Poor Psychosocial Functioning Research Articles

Quality of life and self-esteem in patients with psoriasis, vitiligo and healthy controls: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Psoriasis and vitiligo are among the most common chronic skin diseases, which have a negative impact on the psychosocial well-being. Patients may experience social rejection and stigmatization. So, the aim of this present study is to assess and compare the self-esteem and quality of life (QoL) in patients with vitiligo, psoriasis and healthy controls and its relationship with age and gender. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, with a sample of total 150 cases, 50 each of psoriasis, vitiligo and healthy controls, aged between 18-64years. The assessment of all subjects was done for quality of life and self-esteem by using scales Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) respectively. Results: The results of our study showed that the self-esteem& quality of life was low in psoriatic patients when compared to vitiligo patients (p-0.000) and healthy controls (p-0.009). No relationship was found in patients of psoriasis and vitiligo between age and gender with regards to self-esteem and quality of life except poor social function domain of QoL, which was observed in middle age group (40-64years) patients of psoriasis. Conclusion: While evaluating and arranging treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo patients, these results in poor psychosocial functioning should be considered and along with dermatologic interventions, psychiatric approaches should also be included for a better outcome. Keywords: Quality of life, Self-esteem, Psoriasis, Vitiligo.

Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR) therapy for guilt, shame, and moral injury resulting from trauma: Rationale, design, and methodology of a two-site randomized controlled trial

Guilt, shame, and moral injury (MI) are common reactions following exposure to traumatic events and are associated with greater severity of several mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, increased risk of suicidal ideation and poorer psychosocial functioning. Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR) is a transdiagnostic psychotherapy to address guilt, shame, and MI stemming from traumatic events. The primary goals of TrIGR are to help patients accurately appraise their trauma and to re-engage with their values in order to lead a more meaningful life. This paper presents the rationale, design, and methodology of a two-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of TrIGR compared to Supportive Care Therapy (SCT) in a sample of U.S. veterans (N = 145) who endorse guilt related to a traumatic event that occurred during military deployment. This study is the first RCT powered to investigate TrIGR's efficacy on reducing posttraumatic guilt, as measured by the Trauma Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI), in comparison to an active control condition. In addition, the study will examine a range of secondary and exploratory outcomes including shame, quality of life, suicidal ideation, substance use, and PTSD and depression symptoms. Findings from this efficacy study will be essential in informing future efficacy and effectiveness trials.

Psychosocial Functioning of Bariatric Surgery Patients 6-Years Postoperative.

Mental health professionals routinely assess psychosocial risk factors prior to bariatric surgery to help identify factors that may impede surgical outcomes. Data regarding longer-term psychosocial functioning postoperatively are needed. Assess the psychosocial functioning of patients who obtained bariatric surgery approximately 6years ago. A total of 161 patients consented to participate in the outcome study. Participants were compensated for their time and participation. Participants were weighed by the research/clinical staff and asked to complete a battery of self-report measures, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). Other measures targeted adherence, eating behaviors/body image, alcohol use, and quality of life. Postoperative MMPI-2-RF scores indicate psychosocial functioning is largely similar to previously published pre-surgical functioning data. Six-year weight loss outcomes were lower than previous studies reported for a similar postoperative time period (mean %total weight loss = 22.98%; standard deviation = 11.71), though quality of life scores were relatively high. Postoperative MMPI-2-RF scale scores were associated with poorer psychosocial functioning, reduced adherence, greater eating behaviors/body image concerns, greater alcohol use severity, lower quality of life, and less overall weight loss. Psychological dysfunction 6years after surgery is associated with various adverse outcomes. Ongoing, postoperative treatment may result in better long-term functioning for patients.

