MedWorm: Anxiety

Combination Treatment With Phenelzine and CBT Superior to Monotherapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:23:53 +0100

Combination therapy with cognitive behavioral group therapy and phenelzine sulfate is more effective than either treatment alone and may improve response rates in patients with social anxiety disorder. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Mutual fund assets surge despite anxiety

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:01:28 +0100

U.S. investors pumped an estimated $30 billion into stock and bond mutual funds during February, but high unemployment and anxiety over the economy continue to weigh on the collective psyche of investors, according to research firm Strategic Insight. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

'Memories' of childhood sexual abuse may not be what they seem

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:45:53 +0100

Sociologist Jo Woodiwiss argues that a pervasive self-help culture has led women to look to the past for the causes of their troubles, sometimes inferring childhood sexual abuse from no more than a checklist of symptomsThe fierce debate over "recovered memories" of childhood sexual abuse was rekindled last week when an open letter from the scientific advisory board of the British False Memory Society was sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury requesting that the Church of England withdraw support for The Courage to Heal, a self-help book aimed at victims of such abuse. Professor Chris French's follow-up article on the science of memory is interesting, but it would be potentially more productive to explore why and how women (it is largely women) turn to self-help or therapy in an attempt to e...

National Jewish Health Receives Grant To Learn How Families Cope With Food Allergy

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Families with food-allergic children face a life of constant vigilance and the looming fear of life-threatening allergic reactions. This fear can have a huge impact on an entire family's life, from heightened anxiety to severe limits on their daily activities. Some families cope well with this situation, while others find it extremely stressful and difficult to manage... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

National Jewish Health Receives Grant To Learn How Families Cope With Food Allergy

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Neck pain and anxiety do not always go together

BioMed Central — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chronic pain and psychosocial distress are generally thought to be associated in chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as non-specific neck and back pain. However, it is unclear whether a raised level of anxiety is necessarily a feature of longstanding, intense pain amongst patient and general population sub-groups. In a cohort of 70 self-selected female, non-specific neck pain sufferers, we observed relatively high levels of self-reported pain of 4.46 (measured on the 11 point numerical pain rating scale (NRS-101)) and a longstanding duration of symptoms (156 days/year). However, the mean anxiety scores observed (5.49), fell well below the clinically relevant threshold of 21 required by the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The cohort was stratified to further distinguish individuals with higher p...

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Directional anxiety responses in elite and sub-elite young athletes: intensity of anxiety symptoms matters

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective was to examine the differences in anxiety ratings of elite and sub-elite athletes when the relationship between intensity and direction scores of anxiety ratings is considered in analyses. Participants were 31 junior elite (Mean age: 17.7, SD=1.1) and 53 sub-elite (Mean age: 17.5, SD=1.1) cross country skiers and swimmers who completed the direction modified CSAI-2R before important competitions. Results showed that elite athletes rated a higher percent of items as facilitative to their performance whereas sub-elite athletes rated a higher percent of items as debilitative. No significant differences between the elite and sub-elite samples were displayed regarding rated direction scores of cognitive or somatic anxiety at moderate to high-intensity levels. A significant differe...

Constructing a Conceptual Framework of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

Value in Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Findings were used to propose a conceptual framework of PROs for metastatic HRPC. Such frameworks can be used to help specify targets for assessment in clinical studies such as treatment trials. (Source: Value in Health)

Anticonvulsant effects and behavioural outcomes of rAAV serotype 1 vector-mediated neuropeptide Y overexpression in rat hippocampus

Gene Therapy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: F Noe, V Vaghi, C Balducci, H Fitzsimons, R Bland, D Zardoni, G Sperk, M Carli, M J During & A Vezzani (Source: Gene Therapy)

Health Buzz: 1 in 6 Americans Has Genital Herpes

U.S. News - Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:03:00 +0100

Online screening tools for depression or anxiety; risks of longtime osteoporosis medicine use. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

Type-D personality and depersonalization are associated with suicidal ideation in the German general population aged 35-74: Results from the Gutenberg Heart Study. - Michal M, Wiltink J, Till Y, Wild PS, Münzel T, Blankenberg S, Beutel ME.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:17:25 +0100

BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation (SID) is a major risk factor for suicide attempts. Mental disorders are among the strongest correlates of suicide, with depression and anxiety disorders playing a major role. The present study aims to investigate the contribut... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Sedation, Analgesia, and Monitoring

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:13:26 +0100

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery 2010; 23: 014-020DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247852ABSTRACTEndoscopic procedures are common and sedation is frequently used to minimize anxiety and discomfort, reduce the potential for physical injury during the procedure, and improve overall patient tolerability and satisfaction. In this article, the authors review the variety of options for sedation and analgesia available to the gastroenterologist or surgical endoscopist.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery)

Development Of New Scale To Measure Anxiety Outcomes

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale developed by the department of psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital has proven to be a reliable and valid measure of anxiety. The scale can easily be incorporated into routine clinical practice when treating psychiatric disorders. The study appears online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. To determine the impact of treatment on any medical disorder, it is necessary to evaluate outcomes. Standardized scales are increasingly recommended as an outcome measurement tool in the treatment of psychiatric disorders... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Development Of New Scale To Measure Anxiety Outcomes

Anxiety News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Massage Eases Anxiety, But No Better Than Simple Relaxation Does

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

A new randomized trial shows that on average, three months after receiving a series of 10 massage sessions, patients had half the symptoms of anxiety. This improvement resembles that previously reported with psychotherapy, medications, or both. But the trial, published in the journal Depression and Anxiety, also found massage to be no more effective than simple relaxation in a room alone with soft, soothing music. "We were surprised to find that the benefits of massage were no greater than those of the same number of sessions of 'thermotherapy' or listening to relaxing music," said Karen J... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Massage Eases Anxiety, But No Better Than Simple Relaxation Does

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

A new randomized trial shows that on average, three months after receiving a series of 10 massage sessions, patients had half the symptoms of anxiety. This improvement resembles that previously reported with psychotherapy, medications, or both... (Source: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today)

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The epidemiology of adolescent acne in North East China

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Adolescent acne includes a familial genetic predisposition. Additional environmental factors of psychological stress, skin oiliness and high caloric diets may also contribute to the onset of acne in Chinese adolescents. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Soluble βamyloid1-42: a critical player in producing behavioural and biochemical changes evoking depressive-related state?

British Journal of Pharmacology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and implications: Our data suggest that soluble A[beta]-treated rats have a depressive, but not anxiogenic-like, profile, accompanied by brain region-dependent alterations in the expression of neurotrophins and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurotransmission. Hence, these alterations induced by soluble A[beta] might be sensitive indicators of early phases of AD and possible risk factors for the expression of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD. (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

Electron-microscopic examination of effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on degeneration of cerebral cells in thiamine-deficient rats

Neuropathology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We previously demonstrated that yokukansan ameliorated not only learning disturbance but also behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia-like behaviors (anxiety, aggressiveness) and neurological symptoms (opisthotonus) induced in rats by dietary thiamine deficiency (TD). In the present study, the effects of yokukansan on degeneration of cerebral cells were further examined electron-microscopically during pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages in TD rats. In the pre-symptomatic TD stage, which appeared as increase in aggressive behaviors on the 21st and 28th days of TD diet-feeding, severe edematous degeneration of astrocytes was detected by electron microscopy, although the changes were not observed by light microscopy. In the symptomatic TD stage (the 34th day) characterized by dev...

Anterior Cingulate Desynchronization and Functional Connectivity with the Amygdala During a Working Memory Task Predict Rapid Antidepressant Response to Ketamine

Neuropsychopharmacology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giacomo Salvadore, Brian R Cornwell, Fabio Sambataro, David Latov, Veronica Colon-Rosario, Frederick Carver, Tom Holroyd, Nancy DiazGranados, Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, Christian Grillon, Wayne C Drevets & Carlos A Zarate Keywords: Biological Psychiatry; Mood/Anxiety/Stress Disorders; Imaging; Clinical or Preclinical; Glutamate; magnetoencephalography; N-back; beta desynchronization; biomarker (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology)

The storm and stress of adolescence: Insights from human imaging and mouse genetics

Developmental Psychobiology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The characterization of adolescence as a time of "storm and stress" remains an open debate. Intense and frequent negative affect during this period has been hypothesized to explain the increased rates of affective disorders, suicide, and accidental death during this time of life. Yet some teens emerge from adolescence with minimal turmoil. We provide a neurobiological model of adolescence that proposes an imbalance in the development of subcortical limbic (e.g., amygdala) relative to prefrontal cortical regions as a potential mechanism for heightened emotionality during this period. Empirical support for this model is provided from recent behavioral and human imaging studies on the development of emotion regulation. We then provide examples of environmental factors that may exacerbate imba...

