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Sacchettino L, Gatta C, Giuliano VO, Bellini F, Liverini A, Ciani F, Avallone L, d’Angelo D, Napolitano F. Description of Twenty-Nine Animal Hoarding Cases in Italy: The Impact on Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2968. [PMID: 37760367 PMCID: PMC10525848 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The hoarding of animals is a psychiatric disease, characterized by a compulsive collection of animals, with a relevant impact upon the care and welfare of animals, as well as on human society. In Italy, there are neither substantial reports nor information shared about such a phenomenon, making it difficult to draw a clear picture of the hoarder profile. Therefore, in the present work, we sought to detail 29 cases of animal accumulators in Italy, who lived within two areas of the Lazio region, and accumulated a total of 1080 animals from 2019 to 2022. In line with other international studies, we observed a prevalence of middle-aged (in their fifties) women, who lived mainly alone in a high level of social and health degradation. Most of the hoarded animals exhibited severe signs of dehydration and malnutrition, muscle hypotrophy, dermatological injuries, and behavioral disorders. Animal hoarding is not yet fully understood nor recognized as a psychosocial disorder, although it produces a deep suffering for the hoarder themselves, as well as corresponding family members, and the animals accumulated. Therefore, given the crucial impact of animal hoarding upon human and animal welfare, cross-cultural networks aimed at properly raising awareness of the problem could be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Sacchettino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Claudia Gatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Danila d’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.); (L.A.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
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2
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Wilkinson J, Schoultz M, King HM, Neave N, Bailey C. Animal hoarding cases in England: Implications for public health services. Front Public Health 2022; 10:899378. [PMID: 36111188 PMCID: PMC9468330 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.899378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hoarding disorder is characterized by an accumulation of possessions due to excessive acquisition of or difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value and is estimated to affect 2-6% of the population. Animal hoarding, a distinct subset of hoarding disorder, has a significant public health impact on the humans involved, as well as animal welfare. Individuals exhibit self-neglect, apathy, social withdrawal and object hoarding; living within squalid, deteriorated, structurally unsafe and uninhabitable premises, alongside neglected animals. Cases are complex, costly and impact on a range of responding service providers. Effective case management is poorly understood and researched, with published literature in England particularly sparse. Improving understanding of the characteristics of these cases is the first step in informed case management. This research is the first exploration of the characteristics of animal hoarders in England and the areas where cases were located. Information about prosecutions involving large numbers of animals that were reported in the media was systematically obtained. This identified 66 cases between January 2015 and December 2020. Geospatial analysis exploring characteristics of locations where animal hoarding cases are also reported. Findings were broadly consistent with the international literature in that females (64%), those living alone (71%) and those with a mean age of 49 were well represented. Cats (61.5%) and dogs (60%) were the most commonly hoarded species. There was a mean of 44 animals per case and dead or animals requiring euthanasia found in 53% of cases. Key characteristics of the areas where cases were found highlight urban, densely populated, and high levels of deprivation being the most represented. Evidence of recidivism was evident in 39% of cases, suggesting that prosecution is not an effective rehabilitator. Animal hoarding raises serious implications for Public Health Services, and the lack of current effective case management strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Wilkinson
- Department of Engineering & Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Justine Wilkinson
| | - Mariyana Schoultz
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M. King
- Department of Engineering & Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Neave
- Hoarding Research Group, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Bailey
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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A remote cognitive behavioural therapy approach to treating hoarding disorder in an older adult. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x22000204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Hoarding disorder (HD) is characterised by excessive acquisition and distress associated with discarding objects, resulting in significant clutter. At present, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) represents the strongest evidence base for treating HD, although some limitations exist. Little research has examined the effectiveness of remote-CBT interventions for HD in older adults. This case study focuses on Mary, an older female adult presenting with clinically significant hoarding behaviours which severely impact her daily functioning and quality of life. Assessment and intervention followed a structured CBT approach. Despite the complicating factor of COVID-19, Mary responded well to a remote-CBT intervention, with progress indicators suggesting modest improvements in personal, social and occupational functioning. These findings support the use of remote-CBT for HD in both reducing frequency and intensity of hoarding behaviours and improving wellbeing.
Key learning aims
(1)
Hoarding disorder (HD) is a poorly understood disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s personal, social and occupational functioning.
