MedWorm: Psychotherapy

The effects of cognitive behavior therapy delivered by students in a psychologist training program: an effectiveness study.

Behavior Therapy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:42:57 +0100

Authors: Ost LG, Karlstedt A, Widén S Abstract Relatively little is known about the efficacy of clinically inexperienced student therapists carrying out cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) under supervision during a professional, psychologist training program. The current study evaluated this by collecting pre- and posttreatment data on 591 consecutive patients receiving treatment at the Psychotherapy Clinic of the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden, over an 8-year period. The patients had mainly anxiety disorders or depression with a mean duration of 15years, and received individual CBT for a mean of 18 sessions. They improved significantly on both general measures (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and Quality of Life Inventory [QOLI...

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Magnetic therapy for depression promising

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:06:09 +0100

MAYWOOD, Ill., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Psychotherapy and antidepressants treat only about one-third of patients who suffer depression, but a magnetic therapy is promising, a U.S. researcher said. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

The Gentle Self: How to Overcome Your Difficulties with Depression, Anxiety, Shyness, and Low Self-Esteem

Psych Central — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:35:16 +0100

I think everyone’s a little narcissistic. We all have moments when we wish everyone would be more like us—when we get upset that no one seems to care about what we are feeling. We also often put others ahead of ourselves and deny ourselves the satisfaction of saying “I need to do this for me.” If either of these becomes an extreme, psychologists may diagnose it as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The Gentle Self by Gerti Schoen addresses the second type of narcissist. Drawing on her own experiences and her observations of others, Schoen explains exactly what a “gentle self” is. This type of narcissist puts others ahead of themselves because the narcissist feels that he or she is unworthy of love or respect. I can definitely relate to the gentle self. Schoen spen...

Magic mushrooms, international law and the failed 'war on drugs'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:36:26 +0100

Recent research suggesting potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin focus attention on the need to reform drug lawsIt's been a busy fortnight. First the publication of two major peer-reviewed research papers about magic mushrooms that attracted worldwide publicity. Then off to Prague for an international drugs policy symposium. And just last week, news of a large grant for our next collaborative study with Imperial College. But I'm getting ahead of myself.I established the Beckley Foundation some 14 years ago as a think tank on drugs policy. It was apparent even then that the "war on drugs" had failed. A 1997 report by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme put the value of the global trade in illicit drugs at around $400bn. Recent UN figures show that global production of opium (u...

Nicholas A. Cummings and William T. O'Donohue. Eleven Blunders That Cripple Psychotherapy in America: A Remedial Unblundering. New York: Routledge, 2008. 408 pp. $27.50 (hardcover). ISBN‐13: 978‐0415989633.

Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:27:22 +0100

(Source: Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences)

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Psychotherapy benefits youth with first-episode psychotic mania

MedWire News - Psychiatry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The addition of psychotherapy to treatment as usual may help reduce symptoms of depression and overall symptom severity in young people who have experienced a first episode of psychotic mania, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)

From the President

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:134 (DOI:10.1159/000332749) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Books Received

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:133 (DOI:10.1159/000331139) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Lower Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentration in the Long Term after Severe Accidental Injury

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:121–123 (DOI:10.1159/000330243) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

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Type D Personality and Alexithymia among Psychiatric Outpatients

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:118–120 (DOI:10.1159/000330215) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Predictors of Patient Adherence to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:124–126 (DOI:10.1159/000330214) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Coping Styles in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Findings from a Population-Based Study

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:127–129 (DOI:10.1159/000329996) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Social Effectiveness Therapy (SET-C) in a Boy with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:130–132 (DOI:10.1159/000329994) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

[How is burnout treated? : Treatment approaches between wellness, job-related prevention of stress, psychotherapy, and social criticism].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

[How is burnout treated? : Treatment approaches between wellness, job-related prevention of stress, psychotherapy, and social criticism]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2012 Feb;55(2):190-6 Authors: Hillert A Abstract The subjective illness burnout is often described as the combination of workload-related suffering and job dissatisfaction, thus, leading to depressive symptoms. Burnout is a serious model of personal illness perception, but not useful as a diagnosis term because of its lack of specification and reliability. In this respect, burnout therapy cannot be regarded as a specific form of psychotherapy or any other form of therapy, but rather a pragmatic procedure focusing on the burnout clients' needs. When applying scientific standard...

