Current opinion in psychiatry
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Curr Opin Psychiatry · Sep 2011
ReviewPerspectives of intellectual disability in Greece: epidemiology, policy, services for children and adults.
The purpose of this review is to investigate the existing situation regarding how people with intellectual disability are treated in contemporary Greece. ⋯ The main conclusion of this review is that, since 1980, the situation of people with intellectual disability has been steadily improving in the areas of civil rights, social support, special education, and use of health services. However, the deficiency of official national data on intellectual disability does not allow a complete and documented evaluation of the situation in the country. Furthermore, the lack of epidemiological data undermines the development and establishment of evidence-based public policies.
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Curr Opin Psychiatry · Sep 2011
ReviewPerspectives of intellectual disability in Serbia and Bulgaria: epidemiology, policy and services for children and adults.
The review aims to summarize data published in scientific journals and available from official websites on epidemiology, policies and services for children and adults with intellectual disability in Serbia and Bulgaria, countries which are in the process of rapid political, economic and social changes. ⋯ There has been encouraging progress in policies and services aimed to improve the well being and respect of human rights of persons with intellectual disability in Serbia and Bulgaria, but well designed and methodologically rigourous scientific studies are needed to inform the future policies and practice for the benefit of people with intellectual disability.
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Curr Opin Psychiatry · May 2011
ReviewA review of current ethical concerns and challenges in substance use disorder research.
To consider and summarize provocative and important publications from 2009 and 2010 related to the ethics of international substance use disorder research. ⋯ Ethical dilemmas are inherent in the pursuit of any research; in substance use disorder research, often situated in a community with at-risk populations, questions such as who sets the research agenda and what norms are followed are critically important. Responsible research that protects participants and their communities internationally requires ongoing vigilance.
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Considerable progress has been made in the neurobiological understanding of expectations in physiological and pathological processes. This article is aimed at presenting an overview of the role of expectations in producing health-related effects. We selected recent laboratory and clinical studies in the field of the placebo effect, with a particular focus on psychiatric disorders. ⋯ The studies of expectations in the field of psychiatry and in other fields of medicine suggest that placebo effects are likely to be an important aspect of any treatment. The application of research on health-related expectations has the potential for promoting wellness, improving health, and benefiting patient care.
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Curr Opin Psychiatry · Jan 2011
ReviewAfter the fire: the mental health consequences of fire disasters.
This article aims to summarize recent findings relating to the impact of fire disasters on the mental health of victims, responders, families and communities within the context of the existing literature. ⋯ Fire disasters, like other natural or man-made disasters, can have significant mental health impact on individuals directly and indirectly affected and on communities caught up in the events.