dependence. However, the therapeutic results of these changes will need to be evaluated in follow-up studies. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

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The use of video, computer and internet games by a sample of college students from the University of São Paulo

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: It was noticed that the use of electronic games is common among USP students and a part of them present problems related to excessive gaming. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Socioeconomic influence on eating disorders risk behaviors in adolescents

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Risky behaviors were found at most of the studied population, however these were not associated with socioeconomic status. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Eating behavior and body image among psychology students

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that attention must be given to eating behavior risks within this group. A differentiated gaze is justified with respect to these future professionals, whose practice is jeopardized in cases in which they are themselves the bearers of installed symptoms or precursory behavior.OBJETIVO: Caracterizar práticas alimentares e possíveis fatores de risco associados a transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre estudantes de Psicologia, segmento de risco para o surgimento de transtornos alimentares. MÉTODO: Estudo seccional utilizando-se os questionários Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) e Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), utilizando-se, ainda, uma variável que considera os dois primeiros instrumentos associados, sendo ...

Convergent validation study of the Contemplation Ladder for application via telephone in tobacco users

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:09 +0100

OBJECTIVE: This work was designed to validate the Portuguese version of the Contemplation Ladder, whose purpose is to assess the motivational phase to quit smoking among tobacco users using a telephone service. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a nationwide drug use information hotline. In order to assess the convergent validation, the correlation between the Contemplation Ladder and the URICA Scale was calculated, which was previously validated. RESULTS: The study included 271 tobacco users. Statistically significant correlations were found between the Contemplation Ladder scores and the scores of the URICA precontemplation (r=-0.16; p

No affective temperament gradient across patient diagnostic groups

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:05 +0100

There is no gradient in affective temperament scores from bipolar I disorder through unipolar depressive patients to healthy individuals, say UK researchers who found high dysthymic scores in both patient groups. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

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The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:27 +0100

Risperidone Reduces Acute Manic Symptoms in Bipolar I YouthAripiprazole Study Indicates Promise for Atypicals in Treating Autism SymptomsCommentary by Lead Author Magali Haas, M.D., Ph.D.Weight Gain With Antipsychotics in Treatment-Naïve YouthQuetiapine vs. Risperidone in PsychosisMisuse of ADHD Drugs by College StudentsAdjunctive Lithium for Clozapine-Induced NeutropeniaAntiepileptic Drug Treatment and SchizophreniaTopiramate for Treating Tourette SyndromeLamotrigine-Induced Mania in an Epileptic Child With AutismNew ApprovalUpdated List of Authorized GenericsSafe Drug Disposal (Source: The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update)

Autism Act 2009 Ch.15

Mental Health NSF Newsfeed — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:05 +0100

The Autism Bill was unusual, in that it was a Private... (Source: Mental Health NSF Newsfeed)

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Kasper S PMID: 19921966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Tryptophan as an evolutionarily conserved signal to brain serotonin: Molecular evidence and psychiatric implications.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Russo S, Kema IP, Bosker F, Haavik J, Korf J The role of serotonin (5-HT) in psychopathology has been investigated for decades. Among others, symptoms of depression, panic, aggression and suicidality have been associated with serotonergic dysfunction. Here we summarize the evidence that low brain 5-HT signals a metabolic imbalance that is evolutionarily conserved and not specific for any specific psychiatric diagnosis. The synthesis and neuronal release of brain 5-HT depends on the concentration of free tryptophan in blood and brain because the affinity constant of neuronal tryptophan hydroxylase is in that concentration range. This relationship is evolutionarily conserved. Degradation of tryptophan, resulting in lower blood levels and impaired cerebral production and release ...

Sleep disturbances: Core symptoms of major depressive disorder rather than associated or comorbid disorders.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Mendlewicz J Depression is increasingly prevalent in Western countries. It has severe consequences and is associated with increased rates of disability, morbidity, and mortality. Despite numerous therapeutic options, a great number of depressed patients do not achieve full remission. In addition, despite good short-term outcomes, long-term therapeutic results remain disappointing and associated with a poor prognosis, raising significant concern in terms of public health. Impaired sleep - especially insomnia - may be at least partly responsible for this problem. Very close relationships between major depressive disorder (MDD) and sleep disorders have been observed. In particular, residual symptoms of sleep disturbance in a remitted patient may predict a relapse of the disease. ...

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Longitudinal changes of day-time and night-time gross motor activity in clinical responders and non-responders of major depression.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

This study investigates the development of day- and night-time as well as intensity and quantity of circadian motor activity during a 4-week course of treatment among 27 patients with depression compared to 27 healthy controls. A diagnosis of major depression was made using SCID. Motor activity was continuously measured with an actigraph during the study and clinical course of depression with HAM-D-21. Motor activity was described as the quantity and intensity of movements during day- and night- time. Clinically improved patients had significantly intensified movements after 4 weeks, compared to subjects with <50% improvement on HAM-D. While the measures of day-time level of movements captured the clinical improvement of depression, clinical improvement was not reflected by the night-ti...