Interview and questionnaire assessment of cognitive impairment in subjects at ultra-high risk for psychosis: Associations with cognitive test performance, psychosocial functioning, and positive symptoms

Impaired cognitive test performance is well-documented in subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. However, assessment of cognitive deficits as manifested in real life is a neglected area of UHR research that may add to the understanding of cognitive impairment and its relationship with psychosocial functioning and positive symptomatology. This study applied the interview-based Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS) and the questionnaire-based Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a cross-sectional sample of 39 UHR subjects and 50 healthy controls. Cognitive test performance, psychosocial functioning, and positive symptoms were also assessed. The UHR subjects demonstrated significant cognitive impairment, with large effect sizes for the SCoRS and BRIEF-A composite outcome variables (rs = -0.67 to -0.80) and a neurocognitive composite score (d = -0.97). Within the UHR group, several significant associations between worse cognitive ratings and worse cognitive test performance (rs = -0.210 to -0.343), poorer psychosocial functioning (rs = -0.058 to -0.728), and worse positive symptoms (rs= 0.415 to 0.478) were found. Worse cognitive test performance showed significant associations with more pronounced positive symptoms (rs = -0.299 to -0.457). Interview and questionnaire assessment may hold promise for supplementing traditional performance-based cognitive assessment in identifying treatment targets in the UHR population.

Development of the A-DISS rejection task to demonstrate the unique and overlapping affective features of social anxiety and depression.

Social anxiety (SA) and depression are prevalent, often comorbid disorders, associated with poor psychosocial functioning. Experimental psychopathology approaches can clarify the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying these disorders, but most laboratory tasks are limited. We developed and validated the Audio-Dialogue Inductions of Social Stress (A-DISS) experimental task to model real-time rejection sensitivity in a realistic and developmentally relevant context. Participants are asked to imagine overhearing peers at a party talking badly about them (Rejection) or a teacher at their school (Neutral). Study 1 focused on identifying and refining stimuli that elicited relevant emotional responses for Rejection (e.g., increased anxiety) and Neutral (e.g., no emotional changes) conditions (N=48). Study 2 examined whether participants' SA and depression symptoms moderated the effects of A-DISS condition (N=52). The Rejection condition elicited higher negative affect/lower positive affect while the Neutral condition sustained stable affect. Findings were consistent across gender and race/ethnicity. Moderation analyses were statistically significant; participants with elevated SA or depression reported feeling more rejected, insecure, and anxious after Rejection than those with below average symptoms. Findings provide preliminary validation of a novel peer rejection task for research on understanding the affective experience of real-time rejection overall, especially for those with elevated SA and depression. SA and depression symptoms each uniquely moderating the effects of Rejection exposure on similar affective states, suggests individuals with SA or depression may benefit from interventions targeting specific reactions to rejection/stress and transdiagnostic risk factors.

Improving early recognition and intervention in people at increased risk for the development of bipolar disorder: study protocol of a prospective-longitudinal, naturalistic cohort study (Early-BipoLife)

BackgroundBipolar disorders (BD) belong to the most severe mental disorders, characterized by an early onset and recurrent, severe episodes or a chronic course with poor psychosocial functioning in a proportion of patients. Many patients with BD experience substantial symptomatology months or even years before full BD manifestation. Adequate diagnosis and treatment is often delayed, which is associated with a worse outcome. This study aims to prospectively evaluate and improve early recognition and intervention strategies for persons at-risk for BD.MethodsEarly-BipoLife is a prospective-longitudinal cohort study of 1419 participants (aged 15–35 years) with at least five waves of assessment over a period of at least 2 years (baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). A research consortium of ten university and teaching hospitals across Germany conducts this study. The following risk groups (RGs) were recruited: RG I: help-seeking youth and young adults consulting early recognition centres/facilities presenting ≥ 1 of the proposed risk factors for BD, RG II: in-/outpatients with unipolar depressive syndrome, and RG III: in-/outpatients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reference cohort was selected from the German representative IMAGEN cohort. Over the study period, the natural course of risk and resilience factors, early symptoms of BD and changes of symptom severity (including conversion to manifest BD) are observed. Psychometric properties of recently developed, structured instruments on potential risk factors for conversion to BD and subsyndromal symptomatology (Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale, Bipolar at-risk criteria, EPIbipolar) and biomarkers that potentially improve prediction are investigated. Moreover, actual treatment recommendations are monitored in the participating specialized services and compared to recently postulated clinical categorization and treatment guidance in the field of early BD.DiscussionFindings from this study will contribute to an improved knowledge about the natural course of BD, from the onset of first noticeable symptoms (precursors) to fully developed BD, and about mechanisms of conversion from subthreshold to manifest BD. Moreover, these generated data will provide information for the development of evidence-based guidelines for early-targeted detection and preventive intervention for people at risk for BD.