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review of the diagnostic criteria and possible subtypes and dimensional specifiers for DSM-V

Depression and Anxiety — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A number of changes to the existing diagnostic criteria for OCD are proposed. These proposed criteria may change as the DSM-V process progresses. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-21, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Nicotine acts in the anterior cingulate, but not dorsal or ventral hippocampus, to reverse ethanol-induced learning impairments in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task

Addiction Biology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The current study examines the role of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and anterior cingulate in the interactive effects of ethanol and nicotine on learning, anxiety and locomotion in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task, which allows dissociation of drug effects on each behaviour. At training, time spent in each of the arms of the elevated plus-maze was recorded for 5 minutes. Each time that the mouse entered the aversive enclosed arm, a light and white noise were turned on. At testing, no cues were turned on and time spent in each arm was recorded for 3 minutes. The effects of systemic ethanol (1.0 or 1.4 g/kg) and nicotine (0.35 µg/0.50 µl/side) infused into the anterior cingulate, dorsal and ventral hippocampus were examined, as were the interactive effects of systemic eth...

Positive (But Not Negative) Punishment Predicts Anxiety and Depression Among Prostate Cancer Patients: An Exploration of the Behaviour Analytic Model of Depression

Behaviour Change — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Behaviour Change 26(4): 235-244 Abstract The relative power of Positive and Negative Punishment as predictors of anxiety and depression was investigated within the gender-specific population of Prostate Cancer patients. As well as being a more powerful predictor of total test scores, Positive Punishment was also a stronger predictor of the presence of clinical levels of anxiety and depression. Examination of the particular Positive Punishment events that were significantly associated with clinical anxiety and depression showed considerable overlap, supporting the concept of a combined anxiety-depression disorder. Suggestions for behavioural interventions with this patient group are made. (Source: Behaviour Change)

Online CBT I: Bridging the Gap Between Eliza and Modern Online CBT Treatment Packages

Behaviour Change — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Behaviour Change 26(4): 245-253 Abstract Reviews have demonstrated large effect sizes when using computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) protocols for treating anxiety, depression and health related concerns. However, the amount of therapist contact per user seems to be the most significant prognostic indicator. Thus, in some ways current online interventions can be viewed primarily as an extension of one-on-one therapy. The present article provides guidelines for targeting this limitation of online psychological interventions. The goal is to mimic the therapeutic relationship using a computer, without having any therapist involved. Consequently, thousands of users would be able to receive treatment simultaneously, reaching a wider audience, which was the initial goal of the online ...

Online CBT II: A Phase I Trial of a Standalone, Online CBT Treatment Program for Social Anxiety in Stuttering

Behaviour Change — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Behaviour Change 26(4): 254-270 Abstract This paper introduces a novel approach to internet treatment for social anxiety. The goal of this treatment was to address key limitations of current standalone treatments (Helgadottir, Menzies, Onslow, Packman, & O'Brian, 2009). The `computer psychologist' designed for this study used fully automated, prewritten individualised sample answers in order to simulate a human-human interaction through a human-computer interface. Two males who sought treatment for stuttering and met the diagnosis for social phobia according to the DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria were selected for this study. After receiving the treatment, both users no longer met criteria for social phobia. Also, significant improvements were observed on other psychometric tests, including mea...

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Prospective effects of violence exposure across multiple contexts on early adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Violence exposure at home and school had the strongest independent effects on internalizing and externalizing outcomes. Witnessing community violence attenuated the effects of witnessing home violence on anxiety and externalizing problems, perhaps due to desensitization or different norms or expectations regarding violence. However, no comparable attenuation effects were observed for victimization across contexts. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

The prevalence and correlates of adult separation anxiety disorder in an anxiety clinic

BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Patients with ASAD attending an anxiety clinic are highly symptomatic and disabled. The findings have implications for the classification, clinical identification and treatment of adult anxiety disorders. (Source: BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles)

Mental disorders as risk factors for substance use, abuse and dependence: results from the 10-year follow-up of the National Comorbidity Survey

Addiction — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Many mental disorders are associated with an increased risk of later substance use conditions, but important differences in these associations are observed across the categories of use, abuse and dependence with abuse. These prospective findings have implications for the precision of prevention and treatment strategies targeting substance use disorders. (Source: Addiction)

Psychotherapy Can Help People with Lupus Cope

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

After 10 sessions, anxiety, depression and stress lessened, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Lupus (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

10 Tips to Ease Concerns About Your Weight

Psych Central — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:57:38 +0100

Given the focus on weight by the health establishment, the government and the media, it is not surprising that many people in this country are anxiously asking the same question. And there is no shortage of recommendations out there directing people to lose weight with this or that diet, lifestyle program or eating regimen. Unfortunately, the research over the last 25 years is quite clear. There is simply no evidence that any of these approaches results in long-term weight loss for the vast majority of people who engage in them. There are no exceptions and none of the approaches (low fat, low calorie, low carb, etc.) work any better than any of the others. Even more unfortunately however, this complete lack of evidence does not stop people from being seduced into trying to lose weight with...

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Survey May Help Docs Diagnose Mood Disorders

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0100

It identified anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder in most cases, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Today's OpEds: Positive And Negative Consequences Of Health Reform

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

If Reform Fails The New York Times Any change as big as this is bound to cause anxiety. Republicans have happily fanned those fears with talk of "dangerous experiments" on the "best health care system in the world." The fact is that the health care system is broken for far too many Americans. And the country cannot afford the status quo (3/6)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Massage eases anxiety, but no better than simple relaxation does

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies) A randomized trial shows three months after 10 massages, Group Health patients' anxiety symptoms were halved -- an improvement like that previously reported with psychotherapy, medications, or both. But the trial, in Depression and Anxiety, also found massage no more effective than simple relaxation. "We were surprised that the benefits of massage were no greater than those of 'thermotherapy' or listening to relaxing music," said Group Health Research Institute senior investigator Karen J. Sherman, Ph.D., M.P.H. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Researchers develop new scale to measure anxiety outcomes

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Lifespan) A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale developed by the department of psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital has proven to be a reliable and valid measure of anxiety. The scale can easily be incorporated into routine clinical practice when treating psychiatric disorders. The study appears online ahead of print today in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Massage eases anxiety, but no better than simple relaxation does

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A randomized trial shows three months after 10 massages, patients' anxiety symptoms were halved -- an improvement like that previously reported with psychotherapy, medications, or both. But the trial also found massage no more effective than simple relaxation. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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New scale to measure anxiety outcomes developed

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale has proven to be a reliable and valid measure of anxiety. The scale can easily be incorporated into routine clinical practice when treating psychiatric disorders. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Quality of life in patients with various liver diseases

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Little is known comparing and contrasting quality of life (QoL) in patients with hepatitis C, compared to patients with other liver diseases. We performed two independent prospective cross-sectional studies including 511 and 284 patients with different forms of liver diseases. SF-36 was used in both studies. Fatigue Impact Score, WHO-BREF and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used in either study only. In both studies, HCV-positive patients scored worse in the mental aspects of health-related QoL compared to other liver diseases, except for HBV in one study. Surprisingly, in both studies, quality of life was also significantly impaired in patients with viral clearance after interferon therapy but not after spontaneous clearance. Furthermore, patients with primary b...

The effectiveness of a web-based self-help intervention to reduce suicidal thoughts: A randomized controlled trial

BioMed Central — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based self-help intervention for suicidal thoughts. Several limitations and strengths of the design are discussed.Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register, NTR1689 (Source: BioMed Central)

General anaesthesia and day-case patient anxiety

Journal of Advanced Nursing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Focusing on the timely, formal delivery of information about anaesthesia management, emphasizing the notion of 'controlled unconsciousness' and dispelling misconceptions associated with general anaesthesia may help to limit patient anxiety. (Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing)

Anxiety is associated with diminished exercise performance and quality of life in severe emphysema: a cross-sectional study

Respiratory Research — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In clinically stable patients with moderate to severe emphysema, anxiety is associated with worse exercise performance, quality of life and shortness of breath, after accounting for the influence of demographic and physiologic factors known to affect these outcomes.Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00000606 (Source: Respiratory Research)

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The relationship between anxiety disorders and suicide attempts: findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Depression and Anxiety — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and PTSD, are independently associated with suicide attempts. Clinicians need to assess suicidal behavior among patients presenting with anxiety problems. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-8, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Facilitating Informed Decisions Regarding Microsatellite Instability Testing Among High-Risk Individuals Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer [Gastrointestinal Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:01:30 +0100

Conclusion Incorporation of new media education strategies for individuals at risk for LS may be a valuable component of the informed consent process. As clinical criteria for MSI and IHC testing continue to expand, the need for alternative educational approaches to meet this increased demand could be met by the self-administered computer-based strategy that we described. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Routine, Self‐administered, Touch‐Screen, Computer‐Based Suicidal Ideation Assessment Linked to Automated Response Team Notification in an HIV Primary Care Setting

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:02:25 +0100

Discussion. Suicidal ideation was associated with current substance abuse and depression. The use of novel technologies to incorporate routine self‐reported screening for suicidal ideation and other health domains allows for timely detection and intervention for this life‐threatening condition. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Nicotine withdrawal in U.S. smokers with current mood, anxiety, alcohol use, and substance use disorders