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Professional relationships in dangerous times: C. G. Jung and the Society for Psychotherapy

Journal of Analytical Psychology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Relying in part on previously unpublished documents of the 1930s, this paper1 describes the origins and mission of the General Medical Society for Psychotherapy, both as it existed before Hitler's rise to power and as it was transformed afterward. Jung accepted the Society's presidency in 1933–34, on condition that it be restructured as an international, politically neutral organization, free from the laws of Gleichschaltung (Nazi conformity). The paper also contains a close study of Jung's collaboration with one interesting German colleague, Walter Cimbal. Cimbal, a neurologist, was briefly a member of the Nazi Party and, judging from his early letters to Jung, a Hitler enthusiast. Yet he also seems to have tried, together with Jung, to alleviate the difficulties of German ...

Editorial

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Waka Oranga: The Development of an Indigenous Professional Organisation within a Psychotherapeutic Discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article discusses the development in Aotearoa New Zealand of a fledgling Māori professional organisation, Waka Oranga, which is engaged in providing indigenous healing and psychotherapeutic support to Māori families who experience trauma and discontent in their lives and supervision and consultancy to Māori and non‐Māori professionals. The article sets this development in context, discusses the symbolism of the organisation's name and logo, summarises its organisational structure, values and processes, and concludes with its principles and vision. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

New Directions in International Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThis paper develops some ideas about international psychotherapy, what it is, what it does, and what it could become. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Psychotherapy, Politics, and International: A Professional Introduction

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article introduces a new Associate Editor. The author's professional career and work reflect the importance of the impact of social context in understanding distress, and of non‐Western psychological healing traditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

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Unacceptable Complicities and Necessary Articulations between Psychotherapy, Politics and Internationalism

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article introduces a new Associate Editor. It clarifies certain connections—and disconnections—and articulations between psychotherapy, politics and internationalism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Evidence‐Based Practice, Talking Therapies and the New Taylorism

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the development of evidence‐based practice (EBP) in the field of talking therapies, and particular its realisation in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in the National Health Service in England. A critique of EBP is offered, starting with an examination of its epistemological and methodological foundations. The critique is then developed to examine the way EBP is being used to support the implementation of a new form of management ideology, Digital Taylorism, which is based on the codification and routinisation of what was previously considered to be subjective knowledge and practice. The service offered by IAPT, and supported by guidance from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, is presented as a prime examp...

Dreams and Politics: How Dreams May Influence Political Decisions

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article highlights the relevance of dreams to politics; briefly reviews historical examples of dreams from several cultures; summarises some recent research on political attitudes in the USA; and draws attention to environmental dreams as a rising political concern. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

From Politics to Poetry

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTViolent and dangerous socio‐political dynamics affect each individual powerfully. This is particularly true after profound trauma, such as the pogroms of Europe, the most disturbing being the Holocaust or Shoah. Trauma such as this can be internalised and preserved in symbolic form for generations. Many psychodynamic theorists describe how traumatic repetition can continue across generations unless the trauma is integrated or transformed in some way. One important way to integrate trauma is through poetics. Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and others provide the foundations for the contemporary work of Russell Meares, who shows that metaphor and imagery are vital to the integration of traumatic experience. The psyche is structured around associative and imaginative process and responds b...

Validity, Vision and Vocalisation: Social Responsibility Arguments and Power‐Sensitised Counselling

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThis paper considers the potential for advancing power‐sensitised practice in counselling. Power‐sensitised practice engages with differences in social power, seeing these as significant to therapeutic work. Key to the development of power‐sensitised practice is the availability in therapy discourse of arguments based on social responsibility. It has been noted in previous papers that counselling discourse holds resources for arguments based on “social responsibility” as well as the more dominant strand of “individualism”. Power‐sensitised practice using social responsibility arguments can therefore be seen to be compatible with existing counselling discourses and can occur where counsellors acknowledge the validity of social responsibility arguments in counselling;...

