Equality & Human Rights Commission

Public sector equality duties, April 2009   Click on the title above for direct full-text access This report outlines public sector equality duties which give public bodies legal responsibilities to demonstrate that they are taking action on race, disability and gender equality in policy-making, the delivery of services and public sector employment

CBT – Collusion in clinical supervision: literature review and case study in self-reflection

Collusion in clinical supervision: literature review and case study in self-reflection , The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Early view 2009 Derek  L  Milne -   Newcastle University, and Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust Abstract: Interpersonal dynamics are a recurring impediment to effective clinical supervision and can lead to phenomena like collusion between the supervisor and supervisee. [...]

NICE update – Antisocial personality disorders

Antisocial personality disorders (ASPD): comments table responses , NICE, 27th April 2009 Click on the title above to gain direct full-text access to the update

Swine Flu – Avian and Pandemic Influenza

Avian and Pandemic Influenza University of Leicester, 28th April 2009 Click on the title above to gain direct access to a compilation of resources and information Thankyou to Keith Nockels MA MCLIP, Information Librarian

Dementia – Experience and wellbeing of Caregivers of people with dementia – Systematic Review

The impact of the quality of relationship on the experiences and wellbeing of caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic review , Aging & Mental Health, Volume 13, Issue 2 March 2009 , pages 143 – 154 Abstract: Relatively little attention has been given to the effects of caregiving context on the experience of family members [...]

Clinical practice guidelines for dementia in general practice

Concordance with clinical practice guidelines for dementia in general practice , Aging & Mental Health, Volume 13, Issue 2 March 2009 , pages 155 – 161 Abstract: Dementia is said to be under-recognized and sub-optimally managed in primary care, but there is little information about actual processes of diagnosis and clinical care. Aim: To determine general [...]

Dementia & Activity – Something for the OTs

What is meaningful activity for people with dementia living in care homes? A comparison of the views of older people with dementia, staff and family carers, Aging & Mental Health, Volume 12, Issue 5 September 2008 , pages 548 – 558 Abstract: Older people with dementia living in care homes often lack appropriate activities. Although homes [...]

Group CBT for OCD – Systematic review and meta-analysis

Group cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 119 Issue 2, Feb 2009, Pages 98 - 106 Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Behaviour therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including ERP are considered the psychological treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but group CBT/ERP has received relatively [...]

Personality Disorder – The 2nd most read article from British Journal of Psychiatry

The distinction between personality disorder and mental illness, The British Journal of Psychiatry (2002) 180: 110-115 Abstract: Proposals by the UK Government for preventive detention of people with ‘dangerous severe personality disorders’ highlight the unresolved issue of whether personality disorders should be regarded as mental illnesses.   Aims To clarify the issue by examining the concepts [...]

The Communication Group: bringing group psychotherapy

The Communication Group: bringing group psychotherapy back to acute in-patient psychiatry , Psychiatric Bulletin (2009) 33: 138-141 Abstract: People who are admitted to acute psychiatric wards need psychological as well as pharmacological treatments, but psychological care is not always available in the acute setting. Group psychotherapy can prove a practical and cost-effective answer to this [...]

Use and perceived utility of structured violence risk assessments in English medium secure forensic units

Use and perceived utility of structured violence risk assessments in English medium secure forensic units, Psychiatric Bulletin (2009) 33: 129-132 Tim Weaver, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Services Research Tony Maden, Professor of Forensic Psychiatry – Imperial College London, and Clinical Director DSPD Service, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Broadmoor Hospital, Berkshire Abstract: AIMS [...]

Most read article from British Journal of Psychiatry – April 2009

Mental health literacy: Public knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders, The British Journal of Psychiatry (2000) 177: 396-401 Abstract: Background Although the benefits of public knowledge of physical diseases are widely accepted, knowledge about mental disorders (mental health literacy) has been comparatively neglected. Aims To introduce the concept of mental health literacy to a wider [...]

Suicide – Keith Hawton – The Lancet

Suicide , The Lancet, Volume 373, Issue 9672, April 2009, Pages 1372-1381 Prof. Keith Hawton – Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK Abstract: Suicide receives increasing attention worldwide, with many countries developing national strategies for prevention. Rates of suicide vary greatly between countries, with the greatest burdens in developing [...]

ADHD – Meta-analysis of behavioral treatments

A meta-analysis of behavioral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 29, Issue 2, March 2009, Pages 129-140 Abstract: There is currently controversy regarding the need for and the effectiveness of behavior modification for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) despite years of study and multiple investigations reporting beneficial effects of the intervention. A [...]

Anti-depressants and suicide

Anti-depressants and suicide , Journal of Health Economics, Online early view 2009 Abstract: Suicide takes the lives of around a million people each year, most of whom suffer from depression. In recent years there has been growing controversy about whether one of the best-selling anti-depressants – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – increases or decreases [...]