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:53:10 +0100

Conclusions: Participants with a current Axis I disorder were more likely to experience tobacco withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal-related discomfort and relapse. Having a co-morbid psychiatric disorder and AUD/SUD did not synergistically increase the experience of withdrawal-related symptoms or relapse. It is important to identify Axis I disorders in smokers and provide these smokers with more intensive and/or longer treatments to help them cope with withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

57. Anxiety in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:11 +0100

The aim was to identify the frequency and level of anxiety in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 60 patients with RA, aged 49.87±7.56 yrs., we evaluated: disease activity by DAS28 score, functional ability by the HAQ, and anxiety by Spielberger test (state and trai anxiety). (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

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47. Anxiety and epilepsy

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:09 +0100

Purpose: Quantitative analysis of anxiety level in patient groups with generalized and focal, temporal or extratemporal epilepsy. Material and method: Ninety patients (30 with generalized epilepsy, 30 with temporal and 30 with extratemporal epilepsy), and age-matched healthy control subjects were investigated. Anxiety level in all subjects was assessed with Beck Anxiety Inventory. Sheehan Disability Scale was used to determine the functional disability level. Patients with comorbid major depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, progressive neurological disease, alcoholism, and epilepsy associated with mental retardation were excluded. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Panic disorder as a risk factor for post-partum depression: Results from the Perinatal Depression-Research & Screening Unit (PND-ReScU) study

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:38 +0100

Conclusions: PD is an independent risk factor for PPD, underscoring need to assess PD symptoms during pregnancy. Furthermore, PD represents an important risk factor for the development of PPD and should be routinely screened in order to develop specific preventive interventions. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

A prevention programme for somatoform disorders is effective for affective disorders

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:34 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a psycho-educational programme for the primary prevention of somatoform disorders in healthy primary care patients.Methods: Randomized, controlled trial. Participants (N=104) were randomly assigned to: (1) a psycho-educational intervention, or (2) no intervention at all. The primary outcome measure was somatoform disorder psychiatric diagnosis at 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were hypochondriasis, locus of control and attribution of symptoms and psychological distress.Results: At 3 and 6 months, and 5 years, the intervention group significantly decreased hypochondriasis and somatic attributions; and increased psychological and normalizing attributions and internal locus of control. Five years after baseline, the prevalenc...

Monitoring treatment response and outcomes using the World Health Organization's Wellbeing Index in psychiatric care

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:34 +0100

Conclusions: The current findings illustrate the potential of the WHO-5 as a quick, reliable and valid means for assessing patient outcome and monitoring patient response to treatment in psychiatric services. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

A 4-item measure of depression and anxiety: Validation and standardization of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in the general population

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:33 +0100

Conclusions: Results from this study support the reliability and validity of the PHQ-4, PHQ-2, and GAD-2 as ultra-brief measures of depression and anxiety in the general population. The normative data provided in this study can be used to compare a subject's scale score with those determined from a general population reference group. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

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Cognitive reactivity: Investigation of a potentially treatable marker of suicide risk in depression

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:32 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first study to show that CR may underlie the relative stability of suicidal symptoms independent of anxiety comorbidity and that suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are associated with distinct patterns of CR. Since CR is a potentially treatable vulnerability marker of depression recurrence, this has important clinical implications. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Valproate for the treatment of acute bipolar depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:31 +0100

Conclusions: Valproate is effective for the reduction of depressive symptoms of acute bipolar depression, and was well tolerated. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Women's Reproductive Related Disorders (RRDs)

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:31 +0100

Conclusions: Disorders during these periods are quite prevalent and may be grouped together as Reproductive Related Disorders (RRDs). They are characterized by their timing, epidemiologic associations and shared vulnerabilities, but not necessarily by their descriptive phenomenology that often times is diversified among women but consistent within each individual woman.The pathophysiology of RRDs is suggested to be maladaptation of vulnerable women to normal hormonal changes. As such, RRDs provide for an interdisciplinary diagnostic model of mostly-affective disorders that differ from the current descriptive-based entities.Clinical relevance: Treatment options may be aimed at the trigger—the hormonal changes or instability; or may be symptomatic—in cases of depression or anxiety they a...

National Jewish Health receives grant to learn how families cope with food allergy

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(National Jewish Medical and Research Center) Families with food-allergic children face a life of constant vigilance and the looming fear of life-threatening allergic reactions. This fear can have a huge impact on an entire family's life, from heightened anxiety to severe limits on their daily activities. National Jewish Health researcher Mary Klinnert has received a $450,000 grant from the NIH to study how different families adapt to life with food allergies, and to discover what helps the best-adapted families cope well. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Steps toward an evolutionary personality psychology: Individual differences in the social rank domain.

Canadian Psychology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A comprehensive evolutionary personality psychology can be developed by identifying individual differences within each of the evolved systems that regulate social behaviour. We developed a questionnaire measure of social rank style, defined as individual differences in preferred strategies for pursuing, defending, and, when necessary, relinquishing social rank. The 17-item Rank Style with Peers Questionnaire (RSPQ) comprises three nearly independent scales: dominant leadership, coalition-building, and ruthless self-advancement. A series of studies demonstrated that: (a) the RSPQ’s, factor structure is robust; (b) the three rank style variables are not redundant with the five-factor traits or adult attachment styles; (c) they are related in theoretically expected ways to adjustment outcom...

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Chronic medication does not affect hyperactive error responses in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Psychophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) show an increased error-related negativity (ERN), yet previous studies have not controlled for medication use, which may be important given evidence linking performance monitoring to neurotransmitter systems targeted by treatment, such as serotonin. In an examination of 19 unmedicated OCD patients, 19 medicated OCD patients, 19 medicated patient controls without OCD, and 21 unmedicated healthy controls, we found greater ERNs in OCD patients than in controls, irrespective of medication use. Severity of generalized anxiety and depression was associated with ERN amplitude in controls but not patients. These data confirm previous findings of an exaggerated error response in OCD, further showing that it cannot be attributed to medication. The ab...

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters sympathovagal balance in healthy subjects

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A common polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Val66Met) has been implicated in anxiety, which is associated with lower vagal activity. We hypothesize that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may have a modulatory effect on the cardiac sympathovagal balance. A total of 211 healthy Chinese-Han adults (58 male, 153 female, aged 33.3 ± 10.3 years) were recruited with three BDNF genotypes: Val/Val (47, 22.3%), Val/Met (108, 51.2%), and Met/Met (56, 26.5%). Autonomic function was assessed via an analysis of heart rate variability. Reductions in high-frequency power, an index for parasympathetic activity, and increases in the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio, an index for sympathovagal balance, were found in subjects bearing the Met/Met genotype as compared to the Val/...

Wanted: an eco prophet

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:30:00 +0100

People are drifting into a lethal slumber on climate change. More of the same won't wake them upIt's an exceptionally inconvenient truth. Only one American in three believes that human beings are responsible for climate change: a polling result 10% down on where opinion rested the year before. Worse, the number of Americans who believe that climate change is a hoax or a scientific conspiracy – not doubting, just damned blank certain – has doubled since 2008. Add in those who assert that the changes, if any, are of "no significant concern", and you've got 30% of the US denying, scoffing and just walking on by.Are the issues clearer, the people more committed, here in Britain? Call for the latest evidence from Ipsos Mori – and find that the proportion of UK adults who believe that glob...

How to Give a Presentation Part II: Tell A Good Story

Psychology Today Work Center — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:50:34 +0100

Conclusion In the essay, The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within, Edward Tufte discusses the problems with using PowerPoint to shape presentations. His main argument is that the style encouraged by the use of PowerPoint undermines the kind of complex thought that should be the hallmark of good presentations and good decision-making. Tufte’s three main criticisms of PowerPoint are that it: focuses all the control and attention on the presenter and the presentation, rather than on the content and ideas;forces argument into a linear structure, which may not be appropriate given the particular goals of the presentation (meetings come to mind immediately;encourages oversimplification. All of these pitfalls can be avoided if you use your tools rather t...

Bomb blast, mild traumatic brain injury and psychiatric morbidity: A review. - Rosenfeld JV, Ford NL.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:34:45 +0100

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) arising from blast exposure during war is common, and frequently complicated by psychiatric morbidity. There is controversy as to whether mild TBI from blast is different from other causes of mild TBI. Anxiety and affective ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Sports and games for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). - Lawrence S, de Silva M, Henley R.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:34:45 +0100

BACKGROUND: Traumatic experiences evoke emotions such as fear, anxiety and distress and may encourage avoidance of similar situations in the future. For a proportion of those exposed to a traumatic event, this emotional reaction becomes uncontrollable and ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Relationship between peripheral airway function and patient-reported outcomes in COPD : a cross-sectional study

BioMed Central — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IOS measurements, especially indices of peripheral airway function, are significantly correlated with health status and dyspnea in patients with COPD. Therefore, in addition to its simplicity and non-invasiveness, IOS may be a useful clinical tool not only for detecting pulmonary functional impairment, but also to some extent at least estimating the patient's quality of daily life and well-being. (Source: BioMed Central)

Don’t crush the munchies: misadventures with a cannabinoid antagonist

The Poison Review — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:32:57 +0100

We recently talked about the endogenous cannabinoid receptor (CR) in a post discussing K2, packets of herbs and spices laced with specific CR agonists. There are two major classes of CRs: CR(1) — located mainly in the central nervous system; and CR(2) — located in T cells, macrophages, and other components of the immune system. The psychoactive effects of cannabinoids are mediated almost entirely by the CR(1) units. K2 typically contains the research chemical JWH-018, a synthetic CR(1) stimulator. In an interesting twist on this story, a recently published paper in International Journal of Obesity (16 Feb 2010; advance online publication) reports the findings from a large study investigating the use of taranabant – a CR(1) antagonist — as a weight-loss agen...

