Social Skills & Schizophrenia – A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Research on Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia.

A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Research on Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia, Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. 76(3):491-504, June 2008
Abstract:   A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials of social skills training for schizophrenia was conducted. Outcome measures from 22 studies including 1,521 clients were categorized according to a proximal-distal continuum in relation to the presumed site [...]

Suicide – Feeling our way in the dark: The psychiatric nursing care of suicidal people—A literature review

Feeling our way in the dark: The psychiatric nursing care of suicidal people—A literature review, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Volume 45, Issue 6, June 2008, Pages 942-953
Abstract:
Psychiatric/Mental Health nurses have a long history of being front-line carers of suicidal people, and yet the international epidemiological literature, methodological problems notwithstanding, suggests that contemporary care [...]

Forensic – Assessment of risk and special observations in mental health practice: A comparison of forensic and non-forensic settings

Assessment of risk and special observations in mental health practice: A comparison of forensic and non-forensic settings,  International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Volume 15, Issue 4, Date: December 2006, Pages: 235-241
Elizabeth Whitehead and Tom Mason,  School of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Chester, UK
Abstract:  The use of special observations in psychiatric practice may be employed as an [...]

Mindfulness – Using mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions in psychiatric nursing practice-part I: Description and empirical support for mindfulness-based interventions

Using mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions in psychiatric nursing practice-part I: Description and empirical support for mindfulness-based interventions , Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Volume 18, Issue 5, October 2004, Pages 164-169
Abstract:
Finding effective nursing interventions for the treatment of mental illness is a major concern for advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPN). Increasingly, innovative psychotherapeutic treatment modalities are [...]

Mindfulness – Using mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions in psychiatric nursing practice-part II: Mindfulness-based approaches for all phases of psychotherapy-clinical case study

Using mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions in psychiatric nursing practice-part II: Mindfulness-based approaches for all phases of psychotherapy-clinical case study, Archives of Psychiatric NursingVolume 18, Issue 5,  October 2004, Pages 170-177
Abstract:
In Part I of this two-part article, the authors described principle concepts of mindfulness, reviewed current research in the usefulness of mindfulness practice for treatment of [...]

Alzheimer’s Latest News – New drug may halt Alzheimer’s progress

New drug may halt Alzheimer’s progress. 29th July 2008 from the Alzheimer’s Research Trust
British scientists have discovered a treatment that appears to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease by 81%.

Professor Claude Wischik and colleagues from the University of Aberdeen and TauRx Therapeutics, where he is Chairman, used the drug rember (methylthionium chloride) to act on the [...]

Patient Information – Self-Help Guides

    The new Lancashire Care Patient Information site is now under development. Information and resources will be continually added over the next few weeks …..  If you need to give out information to Patients and are looking for accredited, up-to-date information look no further than the new site.
On site now is:
Self-Help Guides – Click on the [...]

Occupational Therapy – Factors that impede the discharge of long-term schizophrenic inpatients

Factors that impede the discharge of long-term schizophrenic inpatients, Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2008, Online early article
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to explore factors that impede the discharge of long-term schizophrenic inpatients, and it was focused on the patients’ subjective views. Semi-structured interviews based on the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA) of 73 [...]

Psychological Therapies – While we are waiting: Experiences of waiting for and receiving psychological therapies on the NHS

While we are waiting: Experiences of waiting for and receiving psychological therapies on the NHS, 25th July 2008, We Need to Talk Coalition
Click on the report title for Full-text Access
Abstract:A group of leading mental health charities has published a report which says that the lives of those stuck on long NHS waiting lists for psychological [...]

Empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of telepsychiatry via videoconferencing: Implications for forensic and correctional psychiatry

Empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of telepsychiatry via videoconferencing: Implications for forensic and correctional psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences & the Law, Volume 26 Issue 3, Pages 253 - 269
Abstract:  A growing body of literature now suggests that use of telepsychiatry to provide mental health services has the potential to solve the workforce shortage problem that directly affects access [...]