Examining relations between neuropsychological and clinical epilepsy-specific factors with psychopathology and adaptive skills outcomes in youth with intractable epilepsy

Pediatric epilepsy is a prevalent childhood neurological disorder. Youth with a diagnosis of medically uncontrollable or intractable epilepsy are at increased risk for poor neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning. To date, there is a paucity of clinical research examining and/or characterizing the relations of neuropsychological, clinical, and epilepsy-specific medical factors in clinical outcomes among youth with diagnosed intractable epilepsy. One hundred and twenty-six patients (6–20 years) with diagnosed intractable epilepsy and who were evaluated as part of a presurgical work-up and medical standard of care participated in a neuropsychological evaluation, including parent completion of the Behavior Assessment System for Children – Second Edition Parent Report Scale (BASC-2 PRS). Medical chart review was conducted to obtain demographic and epilepsy-specific information. Results indicated that an increase in the BASC-2 PRS Adaptive Symptoms Index T-Scores was associated with a decrease in the BASC-2 PRS Internalizing, Externalizing, and Behavioral Symptoms Index score. Additionally, the Wechsler (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Fourth Edition [WISC-IV], Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Fifth Edition [WISC-V], Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale — Fourth Edition [WAIS-IV]) Similarities z-score was associated with the BASC-2 PRS Externalizing Symptoms Index T-Score. No demographic or clinical medical factors remained in any of the three final models. Findings highlight the importance of verbal reasoning and adaptive functioning as protective factors in clinical outcomes among youth with diagnosed intractable epilepsy and may provide future direction for targeted interventions.

The Effect of Traumatic Events on the Longitudinal Course and Outcomes of Youth with Bipolar Disorder

Background: Exposure to severe Traumatic Events (TEs) has been associated with poor course and outcomes among individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD). However, there is limited research on TEs among youth with BD, and few studies are longitudinal. This study prospectively followed a large sample of BD youth, examining the associations of lifetime TEs with their mood and functioning.Methods: BD participants (n=375; mean age=17; range 8-25y) were assessed, on average, every 7 months for a median 8.7 years. Psychopathology and lifetime trauma history were prospectively evaluated using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation, and a traumatic events screening.Results: Accounting for covariates, participants with one or more lifetime TEs (84%) showed earlier BD onset, poorer psychosocial functioning, worse mood symptoms, and more suicidal ideation, comorbidities, and family psychopathology than those without TEs. TEs during recovery periods increased recurrence risk (p<0.02). More TEs were associated with poorer mood course, particularly among victims of violence/abuse (p<0.02). Abused participants (34% physical; 17% sexual) showed earlier onset of substance use disorders, more suicidality and comorbidities compared to those without abuse. Comparisons of mood course before and after abuse occurred, and with participants without abuse, showed worsening mood symptoms after, specifically hypo/mania (p<0.03).Limitations: Prospective data was gathered longitudinally but assessed retrospectively at every follow-up; given approximate dates causality cannot be inferred; TEs severity was not assessed.Conclusions: Severe TEs, particularly abuse, were associated with poorer course and outcomes among BD youth. Prompt screening of trauma and early intervention may be warranted to minimize TEs impact.