[Psychogenic Purpura with Hematuria and Sexual Pain Disorder: A Case Report.]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:14:03 +0100

We report a psychogenic purpura case that presented with hematuria in addition to skin lesions. Based on the psychiatric evaluation she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, sexual pain disorder accompanied these disorders. With the help of antidepressant and supportive psychotherapy, the patient's ecchymosis and bleeding disappeared. During 8 months of follow-up the symptoms did not return. Vaginismus has not been reported in patients with psychogenic purpura. The presence of vaginismus, which is seen more frequently in eastern cultures and is thought to be related to sociocultural determinants, suggests that some cultural factors may be common to both psychogenic purpura and vaginismus. The aim of this...

[The Accuracy of HADS and GHQ-12 in Detecting Psychiatric Morbidity in Breast Cancer Patients.]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:14:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: The HADS Unitary Scale and its subscales were effective in identifying affective disorders. They can be used as screening measures in breast cancer patients. The GHQ-12 was less accurate in detecting affective disorders than the HADS, but it can also be used as a screening instrument to detect affective disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and DSM major depression. PMID: 20204904 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Journal of Psychiatry)

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[Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program for Alleviating the Symptoms of Social Anxiety in Adolescents.]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:14:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: Consistent with the literature of school based Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment (CBGT) programs for social anxiety, it was found that adolescents in the treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in social anxiety and related cognitive errors. PMID: 20204902 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turkish Journal of Psychiatry)

[Associations between early-onset mental disorders and educational attainment in Belgium; a population study.]

Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:12:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: Early-onset mental disorders have a considerable impact on school termination prior to completion in Belgium. PMID: 20205077 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie)

Gene’s Impact on Forgetting a Fear-Based Memory Same in Humans and Mice

National Institute of Mental Health — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:38:12 +0100

Both humans and mice carrying a variant of a gene that plays a role in memory were slow to learn to forget a fear-based memory. The parallels in gene effects observed in mice and humans in this work means that investigation using the mouse model can provide insights into effects in humans; results may inform treatment approaches to anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)

An Evaluation of the Applicability of the Tripartite Constructs to Social Anxiety in Adolescents

Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:12:09 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology)

Maternal Daily Diary Report in the Assessment of Childhood Separation Anxiety

Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:12:09 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology)

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Don't Let Stress Grind You Down

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

People who are stressed by daily problems or trouble at work seem to be more likely to grind their teeth at night. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Head & Face Medicine studied the causes of 'sleep bruxism', gnashing teeth during the night, finding that it was especially common in those who try to cope with stress by escaping from difficult situations. Maria Giraki, from Heinrich-Heine-University, DÃ¼sseldorf, Germany, worked with a team of researchers to study the condition in 69 people, of whom 48 were 'bruxers'... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Don't Let Stress Grind You Down

Dentistry News From Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

People who are stressed by daily problems or trouble at work seem to be more likely to grind their teeth at night. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Head & Face Medicine studied the causes of 'sleep bruxism', gnashing teeth during the night, finding that it was especially common in those who try to cope with stress by escaping from difficult situations... (Source: Dentistry News From Medical News Today)

BDNF moderates early environmental risk factors for anxiety in mouse

Genes, Brain and Behavior — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Anxiety is known to be influenced by both adverse childhood experiences and genetic susceptibility factors. A polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene modulates the association between adverse early experiences and risk for anxiety and depression in adulthood. An animal model of this gene-by-environment risk factor is lacking. Using two different early environmental manipulations, we found that a heterozygous null mutation in the mouse BDNF gene moderated the long-term effect of maternal care on innate anxiety behavior. Although changes in maternal care were associated with mild changes in anxiety in wild-type mice, this effect was magnified in heterozygous null BDNF mice with high- and low-maternal care associated with low and high levels, respectively, of avoidan...

How to Give a Presentation Part I: It's Not About You

Psychology Today Work Center — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:37:59 +0100

I teach psychology, with classes sometimes ranging up to several hundred students. I sometimes lecture six to eight times a week. Althought that's a lot of what professors do, it's something I got absolutely no training for when I was in graduate school.Everything I learned about giving presentations I learned as an interior design student. We gave formal or informal presentations to professors and peers at least once a week for the four years I was an undergraduate at Cornell. Why? Because as an interior designer, a big chunk of your job is presenting to clients. They knew that a large part of our professional success would rely on our ability to clearly and succintly talk about our ideas. And they also knew that practice makes perfect.In reading the po...

Using Evidence-Based Instruments to Document Eligibility and Improve Quality of Life of Hospice Patients

Home Health Care Management — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:45:02 +0100

This article presents how the six scales (i.e., pain-verbal and non-verbal, breathing, functional decline-PPS and Fast, and anxiety) were developed and implemented, and also presents the preliminary evaluation of successful results. (Source: Home Health Care Management)

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Relating Schizotypy and Personality to the Phenomenology of Creativity

Schizophrenia Bulletin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:18:35 +0100

Discussion: These findings indicate that "positive" schizotypy is associated with central features of "flow"-type experience, including distinct shift in phenomenological experience, deep absorption, focus on present experience, and sense of pleasure. The neurologically based construct of latent inhibition may be a mechanism that facilitates entry into flow-type states for schizotypal individuals. This may occur by reduced latent inhibition providing a "fresh" awareness and therefore a greater absorption in present experience, thus leading to flow-type states. (Source: Schizophrenia Bulletin)

Meaning of the labor process: perspectives of nursing students

Acta Paulista de Enfermagem — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:50:24 +0100

Conclusion: Nursing student experience in providing care during the labor process made the teaching-learning plan broader and suggested new perspectives to attend women in labor needs.Introducción: Los fenómenos que envuelven el trabajo de parto (TP) deben ser asistidos por los enfermeros; por lo tanto, su formación es importante para proporcionar una asistencia de calidad a la parturienta. Objetivo: Comprender el significado del TP para el alumno de Enfermería que cursa la disciplina Enfermería en el Proceso de Cuidar III-Mujer. Métodos: Estudio de abordaje cualitativo, teniendo como marco teórico el Interaccionismo Simbólico. Para la recolección de datos, fueron usadas la observación participante y la entrevista abierta. Resultados: Los símbolos del TP que más aparecieron fue...

Efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot study

Journal of Psychopharmacology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100

This study investigates duloxetine in the treatment of patients with BPD. Eighteen outpatients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BPD were treated with open-label duloxetine, 60 mg/day, for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 12 with the CGI Severity item, the BPRS, the HAM-D, the HAM-A, the SOFAS, the BPD Severity Index (BPDSI) and the HSCL-90-Somatization Subscale (HSCL-90 SOM). Adverse effects were evaluated using the Dosage Record Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale. Statistics were performed with the analysis of variance. Significant P values were ≤0.05. Fourteen patients completed the study. Four patients (22.2%) discontinued treatment in the first 4 weeks because of non-compliance. A significant change was found for: BPRS, HAM-D, SOFAS, BPDSI total score and items &l...

"Tunnel Anxiety" Can Be Reduced

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Many people feel insecure when they drive in tunnels. However, their anxiety can be reduced. "Driving in tunnels is actually twice as safe as driving in the open air, when all factors are taken into account," says SINTEF scientist Gunnar Jensen. However, a rough estimate suggests that as many as 10 - 20 percent of the population feel uncomfortable or very uncomfortable driving in tunnels... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

"Tunnel Anxiety" Can Be Reduced

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Many people feel insecure when they drive in tunnels. However, their anxiety can be reduced. "Driving in tunnels is actually twice as safe as driving in the open air, when all factors are taken into account," says SINTEF scientist Gunnar Jensen. However, a rough estimate suggests that as many as 10 - 20 percent of the population feel uncomfortable or very uncomfortable driving in tunnels. Older people in particular tend to feel insecure. In a previous study carried out by SINTEF, as many as 40 percent of the older age-group said that they felt extremely insecure driving in tunnels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Job Satisfaction and Burnout Among Staff Working in Community-Based Personality Disorder Services

International Journal of Social Psychiatry — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:02 +0100

Conclusions: The low levels of burnout we found may reflect the early stage of the development of these services. However, it is also possible that working with people with PD does not in itself lead to burnout, especially when services are organized to share and contain work-related anxiety. (Source: International Journal of Social Psychiatry)

A New Form of Social Withdrawal in Japan: a Review of Hikikomori

International Journal of Social Psychiatry — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:01 +0100

The purpose of this article is to provide a clinical review of a unique, emerging form of severe social withdrawal that has been described in Japan. This paper begins with a case vignette, then reviews the case defi nition, epidemiology, psychopathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment and management of the condition. Called hikikomori, it is well known to both the psychiatric community and general public in Japan but it has never been reviewed in the English medical literature. Patients are mostly adolescent and young adult men who become recluses in their parents’ homes for months or years. They withdraw from contact with family, rarely have friends, and do not attend school or hold a job. Never described before the late 1970s, hikikomori has become a silent epidemic with ten...

