To establish whether cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with response and exposure prevention (ERP) is effective in individuals with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Twenty-four patients with OCD, divided into four groups, participated in ten sessions of group CBT. All patients completed the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) pre- and post-treatment.

The mean (s.d.) YBOC score post-treatment was 17.1 (5.8). This was significantly lower than the mean (s.d.) YBOC pre-treatment (24.7 (6.1); t = 8.4, d.f. = 23, P < 0.005). A significant reduction was also observed in relation to all other rating scales.

Cognitive–behavioural therapy for OCD delivered in a group setting is a clinically effective and acceptable treatment for patients. The use of group-based CBT is an effective means to improve access to psychotherapy.

To study the difference between high- and low-dose quetiapine in acute treatment of schizophrenia. Data available from published double-blind fixed-dose trials were combined and analysed.

There was no statistically significant difference between high- (750–800 mg/day) and low-dose (300–400 mg/day) quetiapine in terms of the response rate, change in positive symptoms score and the discontinuation rates either as a result of lack of response or adverse effects.

Combined evidence from fixed-dose trials does not support the prevalent practice of targeting the higher dose of quetiapine for optimal treatment response in schizophrenia.

Community treatment for individuals with personality disorder is a fast developing field. We report here on the effectiveness of one such approach. We examine the referral pathway of all clients between January 2005 and April 2008, including the mean days spent in our unit, the days spent in a psychiatric hospital before and after admission to our unit, and the results of changes in the rating scales we routinely use.

Drop-out rates and the mean duration of therapy were acceptable. There has been a clear reduction of in-patient bed use and a small but significant improvement of most psychometric test results.

This study provides further evidence for the effectiveness of community treatment for individuals with personality disorder.

To determine which terms receivers of mental health services wish to be known by (service user, patient, client, user, survivor) according to the professional consulted (psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist). We conducted a questionnaire study to assess terms by like or dislike and by rank order. There were 336 participants from local catchment area secondary care community and in-patient settings in east Hertfordshire.

Patient is the preferred term when consulted by psychiatrists and nurses, but it is equally preferable to client for social workers and occupational therapists. Service user is disliked more than liked overall, particularly by those who consulted a health professional, but not by those who consulted a social worker. A significant minority wish to be regarded as a survivor or user.

National and local mental health services should adopt evidence-based terminology in referring to ‘patient’ or, in some groups, ‘patient or client’ in preference to ‘service user’.

To assess the contents and the theoretical and empirical base of community mental healthcare (CMHC) for people with severe personality disorder. Medline and PsycINFO databases and handbooks were searched from 1980, as well as a recent meta-analysis and systematic review of trials in which CMHC served as the control condition.

Community mental healthcare is a long-term community-based treatment within a supportive atmosphere, aimed at stability rather than change. Mostly offered by community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, it lacks a formal structure, as well as theoretical underpinnings that guide interventions.

Community mental healthcare might profit from a more systematic application of effective ingredients from other treatments.