(2)
According to a cognitive behavioural model, HD emanates from information-processing deficits, emotional attachment difficulties, behavioural avoidance and maladaptive beliefs about objects and the self (Frost and Hartl, 1996).
(3)
Observations from this case study suggest the acceptability and effectiveness of a remote cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for HD, with outcomes appearing congruous with those produced by face-to-face intervention.
(4)
While research attests to the effectiveness of a CBT intervention for HD, an augmented account of the mechanisms through which these outcomes are achieved is required.
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Chan J, Powell C, Collett J. Profiling Hoarding Within the Five-Factor Model of Personality and Self-Determination Theory. Behav Ther 2022; 53:546-559. [PMID: 35473656 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the dispositional profile associated with hoarding symptoms by applying a personality and motivational trait perspective. A community sample oversampling high hoarding symptoms (N = 649, ages 18-74 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing hoarding, the five-factor model of personality, and general causality orientations drawn from self-determination theory. Personality aspects (10 traits), a level of measurement intermediate to factors (5 traits) and facets (30 traits), were assessed to provide greater specificity than a factor-level approach. Hoarding was correlated with neuroticism and conscientiousness. Aspects predicting hoarding were industriousness (C), orderliness (C), withdrawal (N), and assertiveness (E). Hoarding was significantly related to impersonal and control orientations, albeit with only slight (1.4%) incremental validity for general causality orientations above personality aspects in predicting hoarding. These findings may not generalize to a clinical treatment sample, and possible configurative interactions between traits were not assessed. This study extended the existing literature by reporting aspect-level personality and general causality orientation correlates of hoarding. These data may inform preventative monitoring and intervention programs, as well as predicting meaningful personality characteristics of hoarding clients.
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Abstract
Hoarding and squalor are complex conditions with a range of physical and mental comorbidities GPs play a key role in identifying people who experience these conditions, screening for safety risks, referral to specialist services and encouraging people to accept treatment and ongoing monitoring. Treatment for contributing and comorbid conditions should be optimised, with the help of specialist services when required. Medicines should be reviewed and adherence confirmed For moderate to severe hoarding and squalor, referral to specialist psychiatry, geriatrics and allied health services is recommended for thorough assessment, treatment of underlying conditions and ongoing management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gleason
- Department of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney.,Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne.,Hoarding and Squalor Service, Sydney Local Health District, Mental Health Service, Marrickville Health Centre, Sydney.,Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.,Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney.,Older Persons' Mental Health, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney
| | - Danielle Perkes
- Department of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney.,Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne.,Hoarding and Squalor Service, Sydney Local Health District, Mental Health Service, Marrickville Health Centre, Sydney.,Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.,Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney.,Older Persons' Mental Health, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney
| | - Anne Pf Wand
- Department of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney.,Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne.,Hoarding and Squalor Service, Sydney Local Health District, Mental Health Service, Marrickville Health Centre, Sydney.,Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.,Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney.,Older Persons' Mental Health, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney
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Piacentino D, Pasquini M, Cappelletti S, Chetoni C, Sani G, Kotzalidis GD. Pharmacotherapy for Hoarding Disorder: How did the Picture Change since its Excision from OCD? Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:808-815. [PMID: 30678629 PMCID: PMC7059160 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190124153048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This brief review deals with the various issues that contributed to the creation of the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual condition of hoarding disorder (HD) and attempts at reviewing its pharmacotherapy. It appears that after the newly founded diagnosis appeared in the literature as an autonomous entity, distinct from obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug trials are not being conducted and the disorder is left in the hands of psychotherapists, who on their part, report fair results in some core dimensions of HD. The few trials on HD specifically regard the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine, and, possibly due to the suggestion of a common biological background of HD with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the psychostimulant methylphenidate and the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine. For all these drugs, positive results have been reported, but the evidence level of these studies is low, due to small samples and non-blind designs. Regretfully, there are currently no future studies aiming at seriously testing drugs in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Cappelletti
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences (SAIMLAL) Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Chetoni
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D Kotzalidis