Cortical neurochemistry in euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Conclusion. In contrast to prior findings, we could not observe any metabolic alterations in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. PMID: 19921970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Neurotrophic factors in serum following ECT: A pilot study.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

We examined changes in serum levels of a selection of neurotrophic factors, TSH, HGH and cortisol in conjunction with ECT treatment. Fifteen patients suffering from affective disorders were included, all were treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy and 10 also with ECT. The patients were examined clinically and with blood samples during treatment. Serum levels of cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), neuropetide Y (NPY) and human growth hormone (HGH) were studied. No significant changes were found in levels of NGF, BDNF, NT3, HGH and TSH. A change in NPY levels was statistically significant, but of uncertain clinical value as it affected only two patients. Levels of cortisol rose signif...

Self-poisonings with tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in Tehran, Iran.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

This study suggests that an overdose with SSRIs results in a more favourable clinical outcome than an overdose with TCAs. PMID: 19921972 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Pro-inflammatory biomakers in depression: Treatment with venlafaxine.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Piletz JE, Halaris A, Iqbal O, Hoppensteadt D, Fareed J, Zhu H, Sinacore J, Devane CL High levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers have been reported in depression. In the present study, five pro-inflammatory biomarkers were measured in the blood of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Biomarker levels were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients with MDD had significantly higher baseline levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha, P=0.04), interleukin-1beta (IL1beta, P=0.03), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1; P=0.02) compared to controls. There were no differences between groups in levels of cell determinant-40 ligand (CD40L) and C-reactive protein (CRP). A subset of the MDD patients consented to undergo treatment with venlafaxine (a...

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Depressive disorder and thyroid axis functioning during pregnancy.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Conclusions. These findings show an association between thyroid dysfunction and depression in late pregnancy. Because gestational depression might interfere with pregnancy outcome, evaluation of thyroid function during gestation is warranted. PMID: 19921974 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Association between the ionotropic glutamate receptor kainate3 (GRIK3) Ser310Ala polymorphism and schizophrenia in the Indian population.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Ahmad Y, Bhatia MS, Mediratta PK, Sharma KK, Negi H, Chosdol K, Sinha S Various studies have been done to check the status of glutamate receptor gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The T928G (Ser310Ala) polymorphism of ionotropic glutamate receptor kainate 3 gene (GRIK3) and its positive association with schizophrenia was reported in Caucasians, whereas no association of this polymorphism with schizophrenia was shown in two other populations, Chinese and Japanese. However, no literature is available regarding the prevalence of this polymorphism and its association with schizophrenia in the Indian population. As genetic susceptibility profiles in India are often different from those of white Caucasians or Orientals, we investigated the status of Ser310Ala polymorphism of...

The rate of consanguineous marriages among parents of schizophrenic patients in the Arab Bedouin population in Southern Israel.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:02 +0100

Authors: Dobrusin M, Weitzman D, Levine J, Kremer I, Rietschel M, Maier W, Belmaker RH Consanguinity may contribute to the incidence of schizophrenia in offspring despite the usually accepted polygenic model of schizophrenia inheritance. Bedouin Arab families in southern Israel have a high rate of cousin marriages as do families throughout most Arab societies. We studied consanguinity in the parents of schizophrenic patients admitted in a defined catchment area of southern Israel, compared to a control group of parents of all infants born to Bedouin mothers in this catchment area. There was a small but significant increase in the rate of cousin marriages among the parents of schizophrenia patients compared to parents of infant controls. These results are consistent with claims that inb...

A Risk Factor In Childhood Asthma Symptoms May Be Mother's Depression

Depression News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Asthma symptoms can worsen in children with depressed mothers, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology. (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Mathematical Abilities Examined In Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have a number of cognitive deficits, but mathematical ability seems particularly damaged. Little is known about the brain structures related to mathematical deficits in children with FASD. A new study that used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the relationship between mathematical skills and brain white matter structure in children with FASD supports the importance of the left parietal area for mathematical tasks. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

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Curemark Opens Patient Enrollment For Autism Treatment At Three More Clinical Trial Sites

Autism News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Curemark LLC, a drug research and development company focused on the treatment of neurological diseases, announced that the company has begun enrolling patients in Phase III clinical trials for CM-AT, its autism treatment, at three additional clinical trial sites. (Source: Autism News From Medical News Today)

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd Withdraws Its Application For An Extension Of Indication For Abilify (aripiprazole), Europe

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The European Medicines Agency has been formally notified by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd of its decision to withdraw its application for an extension of indication for the centrally authorised medicine Abilify (aripiprazole) tablets, orodispersible tablets and oral solution. Abilify was expected to be used in the treatment of major depressive episodes, as adjunctive therapy, in patients who have had an inadequate response to previous treatment with antidepressants. (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

Innovative Therapy That Offers New Hope For Borderline Personality Disorder

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Patients coping with the chaos and misery of Borderline Personality Disorder now have reason for strong confidence in making major life changes through a new treatment, Schema Therapy. For the first time, three major outcome studies have shown that many patients with Borderline Personality Disorder can achieve full recovery across the complete range of symptoms. (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

Drug May Boost Women's Sexual Desire

MedicineNet Depression General — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Drug May Boost Women's Sexual DesireCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/20/2009 10:52:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/20/2009 10:52:44 AM (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Anticonvulsant

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

s are medications used to treat seizures. Some are also used in bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers. More ... (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

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Lexapro Drug Profile

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

What is Lexapro? It is an antidepressant in the SSRI class that is approved to treat major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Here is information about Lexapro including basic information, precautions and warnings, common side effects, and information about Lexapro and pregnancy. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

First-episode psychosis patients ‘a diverse group’

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There is wide range of ages and diagnostic groups among patients with first-episode psychosis, warn UK investigators who highlight the lack of research and treatment guidelines for such patients. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

Why do we hate?