A critical review of explanatory models for self-mutilating behaviors in adolescents

A critical review of explanatory models for self-mutilating behaviors in adolescents, Clinical Psychology ReviewVolume 28, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 162-178
Click on the Article title for free full-text access 
Abstract:
The present paper presents critical reviews of studies that have explored models of adolescent self-mutilation. Current definitional problems were addressed, as well as a proposal for [...]

The NHS forensic mental health R&D programme: Developing new talent or maintaining a stage army?

The NHS forensic mental health R&D programme: Developing new talent or maintaining a stage army? , Personality and Mental Health, Volume 2 Issue 3,  Pages 183 - 191

Abstract:
This paper considers the successful recipients of the 79 project awards made during the 12-year life (1996-2007) of the NHS Forensic Mental Health (FMH) R&D programme. The focus is on whether the [...]

Suicide & Prisons – Changes in male suicides in Scottish prisons: 10-year study

Changes in male suicides in Scottish prisons: 10-year study, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Jun 2008; 192: 446 – 449.

Abstract:
Background In 1999 I estimated the expected number of UK prison suicides, taking into account that opioid users’ deaths from suicide were 10 times the number expected for their age and gender. Changes have since [...]

CBT & Psychosis – Cognitive–behavioural therapy and family intervention for relapse prevention and symptom reduction in psychosis: randomised controlled trial

Cognitive–behavioural therapy and family intervention for relapse prevention and symptom reduction in psychosis: randomised controlled trial, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Jun 2008; 192: 412 – 423.
Abstract:
Background
Family intervention reduces relapse rates in psychosis. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) improves positive symptoms but effects on relapse rates are not established.
Aims
To test the effectiveness of [...]

Self-Injury – Harm minimisation after repeated self-harm: development of a trust handbook

Harm minimisation after repeated self-harm: development of a trust handbook, Psychiatric Bulletin,  Feb 2008; 32: 60 – 63.
Abstract:
Repeated self-harm without suicidal intent occurs in approximately 2% of adults (Meltzer et al, 2002). Service users report that professionals can respond to self-harm with unhelpful attitudes and ineffective care. Although evidence for effective treatments is poor [...]

Ethnic variations in the experiences of mental health service users in England: Results of a national patient survey programme

Ethnic variations in the experiences of mental health service users in England: Results of a national patient survey programme, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Oct 2007; 191: 304 – 312.
Abstract:  Background Minority ethnic groups in the UK are reported to have a poor experience of mental health services, but comparative information is scarce. Aims [...]

Perceptions of disadvantage, ethnicity and psychosis

Perceptions of disadvantage, ethnicity and psychosis, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Mar 2008; 192: 185 – 190.
Abstract:
Background
People from Black ethnic groups (African–Caribbean and Black African) are more prone to develop psychosis in Western countries. This excess might be explained by perceptions of disadvantage.
Aims
To investigate whether the higher incidence of psychosis in Black [...]

Self-harm in first-episode psychosis

Self-harm in first-episode psychosis, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Mar 2008; 192: 178 – 184
Abstract: Little is known about self-harm occurring during the period of untreated first-episode psychosis.
Aims
To establish the prevalence, nature, motivation and risk factors for self-harm occurring during the untreated phase of first-episode psychosis.
Method
As part of the ÆSOP (Aetiology [...]

Eating Disorders & Maudsley – An examination of the impact of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” on the well being of carers

An examination of the impact of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” on the well being of carers, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Volume 43, (7) July, 2008
Abstract  
Carers of people with eating disorders experience high levels of distress due to the difficulties in their care giving role and their perceived lack [...]

