Causes and psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia: the opinions of Italian population

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Corrado De Rosa ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Manuela Guarneri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Work ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Nervous Breakdown

SummaryObjective – Description of opinions on schizophrenia and its psychosocial consequences in a sample of general population. Methods – The study has been carried out in 29 GP units stratified by geographic area and population density of their catchment areas and randomly selected. Each respondent was asked to read a case-vignette describing a patient who met ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia, and then to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 714 respondents were collected. 21% of the sample identified a case of schizophrenia, 66% of depression/anxiety disorder, and 13% of “nervous breakdown”. Factors most frequently mentioned as causes of detected disorder were stress (72%), heredity (62%), family difficulties and psychological traumas (45%). More pessimistic opinions about psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia were found among respondents with lower educational level and older age. Respondents who referred the case-vignette to schizophrenia reported more pessimistic opinions about psychosocial consequences of detected disorder. Conclusions – The results of this study outline the need to plan educational campaigns on mental illnesses, which take into account the socio-cultural characteristics of the target populations.Declaration of interest: none of the seven authors has had any interest or received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work, in the last 2 years.

Causes and psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia: the opinions of Mental Health services' staff

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Corrado de Rosa ◽  
Manuela Guarneri ◽  
Pasquale Cozzolino ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Opinions About Mental Illness

SummaryObjective – Description of the opinions about causes and psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia in a sample of psychiatric professionals, recruited in 29 Italian Mental Health Centres (MHC). Design – Each professional was asked to read a case-vignette describing a patient who met the ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia. Referring to case-vignette, he/she was asked to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness – Professionals' version (QO-P). Professionals' opinions were explored in relation to: a) their socio-demographic variables and professional background; b) geographic location of the MHC. Setting – 29 MHC stratified by geographic area (Northern, Central, Southern Italy) and population density of their catchment areas (> 100000 inhabitants; between 100000 and 25000 inhabitants; < 25000 inhabitants) and randomly selected. Results – Data on 465 professionals were collected. 75% of the sample identified in the vignette a case of schizophrenia, 22% of depression/anxiety disorder. Factors most frequently mentioned as causes of the detected disorder were heredity (68%), stress (61%), family difficulties (46%). More pessimistic opinions about psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia were found among nurses and among professionals of Southern Italy, among those with lower educational level, older age and among those working longer in psychiatry. No statistical difference in the opinions about psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia was found among staff who referred the case-vignette to schizophrenia and those who did not. Conclusions – The results of this study outline the need to: a) include issues such as disability and psychosocial consequences of mental disorders in the basic training of professionals; b) increase the number of professionals trained in evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

A survey on the prejudice and the stereotypes of mental illness in two communities with or without Psychiatric Residential Facilities

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco Veltro ◽  
Antonella Raimondo ◽  
Clementina Porzio ◽  
Teresa Nugnes ◽  
Vittorina Ciampone
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Civil Rights ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Residential Facilities ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Educational Campaigns

SUMMARYAims – Description of prejudice and stereotypes of mental illness in two samples with or without psychiatric Residential Facilities in their communities. It has been evaluated if the ongoing naturalistic relationship with the mentally ill was sufficient to modify the stigma of mental illness. Methods – The study has been carried out in 7 small towns with Residential Facilities and in 7 small towns without Residential Facilities on a sample of 560 people. Each respondent was asked to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness - General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 557 respondents (99.5%) were collected. The most frequent opinion in the general sample was to reject the possibility to admit patients to Psychiatric Hospital. The significance (p <.01) between the two samples was found for only 5 items that concern the “treatment-outcome”, while no difference was found about the stereotypes of mental illness. Conclusions – The results outline that the ongoing naturalistic relationship do not modify the stereotypes of mental illness, but only some aspects of prejudice (care and civil rights). As a consequence we need to plan structured, effective and more specific educational campaigns on mental illnesses.Declaration of Interest: in the last 2 years, none of the five authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and “honoraria” for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.

