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Health Disorders (health + disorders)
Kinds of Health Disorders Selected AbstractsRecent Research on Impulsivity in Individuals With Drug Use and Mental Health Disorders: Implications for AlcoholismALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2010Robert D. Rogers Alcohol misuse and dependence, and many of its accompanying psychological problems, are associated with heightened levels of impulsivity that both accelerate the development of clinically significant illness and complicate clinical outcome. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of impulsivity as they relate to brain circuitry that might underlie these comorbid factors, focusing upon the clinical features of substance use (and dependence), bipolar disorder, and pathological gambling. Individuals who are affected by these disorders exhibit problems in several domains of impulsive behavior including deficient response or "motor" control, and the tolerance of prolonged delays prior to larger rewards at the expense of smaller rewards ("delay-discounting"). These populations, like alcoholic dependents, also exhibit impairments in risky decision-making that may reflect dysfunction of monoamine and catecholamine pathways. However, several areas of uncertainty exist including the specificity of impairments across disorders and the relationship between impulse control problems and altered evaluation of reward outcomes underlying observed impairments in action selection. [source] Treating and preventing adolescent mental health disorders.ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2006What we know, what we don't know No abstract is available for this article. [source] The development of a research agenda for substance use disorders diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V)ADDICTION, Issue 2006John B. Saunders ABSTRACT Aims This paper describes the background to the establishment of the Substance Use Disorders Workgroup, which was charged with developing the research agenda for the development of the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It summarizes 18 articles that were commissioned to inform that process. Methods A preliminary list of research topics, developed at the DSM-V Launch Conference in 2004, led to the identification of subjects that were subject to formal presentations and detailed discussion at the Substance Use Disorders Conference in February 2005. Results The 18 articles presented in this supplement examine: (1) categorical versus dimensional diagnoses; (2) the neurobiological basis of substance use disorders; (3) social and cultural perspectives; (4) the crosswalk between DSM-IV and the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10); (5) comorbidity of substance use disorders and mental health disorders; (6) subtypes of disorders; (7) issues in adolescence; (8) substance-specific criteria; (9) the place of non-substance addictive disorders; and (10) the available research resources. Conclusions In the final paper a broadly based research agenda for the development of diagnostic concepts and criteria for substance use disorders is presented. [source] Psychiatric Comorbidity in Epilepsy: A Population-Based AnalysisEPILEPSIA, Issue 12 2007Jose F. Tellez-Zenteno Summary Purpose: The estimated prevalence of mental health disorders in those with epilepsy in the general population varies owing to differences in study methods and heterogeneity of epilepsy syndromes. We assessed the population-based prevalence of various psychiatric conditions associated with epilepsy using a large Canadian national population health survey. Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.2) was used to explore numerous aspects of mental health in persons with epilepsy in the community compared with those without epilepsy. The CCHS includes administration of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview to a sample of 36,984 subjects. Age-specific prevalence of mental health conditions in epilepsy was assessed using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of epilepsy was 0.6%. Individuals with epilepsy were more likely than individuals without epilepsy to report lifetime anxiety disorders or suicidal thoughts with odds ratio of 2.4 (95% CI = 1.5,3.8) and 2.2 (1.4,3.3), respectively. In the crude analysis, the odds of lifetime major depression or panic disorder/agoraphobia were not greater in those with epilepsy than those without epilepsy, but the association with lifetime major depression became significant after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions: In the community, epilepsy is associated with an increased prevalence of mental health disorders compared with the general population. Epilepsy is also associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation. Understanding the psychiatric correlates of epilepsy is important to adequately manage this patient population. [source] Requirement of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in cortical pyramidal neurons for appropriate development of corticothalamic and thalamocortical projectionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Chia-Shan Wu Abstract A role for endocannabinoid signaling in neuronal morphogenesis as the brain develops has recently been suggested. Here we used the developing somatosensory circuit as a model