Nurses and nurse practitioners often play a key role in the management of children with ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Closing Diagnostic, Communication, and Treatment Gaps , Journal of Pediatric Health Care, Volume 23, Issue 1, Supplement 1, January-February 2009, Pages S5-S21 Abstract: Nurses and nurse practitioners often play a key role in the management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder that often persists into adolescence and [...]

ADHD and the paediatrician: A practical guide

ADHD and the paediatrician: A practical guide, Paediatrics and Child Health, Volume 19, Issue 3 March 2009, Pages 134-141 Abstract: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (DSM-IV) and Hyperkinetic Disorder (ICD-10) are common conditions with a high morbidity which impact on the lives of the affected children, their families and schools, and have important implications for wider [...]

SFBT – 2-day training was effective in increasing knowledge and understanding of Solution-focused brief therapy

Fostering a culture of engagement: an evaluation of a 2-day training in solution-focused brief therapy for mental health workers, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 16 Issue 4, Pages 326 - 334 Abstract: The focus of mental health care has changed considerably in recent years, from an almost exclusive inpatient system of care to one where the [...]

SMI – Physical Health Improvement Profile – Practice Development

The development of the serious mental illness physical Health Improvement Profile, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Early Online view 2009 Abstract: People with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more likely to suffer from a range of long-term physical conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently they will [...]

Aggressive patient – a review of the risk of injury to nurses

The manual handling of the aggressive patient: a review of the risk of injury to nurses, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 16 Issue 4, Pages 395 - 400 Abstract: Staff are injured more frequently than patients during the implementation of physical interventions. In essence the application of physical interventions is a form of manual handling, where [...]

LKM – Meditation intervention for Schizophrenia and psychosis recovery – Case study

Loving-kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia,  Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 65 Issue 5, Pages 499 - 509 Abstract: In this article, we describe the clinical applicability of loving-kindness meditation (LKM) to individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative symptoms. LKM may have potential for reducing negative symptoms such as anhedonia, avolition, and asociality [...]

Psychiatric morbidity and treatment pathway outcomes of patients presenting to specialist NHS psychodynamic psychotherapy services: results from a multi-centre study

Psychiatric morbidity and treatment pathway outcomes of patients presenting to specialist NHS psychodynamic psychotherapy services: results from a multi-centre study, Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, Volume 82, Number 1 Fonagy, Peter – Personality Disorder Outreach and Research, The Cassel Hospital, Richmond, Surrey, UK Abstract:     Little is known about socio-demographic, diagnostic, and clinical [...]

Mindfulness training for Clinical Psychologists

Introducing Mindfulness to Clinical Psychologists in Training: An Experiential Course of Brief Exercises , Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, Volume 15, Number 4 / December, 2008 University of Bristol Campus, 29 Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5NB, UK North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK Abstract: A 14 session, structured, mindfulness skills group utilizing short [...]

Efficacy of cognitive therapy for social phobia

A demonstration of the efficacy of two of the components of cognitive therapy for social phobia, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Volume 23, Issue 4, May 2009, Pages 496-503 University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry & Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK Abstract: Cognitive-behavioral treatments have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of social [...]

Non-pharmacological management of behavioural symptoms – Alzheimers

Non-pharmacological management of behavioural symptoms in nursing homes, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Early view 2009 Abstract: Background Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are often reported in institutions for the elderly. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a staff education intervention to manage BPSD in older people with a diagnosis of dementia. Methods [...]

Memory and Executive Functioning are Associated with longitudinal change in instrumental activities of daily living in older Adults

Longitudinal Changes in Memory and Executive Functioning are Associated with longitudinal change in instrumental activities of daily living in older Adults, The Clinical Neuropsychologist, Volume 23, Issue 3 April 2009 , pages 446 – 461 Abstract: Impaired everyday function is a diagnostic criterion for dementia, and a determinant of healthcare utilization and caregiver burden. Although [...]

Eating Disorders – The feeling of being trapped in and ashamed of one’s own body

The feeling of being trapped in and ashamed of one’s own body: A qualitative study of women who suffer from eating difficulties, International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, Volume 18 Issue 2, Pages 91 - 99 Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore women’s bodily experiences of suffering from eating difficulties (ED). The research question was: How [...]

Mindfulness & Suicide – MBCT may reduce thought suppression – Study

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: Findings from a preliminary study, British Journal of Clinical Psychology,  Vol. 48, Number 2, June 2009 , pp. 209-215(7) Abstract: Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness-based [...]

Cannabis use and age of diagnosis of schizophrenia

Cannabis use and age of diagnosis of schizophrenia , European Psychiatry, Online early view 2009 Abstract: Background and objectives Observational studies have reported earlier onset of psychosis in schizophrenic patients with a history of cannabis use. Earlier age of onset of schizophrenia has been associated with a poorer outcome. We aimed to examine whether cannabis [...]

The use of a chronic pain diary in older people

The use of a chronic pain diary in older people,  Kathy Hager, Dorothy Brockopp British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 18, Iss. 8, 23 Apr 2009, pp 490 – 494 Abstract: This article describes clinical data retrieved using a chronic pain diary in older people residing in a nursing home. Twenty-one diary entries provided the information necessary [...]