Burden, attitudes and social support in the families of patients with long-term physical diseases

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Corrado De Rosa ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Mario Maj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Physical Diseases

SummaryAims – To describe in a sample of 646 relatives of patients with physical long-term illnesses: a) the relatives' burden of care; b) the relatives' attitudes towards the patients; c) the social and professional support received by the families. Methods – The study has been carried out in 30 Italian geographic areas randomly selected taking into account geographic location and population density. The sample has been consecutively recruited in 139 specialised units for the treatment of chronic heart, brain, diabetes, kidney, and lung diseases. Family burden was evaluated in relation to: a) family's socio-demographic variables and patients' clinical variables; b) relatives' attitudes toward the patient; c) social and professional support; d) geographic area and population density. Outcome measures – Family Problems Questionnaire, physical illness version (QPF-O) and Social Network Questionnaire (QRS). Results – The consequences of caregiving most frequently reported were constraints in social and recreational activities, and feelings of loss. Burden was more marked in relatives of patients with higher physical disabilities, with neurological illnesses, and in relatives with lower support by their social network. Conclusions – These data highlight the need to provide psychological and practical support to caregivers of patients with long-term physical diseases on the basis of the evaluation of their needs for care.Declaration of Interest: none of the five authors has had any interest or received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work, in the last 2 years.

scholarly journals An Interdisciplinary Response to a Tobacco Cessation Case Vignette

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Chad D. Morris ◽  
Donna L. Richardson ◽  
Jill M. Loewen ◽  
Laura C. Vanheest ◽  
Angela Brumley-Shelton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Tobacco Treatment ◽  
Complex Care Needs

Introduction:Tobacco use is a chronic, relapsing condition. While there are proven cessation medications and counselling treatments, uptake of available aids is poor and smokers often do not have access to evidence-based services.Aims:The Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD) is an organisation of tobacco treatment specialists (TTSs) representing a wide array of disciplines and healthcare settings. This case vignette was intended to provide a clinical example of an interdisciplinary approach to tobacco use treatment.Methods:ATTUD Interdisciplinary Committee members representing tobacco-cessation experts from five professions were asked to respond to the same composite case vignette detailing key areas of clinical consideration and treatment.Results/Findings:While there were common treatment themes across professions, each provider also offered a unique treatment perspective addressing different facets of the patient's complex care needs, including attention to other chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, and preventive services. Expert responses highlighted that different treatment approaches across a continuum of healthcare settings are complementary.Conclusions:Responses to this vignette support the need to address tobacco use from an interdisciplinary approach. Existing chronic care and patient-centred models should be utilised to ensure that tobacco users receive a sufficient range of cessation services.

A Case Report of Delirium Induced by Herbal Laxative Senna

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 231-233
Author(s):  
Nimitha K J ◽  
Porimita Chutia ◽  
Pooja Misal
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Serum Sodium ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Electrolyte Imbalance ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
History Of

Constipation is one major complaint in elderly population. It may be due to physiological and anatomical reasons of aging, but it can be also due chronic medical and mental illnesses and due to use of multiple medications. Constipation itself is a precipitating factor for delirium. Drugs used for constipation can also be the culprit. A 64-year-old female who had a history of hypertension and chronic constipation presented with symptoms of confused and altered behavior, decreased oral intake, decreased sleep. On history taking it was known that she was using Herbal medication containing senna glycoside and other compounds since 8-9months. On examination she had signs of dehydration, disoriented and attention was impaired. On investigation her serum sodium was 122.6 mmol/ and other investigations were within normal limits. She was diagnosed as a case of Delirium according to ICD-10 criteria. Her dehydration was corrected by giving intravenous fluids and serum sodium level was corrected using salt capsules 2 tablets thrice daily. For disturbed sleep she was prescribed Tab Melatonin 10mg at bedtime and constipation was treated with per rectal enema and syrup lactulose 30ml at bedtime. Patient improved in 1 week time. Senna a herbal laxative used to treat constipation. It can alter intestinal electrolyte transportation and irritates intestinal mucosa. It is due to increased peristalsis and increased defecation and even diarrhea Prolonged use can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and delirium. Senna, an over-the-counter laxative with FDA approval is a matter of concern in the current scenario. This case report warns into the judicious use of laxatives containing senna in elderly population. Key words: Delirium, Herbal Laxative, Senna, Constipation.

