BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-21DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10230
Jack Tomlin, Asya Mitisheva, Sarah Kilbane, Sarah Markham, John Tully
{"title":"The value of person-first language in forensic mental health services.","authors":"Jack Tomlin, Asya Mitisheva, Sarah Kilbane, Sarah Markham, John Tully","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Labels in healthcare influence perceptions, treatment and stigma. Although they can aid diagnosis and guide care, pejorative labels can dehumanise and perpetuate prejudice. Person-first language, which foregrounds the individual rather than a condition or behaviour, has been linked to reduced blame, stigma and social distance across mental health and forensic populations. Evidence suggests it may foster empathy, recovery-oriented attitudes and rehabilitation, while challenging essentialist and pessimistic views of mental illness and offending. Limitations include minimising structural coercion and lived experience. This editorial explores the evidence, mechanisms and practical applications of person-first language in forensic mental health, advocating cautious implementation and further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-16DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10232
Bruce Tamilson, Michelle Keag
{"title":"Advancing medical education in a mental health trust: residents' and medical students' perspectives: qualitative study.","authors":"Bruce Tamilson, Michelle Keag","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>This study aimed to explore the educational experiences of medical students and psychiatry residents within a large mental health trust, identifying areas for improvement. A qualitative methodology using four focus groups was employed, grouped by training level: medical students, foundation doctors, core psychiatry residents and higher-specialty residents. Discussions were guided by a standardised topic guide and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants highlighted key issues including induction length and quality, access to written information, rota gaps and inadequate facilities; challenges in achieving psychotherapy competencies, teaching inconsistency, lack of supervision and insufficient development of non-clinical skills were also noted.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Enhancement of induction, supervision, psychotherapy training and non-clinical skills development can significantly improve psychiatric education. Addressing structural and systemic issues will strengthen trainee experience and support high-quality patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147687996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-07DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10217
Charlotte Cliffe, Henrietta Rees, Howard Childs, Rebecca Day, Elizabeth Shade, Luke Simmond, Jo Jennison, Clare Allely, Raja Anindya Sekhar Mukherjee
{"title":"Sex differences in mental health disorders among autistic men and women: retrospective service audit of a random cohort.","authors":"Charlotte Cliffe, Henrietta Rees, Howard Childs, Rebecca Day, Elizabeth Shade, Luke Simmond, Jo Jennison, Clare Allely, Raja Anindya Sekhar Mukherjee","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>This study investigated mental health diagnoses in autistic adults to determine whether there were any sex differences in presentation. Autistic adults attending the neurodevelopmental service at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As part of a service audit, 150 random adults (75 males and females) were selected and their case notes were reviewed. Mental health diagnoses were common: 36% had current suicidal ideation, 20% had attempted suicide, 40% had a past or current diagnosis of anxiety and 62% had a past or current diagnosis of depression. There were more women diagnosed with an eating disorder (9% female, 0% male) and with a historical suicide attempt (21% female, 9% male). However, using a Holm-Bonferroni correction, there were no statistically significant sex differences between mental health diagnoses. Among both sexes, a significant number had been exposed to prenatal and early childhood trauma, nearly 10% had experienced physical trauma, abuse, neglect or assault, and nearly a third had been through parental separation.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>This demonstrates that autistic people presenting to a National Health Service diagnostic clinic are more at risk of experiencing trauma, which subsequently increases their risk of mental illness, alongside any neurological predisposition.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-07DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10237
Vinay Mandagere, Osheen Fatima, Jordan Bamford
{"title":"Functional neurological disorder: a gap in the psychiatry curriculum.","authors":"Vinay Mandagere, Osheen Fatima, Jordan Bamford","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a blind spot in the training curriculum of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It is a common and disabling disorder, and many patients have comorbid mental health diagnoses. This editorial argues that more training opportunities in neuropsychiatry would broaden trainees' understanding of medical and social realities of people with FND and help guide services in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10215
