The Sleep of Stable Bipolar Outpatients: A Controlled Naturalistic Study Using Actigraphy

Millar, Audrey (2001) The Sleep of Stable Bipolar Outpatients: A Controlled Naturalistic Study Using Actigraphy. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objective: To determine which issues clinical psychologists think are important in decisions about allocating patients to anxiety management groups, and to determine whether they are in agreement about the allocation of patients. Design: A survey design by questionnaire was implemented. Setting: Trust primary health care settings in all sectors of Glasgow.Participants: Thirtv-five qualified clinical psychologists working in adult mental health within Glasgow Trust were surveyed. Twenty-three responded and were included. Results: The majority (74%) thought anxiety management groups were useful, and could be used as the sole intervention in some cases. In decisions about allocation the patient's presentation (ie nature and chronicity of anxiety) and some practical issues, such as the likely mix of people in the group, were rated as being important. Demographic variables (eg age, occupation) were relatively unimportant in the decision. Clinicians were less likely to include patients with a severe level of anxiety (as opposed to mild/ moderate), and those whose problem had been present for more than three years. Comorbid problems most likely to lead to exclusion from groups were severe depression, substance or alcohol abuse, current criminal behaviour, and personality disorder. However there was a wide range of opinions about appropriate inclusion, which was also reflected in clinicians' decisions about particular cases (based on case vignettes). Conclusion: The wide range of opinion perhaps demonstrates the need for standardisation. Further outcome research aimed at identifying those who benefit most from group management would allow criteria for allocation to be outlined.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: Colin Espie
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Date of Award: 2001
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2001-75997
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 17:08
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 17:08
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75997