Pathways to Postoperative Hostility in Cardiac Patients: Mediation of Coping, Spiritual Struggle and Interleukin-6

Journal of Health Psychology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:48:38 +0100

Using structural equation modeling, we estimated major pathways from preoperative distress, indicated by anxiety and other factors, to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients. Sequential interviews were conducted before and after surgery. Standardized medical and surgical indices were selected from a national database. Results showed that preoperative spiritual struggle mediated indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immediately before surgery. The link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 further mediated the indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on postoperative hostility. Anger coping mediated the harmful influence of anxiety and counteracted the protection of positive religious coping on adjustment. (Source: Journal of Health Psychology)

A Randomized Evaluation of Loss and Gain Frames in an Invitation to Screening for Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Attendance, Anxiety and Self-rated Health

Journal of Health Psychology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:48:38 +0100

A randomized controlled trial in two general practices in Cambridgeshire compared the effect of loss and gain framed messages in an invitation to screening for type 2 diabetes on uptake and subsequent anxiety and self-rated health. High risk individuals aged 40—69 years were randomized to receive loss (n = 57) or gain (n = 59) framed screening invitations. A postal questionnaire was sent to all participants, including non-attenders, after six weeks. There were no significant differences in attendance, mean state anxiety, self-rated health or illness representation between the loss and gain frame arms. Framing of information in diabetes screening invitations does not influence uptake. (Source: Journal of Health Psychology)

Pregabalin in the treatment of post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain: a randomized double-blind trial

European Journal of Neurology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Flexible-dose pregabalin 150[ndash]600 mg/day was effective in relieving neuropathic pain, improving disturbed sleep, improving overall patient status, and was generally well tolerated in patients with post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

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The enigma of the welfare state: excellent child health prerequisites – poor subjective health

Acta Paediatrica — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The gradually deteriorating self-reported health among Swedish youth may, to some degree, be explained as a late adverse effect of the welfare society itself and its inherent values. (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

Physiological and pathophysiological functions of different angiotensins in the brain

British Journal of Pharmacology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The renin[ndash]angiotensin system (RAS) is better known for its role in the control of blood pressure, but evidence obtained from animal experiments and clinical trials suggests that it is involved in complex brain functions. It is now well accepted that neuronal AT1 receptors mediate the stimulatory actions of angiotensin II regarding blood pressure and the intake of water and salt. In contrast, neuronal AT2 receptors have been implicated in the stimulation of apoptosis and as being antagonistic AT1 receptors. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] mediates its antihypertensive effects by stimulating synthesis and release of vasodilator prostaglandins and nitric oxide. New data concerning the receptor types binding angiotensin IV or Ang-(1-7) also support the existence of complex site-specific in...

Clonazepam for Refractory Headache: Three Cases Illustrative of Benefit and Risk

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Many patients with migraine are poorly responsive to conventional preventive therapies. Comorbid anxiety and depression may contribute to headache refractoriness, but studies of headache preventives have not typically addressed the patient with psychiatric comorbidity. The author has used clonazepam empirically to treat a subgroup of headache patients with associated anxiety, who were poorly responsive to conventional preventives. The use of a benzodiazepine as a headache preventive raises concerns regarding tolerance and addiction. The author presents 3 cases that illustrate different outcomes associated with this therapy, and suggests guidelines for its use. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Predictability of Future Attacks by Migraineurs: A Prospective Observational Study

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Migraine sufferers are generally unable to predict onset of the next migraine. Lack of predictability heightens the importance of education and preparedness for a migraine attack which may also reduce fear and anxiety between attacks. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Impact of Self-Hypnosis in Women on Select Physiologic and Psychological Parameters

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To examine physiologic and psychologic effects of hypnosis in healthy women. Quasi-experimental, within-subject, repeated measures. Private laboratory setting in an urban Midwestern College of Nursing. Convenience sample of 30 healthy, female volunteers who were nonpregnant, predominantly White, college students. Participants listened to a 30-minute recording of relaxing, affirming hypnotic suggestions while sitting comfortably in a recliner. Hypnotizability and trait anxiety were measured at baseline. Tension-anxiety was measured at baseline and following the hypnotic induction. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability were collected before, during, and following the hypnotic experience. Paired t tests revealed significantly reduced heart rate (p (Source: Journal of Obstet...

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Phenomenology, psychopathology, and short-term therapeutic outcome of 102 infants aged 0 to 12 months consecutively referred to a community-based 0 to 3 mental health clinic

Infant Mental Health Journal — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Infants ages 0 to 1 year consecutively referred for psychiatric treatment during the year 2005 were followed, and variables associated with diagnosis and short-term outcome were assessed. Infants were evaluated using the Psychiatric Infant Navigator Chart and Evaluation that includes nosological diagnoses [Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, (DC 0-3), Zero to Three, 1994] as well as risk and protective factors, treatment procedure, and outcomes. Seventy-six percent of the infants had an Axis I diagnosis, with anxiety disorders and a mixed disorder of emotional expressiveness being the most frequent. Twenty-five percent had an Axis II diagnosis. Multiple correspondence analyses showed that two dimensions corresponding grossl...

Effect of escitalopram on the processing of emotional faces.

Braz J Med Biol Res — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alves-Neto WC, Guapo VG, Graeff FG, Deakin JF, Del-Ben CM Serotonin has been implicated in the neurobiology of depressive and anxiety disorders, but little is known about its role in the modulation of basic emotional processing. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, escitalopram, on the perception of facial emotional expressions. Twelve healthy male volunteers completed two experimental sessions each, in a randomized, balanced order, double-blind design. A single oral dose of escitalopram (10 mg) or placebo was administered 3 h before the task. Participants were presented to a task composed of six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise) that were morphed between neutral and each standard...

No Heterosexual Partner? It's called "social factor infertility"

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:46:18 +0100

As I considered what new "face of infertility" to focus on in today's blog, I decided to honor March 3, 2010, a historic day in Washington D.C. where couples waited in line for hours to apply for marriage licenses on the first day same sex unions became legal in the nation's capital. One rarely thinks of same sex couples as "infertile," but the absence of a heterosexual partner means that they must give careful and deliberate consideration to how to enlarge their families. "Social factor infertility" differs in some ways from a diagnosis of medical infertility, and couples facing either will share some familiar emotional territory. The shared territory obviously includes the anxiety about whether one partner will be able to conceive, and what toll this effort will take on relationsh...

Supporting families in the ICU: A descriptive correlational study of informational support, anxiety, and satisfaction with care

Intensive and Critical Care Nursing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:16:04 +0100

Summary: Background: Informational support to family members of ICU patients has significant potential for reducing their psychological distress, enabling them to better cope and support the patient.Objectives: To describe family member perception of informational support, anxiety, satisfaction with care, and their interrelationships, to guide further refinement of a local informational support initiative and its eventual evaluation.Methodology/design: This cross-sectional descriptive correlational pilot study collected data from a convenience sample of 29 family members using self-report questionnaires.Setting: 22-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit of a 659-bed university affiliated teaching hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.Results: Mean informational support, assessed with a mo...

Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) 30th Annual Conference

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:15:00 +0100

Read clinically focused news coverage of key developments from the meeting. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Psychotherapy May Help Autoimmune Disease

Anxiety News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

This study shows that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in dealing with patients suffering from lupus and high levels of daily stress as it significantly reduces the incidence of psychological disorders associated with lupus and improves and maintains patients' QOL, despite there being no significant reduction in the disease activity index... (Source: Anxiety News From Medical News Today)

Moderate Drinking Before Trauma Leads To More Flashbacks

Anxiety News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

People who have drunk a moderate amount of alcohol before a traumatic event report more flashbacks than those who have had no alcohol, according to new research at UCL (University College London). The results may give new insight into why some individuals develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event and others do not... (Source: Anxiety News From Medical News Today)

Same-sex marriage ban increases anxiety

Health News - UPI.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:09:53 +0100

NEW YORK, March 4 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers found an increase in psychiatric disorders among the lesbian, gay, bisexual population living in states that ban same-sex marriage. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Contralateral versus ipsilateral rTMS of temporoparietal cortex for the treatment of chronic unilateral tinnitus: comparative study

European Journal of Neurology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Ten daily treatments of 1 and 25 Hz rTMS contralateral to the side of tinnitus have a greater beneficial effect on symptoms than either ipsilateral or left side stimulation. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Overactive bladder and caffeine: comparing women with and without mental health diagnoses

International Journal of Urological Nursing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Caffeine is a stimulant thought to activate the pleasure centre in the brain, commonly used in the general public for purposeful attempt to alter mood, and also commonly perceived to be a bladder irritant with associated urgency and frequency symptoms. Mental health diagnosis, such as depression, is also associated with overactive bladder. Taken together, it is plausible that women with overactive bladder symptoms along with comorbid mental health symptoms may also show higher caffeine intake but no data exist. This pilot study's purpose was to determine in women with overactive bladder, if those with a mental health diagnosis (we included anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar diagnosis) consume a significantly higher amount of caffeine than those without any of t...