system to examine the role of endocannabinoid signaling in neural circuit formation. We first show that a deficiency in cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), but not G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), leads to aberrant fasciculation and pathfinding in both corticothalamic and thalamocortical axons despite normal target recognition. Next, we localized CB1R expression to developing corticothalamic projections and found little if any expression in thalamocortical axons, using a newly established reporter mouse expressing GFP in thalamocortical projections. A similar thalamocortical projection phenotype was observed following removal of CB1R from cortical principal neurons, clearly demonstrating that CB1R in corticothalamic axons was required to instruct their complimentary connections, thalamocortical axons. When reciprocal thalamic and cortical connections meet, CB1R-containing corticothalamic axons are intimately associated with elongating thalamocortical projections containing DGL,, a 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) synthesizing enzyme. Thus, 2-AG produced in thalamocortical axons and acting at CB1Rs on corticothalamic axons is likely to modulate axonal patterning. The presence of monoglyceride lipase, a 2-AG degrading enzyme, in both thalamocortical and corticothalamic tracts probably serves to restrict 2-AG availability. In summary, our study provides strong evidence that endocannabinoids are a modulator for the proposed ,handshake' interactions between corticothalamic and thalamocortical axons, especially for fasciculation. These findings are important in understanding the long-term consequences of alterations in CB1R activity during development, a potential etiology for the mental health disorders linked to prenatal cannabis use. [source] Toward a Biopsychosocial Model for 21st -Century GeneticsFAMILY PROCESS, Issue 1 2005John S. Rolland M.D. Advances in genomic research are increasingly identifying genetic components in major health and mental health disorders. This article presents a Family System Genetic Illness model to address the psychosocial challenges of genomic conditions for patients and their families, and to help organize this complex biopsychosocial landscape for clinical practice and research. This model clusters genomic disorders based on key characteristics that define types of disorders with similar patterns of psychosocial demands over time. Key disease variables include the likelihood of developing a disorder based on specific genetic mutations, overall clinical severity, timing of clinical onset in the life cycle, and whether effective treatment interventions exist to alter disease onset and/or progression. For disorders in which carrier, predictive, or presymptomatic testing is available, core nonsymptomatic time phases with salient developmental challenges are described pre- and post-testing, including a long-term adaptation phase. The FSGI model builds on Rolland's Family System Illness model, which identifies psychosocial types and phases of chronic disorders after clinical onset. The FSGI model is designed to be flexible and responsive to future discoveries in genomic research. Its utility is discussed for research, preventive screening, family assessment, treatment planning, and service delivery in a wide range of healthcare settings. [source] Mental health in infants with esophageal atresia,INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Anne Faugli Chronic somatic illness in infancy may challenge the development of mental health and impinge the infant's capability to form close interpersonal relationships. Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital anomaly requiring neonatal surgery, medical aftertreatment, and extended hospitalization. The aim of the study was to assess mental health and to find prognostic factors for mental health among infants with EA. Thirty-nine infants treated consecutively during 2000 to 2003 and their mothers were included. Infant mental health was assessed by Diagnostic Classification: 0,3 (Zero to Three, 1994). Medical and environmental data were collected from medical records and semistructured interview with the mothers. Child development was assessed with the Bayley scales, second edition (N. Bayley, 1993). Maternal psychological distress, anxiety, and child temperament were assessed by self-report questionnaires: the General Health Questionnaire, 30-item version (D. Goldberg & P. Williams, 1988); the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (C.D. Spielberger, R. Gorsuch, & R. Lushene, 1970); and the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (M.K. Rothbart, 1981). Thirty-one percent of the infants with EA showed mental health disorders by 1 year of age. Prognostic factors predicting mental health were posttraumatic symptoms reported by mother, more than one operation, mechanical ventilation beyond 1 day, and moderate/severe chronic family strain. Relational trauma, vulnerable attachment, and impaired self-development are highlighted as possible pathways for psychopathology. Children with EA are vulnerable to mental health disorders, and this study may help clinicians to identify children at risk. [source] Does Hormone-Replacement Therapy Prevent Fractures in Early Postmenopausal Women?,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002Kaisa