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Occupy London Stock Exchange Camp at St Paul's Cathedral, London, UK

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThese notes provide an impression of one example of the worldwide “Occupy” movement, that of Occupy London Stock Exchange, and the involvement of psychotherapists and counsellors in response to the call for welfare assistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Occupy Auckland

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThese notes provide an account of another example of the worldwide “Occupy” movement, that of Occupy Auckland in Aotearoa New Zealand. The article describes the General Assembly and the decision‐making process involved in these meetings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

The Third Reich in the Unconscious: Transgenerational transmission and its consequences. By Vamik D. Volkan, Gabriele Ast and William F. Greer. (2002). New York, NY: Brunner‐Routledge. 211 pp.

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Contributors

Psychotherapy and Politics International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychotherapy and Politics International)

Substance abuse and suicide risk among adolescents

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:07:15 +0100

Abstract The aim of this paper was to review the literature concerning the relationship between suicide and substance abuse behaviours among adolescents, focusing on epidemiology, comorbidity and preventive programmes. We performed a Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, PsycLit and PsycInfo search to identify all papers and book chapters during the period between 1980 and 2011. Adolescents with substance abuse disorder who attempt or complete suicide can be characterized as having mood disorders, stressful life events, interpersonal problems, poor social support, lonely lives and feelings of hopelessness. The research supports the existence of a strong relationship between suicide and substance abuse. Preventive programmes should be based on the detection of risk factors associated wit...

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Transparency and Intimacy

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:25:37 +0100

Disclosure without taking responsibility is nothing at all. read more (Source: Psychology Today Relationships Center)

SORL1 genetic variants and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:55:12 +0100

Abstract The neuronal sortilin-related receptor with A-type repeats (SORL1, also called LR11 or sorLA) is involved in amyloidogenesis, and the SORL1 gene is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We investigated AD-related CSF biomarkers for associations with SORL1 genetic variants in 105 German patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. The homozygous CC-allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 4 was associated with increased Tau concentrations in AD, and the minor alleles of SNP8, SNP9, and SNP10 and the haplotype CGT of these SNPs were associated with increased SORL1 concentrations in MCI. SNP22 and SNP23, and the haplotypes TCT of SNP19-21-23, and TTC of SNP22-23-24 were correlated with decreased Aβ42 levels in AD. These results strengthen...

Collaboration in Multicultural Therapy: Establishing a Strong Therapeutic Alliance Across Cultural Lines

Journal of Clinical Psychology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:33:31 +0100

This article offers concrete guidance grounded in empirical research on therapist behaviors and treatment features to enhance collaboration in multicultural therapy. This is followed by a multicultural case study of a patient presenting with several co‐morbid disorders to exemplify the application of these guidelines over the course of therapy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Collaboration in Family Therapy

Journal of Clinical Psychology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:33:29 +0100

This article summarizes and illustrates the collaboration strategies used by several family therapies. The strategies used within multisystemic therapy (MST) are emphasized because it has demonstrated high rates of treatment completion and favorable outcomes in multiple clinical trials. Many of the collaboration strategies in family work are common to other forms of evidence‐based psychotherapy (e.g., reflective listening, empathy, reframing, and displays of authenticity and flexibility); however, some strategies are unique to family systems treatments, such as the identification of strengths across multiple systems in the youth's social ecology and the maintenance of a family (versus a child) focus during treatment. A case example illustrates collaboration and engagement in the context ...

Collaboration in Experiential Therapy

Journal of Clinical Psychology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:33:28 +0100

We offer a view of the nature and role of client‐therapist collaboration in experiential psychotherapy, focusing on Gestalt and emotion‐focused therapy (EFT). We distinguish between the necessary condition of mutual trust (the emotional bond between client and therapist) and effective collaboration (regarding the goals and tasks of therapy). Using a case study of experiential therapy for social anxiety, we illustrate how the development of collaboration can be both complex and pivotal for therapeutic success, and how it can involve client and therapist encountering one another through taking risks by openly and nonjudgementally disclosing difficult experiences in order to enrich and advance the work. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

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Collaboration in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Journal of Clinical Psychology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:33:25 +0100

The concept of the collaborative relationship between patient and therapist has its roots in the psychodynamic literature. We trace the concept of collaboration in psychodynamic psychotherapy from classical psychoanalysis to contemporary psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. The active collaboration between the participants central to Bordin's pan‐theoretical perspective on the alliance is highlighted. Developments in alliance‐fostering techniques and in relational therapy offer the clinician innovative ways to enhance the collaboration and to repair strained or ruptured collaboration. A case study illustrates how the collaborative work in psychodynamic therapy serves as both a means of productive work and as an arena for exploring the evolving here‐and‐now matrix of the rela...

