Research update

CrossCurrents

Gender differences seen in consequences of domestic violence

Research from Columbia University in New York finds that women are more likely than men to experience psychiatric disorders as a result of domestic violence. Using data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study in New Zealand, researchers followed 1,037 individuals from adolescence to early adulthood. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed at age 18. Partner abuse was measured between ages 24 and 26, and psychiatric disorders were again measured at age 26. Thirty-eight women and 37 men had become involved in abusive relationships as determined using the Partner Conflict Calendar. Men and women reported the same rates of victimization. Psychiatric disorders at age 18 predicted involvement in abusive relationships for men and women. Among women, abusive relationships were predicted by major depressive disorders and marijuana abuse; among men, they were predicted by major depressive disorders, marijuana dependence, alcohol dependence and anxiety disorders. However, when controlled for previous psychiatric history, abusive relationships predicted subsequent psychiatric disorders only in women. The resulting disorders included major depressive disorders, marijuana dependence and post- traumatic stress disorder. In contrast, men’s psychiatric disorders tended to reflect their psychiatric history in adolescence. The authors recommend that clinicians routinely ask questions about partner abuse in evaluations of young women and be prepared to refer clients to the appropriate resources.

American Journal of Psychiatry, May 2006, v. 163: 885-892. Miriam K. Ehrensaft et al., Division of Child Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York.

School anti-bullying programs can be effective

Anti-bullying programs can reduce school bullying, especially if they are accompanied by written policies against bullying, according to a two-year study from the Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research in Leiden. The study followed 3,816 children aged 9 to 12 attending 47 elementary schools. The schools were divided into three groups: an intervention group of 15 schools that implemented anti-bullying programs and two control groups comprising the remaining schools. Teachers at the intervention schools participated in two-day training sessions on bullying and six of the intervention schools drafted written anti-bullying policies in the first year of the study. By the end of the first year, the number of bullied children had decreased in the intervention schools from 18% to 16%, but had increased from 15% to 17% in the control group. Children in the intervention schools also reported a decrease in depressive symptoms and an improvement in relationships with peers. However, by the end of the study’s second year, there were no longer any significant differences in bullying activity between the intervention and control groups, as intervention schools discontinued their anti-bullying programs. The differences in depression and peer relationships had also disappeared. However, children at schools that had implemented written anti-bullying policies fared slightly better. The researchers conclude that, to be effective, anti-bullying programs should be continued every school year and include written anti-bullying policies.

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, June 2006, v. 160: 638-644. Minne Fekkes et al., Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research, Leiden, Netherlands.

Nicotine and schizophrenia

A proof-of-concept trial from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver indicates that the alpha-7 nicotinic agonist DMXB-A can improve neurocognition in people with schizophrenia. An estimated 80% of people with schizophrenia smoke, with an average consumption of 30 cigarettes per day, apparently in an effort to self-medicate with nicotine. The hope is that nicotine might be replaced by a more effective nicotinic agonist such as DMXB-A, thus allowing people with schizophrenia to realize even greater neuro-cognitive benefits without the health risks associated with tobacco use. Researchers in this trial studied 12 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were being treated with neuroleptic medications. The participants were all nonsmokers for at least one month prior to the trial, which took place from April to August 2004. Patients were given oral doses of DMXB-A (150 or 75 mg), followed by half doses (75 or 37.5 mg) two hours later. Others were given a placebo. Significant neurocognitive improvement was found on Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) scores, but only for the lower DMXB-A dose compared with placebo. The authors report that “two patients spontaneously remarked that the drug helped them think more clearly and maintain concentration.” A third patient reported that her voices had “shrunk to whispers.” The only reported side effect was moderate drowsiness. A phase II trial has been initiated, involving the administration of DMXB-A over a period of one month.

Archives of General Psychiatry, June 2006, v. 63: 630-638. Robert Freedman et al, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado.

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