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Predictors of later schizophrenia and affective psychosis among attendees at a child psychiatry department
- Authors:
- CANNON Mary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, May 2001, pp.420-426.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Schizophrenia has been linked with psychological problems in childhood but there is little information on precursors of affective psychosis. Childhood item sheets, which give standardised information on signs and symptoms of mental illness in the year preceding assessment are completed for all attendees at the children's department of the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospital. The authors examined item sheet data on individuals with an adult diagnosis of schizophrenia or affective psychosis and a comparison group with no adult mental illness. Finds that abnormal suspiciousness or sensitivity and relationship difficulties with peers are associated with later schizophrenia. In contrast, affective psychosis is associated with childhood hysterical symptoms and disturbances in eating. Concludes that childhood psychological precursors for schizophrenia and affective psychosis differ and do not simply reflect non-specific psychiatric disturbance in adolescence.
Psychiatric effects of cannabis
- Author:
- JOHNS Andrew
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, February 2001, pp.116-122.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Aims To re-evaluate the adverse effects of cannabis in the general population and among vulnerable individuals, including those with serious psychiatric disorders. It was found that an appreciable proportion of cannabis users report short-lived adverse effects, including psychotic states following heavy consumption, and regular users are at risk of dependence. People with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are especially vulnerable in that cannabis generally provokes relapse and aggravates existing symptoms. Health workers need to recognise, and respond to, the adverse effects of cannabis on mental health.
Psychosocial characteristics and needs of mothers with psychotic disorders
- Authors:
- HOWARD Louise M., KUMAR Howard R., THORNICROFT Graham
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, May 2001, pp.427-432.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
It is not known whether mothers with psychotic disorders are clinically and socially distinct from women with psychoses who have not had children. Article aims to determine the proportion of mothers in an epidemiologically representative population of women with psychotic disorders, to examine the factors associated with having children, and to examine the factors associated with having children 'looked after' by social services. Sixty-three per cent of women with psychotic disorders in the study were mothers. There were no clinical differences between women with or without children, but mothers were more likely to be older and live in unsupported accommodation. Having had a 'looked after' child was associated with Mental Health Act detention, younger age, a forensic history and being Black African. Concludes that many women with psychoses are mothers. Mothers with psychoses are as disabled and have as many needs as women with psychoses without children.
Understanding the excess of psychosis among the African-Caribbean population in England: review of current hypotheses
- Authors:
- SHARPLEY Mandy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 178(Supplement 40), April 2001, pp.60-68.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Increased rates of schizophrenia continue to be reported among the African-Caribbean population in England. This article aims to evaluate the competing biological, psychological and social explanations that have been proposed. A literature review, reveals that African-Caribbean population in England is at increased risk of both schizophrenia and mania; the higher rates remain when operational diagnostic criteria are used. The excess of the two psychotic disorders are probably linked: African-Caribbean patients with schizophrenia show more affective symptoms, and more relapsing course with greater social disruption but fewer chronic negative symptoms, than White patients. No simple hypothesis explains these findings. Concludes that more complex hypotheses are needed. One such links cultural variation in symptom reporting, the use of phenomenological constructs by psychiatrists and social disadvantage.
Dual diagnosis of mental disorder and substance misuse
- Author:
- MCMURRAN Mary
- Publisher:
- NHS National Programme on Forensic Mental Health Research and Development
- Publication year:
- 2001
- Pagination:
- 32p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Liverpool
Substance misuse that is comorbid with mental disorder may increase the risk of crime, and militate against effective treatment. It is therefore important that forensic mental health professionals understand the assessment and treatment of both substance misuse and mental disorder. Since mentally disordered offenders may be detained under classifications of personality (psychopathic) disorder, mental illness, and learning disability (mental impairment / severe mental impairment), all three disorders are addressed, and this paper is structured accordingly. Substance misuse includes intoxication, problematic use, and dependence, all of which are relevant to criminal behaviour, and the focus is on crimes related to the ingestion of substances.
Association between schizophrenia and social inequality at birth: case-control study
- Authors:
- HARRISON Glynn, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 179, October 2001, pp.346-350.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The association between social inequality at birth and subsequent risk of schizophrenia is uncertain. This article investigates the relationship between adult-onset schizophrenia and two indicators of social inequality at birth: social class and area of residence. A matched case-control design was used with data from birth certificates of first-episode cases and age- and gender-matched controls. Concludes that indicators of social inequality at birth are associated with increased risk of adult-onset schizophrenia, suggesting that environmental factors are important determinants of schizophrenic disorders.
Service innovations: early intervention in psychosis as a core task for general psychiatry
- Author:
- WHITWELL David
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 25(4), April 2001, pp.146-148.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Describes how a generic community mental health team (CMHT) introduced strategies for early intervention with no extra funding. A style of intervention was developed to engage and maintain contact with people with recent onset psychosis. Looks at the model as a possible alternative to setting up specialised teams.