PsycPORT.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

November 18, 2009 SPOKANE, Wash. - Why did the Nazis hate the Jews? Why did the Hutus hate the Tutsis? (Source: PsycPORT.com)

Otsuka withdraws application for an extension of indication for aripiprazole (Abilify®) in EU

NeLM - Mental Health — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: EMEA Area: News Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd has informed the European Medicines of its decision to withdraw its application for an extension of indication for aripiprazole (Abilify®) tablets, orodispersible tablets and oral solution. The application had been for use in the treatment of major depressive episodes, as adjunctive therapy, in patients who have had an inadequate response to previous treatment with antidepressants. The drug is currently indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and for the treatment and prevention of manic episodes in bipolar I disorder. The company stated that the withdrawal was based on the negative opinion from the Agency's advisory panel (CHMP) that the long-term data provided in support of the proposed indication were insufficient, as long-...

How and why children change in aggression and delinquency from childhood to adolescence: moderation of overreactive parenting by child personality

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Parents of children who are less extraverted, benevolent and conscientious, or more imaginative, are in particular need of being supported in developing and maintaining effective disciplinary techniques. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

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Intervention Cuts Risky Drinking in DWI Offenders (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Psychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0100

A brief intervention designed to motivate change among repeat drunk drivers had uneven results, but showed some promise in curtailing their problem drinking, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Psychiatry)

Acute Maniform Reaction to a Single Dose of Escitalopram in a Social Phobic Patient – An Atypical Jitteriness Syndrome?

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 291-292DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224184© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Successful Treatment of Chronic Resistant Alcoholism by Deep Brain Stimulation of Nucleus Accumbens: First Experience with Three Cases

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 288-291DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1233489© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Effectiveness of Intramuscular Aripiprazole Injection in Patients with Catatonia: Report on Three Cases

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 286-287DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224185© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Severe Psychotic Disorder and Agranulocytosis – A Therapeutic Dilemma

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 284-285DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224183© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

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Early- and Delayed Antipsychotic Response and Prediction of Outcome in 528 Severely Impaired Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Amisulpride

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 277-283DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234105Abstract ‘Early-onset’ studies have shown that symptomatic response often occurs early and that early symptomatic response is predictive for later outcome. Limiting factors of these studies include the restriction on symptomatic outcome, the inclusion of mostly moderately ill patients, and the use of various antipsychotics.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Correlations and Discrepancies between Serum and Brain Tissue Levels of Neurotrophins after Electroconvulsive Treatment in Rats

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 270-276DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224162Abstract The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are a central part of the molecular concepts on neuroplastic changes associated with stress, anxiety and depression. An increasing number of studies uses serum BDNF levels as a potential indicator for central nervous system alterations.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Effects of the GABA-reuptake Inhibitor Tiagabine on Panic and Anxiety in Patients with Panic Disorder

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 266-269DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241798Abstract There is evidence that a decreased GABAergic tone plays a role in the pathophysiology of panic disorder (PD). Selective GABAergic treatment has been suggested as a new therapeutic strategy in PD. In this pilot-study anxiolytic effects of the GABA reuptake inhibitor tiagabine (TGB) were investigated in PD.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Effects of Nicotine

Pharmacopsychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2009; 42: 255-265DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224138AbstractThe interest in the action of nicotine in the central nervous system (CNS) has significantly increased during the past 15 years. This is due in part to the growing importance of nicotine addiction and its consequences in terms of life quality and costs for public health systems in industrialized countries and, on the other hand, to the significantly higher prevalence of tobacco consumption in patients with psychiatric disorders. The actual data indicate opposite effects of nicotine in the CNS. Nicotine seems to have, at the same time, positive, neuroprotective as well as negative, neurotoxic effects. This suggests that nicotine's action is complex, probably involving different neuronal circuits influencing each other th...

Circadian rhythm genes linked to pediatric bipolar disorder

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:21 +0100

Polymorphisms in two genes related to the circadian rhythm may be associated with the development of pediatric bipolar disorder, although not with age at onset, US researchers have discovered. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

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Report on the prescribing of anti-psychotic drugs to people...

Mental Health NSF Newsfeed — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:35:12 +0100

An independent review undertaken by the Minister for State... (Source: Mental Health NSF Newsfeed)

Psychiatric Genetics (2010-02-19)

Institute of Psychiatry | Events — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:35:01 +0100

A one day master class for reserachers and clinicians with little experience in genetics but who want to know more (6 CPD points) (Source: Institute of Psychiatry | Events)

Psychosis Interest Group (2009-11-25)

Institute of Psychiatry | Events — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:35:01 +0100

The Psychosis Interest Group (PIG) is a weekly seminar series dedicated to psychosis research. There are 10 meetings each term, at which a comprehensive range of topics is discussed. The four main categories of interest are General Psychiatry; Affective Psychosis; Psychology; and Basic Science/Genetics, with one meeting each month for each topic. The PIG meetings are regularly attended by both cli (Source: Institute of Psychiatry | Events)