A Special Feature on Collaboration in Psychotherapy

Journal of Clinical Psychology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:33:23 +0100

This article introduces an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session designed to describe and illustrate the role of the psychotherapist in facilitating collaboration. Expert practitioners present case examples of collaboration in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive‐behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, family therapy, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, multicultural therapy, and in the context of pharmacotherapy. In the final article, a practitioner‐friendly review of empirical research on collaboration is offered. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

This could be Carl Jung's century | Andrew Samuels

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:29:20 +0100

The psychoanalyst saw himself as a sort of therapist for western culture, and his diagnosis of its ills resonates todayThe presence in David Cronenberg's new film, A Dangerous Method, of Keira Knightley as Sabina Spielrein (Carl Jung's patient and lover) ensures we will hear more about the analyst Jung's affair: the impact on his marriage, how Spielrein shuttled between Jung and Sigmund Freud – the two narcissistic oligarchs of the early psychoanalytic world (a compelling emblem of the belittlement of women's role in intellectual endeavour, then and now). And finally, how this made the rupture between the men, which was always on the cards, into an inevitability. Sex, not the theory of sexuality, is going to be the main interest.Sadly, there is unlikely to be much focus on what Jung actu...

PRISM (Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure): A new method for the assessment of suffering after trauma

Journal of Traumatic Stress — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThis pilot study tested the validity of a 1‐item visual assessment method originally developed to evaluate suffering in chronic illness that has been adapted for use with patients who have been exposed to traumatic events. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) was administered 5 times during the course of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment outcome study (N = 29). The PRISM scores declined significantly under trauma‐focused psychotherapy and differentiated between participants with and without PTSD diagnoses. Test‐retest reliability over a 6‐month period was high (r = .85). PRISM showed significant correlations with measures of PTSD, depression, and psychopathology symptom load (r = −.38 to r = −.81; convergent validity). At the s...

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Aripiprazole Adjunctive to Antidepressant Therapy among Depressed Outpatients with Inadequate Response to Prior Antidepressant Therapy (ADAPT-A Study)

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:87–97 (DOI:10.1159/000332050) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

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Scans reveal brain effects of magic mushrooms

NHS News Feed — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This experimental study took functional MRI scans of 30 volunteers and looked at the differences in brain activity when they received the hallucinogenic magic mushroom extract psilocybin and when they received a placebo. They found that brain blood flow was reduced in various brain areas and that the greater the decrease in blood flow, the greater the intensity of the subjective experience of the volunteer when they received the hallucinogen. Although one of the brain areas that showed decreased blood flow also tends to show higher than normal activity in the brains of people with depression, this study did not directly look at the effect or possibility of using psilocybin in people with depression. Furthermore, this study recruited people who had taken hallucinogens before, so ...

The Patient-Provider Relationship in Chronic Pain

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:27:19 +0100

Abstract The relationship between patient and provider has long been the subject of study within the psychotherapy literature, with the available data suggesting a modest, but reliable, association between the strength of this relationship and treatment outcome. Conversely, there has been little work focused on the patient–provider relationship in chronic pain settings despite the complexities and difficulties that are often involved in this area. This review provides a brief, broad overview of the literature on the patient–provider relationship and identifies key aspects that are specifically relevant to chronic pain settings. In addition to reviewing the literature in this area, a series of recommendations for future clinical and academic work are offered. Conte...

