Previous reports have suggested an increased prevalence of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) in schizophrenia.

A review of the literature was performed to examine the relationship between MPAs, schizophrenia and other disorders.

Previous studies demonstrate a number of methodological shortcomings. Moreover, MPAs are found in several other psychiatric disorders. Proponents of the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia have focused on an environmental explanation for the increased prevalence of MPAs. We argue that this may be overly simplistic and propose various ways in which genetic factors may also be involved.

Better studies should be performed to examine more precisely the nature of MPAs in schizophrenia and other disorders and also the relationship between MPAs and other developmental abnormalities. At present, it is unclear if MPAs are directly related to the pathogenesis of the disorder or even if they are related to the timing of critical events.

The assessment and management of childhood emotional abuse is of increasing importance in psychiatric practice. At present there are no consensus views about the definition of emotional abuse and information from research is limited.

Information about emotional abuse from the medical, psychological, social science and legal literature is summarised. Definitions and proposed mechanisms of damage are discussed. Current research data and an overview of childhood and adult sequelae are presented. Proposals for clinical and medico-legal practice are made.

Theoretical models of emotional abuse and its consequences are derived from theories of childhood psychological development. Empirical research is beginning to show that emotional abuse may have a profound effect on aspects of psychological development in children.

The developmental theories and methods of assessment well established in psychiatry are useful approaches to the clinical assessment and further understanding of emotional abuse.

Emotional disorder associated with physical illness falls into two main groups: ‘psychological reaction to physical illness’ and ‘somatic presentation of psychological disorder’. Psychological treatments are becoming more widespread in the general hospital setting, but there are few systematic evaluations.

A manual and computer (MEDLINE) literature search was performed. Studies which provided insight into clinical practice were selected for discussion, and randomised controlled trials of at least 6 weeks duration and inclusion of 30 or more subjects were selected for review.

Fourteen empirical studies were found: six involving patients with chronic organic disorder and eight involving patients with somatisation.

There is little empirical evidence that psychotherapeutic interventions are of benefit when applied indiscriminately to patients with organic disease. Further work is required to delineate subgroups of patients who may be responsive. There is mounting evidence that psychotherapy is beneficial in patients with somatisation disorders. Patients with very chronic symptoms may require intensive treatment approaches.

The aim was to give estimates of the incidence of different mental disorders from a Finnish prospective epidemiological follow-up study, the UKKI Study.

The original probability sample consisted of 1000 persons, aged 15–64 years. The baseline survey took place in 1969–71, and follow-up surveys were conducted 5 and 16 years after the baseline survey. The research methods included a personal psychiatric interview and data collection from different registers. The diagnostic system was based on the ICD–8 classification.

The estimated annual incidence of all mental disorders was close to 15 per 1000 both between baseline and the 5-year follow-up as well as between the 5-year and the 16-year follow-up. During the entire 16-year follow-up period the annual incidence of all disorders was 14 per 1000 in men and 17 per 1000 in women. The annual incidence of neurotic disorders was 10 per 1000 in men and 14 per 1000 in women, and that of psychotic disorders 2 per 1000.

In the literature, there are huge differences in the results concerning incidence of mental disorders. The results of the present study were rather close to those of the Swedish Lundby Study, but nowhere near the results of the American ECA Study.