Therapeutic Strategies for Older Patients

Psychiatric Times — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:30:01 +0100

Marc E. Agronin, MD, medical director for mental health and clinical research in the Miami Jewish Health Systems, and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, discusses therapeutic strategies for older patients. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Immune System Activated In Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with recent-onset schizophrenia have higher levels of inflammatory substances in their brains. Their findings offer hope of being able to treat schizophrenia with drugs that affect the immune system. The causes of schizophrenia are largely unknown, and this hinders the development of effective treatments. (Source: Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today)

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Mental Health America Endorses Nomination Of Chai Feldblum As EEOC Commissioner

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

"Mental Health America is pleased to endorse the nomination of Chai Feldblum to serve as a commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

Parental Monitoring Can Curb Teen Marijuana Use

MedicineNet Depression General — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Parental Monitoring Can Curb Teen Marijuana UseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/19/2009 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/19/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Factors affecting mental fitness for work in a sample of mentally ill patients

International Journal of Mental Health Systems — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: There are many factors affecting the mental fitness the most important are the characteristics of work environment and the most serious is the overall safety of patient to self and others. A lot of ethical and legal issues should be kept in mind during such assessment as patient's rights, society's rights, and the laws applied to unfit people. (Source: International Journal of Mental Health Systems)

Performance variability, impulsivity errors and the impact of incentives as gender-independent endophenotypes for ADHD

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Reaction-time variability and accuracy parameters could be useful neuropsychological endophenotypes for ADHD. Performance-modulating effects of incentives suggested a familially driven motivational dysfunction which may play an important role on etiologic pathways and treatment approaches for ADHD. The effects of gender were independent of familial effects or ADHD-status, which in turn suggests that the proposed endophenotypes are independent of gender. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

Brief Report: Impaired Temporal Reproduction Performance in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Martin JS, Poirier M, Bowler DM Although temporal processing has received little attention in the autism literature, there are a number of reasons to suspect that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have particular difficulties judging the passage of time. The present study tested a group of 20 high-functioning adults with ASD and 20 matched comparison participants on a temporal reproduction task. The ASD group made reproductions that were significantly further from the base durations than did the comparison group. They were also more variable in their responses. Furthermore the ASD group showed particular difficulties as the base durations increased, tending to underestimate to a much greater degree than the comparison group. These findings support earlier evidence...

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OCD and Depression

About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If you have OCD, you probably know that you are at a greater risk for developing other forms of mental illness. One of the most common mental illnesses to occur with OCD is major depressive disorder. Let’s have a closer look at the relationship between OCD and depression and the impact of symptoms of depression on the treatment of OCD symptoms. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Ocpd

About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a chronic, maladaptive pattern of dealing with other people and life challenges characterized by excessive rigidity and a need for control. Learn more about the definition of obsessive compulsive personality disorder. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

The Mind and the Body are the Same Thing

About.com Mental Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. http://mentalhealth.about.com (Source: About.com Mental Health)

Translation of positive affect into motivation lacking in schizophrenia

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Schizophrenia patients have no deficits in the anticipation, experience, and memory of positive affective events, but they are unable to translate these into motivational states, US scientists have found. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

Seminar: Eating disorders

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Area: News In this Lancet seminar on eating disorders, the authors discuss the following topics: . Classification and diagnosis . Psychiatric co-morbidity . Epidemiology . Pathogenesis . Treatment . Prognosis (Source: NeLM - Mental Health)

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Research Review: Cholinergic mechanisms, early brain development, and risk for schizophrenia

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The onset of diagnostic symptomology for neuropsychiatric diseases is often the end result of a decades-long process of aberrant brain development. Identification of novel treatment strategies aimed at normalizing early brain development and preventing mental illness should be a major therapeutic goal. However, there are few models for how this goal might be achieved. This review uses the development of a psychophysiological correlate of attentional deficits in schizophrenia to propose a developmental model with translational primary prevention implications. Review of genetic and neurobiological studies suggests that an early interaction between [alpha]7 nicotinic receptor density and choline availability may contribute to the development of schizophrenia-associated attentional deficits. T...

Historical framework for psychiatric nosology. In this issue.

Psychological Medicine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:10:35 +0100

Authors: Morgan C PMID: 19916200 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Long-term Depression Treatment Leads to Sustained Recovery for Most Teens

National Institute of Mental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:31 +0100

Long-term treatment of adolescents with major depression is associated with continuous and persistent improvement of depression symptoms in most cases, according to the most recent analysis of follow-up data from the NIMH-funded Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). The report, along with a commentary compiling the take-home messages of the study, was published in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)

Progressive brain changes found in chronic schizophrenia

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:19 +0100

Brain changes continue through the course of schizophrenia, with volume and diffusion tensor imaging discrepancies indicating that the changes vary across different brain regions, conclude Japanese researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

The Dunedin New Zealand Longitudinal Study: Is psychiatric disorder in early life a preventable cause of late-life ill-health? Does child psychiatry hold the key to a happy, healthy old age? (2009-11-25)

Institute of Psychiatry | Events — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:43:21 +0100

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Neuroscientific Approaches to Personality Research: Molecular Genetics, Imaging and Experimental Data (2009-11-24)

Institute of Psychiatry | Events — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:43:21 +0100