M. Randell M.D. Abstract The purpose of this population-based prospective cohort study was to examine the effect of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) on the risk of fractures. The study population consisted of 7217 postmenopausal women aged 47-56 years (mean, 53.3 years) at baseline from data taken from the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study (OSTPRE) in Finland. We compared fracture incidences between HRT users and nonusers. A total of 679 (9.4%) women recorded validated fractures during the 5-year follow-up. Of these, 268 (39%) women had a distal forearm fracture. Two thousand six hundred seventy women (37%) had used HRT >6 months during the follow-up,one-half of them continuously. The relative risk, estimated as hazard ratio with Cox regression, was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.58-0.82) for any fracture and 0.49 (0.36-0.66) for distal forearm fracture among HRT users as compared with never-users. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), number of chronic health disorders, fracture history, and time since menopause (independent risk factors) the corresponding risks were 0.67 (0.55-0.81) and 0.53 (0.37-0.74), respectively. The respective adjusted risks for continuous HRT users were 0.62 (0.48-0.79) and 0.41 (0.26-0.67). The adjusted risk of other than distal forearm fracture was 0.74 (0.55-0.98). The results suggest that HRT has a beneficial effect on prevention of fractures in general and on that of distal forearm fracture in particular in early postmenopausal women. [source] Application of a virtual reality prototype for pain relief of pediatric burn in TaiwanJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2007Engle Angela Chan PhD Aim., This study examines the usability and effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing pain in wound-care procedures for pediatric burn patients in Taiwan. Background., Virtual reality has continuously gained prominence in the medical arena, for instance, the telepresence for surgery, the management of mental health disorders and pain control of the paediatric burn. Notwithstanding an increased application of virtual reality in the medical arena in North America, there have been no studies investigating its use for paediatric burn patients in Asia. Methods., This descriptive study has two phases: Phase I: the development of a virtual reality prototype. Phase II: the implementation of the prototype to discern its usability and efficacy with paediatric burn patients at a local hospital. Results., The findings suggest that a significant difference is found in the children's reported pain, with or without the virtual reality intervention, over the three phases: before, during and after the dressing change. However, less pain was noted in the intervention group during and after the dressing change. Conclusion., Adding to the existing clinical value of virtual reality identifies the nature of and different children's responses to pain with the use of virtual reality. Relevance to clinical practice., This study is significant since it demonstrates a difference in the child's response to pain based on the nature of presence and distraction. Moreover, given the evidence that a decrease in anxiety was experienced after the dressing change with virtual reality intervention, timing of using the virtual reality intervention before the child develops conditioning anxiety and anticipated pain for the procedure would be of importance. [source] Systemic disorders in patients with periodontal diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Maria Lagervall Abstract Background, aims: Over the past 10 years several studies have been published pointing towards a relationship between periodontal disease and various systemic disorders or diseases. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the occurrence of self-reported systemic disorders in patients referred to a specialist clinic for periodontal treatment and to explore possible relationships between general health and periodontal disease severity in this population. Material and Methods: Data were collected from the dental records and the health questionnaires of 1006 subjects. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were adopted to calculate correlations between systemic disorders as independent variables and number of remaining teeth and the relative frequency of periodontal pockets of 5 mm or more, respectively, as the dependent variable. Results: The number of remaining teeth was significantly and positively correlated to the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid disease after adjustment for age, sex and smoking. The relative frequency of diseased sites, however, was not significantly correlated to any one of the investigated systemic health disorders. Conclusion: No significant associations between investigated systemic disorders and periodontal disease severity were found if the relative frequency of deep periodontal pockets was used as the clinical parameter for periodontal disease severity. However, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid disease were found to be significantly correlated to number of lost teeth, which may represent one aspect of periodontal health. This result held true in nonsmokers only. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Während der letzten 10 Jahre wurden zahlreiche Studien publiziert, die auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen Parodontitis und verschiedenen systemischen Störungen und Erkrankungen hinweisen. Zielsetzung: Feststellung der Häufigkeit von selbst angegebenen systemischen Erkrankungen bei Patienten, die an eine parodontologische Spezialklinik zur Parodontitistherapie überwiesen worden waren, in einer retrospektiven Studie und Untersuchung möglicher Zusammenhänge zwischen allgemeiner Gesundheit und dem Schweregrad parodontaler Erkrankungen in dieser Bevölkerungsgruppe. Material und Methoden: Die Daten wurden aus den Behandlungsakten und Gesundheitsfragebögen von 1006 Personen gewonnen. Eine schrittweise multiple lineare Regressionsanalyse wurde verwendet, um Korrelationen zwischen systemischen Erkrankungen als unabhängigen Variablen und der Zahl verbliebener Zähne bzw. der relativen Häufigkeit parodontaler Taschen 5 mm als abhängigen Variablen zu berechnen. Ergebnisse: Nach Korrektur für Alter, Geschlecht und Rauchen war die Zahl verbliebener Zähne signifikant positiv mit Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Diabetes und rheumatischen Erkrankungen korreliert. Die relative Häufigkeit erkrankter Stellen war allerdings mit keiner der untersuchten systemischen Erkrankungen korreliert. Schlussfolgerung: Wenn die relative Häufigkeit tiefer parodontaler Taschen als Maß für den Schweregrad parodontaler Erkrankung gewählt wurde, ließ sich keine Assoziation zwischen den untersuchten systemischen Erkrankungen und dem Parodontitisschweregrad zeigen. Allerdings waren Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Diabetes und rheumatischen Erkrankungen signifikant mit der Zahl verlorener Zähne korreliert, die einen Aspekt parodontaler Gesundheit repräsentieren. Dieses Ergebnis ergab sich aber nur für Nichtraucher. Résumé Références et buts: Au cours des 10 dernières années, plusieurs études ont été publiées pour souligner une relation entre la maladie parodontale et diverses désordres ou maladies systémiques. Cette étude rétrospective se propose de rechercher l'apparition de désordres systémiques racontés par des patients adressés à une clinique spécialisée pour traitement parodontal et d'explorer de possibles relations entre la santé générale et la sévérité de la maladie parodontale dans cette population. Matériel et Méthodes: Les données furent récoltées des dossiers dentaires et des interrogatoires médicaux de 1006 sujets. Une analyse de régression multiple linéaire échelonnée a été utilisée pour calculer les corrélations entre les désordres systémiques en tant que variables indépendantes et le nombre de dents restantes et la fréquence relative de poches parodontales d'au moins 5mm, respectivement, comme variable dépendante. Résultats: le nombre de dents restantes était significativement et positivement corréléà la présence de maladies cardiovasculaires, de diabète et de maladie rhumatoïde après ajustement pour l'âge, le sexe, et le tabagisme. La relative fréquence de sites malades, cependant, n'était corrélée à aucun des désordres systémiques étudiés. Conclusion: Aucune association significative entre les désordres systémiques étudiés et la sévérité de la maladie parodontale ne fut trouvée lorsque la fréquence relative de poches parodontales profondes était utilisée comme paramètre clinique pour définir la sévérité de la maladie parodontale. Cependant, une maladie cardio-vasculaire, le diabète, une maladie rhumatoïde sont corrélées significativement au nombre de dents perdues qui peut être représentatif d'un aspect de santé parodontale. Ces résultats n'étaient valables que chez les non fumeurs. [source] The multidisciplinary approach to mental health crisis management: an Australian exampleJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2004S. WEBSTER rm rpn rgn, cert. public health dip health, master of community health , science (education) Changes within the Australian health care system have led many people with mental health disorders to use emergency departments as the point of access to mental health services. Staff in emergency departments are not necessarily equipped to assess the needs of such clients. This paper briefly describes the development of a multidisciplinary mental health liaison team, within the emergency department of one hospital in Sydney, which was designed to assist both staff and clients. Available evidence suggests the implementation of the team has been a success, however, more research is required to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. Questions are raised about appropriate referral and follow-up for some clients. The study also found deficiencies in the method of routine data collection (Emergency Department Identification System), which makes formal auditing of the team and the services it provides a difficult task. [source] Improving the Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, and Physical Health of Hispanic Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot StudyJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 12 2009Bernadette M. Melnyk PhD, CPNP/NPP, FAAN ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Obesity and mental health disorders are 2 major public health problems in American adolescents, with prevalence even higher in Hispanic teens. Despite the rapidly increasing incidence and adverse health outcomes associated with overweight and mental health problems, very few intervention studies have been conducted with adolescents to improve both their healthy lifestyles and mental health outcomes. Even fewer studies have been conducted with Hispanic youth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN (Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, and Nutrition) program, a manualized educational and cognitive behavioral skills-building program, on Hispanic adolescents' healthy lifestyle choices as well as mental and physical health outcomes. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 19 Hispanic adolescents enrolled in 2 health classes in a southwestern high school. One class received COPE and the other received an attention control program. RESULTS: Adolescents in the COPE program increased their healthy lifestyle choices and reported a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms from baseline to postintervention follow-up. A subset of 7 overweight adolescents in the COPE program had a decrease in triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoproteins. In addition, these overweight adolescents reported increases in healthy lifestyle beliefs and nutrition knowledge along with a decrease in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The COPE TEEN program is a promising school-based strategy for improving both physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents. [source] Primary care health issues among men who have sex with menJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 4 2006Royal Gee MSN Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the article is to examine "appropriate" health care for men who have sex with men (MSM), which is not to suggest "special" health care. As a group, MSM are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, anal cancer, and mental health disorders. Focus areas in this article will address health issues that the primary care nurse practitioner (NP) may encounter in clinical practice: anal carcinoma, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), high-risk sexual practices, depression, and substance abuse were topics chosen for inclusion in this article. These topics were among those highlighted in the Healthy People 2010 Companion Document for LGBT Health, which served to examine the healthcare disparities and lack of access to needed services related to sexual orientation. Data source: Extensive literature review of research articles, journals, clinical practice guidelines, books, and public health department Internet Web sites. Conclusions: There are unique health disparities that exist for MSM related to social, emotional, and mental health factors, in addition to physical issues such as STDs. There is an increasing need for primary care providers to be aware of these disparities, as well as the factors that influence these disparities, in order to provide multidimensional care and health counseling that is unique to NP practice. Implications for practice: Both the primary care NP and the patient should be aware of the unique healthcare issues among MSM that should be incorporated into the patient's routine health maintenance program. As primary care providers, it is within the standards of practice for NPs to provide culturally competent care, along with health promotion and disease prevention for MSM. [source] Screening the Mental Health Needs of Youths in Juvenile DetentionJUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JOURNAL, Issue 2 2002PHILIP D. NORDNESS ABSTRACT There is an increasing number of juveniles coming into the justice system with a variety of mental health and substance abuse concerns. While the actual number of youths with mental health disorders in the juvenile justice system has been difficult to determine, it is estimated to be substantially higher than it is for youths in the general population. In addition, researchers have estimated that a high number of these juveniles experience co-morbid mental health disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the number of youths who present symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake into a juvenile detention center in the Midwest. Two hundred-four youths were assessed with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2; Grisso & Barnum, 2000), a mental health screening instrument. At least 68% of the youths identified symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake. Given the significant number of youths who identified symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake into detention, the need to provide mental health services for juvenile detainees should not be ignored. [source] Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy and its usesPROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2010Eva Kaltenthaler BSc The use of computer software programmes to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy to people with mental health disorders is becoming increasingly popular. Here the authors describe what conditions computerised cognitive behavioural therapy may be useful for, discuss its advantages and disadvantages and outline the current NICE guidance on its use. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Adolescent attitudes toward psychiatric medication: the utility of the Drug Attitude InventoryTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 12 2009Lisa Townsend Background:, Despite the effectiveness of psychotropic treatment for alleviating symptoms of psychiatric disorders, youth adherence to psychotropic medication regimens is low. Adolescent adherence rates range from 10,80% (Swanson, 2003; Cromer & Tarnowski, 1989; Lloyd et al., 1998; Brown, Borden, and Clingerman, 1985; Sleator, 1985) depending on the population and medication studied. Youth with serious mental illness face increased potential for substance abuse, legal problems, suicide attempts, and completed suicide (Birmaher & Axelson, 2006). Nonadherence may increase the potential for negative outcomes. The Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI) was created to measure attitudes toward neuroleptics and to predict adherence in adults (Hogan, Awad, & Eastwood, 1983). No studies have been identified that have used this instrument in adolescent psychiatric populations. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of the DAI for measuring medication attitudes and predicting adherence in adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders. Method:, Structural equation modeling was used to compare the factor structure of the DAI in adults with its factor structure in adolescents. The relationship between adolescent DAI scores and adherence was examined also. Results:, The adult factor structure demonstrated only "fair" fit to the adolescent data (RMSEA = .061). Results indicated a low, but significant positive correlation (r = .205, p < .05) between DAI scores and adherence. Conclusions:, Lack of optimal model fit suggests that DAI items may require alteration to reflect adolescent experiences with psychiatric medication more accurately. Differences between adolescents and adults in developmental stage, symptom chronicity, diagnosis, and medication class may explain why the adult model demonstrated only "fair fit" to the adolescent data and why the correlation between DAI scores and adherence was low. The DAI may be improved for use with adolescents by creating items reflecting autonomy concerns, diagnostic characteristics, treatment length, and side effect profiles relevant to adolescent experiences. [source] Rates and types of psychiatric disorders in perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-infected youth and serorevertersTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 9 2009Claude Ann Mellins Background:, The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders in perinatally HIV-infected (HIV+) adolescents and 2) the association between HIV infection and these mental health outcomes by comparing HIV+ youths to HIV exposed but uninfected youths (HIV-) from similar communities. Methods:, Data for this paper come from the baseline interview of a longitudinal study of mental health outcomes in 9-16 year old perinatally HIV-exposed youths (61% HIV+) and their caregivers. Three hundred forty youths and their primary adult caregivers were recruited from four medical centers and participated in separate individual interviews. Youth psychiatric disorder was assessed using the caregiver and youth versions of The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV). Results:, According to caregiver or youth report, a high percentage of HIV+ and HIV- youths met criteria for a non-substance use psychiatric disorder, with significantly higher rates among the HIV+ youths (61% vs. 49%, OR = 1.59; CI = 1.03,2.47; p < .05). The most prevalent diagnoses in both groups were anxiety disorders (46% for total sample) which included social phobia, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. One quarter of the sample met criteria for a behavioral disorder (ADHD, conduct disorders, and oppositional defiant disorders), with ADHD being most prevalent. HIV+ youths had significantly higher rates of ADHD (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.20, 4.99, p < .05). Only 7% of youths met criteria for a mood disorder and 4% for a substance abuse disorder. Several caregiver variables (caregiver type and HIV status) were also associated with both child HIV status and mental health outcomes. Conclusions:, Our data suggest that HIV+ youths are at high risk for mental health disorders. Further longitudinal research is necessary to understand the etiology, as well as potential protective factors, in order to inform efficacy-based interventions. [source] Inpatient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry , a prospective study of health gain and costsTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 12 2007Jonathan Green Background:, Inpatient treatment is a complex intervention for the most serious mental health disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. This is the first large-scale study into its effectiveness and costs. Previous studies have been criticised for methodological weaknesses. Methods:, A prospective cohort study, including economic evaluation, conducted in 8 UK units (total n = 150) with one year follow-up after discharge. Patients acted as their own controls. Outcome measurement was the clinician-rated Childhood Global Assessment Scale (CGAS); researcher-rated health needs assessment; parent- and teacher-rated symptomatology. Results:, We found a significant (p < .001) and clinically meaningful 12-point improvement in CGAS following mean 16.6 week admission (effect size .92); this improvement was sustained