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Conceptual relations between anxiety disorder and fearful temperament

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Fearful temperaments have been identified as a major risk factor for anxiety disorders. However, descriptions of fearful temperament and several forms of anxiety disorder show strong similarities. This raises the question whether these terms may simply refer to different aspects of the same underlying construct. The current review examines evidence for the overlap and distinction between these constructs. Although strong conclusions cannot be drawn from the extant literature, the bulk of the evidence appears to support a distinction between them. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development)

Factors contributing to the emergence of anxiety among behaviorally inhibited children: The role of attention

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Behavioral inhibition (BI) is a temperament that can be identified early in childhood. Children with BI are socially reticent, withdraw from engaging unfamiliar peers, and often have problems in forming friendships. They are also at risk for developing anxiety disorders as they get older. There is, however, as much discontinuity as continuity in the expression of BI over time. One set of processes that appear to moderate the continuity of BI involve attention. Children with BI who display heightened orienting towards threat and more error monitoring are more likely to remain stable in BI and develop anxiety in early adolescence. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development)

Familial and temperamental risk factors for social anxiety disorder

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common disorder that can lead to significant impairment. In this chapter, the author provides background on the disorder and reviews hypothesized familial and temperamental risk factors. In particular, it highlights the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk for Anxiety, now in its fifteenth year, and describes how this study has identified some factors that contribute to risk for SAD. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development)

Anxious solitude/withdrawal and anxiety disorders: Conceptualization, co-occurrence, and peer processes leading toward and away from disorder in childhood

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This chapter contains (1) an analysis of commonalities and differences in anxious solitude and social anxiety disorder, and a review of empirical investigations examining (2) correspondence among childhood anxious solitude and anxiety and mood diagnoses and (3) the relation between peer difficulties and temporal stability of anxious solitude and depressive symptoms. Findings support a diathesis-stress model in which anxious solitude forecasts symptoms of psychopathology primarily in the context of interpersonal stress. Additionally, evidence for individual and environmental factors which moderate risk for peer difficulties among anxious solitary children is reviewed. Implications for intervention are discussed. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Dev...

Parents, peers, and social withdrawal in childhood: A relationship perspective

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this chapter, the authors review the history of the Waterloo Longitudinal Project (WLP), the first longitudinal study (1980-1992) dedicated to the study of social withdrawal, its correlates, and consequences. Theories underlying the WLP are described, as are its empirical findings. Recent research from other labs that has extended the findings of the original WLP is briefly described. The authors' research that draws on the findings of WLP are noted as well. An underlying theme in this work is that relationships (and interactions) with parents and friends can serve as protective or exacerbating factors in the developmental course of social withdrawal and its concomitants (including social anxiety). © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development)

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[Sexual addiction? : When sexual behavior gets out of control.]

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Briken P, Basdekis-Jozsa R The authors differentiates deviant (paraphilic) and non-deviant forms of a sexual addictive symptomatology. For the non-deviant forms, the diagnostic term paraphilia-related disorder is used. According to etiological factors, the authors discuss an interaction of a biological vulnerability, attachment and relationship problems, disorders of affect regulation as well as disinhibition of sexual excitation. Some individuals react to negative emotions, like depression or anxiety, with an increased sexual arousal. They may try to cope with negative emotions by being sexually active. However, the importance of the sexual stimulus itself should not be ignored. The authors describe specific psychotherapy, the attendance of self-help groups, and pharmacologic...

Immunohistochemical characterization of 5-HT(3A) receptors in the Syrian hamster forebrain.

Brain Research — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carrillo M, Ricci LA, Schwartzer JJ, Melloni RH The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) has been extensively used as an animal model to investigate neuronal networks underlying various behaviors where 5-HT(3A) receptors have been found to play a critical role. To date, however, there is no comprehensive description of the distribution of 5-HT(3A) receptors in the Syrian hamster brain. The current study examined the localization of 5-HT(3A) receptors across the neuraxis of the Syrian hamster forebrain using immunohistochemistry. Overall, 5-HT(3A) receptors were widely and heterogeneously distributed across the neuraxis of the Syrian hamster brain. Notably, the most intense 5-HT(3A) immunolabeling patterns were observed in the cerebral cortex and amygdala. In addition, high va...

Anger rumination, social support, and cardiac symptoms in patients undergoing angiography.

British Journal of Health Psychology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions For patients awaiting angiography, stress, and lack of social support are important predictors of self-reported cardiac symptoms, irrespective of actual disease severity. Intervention could focus on reducing perceived stress by encouraging reappraisal and a support seeking, rather than a ruminative, anger coping style. PMID: 20205981 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Health Psychology)

Science Shows You Can Die of Boredom, Literally

Psychology Today Personality Center — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:31:12 +0100

Monthly magazines from Reader's Digest to Cosmopolitan are inundated with tips on how to sleep better, find happiness, and weave seriously sexy hair. Taking nothing away from being happy and blowing your romantic partner's mind on valentine's day, there are few things as valuable as staying alive.Sometimes we fail to take life and death seriously. Think back to those painful days of calculus class in high school. Like the sounds of a banshee ripping out its entrails, you and your classmates probably screamed the same screams heard year after year - "I'm so bored, I could die!" And yet, did your calculus teacher care? Did they offer a hug or show the slightest empathy? Probably not. And what about the desperate pleas of innocent children on long, monotonous car rides. All children want is a...

When and how to evaluate mildly elevated liver enzymes in apparently healthy patients

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:31:25 +0100

Not all asymptomatic people with a mildly elevated liver enzyme value need an extensive evaluation, which can be costly, anxiety-provoking, and risky. (Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine)

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Does Inability To Express Emotions Affect Outcome Of Coronary Angioplasty?

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A French investigation published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics has explored the outcome in terms of physical functioning of coronary angioplasty. Although anxiety and depressive symptoms have been reported to be predictive of poorer functional recovery in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, little data are available on their effects after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Alexithymia is a psychological construct that encompasses a deficiency in understanding, processing, or describing emotions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cannabis Science Officially Begins Its First Pre-IND FDA Application Process For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Cannabis Science Inc. (NASD OTCBB: CBIS), a pharmaceutical cannabis company in the US, is pleased to announce that it now has the results of its survey of more than 1,300 individuals with PTSD, including a large cohort of veterans. The survey was conducted by Cannabis Science Advisory Board member Dr. Mitch Earleywine PhD. of the State University of New York (Albany). The Company has reported several prospective drugs for FDA clinical trials... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cannabis Science Officially Begins Its First Pre-IND FDA Application Process For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A novel seven-octapeptide repeat insertion in the prion protein gene (PRNP) in a Dutch pedigree with Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease phenotype: comparison with similar cases from the literature

Acta Neuropathologica — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:50:25 +0100

Abstract Human prion diseases can be sporadic, inherited or acquired by infection and show considerable phenotypic heterogeneity. We describe the clinical, histopathological and pathological prion protein (PrPSc) characteristics of a Dutch family with a novel 7-octapeptide repeat insertion (7-OPRI) in PRNP, the gene encoding the prion protein (PrP). Clinical features were available in four, neuropathological features in three and biochemical characteristics in two members of this family. The clinical phenotype was characterized by slowly progressive cognitive decline, personality change, lethargy, depression with anxiety and panic attacks, apraxia and a hypokinetic-rigid syndrome. Neuropathological findings consisted of numerous multi- and unicentric amyloid plaques througho...

Dexmedetomidine Controls Agitation and Facilitates Reliable, Serial Neurological Examinations in a Non-Intubated Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury

Neurocritical Care — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:07:18 +0100

Conclusion Given the large numbers of alcohol-dependent patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury and subsequently develop agitation and alcohol withdrawal in hospital, dexmedetomidine offers a novel strategy to facilitate sedation without neurological or respiratory depression. As this case report demonstrates, dexmedetomidine is an emerging treatment option for agitation in patients who require reliable, serial neurological testing to monitor the course of their traumatic brain injury. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Practical PearlDOI 10.1007/s12028-009-9315-8Authors Julin F. Tang, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine 1001 Potrero Avenue San Francisco CA 94110 USAPo-Lia...