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the German Armed Forces: a retrospective study in inpatients of a German army hospital

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:26:03 +0100

Abstract In 2006 and 2007, around 0.4 and 0.7% of all German soldiers involved in missions abroad were registered as suffering from PTSD. The frequency of PTSD in the German Armed Forces was assessed from army records. All soldiers admitted to the German Military Hospital in Hamburg, Germany, with PTSD (n = 117) in the years 2006 and 2007 were assessed by using questionnaires and structure interviews. Risk factors associated with PTSD were identified. Of the 117 soldiers with PTSD, 39.3% were in missions abroad, and 18.0% had participated in combat situations. Five (4.3%) were wounded in combat, and 4 of them had a serious irreversible injury. In total, 53.8% of the PTSD cases were related to injuries or physical/sexual abuse, while 46.2% were due to psychological...

Neurobiology of schizophrenia: from outcome to pathophysiological insights

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:34:41 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00406-012-0294-yAuthors P. Falkai, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, GermanyH. -J. Möller, Department of Psychiatry, Ludwigs-Maximililans-University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany Journal European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical NeuroscienceOnline ISSN 1433-8491Print ISSN 0940-1334 (Source: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience)

Psychotic episodes during menstruation in a 12-year-old girl: a case of menstrual psychosis

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:32:11 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0242-4Authors Barbara Dorothea Grünewald, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munich, Nußbaumstraße 5a, 80336 Munich, GermanyAlexander Korte, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munich, Nußbaumstraße 5a, 80336 Munich, GermanyGerd Schulte-Körne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munich, Nußbaumstraße 5a, 80336 Munich, Germany Journal European Child & Adolescent PsychiatryOnline ISSN 1435-165XPrint ISSN 1018-8827 (Source: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

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Health-related quality of life in ADHD: a pooled analysis of gender differences in five atomoxetine trials

ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:21:18 +0100

Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with considerable impairment in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Atomoxetine has been found to improve HR-QoL in both children and adolescents. However, there is scarcity of data on gender differences in treatment responses to ADHD medications. This pooled analysis of five atomoxetine trials aimed to evaluate treatment differences with respect to HR-QoL and ADHD symptoms across genders. Data from 5 clinical atomoxetine trials (4 from Europe and 1 from Canada) with similar inclusion and exclusion criteria and similar durations (8- to 12-week follow-up) were included in the pooled analysis. All studies included the Child Health and Illness Profile—Child Edition (CHIP-CE) Parent Report Form. In a...

Design of a multicentered randomized controlled trial on the clinical and cost effectiveness of schema therapy for personality disorders

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is registered at the Dutch Trial Register NTR566. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Magic mushrooms may help with depression, say leading scientists

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:06 +0100

Active ingredient could allow sufferers to relive happier times, says team including former government adviser David NuttA drug derived from magic mushrooms could help people with depression by enabling them to relive positive and happy moments of their lives, according to scientists including the former government drug adviser, Professor David Nutt.Two studies, for which scientists struggled to find funding because of public suspicion and political sensitivity around psychedelic drugs, have shed light on how magic mushrooms affect the brain.Nutt, from Imperial College London, was sacked as a government drug adviser after claiming tobacco and alcohol were more dangerous than cannabis and psychedelic drugs such as ecstasy and LSD.He believes prejudice and fear have prevented important scien...

Adolescent and Parent Motivation for Change Affects Psychotherapy Outcomes Among Youth With Poorly Controlled Diabetes

Journal of Pediatric Psychology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Findings demonstrate the importance of parent and youth initial motivational status and treatment alliance to treatment outcome among youth with poorly controlled diabetes. Additional research on treatment techniques that promote motivation for change is needed. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology)

Doing Anger Differently: Two controlled trials of percussion group psychotherapy for adolescent reactive aggression. - Currie M, Startup M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:52 +0100

This study evaluates efficacy and effectiveness of 'Doing Anger Differently' (DAD), a group treatment for reactively aggressive 12-15 year old males. DAD uses percussion exercises to aid treatment. Study 1 compared a ten-week treatment with a waitlist cont... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Book reviews and student essay competition

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:43 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Abstracts from Other Journals

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:41 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Exploring in Security: Towards An Attachment–Informed Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy – By Jeremy Holmes

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:39 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

The Impossibility of Knowing: Dilemma of a Psychotherapist – By Jackie Gerrard

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:37 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Playing with Dynamite: A Personal Approach to the Psychoanalytic Understanding of Perversions, Violence and Criminality – By Estela V. Welldon

