How early in life stress-immune related environmental factors increase risk predisposition to schizophrenia remains unknown. We examined if pro-inflammatory changes perturb the brain epidermal growth factor (EGF) system, a system critical for neurodevelopment and mature CNS functions including synaptic plasticity. Open access article - no login required
Based on up-to-date evidence (as of January 2024), we present a rationale for the selection of “first-line treatments” for patients with early-stage schizophrenia and challenges surrounding the selection of these agents. We present a general rationale, such that when idiographic factors of individuals dictate a different approach, the considerations discussed here should defer to individualized plans, and patients and practitioners should engage in shared decision-making at every step... Open access article - no login required
Both the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) valine (Val)/methionine (Met) polymorphism and mismatch negativity (MMN) amplitude are reportedly linked to working memory impairments in schizophrenia. However, there is evident scarcity of research aimed at exploring the relationships among the three factors. In this secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, we investigated these relationships. Open access article - no login required
We conducted a 10-year follow-up study of a comprehensive first-episode psychosis (FEP) cohort investigating the prevalence of clinical recovery (CR) and treatment resistance (TR) after ten years, as well as clinical, demographic, and pre-illness predictors of long-term outcomes. Open access article - no login required
Psychosis can be thought of as a threat-based experience. Compassion has been shown to be effective in reducing threat, although highly distressed individuals may struggle to be self-compassionate. This study explored the effects of compassionate interactions with staff on inpatients with psychosis. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Although collective violence represents a significant public health concern, a limited number of longitudinal studies have addressed this topic, with no systematic reviews focusing on posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) trajectories. The present systematic review and meta-analyses examined PTSS prevalence and trajectories after exposure to collective violence. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) is a widely used, well-validated structured interview for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was recently revised to improve various aspects of administration and scoring. We conducted a psychometric evaluation of the revised version, known as the CAPS-5-R. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Here, we introduce the use of “clinical checks” within an existing self-report measure. These are brief supplementary questions intended to clarify and confirm initial responses, similar to what occurs in a clinical interview. Open access article - no login required
We report the effect of quality of therapy delivery on outcomes in a randomized, controlled trial of behavioural activation (BA) and guided self-help (GSH) for depression in adults with intellectual disabilities. Open access article - no login required
The accommodation of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by loved ones is highly prevalent and impactful on treatment outcomes; however, little is known about factors that influence accommodation by romantic partners of OCD sufferers. The aim of this preliminary investigation was to explore such correlates. Open access article - no login required
This study aims to examine and synthesise the evidence for non-clinical services on improving functional outcomes for young adults with mental disorders. Open access article - no login required
This study aims to determine the effect of physical activity on cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating in individuals with a psychotic disorder. Open access article - no login required
Researchers report varying levels of cognitive flexibility and theory of mind (ToM) deficiencies in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This research set out to investigate the impact of these variables on the disorder's outcomes. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This paper aims to explore how the term “mental health literacy” (MHL) is defined and understand the implications for public mental health and educational interventions. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
In this study, we interviewed autistic mothers and professional midwives, living and working across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Open access article - no login required
This study adopted a qualitative method to develop themes arising from online forum discussions, using the words of autistic adults talking about how they experience and understand their self-harming behaviours. Open access article - no login required
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are popular hobbies that may offer specific social benefits for autistic people. This study investigated the ability of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with other autistic adults while engaging in character and world-building. Open access article - no login required
In this study, we asked 60 autistic adults with varying degrees of face recognition ability to complete two tests of face recognition, a questionnaire about social anxiety and a bespoke survey which asked participants about their experiences of face recognition and social interaction. Open access article - no login required
The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) was developed to assess autism knowledge across cultural contexts. The current study aimed to examine cultural equivalence of the measure using a large, international database. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
...the aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of resting ECG recording, to study the prevalence of ECG abnormalities, and to compare the frequency of ECG abnormalities with medical records in older adults with ID. Open access article - no login required