Coed College Housing Connected To Frequent Binge Drinking

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

A new study in the Journal of American College Health finds that students placed by their universities in coed housing are 2.5 times more likely to binge drink each week than students placed in all-male or all-female housing. More than 500 students from five college campuses around the country participated in the study: 42 percent of students in coed housing reported binge drinking on a weekly basis. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

Four Steps to Reduce Missed Patient Appointments

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Four simple steps can help you reduce missed patient appointments and boost profitability. So said Mark Rosenberg, MD, PhD, president of Behavioral Health Management, PC, in St Louis, who spoke at the US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in Las Vegas. Not only do missed appointments result in lost revenue, said Rosenberg, but also they “interrupt the flow of patient care and impede clinic productivity.” (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Strategies to Market Your Practice and Avoid Common Pitfalls

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Because an increasing number of patients pay for care out-of-pocket, marketing has become an essential part of any practice, said David Sprague, chief operating officer at Physicians’ Ally, Inc, Denver. In a presentation at the US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in Las Vegas, he provided tips to help physicians market their practice and avoid common pitfalls. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Avoiding Drug-Drug Interactions

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Laurence J. Kinsella, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology at St. Louis University and chief in the division of neurology and neurophysiology at Forest Park Hospital, St. Louis, discusses serotonin syndrome and P450 drug interactions. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

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Perceptions of Coercion in the Community: A Qualitative Study of Patients in a Danish Assertive Community Treatment Team

Psychiatric Quarterly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:30:05 +0100

Abstract Assertive community treatment (ACT) has been claimed to be paternalistic and coercive, yet little is known about how patients experience the assertive aspects of ACT. To explore views on—and perceptions of—coercion of patients in Danish assertive community teams. In-depth interviews were conducted with six purposefully selected patients and analysed using thematic analysis. Patients reported lack of influence on treatment process and a poor alliance with case-mangers, not being recognised as an autonomous person, and experiences of staff crossing the line and intruding privacy, as most central to perceptions of coercion. A collaborative and mutually trusting relationship, commitment, persistence and availability of staff, and recognition of the need for social ...

Research On College Students' Drinking Beliefs And Behavior

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Unrealistic optimism about drinking behavior can lead to later alcohol-related problems, according to research published in the current issue of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (PSPB), the official monthly journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers interviewed 800 college students several times over the course of two years about whether their drinking resulted in hangovers, memory loss or trouble with police. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

Single-Sex Cardiac Rehab Helps Depressed Women

MedicineNet Depression General — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Single-Sex Cardiac Rehab Helps Depressed WomenCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/17/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/18/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Government's Social Care Green Paper Overlooks Mental Health, UK

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0100

On the day that the consultation period for the Government's Green Paper on adult social care closes, mental health charity Mind has expressed its concerns that the Paper does not address the needs of adults with mental health problems, instead skewing the debate towards older people. (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters dopamine-mediated behaviors and dopamine transporter function in adult female rats

Psychopharmacology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:03:56 +0100

In this study, we examined locomotor responses of male and female juvenile and adult rats to a dose range of amphetamine. We also measured dopamine receptor and monoamine transporter densities in adult brain. Results Female DVD-deficient adult rats displayed an enhanced sensitivity to amphetamine-induced locomotion, an increased dopamine transporter density in the caudate–putamen and increased affinity in the nucleus accumbens compared with control females. By contrast, there were no differences between control and DVD-deficient male rats. Discussion Taken together, this suggests an alteration in the development of the dopamine system and on dopamine-mediated behaviors in female DVD-deficient rats, and this may be relevant to the underlying neurobi...

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Gestational exposure to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos alters social–emotional behaviour and impairs responsiveness to the serotonin transporter inhibitor fluvoxamine in mice

Psychopharmacology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:03:55 +0100

Conclusions Overall, the present results confirm a specific and sex-dependent vulnerability of affective/emotional domains to developmental CPF exposure. Furthermore, data provide clear indication on the disrupting effects of prenatal CPF on serotoninergic transmission. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationDOI 10.1007/s00213-009-1713-2Authors Aldina Venerosi, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Section of Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences V.le Regina Elena 299 Rome ItalyLaura Ricceri, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Section of Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences V.le Regina Elena 299 Rome ItalyAngela Rungi, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Section of Neurotoxi...

The current status of research into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: proceedings of the 2nd international congress on ADHD: from childhood to adult disease

ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:02:07 +0100

Abstract Despite being a devastating psychiatric condition with high prevalence, ADHD has traditionally been widely under-researched, specifically in adult patients. Therefore, the recent surge in scientific projects focusing on ADHD is impressive. By reviewing selected research findings presented at the 2nd International Congress on ADHD, this paper gives an overview about current state-of-the art research in such different areas as diagnosis, classification, epidemiology, differential diagnosis and comorbidity, neurobiology (including molecular genetics, proteomics, neuroimaging and electrophysiology), environmental factors, modelling of ADHD, treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological), as well as forensic and social aspects. Content Type Journal ArticleCatego...

Are Your Prescription Prices Increasing?