Smoking in Italy, 1990-1991

1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo La Vecchia ◽  
Romano Pagano ◽  
Adriano Decerli ◽  
Monica Ferraroni
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
National Health Survey ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Italian Women ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Smoking prevalence and patterns in Italy were analyzed using data from the 1990-1991 Italian National Health Survey, based on a sample of 27, 135 males and 28,854 females aged 15 years or over, randomly selected within strata of geographic area and size of the place of residence and of the household, in order to be representative of the general Italian population. Overall, 26.9% of the Italians aged 15 years or over described themselves as current smokers (37.2% males, 17.4% females), and 14.0% as ex-smokers (22.2% males, 6.4% females). The difference in smoking prevalence between males and females was 65% below age 45, but increased substantially with increasing age up to 5-fold above age 65. Moderate smokers (< 15 cigarettes per day) were 12.6% of males and 10.4% of females, intermediate smokers (15 to 24 cigarettes per day) 17.7% of males and 5.5% of females, and heavy smokers (> 25 cigarettes per day) 6.3% of males and 1.5% of females. Pipe or cigar smokers were 0.6% of males. The averange number of cigarettes per smoker per day was 16.6 (17.9 for males, 14.0 for females). The overall smoking prevalence of 26.9% was the lowest registered since 1949, thus confirming the long-term steady decline of smoking, particularly among males. Smoking prevalence, however, has remained constant over the last 15 years among females, after substantial rises in previous calendar years. These falls in overall self-reported smoking prevalence were reflected in declines of legal sale figures (-15% between 1986 and 1991), although it is difficult to quantify the impact of smuggling on total tobacco consumption. Thus, at least part of the falls in self-reported tobacco consumption is attributable to increased underreporting. In males, but not in females, smoking was less frequent in northern (and wealthier) areas of the country, and in more educated individuals. The opposite pattern was observed in females, indicating that even more educated Italian women have not yet recognized the accumulated evidence on the health consequences of smoking. These patterns in smoking are reflected by recent trends in lung cancer, which show some decline in males but persistent upward trends in females, although still on much lower absolute values.

On reification of mental illness: Historical and conceptual issues from Emil Kraepelin and Eugen Bleuler to DSM-5

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Hoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Recent Debate ◽  
Neurobiological Research ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
New Research ◽  
Scientific Value

Reification is the assumption that mental illnesses exist independent of the observer’s conceptualization. The present debate usually addresses naturalistic reification, i.e., the definition of mental illness as an empirically detectable neurobiological dysfunction. This chapter discusses Kraepelin’s and Bleuler’s views on nosology and the position of current operationalized diagnoses (DSM-5, ICD-10), delineating recent debate on the relevance of new research technologies.There are two main conclusions: (1) “Mental illness” always refers to a concept, not to a given thing. This does not reduce the scientific value of neurobiological research: If subjective and interpersonal phenomena are acknowledged although they do not fit into a strictly naturalistic framework, sound neurobiological research will be promoted, not hampered. (2) Diagnostic and therapeutic processes in psychiatry require human interaction, so any model of mental illness must address interpersonality. Recent phenomenological concepts support this view and it seems particularly promising to reevaluate the philosophical approaches of Kant and Fichte in this respect.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients presenting to a tertiary care center emergency department with invasive group A streptococcal infections

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-374
Author(s):  
Karly Dudar ◽  
Shalyn Littlefield ◽  
Meghan Garnett
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Streptococcal Infections ◽  
Invasive Group ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Group A