Stuart G Spicer, Rahul Bhattacharya, Katelyn Smalley, Akshith Shetty, Paul Sharpe, Richard Byng
{"title":"Evaluating the patient journey through integrated mental health services using routinely collected data: utility of the DIALOG patient-reported outcome and experience measure.","authors":"Stuart G Spicer, Rahul Bhattacharya, Katelyn Smalley, Akshith Shetty, Paul Sharpe, Richard Byng","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>DIALOG is a patient-reported outcome and experience measure. We analysed anonymised DIALOG scores routinely collected from East London NHS Foundation Trust. We aimed to (a) examine changes in DIALOG scores through the patient journey ('assessment', 'review' and 'discharge'); and (b) assess the impact of community mental health (CMH) transformation by comparing pre- and post-DIALOG scores. We analysed 11 198 DIALOG scores from 5007 patients in 2018-2019 and 2021-2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DIALOG scores improved across treatment stages in both years. There was no clear difference pre- and post-CMH transformation, although in 2021-2022 there were lower satisfaction scores at referral.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>DIALOG showed sensitivity to change, supporting the utility of this scale in the evaluation of mental health services. The impact of CMH transformation was difficult to assess, due to potential confounders such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Routinely collected DIALOG data can help evaluate patient outcomes over time and inform service improvements.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-03-30DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10227
Bahaa Hassan, Abedelrahman Ahmed
{"title":"Fluency without understanding: risks of large language models in mental healthcare.","authors":"Bahaa Hassan, Abedelrahman Ahmed","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We always treat fluent language as a marker of intelligence and trustworthiness, often independent of factual accuracy. Large language models (LLMs) exploit this bias by producing confident, human-like texts that are perceived as intelligent and trustworthy, even when they lack accurate contextual understanding or are factually incorrect. This creates particular risks in mental healthcare, where communication, trust and context are central, and where errors are difficult to detect but highly consequential. This article examines how linguistic fluency shapes judgement, how LLMs amplify these effects and why their use in mental healthcare poses ethical and clinical dangers. It argues for strict limits on deployment, restricting LLMs to supervised, assistive tasks rather than clinical judgement.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147571896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10216
Shahbaz Abdullah, Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Samreen Samad, Hari Subramaniam
{"title":"Evaluation of components of non-pharmacological interventions for weight management in early antipsychotic therapy: 6-month systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Shahbaz Abdullah, Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Samreen Samad, Hari Subramaniam","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>Antipsychotics used to treat severe mental illness (SMI) markedly raise the risk of metabolic syndrome. Early weight gain predicts worse outcomes, making timely intervention vital, particularly within the first 6 months, when the most weight loss is achievable. This meta-analysis evaluated non-pharmacological weight/body mass index (BMI) management interventions during the first 6 months of their use in people receiving antipsychotics for SMI, to identify effective components with the aim of preventing long-term metabolic complications. Systematic searches of five databases (to October 2024) yielded 1483 studies; 8 (643 participants) met inclusion criteria. Interventions included exercise, nutrition, education, monitoring and psychological input, delivered individually or in groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Meta-analysis showed significant weight (-1.93 kg) and BMI (-1.12 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) reductions. Group-based, multi-component programmes with psychological input were most effective.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Group-based, multi-component interventions that include a psychological element produced the greatest reductions in weight and BMI. Future research should focus on refining and embedding psychologically informed, multi-component group programmes into routine psychiatric care to optimise long-term physical health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-03-09DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10214
James Downs, Marissa Adams, Anna Carnegie
