Evaluation of a computer-assisted cognitive remediation program for young people with psychosis: A pilot study

202101 bcrcVersion of RecordSelf-fundedPublishe

A study of androgen deficiency and its relationship with psychological factors in Hong Kong

Poster Presentatio

A study on the transferability of computational models of building electricity load patterns across climatic zones

10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110826Energy and Buildings237110826-11082

The incidence and characteristics of clozapine-induced fever in a local psychiatric unit in Hong Kong

Objective: To determine the incidence, characteristics, and predictors of clozapine-induced fever in a sample of patients in a local psychiatric unit. Method: A retrospective review of case notes of 227 inpatients newly started on clozapine from March 2003 to December 2006 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, presence of fever, investigations carried out, fever characteristics, and complications of fever were recorded and analyzed. Patients with clozapine-induced fever were compared with their fever-free counterparts on demographic and clinical factors. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of clozapine-induced fever. Results: Thirty-one out of 227 patients (13.7%) developed clozapine-induced fever. The means for day of onset of clozapine-induced fever after clozapine initiation and duration of fever were 13.7 and 4.7 days, respectively. The mean highest body temperature was 38.8°C. Fever resolved within 48 hours after clozapine discontinuation in 79% of the patients with clozapine-induced fever. One out of 7 patients (14.3%) had fever on re-challenge. Clozapine-induced fever was associated with rate of titration more than 50 mg/wk (OR 18.9; 95% CI 5.3 to 66.7; P < 0.01), concomitant use of valproate (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 8.9; P = 0.01), and presence of physical illnesses (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 8.3; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Clozapine-induced fever is common. Temporary withdrawal of clozapine may result in resolution of fever, and clozapine re-challenge may be considered after fever subsides. Slower rate of clozapine titration may be helpful in patients with underlying physical illness and concomitant valproate treatment.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Relationship between symptoms of androgen deficiency and psychological factors and quality of life among Chinese men

Androgen deficiency in the ageing male (ADAM) was proposed to characterize a symptom cluster of decrease in sexual function and strength, dysphoria and osteopenia in ageing men with decreased levels of androgens. Unlike menopause, literature on the topic is scarce and focuses mainly on the physiological aspects of the problem. However, men with ADAM also face a milieu of psychosocial stressors which may adversely affect their mental health. It is pertinent to examine ADAM within a psychological context. This study aims to determine the prevalence of symptoms of ADAM among Chinese men, and to examine their relationship with psychological distress and quality of life. A cross-sectional design was employed with standardized questionnaires to assess symptoms of ADAM and related psychological factors. The ADAM questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, General Health Questionnaire and Short Form Health Survey-12 were administered to a community sample of 311 Chinese men (aged 40-80) attending a family medicine clinic in Hong Kong. Demographic information was also collected. A total of 87.8% of the sample was screened ADAM positive using the ADAM questionnaire. Age, duration of marriage, occupation, household income and physical health were found to be significantly associated with ADAM status. ADAM positive individuals were found to have higher anxiety and depression scores, higher stress level, higher psychiatric morbidity and poorer physical and mental quality of life compared with their ADAM negative counterparts. Symptoms of ADAM are prevalent among the Chinese. ADAM positivity as measured by the ADAM questionnaire is associated with poorer psychological well-being and quality of life in the ageing population. Further research and clinical attention to the psychological needs of this population is warranted. © 2010 European Academy of Andrology.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Prevalence, course, and risk factors for antenatal anxiety and depression

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and course of antenatal anxiety and depression across different stages of pregnancy, risk factors at each stage, and the relationship between antenatal anxiety and depression and postpartum depression. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 357 pregnant women in an antenatal clinic in a regional hospital was assessed longitudinally at four stages of pregnancy: first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and 6 weeks postpartum. The antenatal questionnaire assessed anxiety and depression (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and demographic and psychosocial risk factors. The postpartum questionnaire assessed postpartum depression with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: More than one half (54%) and more than one third (37.1%) of the women had antenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively, in at least one antenatal assessment. Anxiety was more prevalent than depression at all stages. A mixed-effects model showed that both conditions had a nonlinear changing course (P<.05 for both), with both being more prevalent and severe in the first and third trimesters. Risk factors were slightly different at different stages. Both antenatal anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.66, P=.004 in the first trimester; adjusted OR 3.65, P<.001 in the second trimester; adjusted OR 3.84, P<.001 in the third trimester) and depression (adjusted OR 4.16, P<.001 in the first trimester; adjusted OR 3.35, P=.001 in the second trimester; adjusted OR 2.67, P=.009 in the third trimester) increased the risk of postpartum depression. CONCLUSION: Antenatal anxiety and depression are prevalent and serious problems with changing courses. Continuous assessment over the course of pregnancy is warranted. Identifying and treating these problems is important in preventing postpartum depression. © 2007 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.link_to_OA_fulltex