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:35 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

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Review of One Hundred Years of Psychoanalysis: A Timeline: 1900–2000 – By Elisabeth Young‐Bruehl and Christine Dunbar

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:33 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease – By Ruth Lanius, Eric Vermetten and Clare Pain

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:31 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Boarding school syndrome

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:29 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Response to elizabeth standish's review of joy schaverien's (2011) article ‘boarding school syndrome: broken attachments a hidden trauma’

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:27 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Acknowledgement of Reviewers

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:25 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

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Work with older people: a bibliography

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:23 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Thinking about and planning for retirement

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:21 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

Defensive processes and deception: an analysis of the response of the institutional church to disclosures of child sexual abuse

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:19 +0100

abstractDisclosures about the extent of sexual abuse within the church context and the gradual revealing of the way that the institution has responded in the past indicate underlying anxiety and associated defensive processes. It is suggested in this paper that these processes have led to secrecy and deception. Similarities between the behaviour of perpetrators and the response by the church are explored alongside current preoccupations within the church. Psychoanalytic ideas and theories of organizational dynamics are used to explore and reflect on the fantasies and explicit and implicit assumptions within the institution. It is suggested that the church has displayed institutional narcissism in its response to disclosures. Ideas are illustrated by generic situations. (Source: British Jou...

‘maybe you don't actually exist’: containing shame and self‐harm in a school counselling service

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:17 +0100

abstractIn this paper, I argue that the school counsellor occupies a liminal position in the school environment, on the boundary between the private and the public, and that this position intrinsically reflects the paradoxical nature of shame, at once hidden and viewed. I review arguments that locate the development of primitive shame in early containment failure, with shame being defended against by rage against others or the self. I argue that the school counsellor's position commonly oscillates through the three positions of the child–home–school triangle, but that this is felt particularly acutely when the dynamics projected through this triangle are those of shame and shaming. For adolescents, the paradoxical nature of shame also finds a counterpart in self‐harm, a simultaneousl...

Clinging on for dear life: adhesive identification and experience in the countertransference

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:15 +0100

In conclusion, the author returns to the proposed links between integrity in the sense of thoughtfulness and respect and integrity in the sense of the felt experience of being in one piece within a skin boundary. (Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

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A look at narcissism through professor higgins in pygmalion

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:13 +0100

abstractDrawing upon Professor Higgins in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion as a template, and making use of clinical material, I will reflect upon the painful, poignant and self‐inflicted inner loneliness of the narcissistic individual. In order to master early trauma, the narcissistic person constructs an outwardly substantial self in which he seeks to control others and the way he is perceived by others. In so doing he renounces the more emotionally vulnerable parts of himself, the very parts he needs in order to develop a more authentic self and emotionally connect with others. Sometimes a crack appears in his defensive narcissistic structure with the possibility of something more life‐enhancing emerging. (Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

The dawn of a new identity: aspects of a relational approach to psychotherapy with a transsexual client

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:11 +0100

abstractThe importance of developing a certain consciousness in which one is present and autonomous while being intimately interconnected with larger meaning is an important dimension of a relational approach to psychotherapy. Based on the premise that both client and therapist bring something of themselves and of their respective past emotional experience to the therapeutic relationship, a relational approach to therapy is very attentive to the dynamics in the therapy room. It stresses the co‐creation of the therapeutic relationship at conscious, explicit verbal levels and unconscious, implicit levels of functioning, and establishes the therapist's emotional behaviour as a significant factor in fostering change (Aron, 1996).Therapist responsiveness to client's affective impact is discus...

Silence lends integrity to speech: transcending the opposites of speech and silence in the analytic dialogue

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:09 +0100

abstractIn this paper the interplay between silence and the spoken words used by analyst and patient will be explored within the context of clinical practice. Both analyst and patient, it is argued, are engaged in a personal struggle to try to discover an integrative connection between silence, often experienced as nothingness, and speech, often experienced as suffocating or mendacious. The uses of silence in aiding speech to attain integrity will be described with reference to two clinical vignettes. Selections from psychoanalytic theory and practice will be discussed, throwing some light on silence and analytic spoken dialogue, and it will be argued that a Jungian perspective contributes a further, unique, insight through the concept of transcendent function. This is a way of seeing sile...