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Does it seem like your prescriptions for bipolar disorder are getting more expensive every time you go to the pharmacy? You may be right. There is growing concern that drug manufacturers are raising prices to bolster their return on investment before health care legislation is enacted that might impact what they can charge. Duff Wilson, in an article published Monday by the New York Times, reported that "the industry has raised the wholesale prices of brand-name prescription drugs by about 9 percent, according to industry analysts. That will add more than $10 billion to the nation's drug bill, which is on track to exceed $300 billion this year. By at least one analysis, it is the highest annual rate of inflation for drug prices since 1992." Apparently members of Congress have received enou...

OCD and Personality

About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

It has long been thought that OCD and personality might be related. For example, Freud thought that personality characteristics such as indecisiveness and orderliness played a large role in the development of OCD. Although there does not appear to be a single OCD personality type that is vulnerable to developing OCD, recent research suggests a relationship between OCD and personality. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Holidays and Depression -- Mental Health Experts Shed Light on SAD

About.com Mental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

With the Holiday celebrations to attend and family gatherings to prepare for, the winter season can be a busy and joyful time of year. But for many, changes in light and temperature combined with the stresses of holiday events and heightened expectations can increase anxiety and cause depression. (Source: About.com Mental Health)

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Differences between bipolar II and unipolar depression ‘limited’

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There are limited differences between bipolar II disorder depression and unipolar depression, say Australian scientists who suggest previously suggested differences can be explained by age, gender, and severity. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

NHS Choices assessment: Quality of dementia care in hospitals

NeLM - Mental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News A report commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society has concluded that there is 'unacceptable variation in the quality of dementia care provided on general wards in hospitals across England, Wales and Northern Ireland'. The report - 'Counting the Cost' - is based on the findings of a survey involving 1,291 carers, 657 nursing staff and 479 nurse/ward managers from general wards in hospitals across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People who agreed to take part completed questionnaires on the quality of care given to people with dementia. One of the main findings presented is that people with dementia are staying in hospital far longer than other people who go in for the same procedure. This is associated not only with poten...

The evolution of depression and suicidality in first episode psychosis

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Depression early in the emergence of a psychosis is fundamental to the development of future depression and suicidal thinking. Efforts to predict and reduce depression and deliberate self-harm in psychosis may need to target this early phase to reduce later risk. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

The effect of social networks and social support on common mental disorders following specific life events

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The significant association between social support and psychological distress, rather than diagnosable mental disorders, highlights the importance of social support, especially when the severity of a mental health related problem is low. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

Twenty-five-year course and outcome in anxiety and depression in the Upper Bavarian Longitudinal Community Study

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Results underscore the long-term risks of suffering from a combined anxiety and depressive syndrome. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

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The contribution of active medication to combined treatments of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for adult depression: a meta-analysis

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Active medication has a small but significant contribution to the overall efficacy of combined treatments. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:46:18 +0100

In this study, we report on a randomised controlled trial of CBT for young people carried out in typical outpatient clinic conditions which focused on cognitions. A randomised controlled trial compares 10 sessions of manualised cognitive behavioural treatment with a 12-week waiting list for adolescents and children with OCD. Assessors were blind to treatment allocation. 21 consecutive patients with OCD aged between 9 and 18 years were recruited. The group who received treatment improved more than a comparison group who waited for 3 months. The second group was treated subsequently using the same protocol and made similar gains. In conclusion, CBT can be delivered effectively to young people with OCD in typical outpatient settings. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Ori...

How the relationship of attitudes toward mental health treatment and service use differs by age, gender, ethnicity/race and education

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:45:24 +0100

Conclusion Our analyses suggest both the importance of understanding demographic differences in relevant attitudes and potential directions for marketing campaigns. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00127-009-0168-4Authors Jodi M. Gonzalez, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Psychiatry 7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio TX 78229 USAMargarita Alegría, Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research Somerville USAThomas J. Prihoda, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Psychiatry 7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio TX 78229 USALaurel A. Copeland, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Psychiatry 7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio TX 78229 USAJoh...

Advantages and limitations of web-based surveys: evidence from a child mental health survey

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:45:23 +0100

Conclusions Web-based surveys may be performed faster and at lower cost than more traditional approaches with personal interviews. Selective participation seems a particular threat to point estimates of psychopathology, while patterns of associations are more robust. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00127-009-0171-9Authors Einar Heiervang, Unifob Health Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Bergen NorwayRobert Goodman, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry London UK Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric EpidemiologyOnline ISSN 1433-9285Print ISSN 0933-7954 (Source: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology)

Community violence exposure and post-traumatic stress reactions among Gambian youth: the moderating role of positive school climate

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:45:19 +0100

Conclusion Community-based programs that bring together parents, schools, and youth may play an important role in combating the negative effects of some types of violence exposure among Gambian youth. Youth experiencing high levels of violent victimization represent a sample of particular concern and merit special research and clinical attention. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00127-009-0162-xAuthors Deborah A. O’Donnell, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Psychology 18952 E. Fisher Road St. Mary’s City MD 20686 USAWilliam C. Roberts, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Anthropology 18952 E. Fisher Road St. Mary’s City MD 20686 USAMary E. Schwab-Stone, Yale University Medical School Child Study Center New H...