New July Current Awareness in Mental Health Bulletin

   Volume 1 Issue 10 July 2008 Current Awareness in Mental Health Bulletin is now available at the following Link
The focus this week is Evidence-Based Practice.  The bulletin also includes a range of articles in relation to current mental health topics.
Remember any articles you require full-text from the current or archive issues please email:
susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Understanding the coexistence of alcohol misuse and depression

Understanding the coexistence of alcohol misuse and depression, British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 17, Iss. 11, 12 Jun 2008, pp 696 – 699
Abstract:  This article sets out to discuss some issues of this comorbid disorder. Initially the article defines both alcohol misuse and depression and provides indications of symptomatology, many of which overlap. The [...]

Special Issue: Treating Comorbid Personality Disorders

  Special Issue: Treating Comorbid Personality Disorders, Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 64 Issue 2 , Pages 127 – 230 February 2008
Click on the title above to access the abstracts, for the full-text please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Treating patients with two or more personality disorders: an introduction (p 127-138)
Treatment of an avoidant patient with comorbid psychopathology: a plan [...]

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Dementia: Two Case Studies

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Dementia: Two Case Studies, Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 14(3):186-192, May 2008.

Abstract:   Anxiety is common in dementia and is associated with decreased independence and increased risk of nursing home placement. However, little is known about the treatment of anxiety in dementia. This article reports results from two patients who [...]

Mental Health Nursing – The Medium, the Message, and Evidence-Based Practice

The Medium, the Message, and Evidence-Based Practice, Issues in Mental Health Nursing Volume 29 Issue 3 2008
Abstract: Marshal McLuhan, the media guru of the 1960s, famously observed “we shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us” (McLuhan, 1994, p. ix).Tools influence thewaywe think and behave, “we become what we behold” (McLuhan, 1994, p. [...]

Support, time and recovery (STR) workers: a competence framework: best practice guidance

Support, time and recovery (STR) workers: a competence framework: best practice guidance, 3rd July 2008, Department  of Health
Abstract:
This best practice guidance sets out the background, purpose, and development of the Competence Framework for Support, Time and Recovery (STR) workers employed across health and social care sectors of mental health. It supports the original STR guidance [...]

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic Insomnia,   American Journal of Psychiatry 2008 165:6, 678-686
Abstract: Insomnia is used to refer to both a symptom and a disorder.  The symptom of insomnia is defined as a subjective complaint of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or poor quality sleep.  In DSM-IV-TR, insomnia symptoms are included among the diagnostic criteria for several other mental disorders, [...]

Early Intervention & CBT – Early Intervention for Adults at High Risk of Recurrent/Chronic Depression: Cognitive Model and Clinical Case Series

Early Intervention for Adults at High Risk of Recurrent/Chronic Depression: Cognitive Model and Clinical Case Series, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy 2008, 36: 263-282
Abstract: This paper describes a cognitive model for first/second onset depression that has been precipitated by major life stress, entrenched for several months and is unresponsive to pharmacotherapy. These conditions create high risks [...]

Anger & CBT – The Development of CBT Programmes for Anger: The Role of Interventions to Promote Perspective-Taking Skills

The Development of CBT Programmes for Anger: The Role of Interventions to Promote Perspective-Taking Skills, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (2008), 36:299-312
Abstract:Although the emotion of anger has, in recent years, been the subject of increasing theoretical analysis, there are relatively few accounts of how interventions designed to reduce problematic anger might be related to cognitively [...]

Yoga – Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults

Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults, Journal of Advanced NursingVolume 57, Issue 4, Date: February 2007, Pages: 432-441
Abstract:  The study was conducted in 2005 and it had two phases. Phase I consisted of sending a survey to 10 experts to help develop the Silver Yoga Programme. A hard copy and a video containing detailed [...]

Evidence-based practice in clinical psychology: What it is, why it matters; what you need to know

Evidence-based practice in clinical psychology: What it is, why it matters; what you need to know, Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 63, Issue 7, Date: July 2007, Pages: 611-631

Abstract:  The history and meaning of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the health disciplines was described to the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) training programs. Evidence-based practice designates a [...]