A thread in the labyrinth: returning to melanie klein's concept of projective identification

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:06 +0100

abstractThis is an attempt to clarify the confusions which, I argue, have accumulated in the uses and meanings of the term ‘projective identification’. As a remedy, I propose a return to Melanie Klein's original concept which focuses on the mental activity of the person in whose mind the projective identification takes place. I cover the early territory of Klein's definition and Bion's alteration of this, with its sole focus on PI as a communication which is dealt with in various ways by its object. Thomas Ogden followed his example. This narrowed the field opened by Klein. The confusions caused at this time persist today and render the concept less useful than it could be. I distinguish between projections and projective identifications. Further, I discuss five main types of projectiv...

Editorial

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:09:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Psychotherapy)

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Do humans respond to fear like animals?

NHS News Feed — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0100

Conclusion This small study is of interest to specialists in the field of psychology, but doesn’t contribute much to possible treatments of conditions such as phobias and panic attacks. While the results are certainly intriguing from an academic perspective, the context of electric shocks in a laboratory is arguably quite different to what occurs when a person has problematic fears and phobias, which can often be treated. Phobias, for example, can be treated using talking therapies such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling. There are also medications that can be prescribed in cases where talking therapy has not proved successful. Links To The Headlines Eeek! Human response to fear is more like animals - and can overrule what we think. Daily Mail, January 19 20...

Effect of running therapy on depression (EFFORT-D). Design of a randomised controlled trial in adult patients [ ISRCTN 1894]

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of the present article is to describe the design of a RCT examining the effect of exercise on depressive patients. Methods: The EFFect Of Running Therapy on Depression in adults (EFFORT-D) is a RCT, studying the effectiveness of exercise therapy (running therapy (RT) or Nordic walking (NW)) on depression in adults, in addition to usual care. The study population consists of patients with depressive disorder, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) [greater than or equal to] 14, recruited from specialised mental health care. The experimental group receives the exercise intervention besides treatment as usual, the control group receives treatment as usual. The intervention program is a group-based, 1 h session, two times a week for 6 months and of increasing intensity. The ...

Can a Brief Antepartum Preventive Group Intervention Help Reduce Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:98–107 (DOI:10.1159/000330035) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

5 Damaging Myths About Postpartum Depression

Psych Central — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:35:45 +0100

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications of childbirth, according to Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, MPH, director of the Perinatal Psychiatry Program at the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. PPD affects about 10 to 15 percent of moms. Yet, it’s exceedingly misunderstood — even by medical and mental health professionals. “You should hear the things I hear from moms across the country — awful things that are said to them by partners, family members, co-workers, nurses and doctors,” said Katherine Stone, an advocate for women with PPD, founder and editor of the award-winning blog Postpartum Progress and a survivor of postpartum OCD. After reaching out for help, some moms don’t even hear back. Some receive a prescription with no followu...

Emotion Reporting Using Electronic Diaries Reduces Anxiety Symptoms in Girls With Emotion Dysregulation

Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:13:04 +0100

Abstract Theory and empirical research suggest that electronic diaries, which require children to report on their emotional experiences, might encourage emotional processing and facilitate a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, particularly for children exhibiting emotion-related deficits. Electronic diaries were given to 52 children (aged 7–12) to track their emotions and associated intensity for 7 days; anxiety was assessed prior to and after the use of the electronic diary by both parent- and child-report. It was hypothesized that the use of an electronic diary to track emotional experiences would lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms for those children high in poor awareness, high in expressive reluctance, and low in emotion coping. The use of electronic diaries ...

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Review: psychological and pharmacological treatments reduce depression symptoms in adults with coronary artery disease, but have no effect on mortality or cardiac events

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

QuestionQuestion What are the effects of psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with comorbid depression? Outcomes Primary outcomes were depression symptoms, depression remission, all-cause and CAD-related morality and non-fatal cardiac events or surgery. MethodsDesign Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Searches were carried out on 15 July 2009 in 10 electronic databases (CENTRAL, DARE, HTA and EED on The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ISRCTN Register and CardioSource Registry). Reference lists of included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were also examined for relevant trials. Study authors were contacted for recommendations of other relevant published and unpublished RCTs. Study sel...