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Comorbid disorders differ among men, women with BD

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:42:44 +0100

Study findings suggest that illness-related clinical characteristics are similar between men and women with type I and II bipolar disorder, but that comorbid disorder profiles differ significantly between the genders. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

Self Identity and Recovery (2009-11-26)

Institute of Psychiatry | Events — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:41:23 +0100

You are invited to attend the following HSPR Departmental Seminar. Professor Shula Ramon - Professor of Interprofessional Health and Social Studies Title: Self Identity and Recovery Venue: David Goldberg Centre, Seminar Room Date: Thursday 26 November 2009 Time: 4.00 – 5.00pm Venue: David Goldberg Centre, Seminar Room (Source: Institute of Psychiatry | Events)

The role of dopamine in bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorders — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:41:17 +0100

Conclusion: Future research into the pathophysiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder and the development of new treatments for bipolar disorder should focus on the dopaminergic system. (Source: Bipolar Disorders)

The Ultimate Violation of “Do No Harm” at Fort Hood

Psychiatric Times — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:30:01 +0100

The following medical and behavioral health providers were killed or wounded during the November 5 Fort Hood shooting rampage that left 13 dead and 29 wounded. While the Army’s Public Affairs Office released the names of those killed, it has not released the names of all wounded because of privacy laws. The wounded list and additional descriptions of the providers were compiled from multiple news reports around the country and may be incomplete. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Publication Of First Ever Large-Scale Study Of Ketamine Users

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

The first ever large-scale, longitudinal study of ketamine users has been published online in the journal Addiction. With Ketamine (K, Special K) use increasing faster than any other drug in the UK (British Crime Survey, 2008) this research showing the consequences of repeated ketamine use provides valuable information for users and addiction professionals alike. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

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Motor Vehicle Crashes More Common Among Young Drivers Who Engage In Self-harm Behaviors

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Drivers who engaged in self-harm were at increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, even after controlling for psychological distress and substance abuse, found a study of 18 871 Australian drivers published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)). (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

Counting the cost - Caring for people with dementia on hospital wards

Mental Health Specialist Library Newsfeed — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:24:37 +0100

A report published today by the Alzhimer's Society states that people with dementia are staying far longer in hospital than people without the condition who go in for the same treatment. (Source: Mental Health Specialist Library Newsfeed)

20-Year Study Shows Lack Of Fear In Children Precedes Adult Crime

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Persons convicted of serious crimes by age 23 did not have the normal heightened response to cues associated with loud, unpleasant noise when they were tested at 3 years of age, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

Increased Risk Of Motor Vehicle Crashes For Young Drivers Who Engage In Self-Harm (DRIVE Study)

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A study including 18,871 Australian drivers published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) reports that drivers who engaged in self-harm were at increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, even after controlling for psychological distress and substance abuse. The DRIVE study was conducted by The George Institute for International Health. It included newly licensed drivers aged 17 to 24 in New South Wales, Australia. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

The Role of High Level Play as a Predictor Social Functioning in Autism.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Manning MM, Wainwright LD Play and social abilities of a group of children diagnosed with high functioning autism were compared to a second group diagnosed with a variety of developmental language disorders (DLD). The children with autism engaged in fewer acts of high level play. The children with autism also had significantly lower social functioning than the DLD group early in the play session; however, these differences were no longer apparent by the end of the play session. In addition, a significant association existed between play and social functioning regardless of diagnosis. This suggests that play may act as a current indicator of social ability while providing an arena for social skills practice. PMID: 19921415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journa...

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Relationships Connections. Seriously?

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Relationships are hard. I often think of my marriage like a binary star system with each of us on our own ecliptic but orbiting each other in tandem. However, the reality is that the physics of gravity that keep stars in beautiful synchronicity don't work so well with people. Add a severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder to the equation of relationships and the potential for difficulties is exponential. Lifevirtues, a member of our forums, eloquently shares her fear of relationships, "Damn the social experience. It is a deceitful dynamic; we are perpetually befriending our enemies, and we inevitably hurt the ones we love. Whatever dialectic ideal exists is simply that - an ideal. Actuality does not allow for balance. "How can I say it is wrong when it is all there is? This is hum...

Implicit and explicit affective associations towards cannabis use in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Psychological Medicine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that patients suffering from schizophrenia have associations towards cannabis similar to controls, but they have stronger negative explicit cannabis associations. The strong negative implicit associations towards cannabis could imply that users of cannabis engage in a behaviour they do not implicitly like. Explicit relaxing expectancies of cannabis might be an important mediator in the continuation of cannabis use in patients and controls. PMID: 19917142 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Separating two components of body image in anorexia nervosa using fMRI.

Psychological Medicine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We were able to find specific behavioral responses and neural activation patterns for two parts of body image in anorexia nervosa and healthy controls. Thus, the present results underline the importance of developing research and therapeutic strategies that target the two different aspects of body image separately. PMID: 19917143 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

The role of the right parietal lobe in anorexia nervosa.

Psychological Medicine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings are in line with the role the parietal cortex plays in developing and maintaining body representation, and support the possibility for a neuropsychological component in the pathogenesis of anorexia, offering alternative approaches to treatment of the disorder. PMID: 19917144 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

MedWorm: Psychiatry

Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Challenges in the Assessment and Diagnosis of Bipolar Depression

Seasonal Issues

The use of oral contraceptives as a prevention of recurrent premenstrual psychosis

Consistency of immigrant suicide rates in Austria with country-of-birth suicide rates: A role for genetic risk factors for suicide?

