Both ultra-high-risk criteria and basic-symptoms criteria are useful in predicting the development of schizophrenia among high-risk populations.

Aims and MethodTo establish if participants with schizophrenia receiving depot antipsychotics had less insight than similar participants receiving oral atypical antipsychotics. We assessed the difference between these two groups.ResultsParticipants on oral antipsychotics had greater insight than those on depot antipsychotics (ITAQ, P=0.01). In the multiple regression analysis, only receiving depot antipsychotics contributed significantly to explaining variance in insight (adjusted R2=0.135, F=8.99, P=0.004).Clinical ImplicationsDepot antipsychotics seem to be prescribed to a subgroup of people with schizophrenia who are likely to be less adherent because of lower levels of insight. These individuals are on significantly higher doses of antipsychotic medication. Clinicians should review their patients on depot antipsychotics at regular intervals.

IntroductionSubcortical structures of the brain have been studied extensively to establish their implication in the development of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Any pathology in these structures of the brain identified on neuroimaging techniques can give us helpful information in learning the neuropsychiatric background of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.Case presentationWe report an interesting case of a 38-year-old man with new onset psychosis who was found to have a lacunar infarct of the putamen region in the left basal ganglia on a computed tomography scan of his brain.ConclusionIt is possible to hypothesize that the psychotic symptoms in our patient may be the direct result of the putamen infarct, as pathology in the basal ganglia at the level of the striatum can result in complex cognitive and behavioural symptoms. Understanding organic causes of psychosis, including cerebrovascular compromises leading to damage of structures in the basal ganglia, can provide important information about the causality of psychosis and ways to treat it.

Purpose-The aim of this study is to ascertain a trend of the section 136 assessments over a period of time and compare it with the standards laid down by the code of practice. Design/methodology/approach-The study looks at trends over a period of eight months since the opening of the section 136 services. The demographic details such as age, gender, and ethnicity were recorded. The other variables recorded include reason for using section 136, the place of assessment, time of referral, total time of assessment, the assessors undertaking the assessment, outcome of referral, whether the patient was under the influence of alcohol and suffered any concomitant physical problems and whether the police were present during the assessment Findings-A total of 45 assessments were undertaken under section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The majority (93.3 percent) of the assessments were done in section 136 suite. Threats to self harm (35.5 percent) was the most common reason of detention. Mood disorders were the commonest diagnosis (22.2 percent each). A total of 17 (37.8 percent) of the patients detained were admitted to the inpatient units. Research limitations/implications-It was noticed that rate of section 136 assessments decreased over months after an initial surge. It was also noted that the conversion rate of admissions was low which raises questions about the rightful use of section 136 detentions. Practical implications-It will be interesting to conduct future studies to find out the reasons for the surge in the use of section 136 detentions when a new service is set up for the same. It also need to be noted that the conversion rate was low which raises the appropriateness of section 136 detentions, together with the finding that one-third of the detained patients had a discharge diagnosis of alcohol and drug problems raises the possibility whether section 136 is overused among this group. Originality/value-Previously studies have been conducted regarding the section 136 assessments but this study monitors all the variables identified, to be monitored, by the code of practice.

Purpose -The aim of this study is to benchmark the impact of the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) on the elderly admission rate as well as the duration of admission Design/methodology/approach -Data were collected for a period of one year before (August 2006 to July 2007) and after (August 2007 to July 2008 the extension of CRHTT input into elderly services. Findings -There was an overall reduction in the number of admissions after CRHTT got involved with the elderly. Research limitations/implications -This study only considered individuals with functional disorders who were admitted to the in-patient services or referred to the CRHTT. However, these only make up a proportion of the elderly in-patients. Practical implications -The study will help identify areas which may further help in reducing the admissions. Originality/value -This is an original study that acknowledges the reduction in admission following the introduction of a crisis resolution home treatment team in Trafford, Manchester.