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Glaxo Birth Defect Litigation Reveals Paxil Promoters on Speed Dial

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) In the first Paxil birth defect trial against GlaxoSmithKline, much of evidence focused on the doctors on Glaxo's payroll involved in the corruption of the medical literature and seminars given to promote the off label use of Paxil with pregnant and nursing mothers.On October 13, 2009, the trial of Kilker v Glaxo ended with a Philadelphia jury awarding $2.5 million in compensatory damages to the family of Lyam Kilker, after finding that Glaxo "negligently failed to warn" the doctor treating Lyam's mother about the risks of Paxil and the drug was a "factual cause" of the child's heart defects.Glaxo's lead attorney at trial was King and Spalding partner Chilton Varner, and the family's lead attorney was Sean Tracey from Houston.During his opening statement on September 15, 2009...

The Charlie Brown Theory of Personality

Psychology Today Personality Center — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:15:55 +0100

There are those who say there is nothing to be learned in the comics section of the newspaper.We don't talk about these people.To everyone else - yes, of course the comics can teach us, but did you know they can teach us about personality psychology?It's true. Rather than actually proving this in any kind of systematic, empirical, or scientific fashion, I will instead propose the Charlie Brown Theory of Personality - which quite closely mirrors the Five Factor Model. Developed and tested by such personality luminaries as Digman, Goldberg, Costa, and McCrae, the Five Factor Model has, curiously, fourteen factors. No, wait - it actually has five. (sorry).This model reduces all of the different possible personality variables into five broad factors: neuroticism (now more politely called emoti...

Effects of Surgical and Adjuvant Therapies for Breast Cancer on Sexuality, Cognitive Functions, and Body Weight

The Journal of Sexual Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Young women undergoing adjuvant breast cancer therapy experience a heavy impairment in important quality of life domains as sexuality and targeted support interventions are needed. Biglia N, Moggio G, Peano E, Sgandurra P, Ponzone R, Nappi RE, and Sismondi P. Effects of surgical and adjuvant therapies for breast cancer on sexuality, cognitive functions and body weight. J Sex Med **;**:**[ndash]**. (Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine)

Combined phenelzine and CBGT superior to either treatment alone for social anxiety disorder

NeLM - Mental Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Arch Gen Psychiatry Area: News The results of a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial have found that a combination of phenelzine and cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) is superior to either treatment alone and to placebo for social anxiety disorder (SAD). To investigate, researchers from two US academic centres randomised 128 adults with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of SAD to CBGT (n=34), phenelzine sulphate (15-60mg/day; n=35), placebo (n=27), or combined CBGT plus phenelzine (15-60mg/day; n=32). The CBGT sessions took place weekly and were administered by two therapists in twelve 2.5-hour sessions to groups of 4 to 6 participants. The primary outcome measures were Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale s...

Predictors of romantic relationship formation: Attachment style, prior relationships, and dating goals

Personal Relationships — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This prospective study (N = 90) investigated the early formation of romantic relationships within an attachment-theoretical framework. Specifically, it tested whether general attachment to romantic partners was predictive of single individuals' progressing from not dating to dating and from not dating or casual dating to a committed and exclusive relationship when simultaneously considering desire for starting a committed relationship, prior dating involvement, and self-perceived physical attractiveness. Attachment avoidance, but not anxiety, was predictive of not entering into committed dating relationships even with rival predictors included. The transition from not dating to casual or committed dating was mainly predicted by prior dating success with some support for a potential additio...

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Stress coping styles and singing behavior in the short-tailed singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina).

Hormones and Behavior — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the prevalence of proactive/reactive stress coping styles in wild-caught short-tailed singing mice (Scotinomys teguina). We compared stress responses to spontaneous singing, a social and reproductive behavior that characterizes this species. To establish proactive/reactive profiles for singing mice, we measured exploratory and anxiety behavior using an open-field behavioral test. We examined correlations between open-field behaviors and fecal corticosterone (CORT) metabolites, baseline plasma CORT and stress-induced CORT. Mice with proactive behavioral responses in the open-field had higher fecal CORT titers than reactive males, but did not differ in baseline or stress-induced plasma CORT. We suggest that individual differences in CORT metabolism may contribute t...

The effects of social support and coping on the relationship between social anxiety and eating disorders.

Eating Behaviors — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:22:39 +0100

Authors: Wonderlich-Tierney AL, Vander Wal JS The current study examined the hypotheses that social support and coping moderate and or mediate the relationship between a broad and a narrow form of social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms. One hundred sixty-nine female undergraduates at a private Midwestern university, completed measures of social support, coping, social anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that higher levels of social support are associated with a weaker association between social anxiety and eating disorder symptomatology. Low use of task- and avoidant-oriented (distraction) coping and increased use of emotion-oriented coping are associated with a stronger...

Increase Self Esteem and Relationship Satisfaction with Yawning?

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:09:37 +0100

I know I say it over and over, but it still remains true: our self esteem is due, in part, to how well we are able to regulate our own feelings. And how well we regulate our own feelings affects our relationships. And the solidity of our relationships affects our self esteem. You can see there is one big cycle of influences.With that in mind, I'd like to pass along one of the breakthrough neurologic discoveries for enhancing inner calmness and self regulation. And that discovery is the practice of purposeful deep yawning.Do you think that when someone yawns they are bored or disinterested? Think again. Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, M.D. and therapist Mark Robert Waldman write about the usefulness of yawning in How God changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist...

Exercise Training May Reduce Anxiety in Chronically Ill Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:09:57 +0100

A meta-analysis shows that exercise training is associated with a reduction in anxiety symptoms among sedentary patients with a chronic illness. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Investigating the Association Between Childhood Physical Abuse and Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] This study found a stable association between childhood physical abuse and migraine that persisted when 6 clusters of potentially confounding factors were adjusted for. Future research should investigate possible mechanisms which explain the abuse[ndash]migraine association. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

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Obama Likes His Butts

Health WorldNet — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

For most people, their annual physical is nothing more than an inconvenience mixed with a touch of embarrassment. First there’s the time off from work or school. Why can doctors only see you at 2:30 on Thursday? So annoying! Then there’s the waiting…the appointment day arrives, you get there early, and what do they do? They make you freeze to death in the exam room while you wait and wait for the doctor to appear. Finally, you must endure the humiliation of getting very intimate with someone you would probably never give a second glance to, yet they get to see everything you own, if you know what I mean. They end the appointment by telling you what you already know; eat right, exercise, and stop smoking (if you do). Throw in a bit of anxiety, because they may actually find something ...

Detainment and health: The case of the Lebanese hostages of war

International Journal of Mental Health Nursing — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the current research was to compare former detainees of Khiam prison to a comparison group regarding depression, anxiety, presence of chronic diseases, smoking, and alcohol drinking. The sample consisted of 118 ex-detainees and 90 community controls. The Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale, and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire were used. The ex-detainees suffered from an increased level of depression, high anxiety scores, increased chronic diseases, smoked more, and consumed more alcohol than their comparison group. Regression analyses showed that detainment independently predicted depression and anxiety. (Source: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing)

Multirater Congruence on the Social Skills Assessment of Children with Asperger Syndrome: Self, Mother, Father, and Teacher Ratings.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to examine social skills through self-reports of children with AS (N = 21) and a matched group of typically developing peers, as well as reports from their mothers, fathers, and teachers. Results showed that children with AS had more social skills deficits according to all raters and that they reported more aggressiveness/antisocial behavior, more conceit/haughtiness, more loneliness/social anxiety, and less assertiveness than controls. The level of agreement between raters varied significantly, suggesting that social skills are best studied with multiple informants. PMID: 20195739 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

The emotional experience associated with worrying: anxiety, depression, or stress?

Anxiety, Stress, and Coping — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored whether the emotional states of anxiety, depression, or stress are specifically associated with excessive and uncontrollable worry. A group of 126 university students were selected to represent a wide range on the dimension of worry proneness. They completed a worry questionaire, monitored the frequency and uncontrollability of their worry episodes for 1 week, and completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) to indicate their level of negative affect during the monitoring period. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that all measures of worrying had a unique positive association with stress, over and above their associations with anxiety and depression. Item-level analyses showed that stress symptoms were uniformly strongly associated with worrying, while an...

Progress in corticotropin-releasing factor-1 antagonist development.

Drug Discovery Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zorrilla EP, Koob GF Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonists have been sought since the stress-secreted peptide was isolated in 1981. Although evidence suggests the limited efficacy of CRF(1) antagonists as antidepressants, CRF(1) antagonists might be novel pharmacotherapies for anxiety and addiction. Progress in understanding the two-domain model of ligand-receptor interactions for CRF family receptors might yield chemically novel CRF(1) receptor antagonists, including peptide CRF(1) antagonists, antagonists with signal transduction selectivity and nonpeptide CRF(1) antagonists that act via the extracellular (rather than transmembrane) domains. Novel ligands that conform to prevalent pharmacophore and exhibit drug-like pharmacokinetic properties have been id...