Distinct associations of DSM-5 Somatic Symptom Disorder, the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research-Revised (DCPR-R) and symptom severity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

ObjectiveThe clinical management of high symptom severity is a challenging task with patients with functional somatic disorders. We investigated the extent to which DCPR-revised (DCPR-R) syndromes and the DSM-5 category of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) were able to predict symptom severity in 203 consecutive tertiary care patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). MethodSemistructured interview were used for assessing DCPR-R and validated scales for SSD (combining PHQ-12 and WI-7), severity of symptoms (IBS-SSS), psychological distress (HADS), and psychosocial functioning (SF-12). ResultsCompared to moderate severity (IBS-SSS = 175–300), patients in the high range of severity (IBS-SSS > 300) had significantly more DCPR-R syndromes (particularly alexithymia and persistent somatization), higher psychological distress, and poorer psychosocial functioning, but showed no difference for SSD.DCPR-R, particularly alexithymia and persistent somatization, significantly and independently predicted IBS severity by explaining 18.5% of the IBS-SSS variance with large effect size (d = 1.18), after controlling for covariables. Conversely, SSD was not able to significantly predict IBS severity. ConclusionsThis study highlights the need of an integrative approach in the medical setting. Psychosomatic factors play a relevant role in the individual perception of symptom severity and should be carefully evaluated for clinical management of functional syndromes.

Executive Functioning in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Meta-analytic Review.

Examining executive functioning (EF) posttransplant has become increasingly prevalent, as EF deficits are associated with poor disease-related outcomes and psychosocial functioning. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to compare overall and domain-specific EF between healthy youth and those with a kidney, heart, or liver transplant, and identify moderating variables related to EF differences between these 2 groups. A literature search of PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Medline was conducted for eligible articles published until January 2019. Twenty studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the present meta-analysis. Results from the random-effects model indicated a significant standardized mean difference in overall EF skills with transplant recipients demonstrating worse EF (g = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.50) than healthy youth. Specifically, transplanted youth had worse working memory (g = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.01-0.66), processing speed (g = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19-0.62), attentional control (g = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33-0.73), and metacognitive skills (g = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.54). Assessment type and time since transplantation were not significant moderators. Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients demonstrate worse overall EF skills and deficits in working memory, processing speed, attentional control, and metacognitive skills. Many children who have undergone solid organ transplantation will require additional support in medical and academic settings because of deficits in various EF domains.

Emotional processing subtypes in bipolar disorder: A cluster analysis

BackgroundEvidence regarding the performance of Bipolar Disorder patients (BD) on Emotional Processing (EP) is conflicting, suggesting that heterogeneity within this population may exist. It is not completely understood if this impacts on clinical presentation and functional outcomes. MethodsA total of 212 BD patients were recruited. Patients underwent MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery as well as a clinical evaluation to detect premorbid traits, comorbidities and clinical features. Performance on each basic emotion on the Emotional Recognition Task (ERT) and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test were entered into hierarchical cluster analyses in order to determine the number of clusters and to assign subjects to specific clusters. We then compared subgroups on clinical factors and real-world community functioning. ResultsNo differences between BD patients as a group and controls were found in EP performance. Two clusters of BD patients were found, one with “intact” performance (71.2%) that performed as healthy controls (HC) and other with “impaired” performance (28.8%) performing worse than HC and schizophrenic patients on basic emotion recognition. Patients in the “impaired group” presented higher rates of childhood trauma, schizotypal traits, lower premorbid IQ and education, poor psychosocial functioning and cognitive performance. LimitationsCross-sectional data which limits our ability to infer directionality of our findings. ConclusionThese results suggest the presence of two subgroups regarding EP performance with unique clinical and neurodevelopmental profiles associated. Next steps will include using these data to identify a homogeneous group of patients to target these disabling symptoms with treatment.