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Davidson EJ, Dozier ME, Pittman JOE, Mayes TL, Blanco BH, Gault JD, Schwarz LJ, Ayers CR. Recent Advances in Research on Hoarding. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:91. [PMID: 31410591 PMCID: PMC7294597 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of the following paper is to review recent literature trends and findings in hoarding disorder (HD). Our goal is to highlight recent research on etiology, associated features, and empirically based treatments. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature has added support for cognitive differences as a risk factor for HD; however, there is evidence that individuals with HD may overestimate their level of cognitive impairment. Several associated features have been highlighted in recent studies, including emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty and distress intolerance, and attachment. Finally, several psychotherapeutic treatments for hoarding have been recently validated, including group-based therapy and treatments using the cognitive-behavioral model. Although recent research demonstrates that hoarding can be effectively treated with available psychotherapeutic modalities, the effectiveness of current treatments is not as robust as that for other psychiatric disorders and more work is needed in treatment precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza J Davidson
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive 116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mary E Dozier
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive 116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
- Psychology Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - James O E Pittman
- Mental Healthcare Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tina L Mayes
- Mental Healthcare Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brian H Blanco
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive 116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John D Gault
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive 116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren J Schwarz
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive 116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Catherine R Ayers
- Mental Healthcare Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Hombali A, Sagayadevan V, Tan WM, Chong R, Yip HW, Vaingankar J, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. A narrative synthesis of possible causes and risk factors of hoarding behaviours. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 42:104-114. [PMID: 31003207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hoarding is a disorder characterized by excessive acquisition and persistent difficulty in discarding possessions. The behaviour has adverse emotional, physical, social, financial, and legal outcomes for the person with the disorder and family members, and might pose a significant public health problem. Hoarding has been included as a distinct disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth edition (DSM-5). The prevalence of hoarding disorder is approximately 2-6% globally. The current state of the evidence does not offer clear understanding of the causes of hoarding behaviours. A systematic review of the extant literature was carried out to determine the possible causal factors of hoarding behaviours. METHODS This review is conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. The following electronic databases: Medline through Ovid, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for relevant articles published between January 2000 and November 2018. Only articles published in English language were included. Two reviewers independently scrutinized the studies and included them in this review. RESULTS Our search strategy returned a total of 396 references. Preliminary findings suggest that individuals with hoarding behaviours may have a genetic susceptibility; abnormal neural activity in the fronto-temporal, para-hippocampal gyrus and insular parts of the brain has also been identified. Traumatic life experiences have also been posited to predispose individuals to hoard. CONCLUSION Although the understanding of hoarding disorder hasgrown in recent years, greater efforts are still needed to clarify the etiology and mechanisms of hoarding disorder as these may help in planning of more holistic interventions to treat the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Hombali
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Vathsala Sagayadevan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Weng Mooi Tan
- Agency for Integrated Care, Community Mental Health Division, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Chong
- Agency for Integrated Care, Community Mental Health Division, Singapore
| | - Hon Weng Yip
- Policy & Planning Division, Municipal Services Office, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Vaingankar
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore.
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9
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Clarke C. Can Occupational Therapy Address the Occupational Implications of Hoarding? Occup Ther Int 2019; 2019:5347403. [PMID: 30956628 PMCID: PMC6425346 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5347403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hoarding is often described as a medical disorder, defined by a persistent difficulty in discarding possessions and associated high levels of emotional distress when forced to part with these. This article will discuss how having a different view of hoarding, seeing hoarding as a daily occupation which provides value, purpose, and meaning and with a relationship to self-identity and life purpose, could offer alternate interventions to support an individual who hoards. The article will consider the components of hoarding activity and how these relate to health and wellbeing and doing, being, belonging, and becoming as understood by occupational therapists. The article will consider what occupational therapy, a profession which considers a person's daily occupations, the things that occupy their time and which give meaning to their existence, could offer as an alternative to current hoarding interventions. Proposals for occupational therapy interventions will be suggested which would support occupational choice, support engagement in activities which have more positive outcomes on a person's health, and seek to address barriers which limit engagement and occupational performance in activities within the person's home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Clarke
- School of Allied Health Professions and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
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10
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Castle D. Should we be worrying about the status of anxiety research in Australia and New Zealand? Australas Psychiatry 2015. [PMID: 26216796 DOI: 10.1177/1039856215590337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Castle
- Chair of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, and; Professor, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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