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Polyaminergic agents modulate contextual fear extinction in rats.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gomes GM, Mello CF, da Rosa MM, Bochi GV, Ferreira J, Barron S, Rubin MA Polyamines, such as spermidine and spermine, have been reported to improve memory retention through the activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAr). However whether polyamine agonists and antagonists alter extinction remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated whether spermidine and polyamine antagonists that selectively block the NR2B subunit at the NMDAr alter the extinction of contextual conditioned fear in male Wistar rats. The bilateral intrahippocampal administration of exogenous spermidine (2 nmol/site) immediately after, but not 6 hours after extinction training, facilitated the extinction of fear conditioning. The injection of the NMDAr antagonists arcaine (0.2 nmol/site), ife...

Association of Western and Traditional Diets With Depression and Anxiety in Women [Articles]

Am J Psychiatry — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:05:44 +0100

Conclusions These results demonstrate an association between habitual diet quality and the high-prevalence mental disorders, although reverse causality and confounding cannot be ruled out as explanations. Further prospective studies are warranted. (Source: Am J Psychiatry)

The Psychiatric Sequelae of Traumatic Injury [Articles]

Am J Psychiatry — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:05:44 +0100

Conclusions A significant range of psychiatric disorders occur after traumatic injury. The identification and treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders are important for optimal adaptation after traumatic injury. (Source: Am J Psychiatry)

A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Phenelzine, Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy, and Their Combination for Social Anxiety Disorder [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:50:46 +0100

Conclusion Combined phenelzine and CBGT treatment is superior to either treatment alone and to placebo on dimensional measures and on rates of response and remission. (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

Restless legs syndrome and its relationship with anxiety, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Quality of Life Research — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:12:06 +0100

Conclusions The prevalence of RLS in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is 18.3%, about double of that expected in the general population. The occurrence of RLS is much more frequent in female patients and with longer-term chemotherapy. Cancer patients afflicted by RLS have significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression, and poorer quality of life especially in the physical well-being dimension. Recognition and treatment of RLS in cancer patients is an important target in clinical management and may improve quality of life and overall health outcomes in these patients. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11136-010-9614-8Authors Luca Ostacoli, University of Torino, San Luigi Hospital Mental Health Orbassano ItalyAndrea Saini, University of Torino, ...

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Impact of Gluten-free Camp on Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Children who had CD and attended a week-long gluten-free camp demonstrated improvement in well-being, self-perception, and emotional outlook. The positive effects of camp were more apparent among campers who had been on a GFD for <4 years compared with those who had been on a GFD for ≥4 years, suggesting an adaptation to CD with time. A gluten-free camp that provides an environment of unrestricted foods can at least temporarily alleviate stress and anxiety around food and social interactions. Durability of these observations on return to daily life requires additional study. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder: cross-national community study [PAPERS]

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:01:19 +0100

Conclusions The community epidemiological profile of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder confirms most but not all current clinically based knowledge about the illness. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)

Reasons and Determinants for Not Receiving Treatment for Common Mental Disorders [Articles]

Psychiatr Serv — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:00:52 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners should pay considerable attention to patients whose need for care is unmet. Furthermore, findings support the implementation of patient empowerment in mental health care in order to contribute to easily accessible and patient-centered care. (Source: Psychiatr Serv)

Anxiety psychopathology in African American adults: Literature review and development of an empirically informed sociocultural model.

Psychological Bulletin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

In this review, the extant literature concerning anxiety psychopathology in African American adults is summarized to develop a testable, explanatory framework with implications for future research. The model was designed to account for purported lower rates of anxiety disorders in African Americans compared to European Americans, along with other ethnoracial differences reported in the literature. Three specific beliefs or attitudes related to the sociocultural experience of African Americans are identified: awareness of racism, stigma of mental illness, and salience of physical illnesses. In our model, we propose that these psychological processes influence interpretations and behaviors relevant to the expression of nonpathological anxiety as well as features of diagnosable anxiety condit...

A dimensional analysis of creativity and mental illness: Do anxiety and depression symptoms predict creative cognition, creative accomplishments, and creative self-concepts?

Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The link, if any, between creativity and mental illness is one of the most controversial topics in modern creativity research. The present research assessed the relationships between anxiety and depression symptom dimensions and several facets of creativity: divergent thinking, creative self-concepts, everyday creative behaviors, and creative accomplishments. Latent variable models estimated effect sizes and their confidence intervals. Overall, measures of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety predicted little variance in creativity. Few models explained more than 3% of the variance, and the effect sizes were small and inconsistent in direction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts)

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Avoidance, Sobriety and Reality: The Psychology of Addiction

Psychology Today Addiction Center — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:51:22 +0100

Despite their limitations, preconceptions, and borderline exploitation, the various recent television reality shows about addiction do shine a bright and dramatic light on two dark, secretive, debilitating and very destructive mental disorders: Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence. Like many, but especially as a clinical and forensic psychologist with almost thirty-five years of dealing with such tragic tales, I still find it simultaneously fascinating and painful to watch shows like Intervention and Celebrity Rehab with "Dr. Drew" Pinsky. I suspect I am not unlike other ambivalent viewers who stop channel-surfing long enough to gawk at the emotional equivalent of a human car wreck. Despite being disturbed, horrified and racked with voyeuristic guilt, we just can't quit watching. Still...

Development of the State Impostor Phenomenon Scale

Japanese Psychological Research — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to develop a State Impostor Phenomenon Scale (SIPS). Participants (344 graduate and undergraduate students) were asked to complete the SIPS, the State Self-Esteem Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Scale in three situations, followed by the Trait Self-Esteem Scale. Results showed that the SIPS had stable factor structure, and adequate reliability. In addition, the predicted correlational patterns among the scales demonstrated the construct validity of the SIPS. Moreover, the SIPS was responsive to different situations, as evidenced by significant differences between the scores in the three situations. (Source: Japanese Psychological Research)

Cochrane review: Honey for acute cough in children

NeLM - Complementary Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Complementary Medicine Background Cough causes concern for parents and is a major cause of outpatient visits. It can impact on quality of life, cause anxiety and affect sleep in parents and children. Several remedies, including honey, have been used to alleviate cough symptoms. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of honey for acute cough in children in ambulatory settings. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2009, issue 2) which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register; MEDLINE (1950 to April Week 2 2009); EMBASE (1990 to April 2009); CINAHL (1982 to April 2009); Web of Science (2000 to April 2009); AMED (198...

Early onset alcohol dependence with high density of family history is not “male limited”

Alcohol — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the possible expression of this subtype in present day alcohol-dependent women. Detailed systematic assessment was obtained from 200 treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent women and 189 healthy population controls. Women fulfilling type II alcoholism criteria had higher alcoholism severity as measured by The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and markedly higher use of illicit drugs. Both alcoholism subtypes scored higher than normal on anxiety and impulsivity traits, but type II women scored markedly higher on aggression subscales than either of the other groups. Importantly, density of family history was markedly higher in type II women, suggesting a higher heritability. Despite its original description as male limited, early onset alcoholism with high density of family h...

Improving personal health records for patient-centered care.

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Findings suggest patient-centeredness for personal health records can be improved, and recommendations are made for best practice guidelines. PMID: 20190063 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association)

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Effect of concord grape juice on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: results of a pilot study.

Oncology Nursing Forum — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The effect of grape juice flavonoids on CINV should be investigated further with a larger sample to determine whether preliminary findings are supported. Alterations to the study protocol will be necessary to decrease attrition.Implications for Nursing: Flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables may provide additional protection against CINV. If the compounds work, they would offer a low-cost, readily available adjunctive treatment for the management of CINV. PMID: 20189927 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Oncology Nursing Forum)

Effects of exercise intensity and self-efficacy on state anxiety with breast cancer survivors.

Oncology Nursing Forum — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Acute exercise at light and moderate intensity decreases state anxiety for breast cancer survivors and those without a diagnosis. Additional research is warranted.Implications for Nursing: Light- and moderate-intensity exercise may be a valuable alternative anxiolytic tool that also allows for the acquisition of myriad additional known health benefits associated with exercise. PMID: 20189926 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Oncology Nursing Forum)

A pilot study of relationships among pain characteristics, mood disturbances, and acculturation in a community sample of chinese american patients with cancer.

Oncology Nursing Forum — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A significant percentage of Chinese American patients experience moderate to severe cancer pain that affects their mood and their ability to function.Implications for Nursing: Nurses should assume a proactive role in assessing the physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of pain in Chinese American patients. Future research should evaluate the cancer pain experience of these vulnerable patients and develop and test culturally appropriate interventions. PMID: 20189922 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Oncology Nursing Forum)

Effects of a brief psychosocial intervention in patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.

Oncology Nursing Forum — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BPIC use improved fighting spirit and self-care behaviors in study participants. The results partially support the effectiveness of BPIC for adaptation among patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.Implications for Nursing: A brief psychosocial intervention using multimedia can be used effectively in clinical oncology settings to accelerate adaptation among patients with cancer in the adjuvant phase. PMID: 20189916 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Oncology Nursing Forum)