Liz Jamieson

What's in a name? Reasons for changing names among english high security hospital patients

Abstract Up to one fifth of offender patients change names, but their reasons for this have not been studied. This study investigates reasons for name change among serious offender patients. All patients resident in an English high security hospital with documented name changes were approached for interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by one person (BV). Audio-transcripts were analysed using qualitative methodology. Two main groups emerged: those who changed name(s) once or twice and those who had multiple name changes. For the former, three major themes of changing emerged: making or breaking family ties, wanting a fresh start, and difficulties with the name itself. Multiple changers were more idiosyncratic in their reasons for name changing and choice of name and achieved little satisfaction with the changes. We conclude that understanding the reasons for name change among people with mental disorders is important for their continuing treatment, as it may indicate internal mental change.

An audit of the association between the use of antipsychotic medication and bone density measurement in female patients within a special (high security) hospital

Abstract There is considerable variation among the antipsychotic drugs in terms of their capacity to increase serum prolactin, but the clinical relevance of this to osteoporosis is unclear. This paper describes an audit of bone density measurement in a long-term psychiatric population specifically conducted to examine any association between prolactin level and use of antipsychotic medication. A sample of 31 female patients from one high security hospital underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of their wrist bones. Information relating to risk factors for osteoporosis was collected by questionnaire from the patients, and the pharmacy department provided details of current medications. A logistic regression was carried out on the dependent variable of osteoporosis (i.e., osteopenia/osteoporosis and normal) as determined from the distal T score of the bone density measurement, with age at interview, smoking, length of time on antipsychotic medication, serum prolactin measurement, whether or not the patient was taking thyroxine, and body mass index all entered as independent variables. The only variable found to have a significant independent effect on osteopenia/osteoporosis was body mass index: the higher the body mass index, the higher the distal T score. This suggests that weight, rather than antipsychotic medication use, appears to influence bone density more than prolactin level, with obesity seemingly having a protective role.