Cancer risk from diagnostic radiology in a deliberate self-harm patient.

Objective: Patients who engage in recurrent deliberate self-harm (DSH) behaviours have increased morbidity and mortality and use emergency services more than others. Unrecognized iatrogenic injury may play a role. Specifically, we call attention to the potential danger of cumulative radiation exposure.

Prevalence and severity of substance use disorders and onset of psychosis in first-admission psychotic patients.

Background: Past studies have found inconsistent evidence that substance use disorders are related to earlier onset of schizophrenia or more severe symptoms. This study examines prevalence and severity of current substance use disorders and onset of psychotic illness in a multi-facility sample.

Methods: Data are from the Suffolk County Mental Health Project, an epidemiological study of first admission psychosis.

Substance use disorder and the early course of illness in schizophrenia and affective psychosis.

The relationship between a history of substance use disorder and the early course of psychotic illness was examined in 96 subjects with schizophrenia and 106 subjects with affective psychosis followed in the Suffolk County Mental Health Project, a longitudinal study of first-admission psychosis. Subjects received a structured diagnostic interview and clinical ratings at baseline assessment and again 6 months later. The 6-month assessment included information about treatment received during the interval.