The relationship between negative trauma-related cognitions and psychosocial functioning in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder

Background: The comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent and associated with especially poor psychosocial functioning. Negative trauma-related cognitions are theoretically proposed to be associated with poor psychosocial functioning in PTSD, but few studies have examined the association between negative trauma-related cognitions and psychosocial functioning in PTSD/AUD. Evaluating this association may provide evidence of a potential treatment target for improving psychosocial functioning in PTSD/AUD. We hypothesized that negative trauma-related cognitions, including cognitions about the self, world, and self-blame, would be independently associated with poor psychosocial functioning in the following domains: vitality, psychosocial well-being, role limitations due to emotional distress, and social functioning. Methods: We examined the relationship between negative trauma-related cognitions and psychosocial functioning in 145 treatment-seeking veterans with PTSD/AUD using multiple linear regression analyses while controlling for PTSD and alcohol abuse and dependence severity. Results: Our hypotheses were partially supported. We found that negative trauma-related cognitions were uniquely associated with greater psychosocial functional impairment, independent of PTSD and alcohol abuse and dependence severity. Specifically, negative trauma-related cognitions about the self were associated with greater psychosocial functional impairment across all domains, cognitions about the world were associated with worse social functioning and psychological well-being, and self-blame was associated with impaired psychological well-being. Conclusions: Given that improvements in negative trauma-related cognitions are a mechanism of trauma-focused treatment, future studies should examine whether changes in negative trauma-related cognitions through trauma-focused treatment are associated with improved psychosocial functioning.

Longitudinal course and risk factors associated with psychosis in bipolar youths.

To compare the longitudinal clinical course of youths with bipolar disorder (BD) spectrum with lifetime (past, intake, and/or follow-up) psychosis (BDP+) to youths with BD without lifetime psychosis (BDP-). Also, to identify risk factors associated with increased risk of first onset of psychosis during prospective follow-up. Bipolar disorder youths (BDP+=137, BDP-=233), aged 7-17years old, were followed on average every 7months for 11.7years and were evaluated using standardized instruments. Data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear models for the full sample, as well as for youths who developed first period of psychosis (n=55). After adjusting for confounders, BDP+ youths with one, and in particular ≥2 lifetime psychotic episodes, had higher rates and more severe mood and anxiety symptoms, higher rates of suicidality, psychiatric hospitalizations, and sexual/physical abuse, and poorer psychosocial functioning than BDP- youths. Even before the first onset of psychosis during follow-up, BDP+ youths showed more psychopathology and had more family history of psychiatric illness than those who never developed psychosis. First-onset psychosis was associated with low socioeconomic status (SES), living with one parent, bipolar disorder type one and type two, comorbid anxiety, history of hospitalizations, and family history of mania and suicidality. BDP+ is associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical picture, even before the onset of psychosis, indicating the need for prompt identification and treatment of these youths. Studies aimed to treat acute symptoms of psychosis, as well as prevent the onset of psychosis, including risk factors amenable to change, are warranted.

Childhood adversity and clinical and psychosocial outcomes in psychosis.

Associations between childhood abuse and various psychotic illnesses in adulthood are commonly reported. We aim to examine associations between several reported childhood adverse events (sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and interpersonal loss) among adults with diagnosed psychotic disorders and clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Within a large epidemiological study, the 2010 Australian National Survey of Psychosis (Survey of High Impact Psychosis, SHIP), we used logistic regression to model childhood adverse events (any and specific types) on 18 clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Eighty percent of SHIP participants (1466/1825) reported experiencing adverse events in childhood (sexual abuse, other types of abuse and interpersonal loss). Participants reporting any form of childhood adversity had higher odds for 12/18 outcomes we examined. Significant associations were observed with all psychosocial outcomes (social dysfunction, victimisation, offending and homelessness within the previous 12 months, and definite psychosocial stressor within 12 months of illness onset), with the strongest association for homelessness (odds ratio (OR) = 2.82). Common across all adverse event types was an association with lifetime depression, anxiety and a definite psychosocial stressor within 12 months of illness onset. When adverse event types were non-hierarchically coded, sexual abuse was associated with 11/18 outcomes, other types of abuse 13/18 and, interpersonal loss occurring in the absence of other forms of abuse was associated with fewer of the clinical and psychosocial outcomes, 4/18. When adverse events types were coded hierarchically (to isolate the effect of interpersonal loss in the absence of abuse), interpersonal loss was associated with lower odds of self-reproach (OR = 0.70), negative syndrome (OR = 0.75) and victimisation (OR = 0.82). Adverse childhood experiences among people with psychosis are common, as are subsequent psychosocial stressors. Mental health professionals should routinely enquire about all types of adversities in this group and provide effective service responses. Childhood abuse, including sexual abuse, may contribute to subsequent adversity, poor psychosocial functioning and complex needs among people with psychosis. Longitudinal research to better understand these relationships is needed, as are studies which evaluate the effectiveness of preventative interventions in high-risk groups.