Indices of orbitofrontal and prefrontal function in Cluster B and Cluster C personality disorders

Posttraumatic stress disorder with and without alcohol use disorders: Diagnostic and clinical correlates in a psychiatric sample

Prevalence of insomnia symptoms in sleep laboratory patients with and without sleep apnea

Electroconvulsive therapy increases glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) serum levels in patients with drug-resistant depression

CD24 gene polymorphism is associated with the disease progression and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in the Iranian population

Distinct affective processing of emotionally stimulating written words and pictures in patients with alcohol dependence

A psychometric evaluation of the Personality Assessment Inventory – short form clinical scales in an inpatient psychiatric sample

Reliability and validity of the Trauma Symptom Inventory with veterans evaluated for posttraumatic stress disorder

Validity of routine clinical DSM-IV diagnoses (Axis I/II) in inpatients with mental disorders

Decreased expression of serotonin 1A receptor in the dentate gyrus in association with chronic mild stress: A rat model of post-stroke depression

Plasma homovanillic acid in adolescents with bulimia nervosa

Perceived criticism: Associations with perceiver characteristics and interpersonal behaviour

Therapeutic alliance in short-term supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies: A necessary but not sufficient condition for outcome?

Seasonal trends in depressive problems among United States children and adolescents: A representative population survey

Reduced brain responses to novel sounds in depression: P3 findings in a novelty oddball task

Temperament and character personality profile in relation to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in major depressed patients

Persistent nightmares are associated with repeat suicide attempt: A prospective study

An association study of the serotonin transporter and receptor genes with the suicidal ideation of major depression in a Chinese Han population

Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on the course of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD latent class clusters: DSM-IV subtypes and comorbidity

Cognitive and electroencephalographic disturbances in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep problems: New insights

Are cognitive deficits in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder related to the course of the disorder? A prospective controlled follow-up study of grown up boys with persistent and remitting course

Understanding the relationship between baseline BMI and subsequent weight change in antipsychotic trials: Effect modification or regression to the mean?

The 844ins68 polymorphism of the cystathionine beta-synthase gene is associated with schizophrenia

Defining “good” and “poor” outcomes in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A multidimensional data-driven approach

Symptoms of schizophrenia and social cognition

Response suppression deficits in treatment-naïve first-episode patients with schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder and psychotic major depression

Electrophysiological brain activity and antisaccade performance in schizophrenia patients with first-rank (passivity) symptoms

Proverb comprehension impairments in schizophrenia are related to executive dysfunction

Perception of self and other in psychosis: A method for analyzing the structure of the phenomenology

Change in delusions is associated with change in “jumping to conclusions”

Correspondences between theory of mind, jumping to conclusions, neuropsychological measures and the symptoms of schizophrenia

Effects of presentation modality and valence on affect recognition performance in schizophrenia and healthy controls

Emotion regulation strategies in patients with schizophrenia

Facial expression and face orientation processing in schizophrenia

Cognitive impairments, emotion, stress, and language in schizophrenia

Editorial Board

Depressive disease in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia and end stage of renal disease: case series study

Topiramate-induced bilateral acute glaucoma: case report

Low weight associated with food phobia: a differential diagnosis with anorexia nervosa

Associations, causation and model in psychiatry

Medical prescriptions characteristics in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

An evaluation of the quality of life of schizophrenic patients admitted to a forensic hospital

Alcoholism and family: the experience of women members who participate in self-help group Al-Anon

Major depressive disorder: motor aptitude and attention evaluation

Lesch's Typology in Brazilian alcoholic patients

The use of video, computer and internet games by a sample of college students from the University of São Paulo

Socioeconomic influence on eating disorders risk behaviors in adolescents

Eating behavior and body image among psychology students

Convergent validation study of the Contemplation Ladder for application via telephone in tobacco users

No affective temperament gradient across patient diagnostic groups

Table of Contents

Autism Act 2009 Ch.15

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

Tryptophan as an evolutionarily conserved signal to brain serotonin: Molecular evidence and psychiatric implications.

Sleep disturbances: Core symptoms of major depressive disorder rather than associated or comorbid disorders.

Longitudinal changes of day-time and night-time gross motor activity in clinical responders and non-responders of major depression.

Cortical neurochemistry in euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder.

Neurotrophic factors in serum following ECT: A pilot study.

Self-poisonings with tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in Tehran, Iran.

Pro-inflammatory biomakers in depression: Treatment with venlafaxine.

Depressive disorder and thyroid axis functioning during pregnancy.

Association between the ionotropic glutamate receptor kainate3 (GRIK3) Ser310Ala polymorphism and schizophrenia in the Indian population.

The rate of consanguineous marriages among parents of schizophrenic patients in the Arab Bedouin population in Southern Israel.

A Risk Factor In Childhood Asthma Symptoms May Be Mother's Depression

Mathematical Abilities Examined In Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Curemark Opens Patient Enrollment For Autism Treatment At Three More Clinical Trial Sites

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd Withdraws Its Application For An Extension Of Indication For Abilify (aripiprazole), Europe

Innovative Therapy That Offers New Hope For Borderline Personality Disorder

Drug May Boost Women's Sexual Desire

Anticonvulsant

Lexapro Drug Profile

First-episode psychosis patients ‘a diverse group’

Why do we hate?