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of invasive group A streptococcal infections in a geographic area that sees a high volume of cases.MethodsWe conducted a health records review of consecutive patients presenting to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department (ED) in 2016–2017 with a diagnosis of invasive group A streptococcal infection using ICD-10 codes. Patient demographics, host characteristics, triage vital signs, laboratory values, culture sites, and disposition were described using univariate and bivariate statistics.ResultsForty-four adult cases were identified over 2 years, with a median age of 44 years (interquartile range, 35–52). The most prevalent risk factors were diabetes mellitus (45%), current or previous alcohol abuse (39%), and current or previous intravenous drug use (34%). The two most abnormal triage vitals signs were a heart rate ≥ 100 beats per minute in 32 (73%) cases and a respiratory rate ≥ 20 breaths per minute in 27 (63%) cases. The temperature was ≥ 38°C in only 14 (32%) of cases. The C-reactive protein (CRP) was always elevated when measured, and greater than 150 mg/L in 20 (71%) of cases. One-third of patients had an ED visit in the preceding 7 days before the diagnosis of invasive group A Streptococcus.ConclusionsInvasive group A streptococcal infections often present insidiously in adult patients with mild tachycardia and tachypnea at triage. The CRP was the most consistently abnormal laboratory investigation.

Mental health screening and brief assessments

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Maloney ◽  
Joel Dvoskin ◽  
Jeffrey L. Metzner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mental Health Service Delivery ◽  
Service Delivery Systems ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses

Screening and assessment are a core component of psychiatric care in any setting. In jails and prisons, the process, structure, content and timing of screenings and assessments are vital parts of the healthcare system. While the number of incarcerated persons is clear, the actual number of incarcerated prisoners who suffer from a mental disorder or independent psychiatric symptoms is difficult to determine because of methodological issues (e.g., different definitions of mental illness, different thresholds of severity, etc.) as well as wide variation in the nature (e.g. prison, jail, police lockup), size, and mental health service delivery systems of various settings. However, despite differences in methodology, geographic area, and other issues (e.g., types of facility, when studies were conducted, etc.), virtually every relevant study has concluded that a significant number of prisoners have serious mental illnesses and that the numbers of mentally ill prisoners are increasing. Because people with mental illnesses are at risk of suicide and exacerbations of their mental illnesses, correctional institutions need to identify such persons in a timely manner and provide appropriate clinical interventions. This chapter addresses the initial mental health screening of persons entering prisons and jails, with a special emphasis on suicide risk screening and follow-up clinical assessments of prisoners whose receiving or intake screening results suggest the likelihood that treatment or suicide prevention efforts will be necessary.

Smoking in Italy, 2002

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvano Gallus ◽  
Paolo Colombo ◽  
Vilma Scarpino ◽  
Piergiorgio Zuccaro ◽  
Giovanni Apolone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
International Association ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Current Cigarette ◽  
The Usa

Aims and background To update estimates of smoking prevalence in Italy to the year 2002. Methods Population-based, face-to-face survey conducted by the DOXA (the Italian Branch of the Gallup International Association) in March-April 2002 on 3,238 individuals aged 15 or over, representative of the whole Italian population. Results Overall, 26.6% of Italian adults were current cigarette smokers (31.1% of men, 22.3% of women); 19.9% of men and 10.4% of women smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day. Ex-smokers were 15.2% (21.9% of men, 9.0% of women). There was no appreciable difference with reference to geographic area or education in men, but more educated women were more frequently smokers (28%). Compared to 2001, reported smoking prevalence declined by 3.7% in men and 1.3% in women, and the fall was evident in various age groups, including the youngest one (15–24 years). However, part of the fall is likely due to increased underreporting, since these survey figures are appreciably underestimated as compared to sale data. Among ex-smokers, 84% had stopped without support. Among smokers, 37% had tried at least once to stop. Using the Fagerström questionnaire, 69.5% of smokers were classified as low or very low dependent, whereas only 20.0% of smokers were classified as high or very high dependent. Women, younger and elderly, as well as more educated smokers of both sexes tended to be less dependent. Conclusions Self-reported smoking prevalence tends to decline in Italy, although the overall figure (26.6% of Italian adults) remains considerably higher than the USA and several Western European countries.

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