Outcomes reflecting the social situation are widely considered as important in the treatment of people with schizophrenia

To review concepts of social outcomes in schizophrenia and the corresponding assessment instruments

Non-systematic literature review and reflection on conceptual and methodological issues

Concepts of social outcomes in schizophrenia lack agreed definitions and theoretical models. A fundamental issue is the distinction between objective and subjective indicators. More research has focused on subjective indicators, which are only weaklly correllated with objective life situation and show consistent correlations with mood. Various assessment instruments have been developed pragmatically, particularly to measure quality of life and social functioning, and the literature provides extensive data for comparison

Established instruments exist to measure social outcomes in schizophrenia. Their use requires an awareness of the specific strengths and limitations

Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly used to evaluate the care of people with schizophrenia

To review established and emerging patient-reported outcomes in schizophrenia research, assessment tools and key findings

A non-systematic review addressing relevant constructs, the associated scales and key empirical findings

Patient-reported outcomes in schizophrenia relate either to evaluation of illness and benef it from treatment or to resilience of the self. Of the former, needs for care, treatment satisfaction and the therapeutic relationship are most common. Less common are symptoms, insight, attitude towards medication, and clinical communication. Increasing expectations of treatment have led to new measures assessing resilience of the self, including empowerment, self-esteem, sense of coherence and recovery Scores of different patient-related outcomes overlap and are influenced by a general tendency, largely influenced by mood, for more or less positive appraisal

The conceptual and empirical basis for different patient-reported outcomes varies, with most data available for treatment satisfaction. More than one such outcome should be used only if there is a specific hypothesis. For new patient-reported outcomes, relative independence from existing constructs should be demonstrated

Black and minority ethnic (BME) patients are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. There has been no systematic exploration of differences within and between ethnic groups, nor of the explanations put forward for this excess.

To systematically review detention and ethnicity, with meta-analyses of detention rates for BME groups, and to explore the explanations offered for ethnic differences in detention rates.

Literature search and metaanalysis. Explanations offered were categorised, supporting literature was accessed and the strength of the evidence evaluated.

In all, 49 studies met inclusion criteria; of these, 19 were included in the meta-analyses. Compared with White patients, Black patients were 3.83 times, BME patients 3.35 times and Asian patients 2.06 times more likely to be detained. The most common explanations related to misdiagnosis and discrimination against BME patients, higher incidence of psychosis and differences in illness expression. Many explanations, including that of racism within mental health services, were not supported by clear evidence.

Although BME status predicts psychiatric detention in the UK, most explanations offered for the excess detention of BME patients are largely unsupported.

Seasonal fluctuation in suicide has been observed in many populations. High temperature may contribute to this, but the effect of short-term fluctuations in temperature on suicide rates has not been studied.

To assess the relationship between daily temperature and daily suicide counts in England and Wales between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2003 and to establish whether heatwaves are associated with increased mortality from suicide.

Time-series regression analysis was used to explore and quantify the relationship between daily suicide counts and daily temperature. The impact of two heatwaves on suicide was estimated.

No spring or summer peak in suicide was found. Above 18 °, each 1 ° increase in mean temperature was associated with a 3.8 and 5.0% rise in suicide and violent suicide respectively. Suicide increased by 46.9% during the 1995 heatwave, whereas no change was seen during the 2003 heat wave.

There is increased risk of suicide during hot weather.

The concept of social exclusion is now widely used in discussions about the nature of disadvantage, and there are ongoing initiatives to promote social inclusion among those with mental health problems.

To conduct a conceptual and methodological review of social exclusion, focusing initially on the origins and definitions of the concept and then on approaches to its measurement, both in general and in relation to mental health.

We used two main strategies. First, we utilised expertise within the study team to identify major texts and reviews on social exclusion and related topics. Second, we searched major bibliographic databases for literature on social exclusion and mental health. We adopted a non-quantitative approach to synthesising the findings.

There is no single accepted definition of social exclusion. However, most emphasise lack of participation in social activities as the core characteristic. There are a number of approaches to measuring social exclusion, including use of indicator lists and dimensions. In the mental health literature, social exclusion is poorly defined and measured.

If social exclusion is a useful concept for understanding the social experiences of those with mental health problems, there is an urgent need for more conceptual and methodological work.

Cognitive models of psychosis suggest that whether anomalous experiences lead to clinically relevant psychotic symptoms depends on how they are appraised, the context in which they occur and the individual's emotional response

To develop and validate a semi-structured interview (the Appraisals of Anomalous Experiences Interview; AANEX) to assess (a) anomalous experiences and (b) appraisal, contextual and response variables

Following initial piloting, construct validity was tested via cross-sectional comparison of data from clinical and non-clinical samples with anomalous experiences. Interrater reliability was also assessed

Scores from AANEX measuring appraisals, responses and social support differentiated the clinical and nonclinical groups. Interrater reliability was satisfactory for 65 of the 71 items. Six items were subsequently amended

The AANEX is avalid multidimensional instrument that provides a detailed assessment of psychotic-like experiences and subjective variables relevant to the development of a need for clinical care

Schizophrenia is known to be associated with a range of adverse outcomes, which have an impact at the societal level and are therefore of public concern

To examine the epidemiology and methods for measuring six adverse outcomes in schizophrenia: violence, victimisation, suicide/self-harm, substance use, homelessness and unemployment

Areview of the literature was carried out for each adverse outcome, with attention to critical appraisal of existing measurement tools

Schizophrenia is associated strongly with all six outcomes, although research has mainly focused on violence. Each outcome acts as a risk factor for at least some of the other outcomes. There are few standardised or validated measures for these'hard' outcomes. Each measure has inherent biases but a growing trend is for these to be minimised by using multiple measures

Asingle instrument which systematically measures multiple societal outcomes of schizophrenia would be extremely useful for both clinical and research purposes

Postnatal depression has detrimental effects on the child's cognitive and emotional development.

To assess the benefits of treating postnatal depression for mother–infant interaction and child development.

A systematic search was made of 12 electronic bibliographic databases for randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials on treatment of mothers with postnatal depression, where outcomes were assessed in children; findings were assessed.

Only eighttrials met the inclusion criteria. Of those included, interventions varied widely but all involved therapies directed at the mother–infant relationship. One study with intensive and prolonged therapy showed cognitive improvement, whereas two others with briefer interventions improved maternal–infant relationships but did not affect the child's cognitive or behavioural development. All five studies assessing only mother–infant relationships showed improvements.

Cognitive development in children of depressed mothers, along with better mother–infant relationships, might be improved with sustained interventions. Trials assessing treatments for postnatal depression would benefit from looking more closely at benefits for children as well as mothers, using validated objective measures.