{"title":"Language matters: discourses of therapeutic optimism and recovery in the treatment of eating disorders.","authors":"James Downs, Marissa Adams, Anna Carnegie","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>This article explores how clinical language used to describe long-standing and severe eating disorders shapes treatment experiences and outcomes. Drawing on critical discourse theory and the authors' lived experiences, the paper analyses the impacts of language through intrapersonal, interpersonal and systemic lenses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis highlights how the language used to describe illness can foster therapeutic nihilism, internalised hopelessness and disengagement from treatment for both clinicians and patients, reducing the impetus for developing or accessing better care. These labels may obscure systemic shortcomings in treatment provision and can become self-fulfilling, undermining clinician motivation and patient recovery.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The authors propose a paradigm shift toward recovery-oriented, co-created language that centres epistemic justice. Clinical discourse should promote therapeutic optimism and support inclusive, patient-centred care. Recovery-focused language can strengthen engagement, improve outcomes and support a treatment culture grounded in mutual respect and hope.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147376078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-03-09DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10219
Yasser Saeed Khan, Abdul Waheed Khan, Mohamed Adil Shah Khoodoruth, Olfa Selmi, Sami Ouanes, Yahia Albobali, Marwan Abdelkarim Ali Abdelkarim, Areeg Hassan Mohamed Elhassan, Menatalla Abdelkader, Taieb Turki, Ahmed Abdelhakim Ahmed Elzok, Majid Alabdulla
{"title":"Prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress symptoms among war-displaced Palestinian children and adolescents: pioneering cross-sectional study from Qatar.","authors":"Yasser Saeed Khan, Abdul Waheed Khan, Mohamed Adil Shah Khoodoruth, Olfa Selmi, Sami Ouanes, Yahia Albobali, Marwan Abdelkarim Ali Abdelkarim, Areeg Hassan Mohamed Elhassan, Menatalla Abdelkader, Taieb Turki, Ahmed Abdelhakim Ahmed Elzok, Majid Alabdulla","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2026.10219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>Prolonged armed conflict profoundly impacts children’s mental health. This study investigated elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among displaced Palestinian youth residing in Qatar. A cross-sectional study included 350 Palestinian children and adolescents aged 8–18 years displaced from Gaza. The Child PTSD Symptom Scale – Self-Report Version for DSM-5 (CPSS-5) and a Demographic and Resilience Questionnaire were used. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression identified factors associated with PTSD symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>It was found that 54.9% of participants met the threshold for probable PTSD (CPSS-5 score ≥31). Intrusion and arousal symptoms had the highest average severity scores. Factors associated with higher PTSD severity included formal education, physical injury during the war and witnessing death, particularly that of close relatives.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The findings emphasise the urgent need for accessible, culturally appropriate and sustained mental health interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to understand long-term trajectories and inform comprehensive support systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147376139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BJPsych BulletinPub Date : 2026-03-06DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2025.10204
Andrea De Angelis, Grace Fearnehough, Niruj Agrawal, Bruce Tamilson
{"title":"Prevalence of neurodivergence in neuropsychiatric conditions: cross-sectional study.","authors":"Andrea De Angelis, Grace Fearnehough, Niruj Agrawal, Bruce Tamilson","doi":"10.1192/bjb.2025.10204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2025.10204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and method: </strong>The increasing recognition of neurodivergent conditions in healthcare settings in general highlights the necessity for better understanding and management in neuropsychiatric settings. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and co-occurrence of neurodivergent conditions and traits among patients with neuropsychiatric conditions. A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary neuropsychiatric clinic. Participants included 166 consecutive patients, assessed using the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS, version 1.1), with demographic characteristics considered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In our final analysed cohort (<i>n</i> = 79), among patients with functional neurological disorder (FND) 11% had a confirmed diagnosis of adult spectrum disorder (ASD), 17% were believed to have undiagnosed ASD and 55% exhibited clinically significant ASD traits on the CATI tool. Additionally, 13% had a confirmed diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 25% were believed to have undiagnosed ADHD and 67% exhibited clinically significant ADHD traits on the ASRS tool.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The findings indicate a higher than expected prevalence of neurodivergent conditions in people with FND. Enhanced early identification and tailored treatment approaches are likely to be crucial for improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences in neuropsychiatric settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":8883,"journal":{"name":"BJPsych Bulletin","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147363956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}