Sleep symptoms and long-term outcome in adolescents with major depressive disorder: a naturalistic follow-up study

Sleep abnormalities in major depressive disorder (MDD) have been suggested to represent a vulnerability trait, which might predispose the individual to long-term psychiatric morbidity. In this study, we sought to assess whether the presence of sleep symptoms among adolescents with MDD is associated with poorer long-term outcome in young adulthood during naturalistic follow-up. Adolescent outpatients diagnosed with MDD (n = 166; age 13–19 years, 17.5% boys) were followed up during 8 years in naturalistic settings. N = 112 adolescents (16.1% boys) completed the 8-year assessment. Sleep symptoms and psychosocial functioning were assessed with structured clinical interviews, and depressive and anxiety symptoms with questionnaires. The severity of sleep symptoms at baseline was not associated with worse outcome at 8 years in terms of any of the outcome measures tested. In particular, the presence of a disturbed sleep–wake rhythm at baseline was associated with a more favourable outcome at 8 years: less depression and anxiety symptoms and higher level of psychosocial functioning. The presence of sleep symptoms in young adulthood was associated with the presence of current depression and anxiety symptoms and poorer psychosocial functioning. The presence of sleep symptoms at follow-up seems to be state-dependent: they are observed in conjunction with other psychiatric symptoms. Contrary to our hypothesis, our results suggest that sleep complaints among adolescents with MDD do not lead to poorer long-term clinical outcome in young adulthood. The link between sleep–wake rhythm disturbance and better long-term outcome needs to be confirmed and examined in detail in further studies, but here we speculate about possible explanations.

Onset and transition of and recovery from adverse development: Study methodology.

AimEarly intervention programs for first‐episode psychosis have led to the awareness that the period before onset of a first episode is important in light of early intervention. This has induced a focus on the so‐called ‘at risk mental state’ (ARMS). Individuals with ARMS are at increased risk for later psychotic disorder, but also for other psychiatric disorders as well as poor psychosocial functioning. Thus, adequate detection and treatment of ARMS is essential.MethodsSince 2018, screening for and treatment of ARMS is recommended standard care in the Netherlands. Implementation is still ongoing. We initiated a naturalistic long‐term cohort study of ARMS individuals, the onset and transition of and recovery from adverse development (OnTheROAD) study, with the aim to monitor course and outcome of symptoms and psychosocial functioning over time, as well as patterns of comorbidity and associations with factors of risk and resilience. To this end, participants complete a broad battery of instruments at baseline and yearly follow‐up assessments up to 3 years. Outcome is defined in terms of symptom severity level, functioning and quality of life. In particular, we aim to investigate the impact of negative symptoms as part of the ARMS concept. Results from this study can aid in refining the existing ARMS criteria, understanding the developmental course of ARMS and investigating the hypothesized pluripotentiality in outcome of ARMS. New knowledge may inform the further development of specialized early interventions.Results and ConclusionsIn this article, we describe the rationale, outline and set‐up of OnTheROAD.