at 1 year follow-up. Comparatively, during the mean 16.4 week pre-admission period there was a 3.7-point improvement (effect size .27). Health needs assessment showed similar gain (p < .001, effect size 1.25), as did teacher- and parent-rated symptoms. Improvement was found across all diagnoses. Longer stays, positive therapeutic alliance and better premorbid family functioning independently predicted better outcome. Mean cost of admission was £24,100; pre-admission and post-discharge support costs were similar. Conclusions:, Inpatient treatment is associated with substantive sustained health gain across a range of diagnoses. Lack of intensive outpatient-treatment alternatives limits any unqualified inference about causal effects, but the rigour of measurement here gives the strongest indication to date of the positive impact of admission for complex mental health problems in young people. [source] Current practices in depression careTHE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue S1 2007Albert Yeung MD Abstract Despite improved awareness among the medical community concerning common mental health disorders, the high prevalence of depression in the United States remains unchanged1 and has been compounded by increasing evidence of gaps in mental health care for ethnic and racial minorities.1,2 Thus, there is a strong need for the timely creation of comprehensive educational initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care provided by mental health professionals and primary care physicians. Fundamental to this process is the examination of current treatment standards, as well as identification of practices that require improved physician education. Consistent use of appropriate screening tools, diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, continual assessment of illness severity, adherence to practice guidelines, and individualized patient care need heightened attention to improve outcomes. This article describes the most prevalent types of depression and summarizes current practices in depression care, with an emphasis on treatment standards and opportunities for improved performance. [source] Co-morbid drug and alcohol and mental health issues in a rural New South Wales Area Health ServiceAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2006Bryan Hoolahan Abstract Objective:,In 2003 the New South Wales (NSW) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) conducted an analysis of co-morbid drug and alcohol (D&A) and mental health issues for service providers and consumers in a rural NSW Area Health Service. This paper will discuss concerns raised by rural service providers and consumers regarding the care of people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Design:,Current literature on co-morbidity was reviewed, and local area clinical data were examined to estimate the prevalence of D&A disorders within the mental health service. Focus groups were held with service providers and consumer support groups regarding strengths and gaps in service provision. Setting:,A rural Area Health Service in NSW. Participants:,Rural health and welfare service providers, consumers with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Results:,Data for the rural area showed that 43% of inpatient and 20% of ambulatory mental health admissions had problem drinking or drug-taking. Information gathered from the focus groups indicated a reasonable level of awareness of co-morbidity, and change underway to better meet client needs; however, the results indicated a lack of formalised care coordination, unclear treatment pathways, and a lack of specialist care and resources. Discussion:,Significant gaps in the provision of appropriate care for people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders were identified. Allocation of service responsibly for these clients was unclear. It is recommended that D&A, mental health and primary care services collaborate to address the needs of clients so that a coordinated and systematic approach to co-morbid care can be provided. [source] Medical and psychiatric problems among men and women in a community corrections residential settingBEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 5 2009Tracy D. Gunter M.D. Though the medical and mental health morbidity of incarcerated offenders has been discussed in a number of recent reports, very few data have been published concerning medical and mental health problems facing those on community corrections supervision. In this study of community corrections offenders utilizing residential facilities, we found that frequencies of substance use disorders, other mental health disorders, and medical problems exceeded frequencies found in the community and, in some cases, were higher than frequencies found in incarcerated individuals. Of particular concern were the high frequencies of substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, anxiety states, suicidal ideation, and prior self-harm. While the level of self-reported medical and mental health service utilization was higher than expected, it appeared low relative to the disease burden reported by this special population. We conclude that concurrent evaluation and treatment of medical and psychiatric problems during the process of community supervision is indicated in this population. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of creatine kinase activity influenced by methylglyoxalBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2009Xiaofang Peng Abstract Protein glycation has been implicated in the development of diabetic complications and other health disorders, which mainly arise from accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in vivo. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a typical reactive intermediate carbonyl formed in early glycation process, can react non-enzymatically with N -terminal amino groups on proteins, leading to their inactivation and generation of detrimental AGEs. Recently, it was reported that activity of creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) could be reduced or even eliminated completely after incubation with MGO in vitro. CK activity is usually determined by conventional colorimetric assays. However, these methods are not appropriate for monitoring the influence of MGO on CK activity since MGO can also directly react with creatine, a substrate of CK. In this study, an efficient and much more accurate HPLC approach was established to investigate the effect of MGO on CK activity. Aminoguanidine was utilized to eliminate interference from the undesirable reaction between residual MGO and creatine. It was found that higher concentrations of MGO and longer incubation time for CK and MGO caused more pronounced reduction in CK activity. This HPLC method greatly facilitates acquisition of kinetic data about CK reaction and through further improvement it may be adopted to rapidly screen potential inhibitors of MGO-induced glycation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Emotional well-being and mental health of looked after children in EnglandCHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 2 2009Colette McAuley ABSTRACT The national prevalence studies of the mental health of looked after children in Great Britain provide sobering reading. Forty-five per cent of looked after children in England were found to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. In contrast, this is to one in 10 in the general population. Carers estimated that mental health problems were even more widespread. Children with mental health disorders were also more likely to have education, health and social issues. This paper discusses the findings and argues for early intervention along with inter-departmental and interdisciplinary approaches. The recent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Review clearly indicates that issues of access to appropriate and timely Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services remain. However, the introduction of evidence-based approaches is encouraging. Young people's views on the services they want and on what is important for emotional well-being and mental health are important considerations. [source] ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF CALCIUM TRANSPORT IN EPITHELIACLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Ramesh C Khanal SUMMARY 1Calcium (re)absorption occurs in epithelia, including the intestine, kidney, mammary glands, placenta and gills (in the case of fish). 2Calcium is transported across epithelia by two transport mechanisms, paracellular and transcellular, and the movement is regulated by a complex array of transport processes that are mediated by hormonal, developmental and physiological factors involving the gastrointestinal tract, bone, kidney and the parathyroids. 3Clear understanding of the calcium transport pathways and their endocrine regulation is critical for minimizing various metabolic and health disorders at different physiological stages. Here, we first briefly review the calcium transport mechanisms before discussing in detail the endocrine factors that regulate calcium transport in the epithelia. [source] Can hormones contained in mothers' milk account for the beneficial effect of breast-feeding on obesity in children?CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Francesco Savino Summary Nutrition and growth during infancy are an emerging issue because of their potential link to metabolic health disorders in later life. Moreover, prolonged breast-feeding appears to be associated with a lower risk of obesity than formula feeding. Human milk is a source of various hormones and growth factors, namely adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), ghrelin, resistin and obestatin, which are involved in food intake regulation and energy balance. These compounds are either not found in commercial milk formulas or their presence is still controversial. Diet-related differences during infancy in serum levels of factors involved in energy metabolism might explain anthropometric differences and also differences in dietary habits between breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants later in life, and may thus have long-term health consequences. In this context, the recent finding of higher leptin levels and lower ghrelin levels in BF than in FF infants suggests that differences in hormonal values together with different protein intake could account for the differences in growth between BF and FF infants both during infancy and later in life. In this review, we examine the data related to hormones contained in mothers' milk and their potential protective effect on subsequent obesity and metabolic-related disorders. [source] |