Treating Mentally Ill Offenders in an Inpatient Setting

Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction have been linked to negative adult outcomes. These outcomes include psychiatric disorders, poor psychosocial functioning, homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration. Unfortunately, individuals with mental health problems may find themselves arrested for misdemeanors such as trespassing, alcohol and drug related charges, disorderly conduct or other less serious charges. If a person is determined to be psychiatrically unstable, they may be held in jail while waiting for a psychiatric evaluation, waiting for a hospital bed, or for transportation to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. Situations arise that in which a person’s sentence is completed, but the court determines that they are not ready to live in the community because of actions that occurred while incarcerated, or because of the charges that resulted in incarceration. These offenders are then released to a psychiatric hospital for treatment to prepare them for community reintegration. When this cohort is sent to an inpatient setting involuntarily it makes treatment very challenging. It is essential for community reintegration and decarceration that we gain an understanding of how to successfully treat mentally ill offenders when they are moved from a criminal justice setting into an alternate treatment setting involuntarily. This paper will consider difficulties that may arise and suggest treatment alternatives to reach this cohort when retained in an inpatient setting.

Psychopharmacology of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: A Narrative Review.

Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents; almost one-third of this population has an anxiety disorder. The most common anxiety disorders in this population are specific phobia (19.3%), social anxiety disorder/ social phobia (9.1 %), and separation anxiety disorder (7.6 %). Pediatric anxiety disorders are often associated with poor psychosocial functioning, academic underachievement, learning difficulties, substance abuse, relationship problems, and suicide behaviors. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with medication, is found to be efficacious in the treatment of various anxiety disorders. The early recognition and treatment of anxiety disorders result in better long-term outcomes in children and adolescents. This article summarizes the evidence-based pharmacologic treatments for anxiety disorders in youth, including social anxiety disorder generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Predictors of short- and long-term recurrence of suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder.

To evaluate the incidence of suicidal outcomes and risk factors for short- and long-term recurrence of suicidal behavior (SB) among high-risk borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients during a 24-month prospective follow-up period. A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed to compare data obtained from 136 patients admitted to the emergency department for current suicidal ideation (SI) or a recent suicide attempt (SA). Subjects were clinically evaluated and monitored for a new SA or suicide. The incidence of a new SA was 25.63 events/100 persons-year, and one patient died by suicide. Child sexual abuse (CSA) was the only significant predictor throughout the complete follow-up period. The absence of prior psychiatric treatment predicts the recurrence of SB in the first 6months of follow-up. Patient age, poor psychosocial functioning before hospitalization, age at first SA, and having multiple suicide attempts increased risk of SB recurrence at the long-term period (24th months). In addition, there was an interaction between CSA and poor psychosocial functioning that increased risk of SB. The risk of recurrence was higher during the first 6months. Risk factors at 6 and 24months vary. These findings are important for implementing suicide strategies.

An empirical study of five sets of diagnostic criteria for delusional disorder

BackgroundThe diagnosis of paranoia/delusional disorder has been significantly modified and redefined from DSM-III to DSM-5, which in turn also meaningfully differ from the ICD-10 criteria. In this study we examined the degree to which these diagnostic systems differ on external variables. MethodTwo-hundred and eighty-six subjects diagnosed of paranoia/delusional disorder according to DSM-III, DSM-III-R, DSM-IV, DSM-5 or ICD-10 criteria were examined for a number of validators including risk factors, premorbid features, illness-related variables and psychosocial functioning. The prevalence rates of the diagnostic criteria and their concordance level were examined, such as the degree to which the criteria sets and their main diagnostic features were differentially related to the validators. ResultsDiagnostic criteria showed poor to fair concordance. The most inclusive system was the DSM-5 (n = 274) and the most restrictive the DSM-III (n = 187). Compared with subjects fulfilling other diagnostic criteria, those with a DSM-III diagnosis showed more and stronger associations with the validators: presence of cluster A personality disorders, insidious illness onset, poor response to treatment, chronic illness course and poor psychosocial functioning. This association pattern was mainly due to the 6-month duration criterion. Stability of delusions, type of delusions and the ICD-10 3-month duration criterion were poorly related to the validators. ConclusionsDiagnostic criteria for delusional disorder are not interchangeable. DSM-III criteria for paranoia may identify a more severe disorder mainly because the 6-month duration criterion. Type of delusions had a small impact on the validators across diagnostic systems. These findings have implications for future classifications of delusional disorder.