Adjunctive cognitive behavioural therapy improves response in children with OCD and partial response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

QuestionQuestion What are the effects of adding cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), brief CBT or instructions in CBT in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a partial response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI)? Patients 124 paediatric outpatients between the ages of 7 and 17 with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of OCD, and residual symptoms (Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) score of ≥16), and were defined as having a partial response to an adequate SRI trial by a study psychiatrist. Setting Three US academic medical centres (University of Pennsylvania, Duke University and Brown University); from 2004 to 2009. Intervention Adjunctive CBT or instructions in CBT or no adjunctive treatment over 12 weeks. All participants received medication manage...

Review of Inside the session: What really happens in psychotherapy.

Psychoanalytic Psychology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Reviews the book, Inside the Session: What Really Happens in Psychotherapy by Paul L. Wachtel (see record 2010-19900-000 ). Logically enough, the book is divided into three parts. Part 1, “Grounding Assumptions and Principles,” lays out the theory from which Wachtel works. Part 2, “The Sessions,” presents transcripts and commentary about three sessions, two with one patient. Part 3, “Reflections,” examines the sessions in retrospect, given the theoretical orientation. In total, the book delivers on its promise, as Wachtel provides a refreshingly honest (and commendable) appraisal of his work with the two clients so that we come to know what really happened in these sessions—to the degree to which this is epistemologically possible. When all is said and done, the cogency of...

A Quality-Based Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression: An Assessment and Metaregression. - Thoma NC, McKay D, Gerber AJ, Milrod BL, Edwards AR, Kocsis JH.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:37:58 +0100

Objective:The authors assessed the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression using the Randomized Controlled Trial Psychotherapy Quality Rating Scale (RCT-PQRS). They then compared the quali... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Is Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Worthwhile?

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:37:17 +0100

All of the studies were conducted by advocates of long-term psychodynamic therapy and that makes all the more surprising the uniformity of the negative results. After all, investigator allegiance is typically a stronger predictor of the outcome of a clinical trial evaluating a psychotherapy than the therapy being evaluated.read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

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Transporting a Manualized Treatment for Children’s Disruptive Behavior to a Community Clinic

Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:55:48 +0100

Abstract We compared a research-based, manualized intervention called Helping the Noncompliant Child (HNC; McMahon and Forehand 2003) to treatment as usual (TAU) for 194 children, 3–9 years old, with disruptive behavior disorders in a community clinic. The two interventions did not produce different outcomes or levels of parent satisfaction. However, almost three times as many parents in the HNC condition stated they ended therapy because their goals had been met, and almost three times as many parents in TAU stated they terminated because of practical obstacles. Number of sessions was related to outcome in the HNC condition but not in TAU. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s10879-012-9206-8Authors Jeremy P. Shapiro, Depar...

Effects of Feiji Decoction for Soothing the Liver Combined with Psychotherapy  on Quality of Life in Primary Lung Cancer Patients

Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:20:50 +0100

Conclusion Feiji Decoction for soothing the liver combined with psychotherapy can alleviate the clinical symptoms, elevate the physical status, and improve the QOL of patients with primary lung cancer. Thus, this therapy has a good clinical therapeutic effect. DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2012.01.06 (Source: Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer)

Assessing adherence to guidelines for common mental disorders in routine clinical practice

International Journal for Quality in Health Care — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Assessment of guideline adherence is feasible with this cross-diagnostic set of process indicators and hampering factors of implementation could be easily detected. Future research should focus on the relationship with treatment outcomes. (Source: International Journal for Quality in Health Care)

Advancing Interpersonal Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Scientific Significance: It is expected that the suggested adaptations for IPT will enable IPT treatment to be more effective. Scientific evaluation of IPT for substance abuse is encouraged with the adoption of these proposed adaptations. PMID: 22243427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse)

Apathy in parkinson's disease: Diagnostic and etiological dilemmas

Movement Disorders — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractAbout one‐third of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are diagnosed with apathy in cross‐sectional studies. However, once patients with concomitant depression and dementia are excluded, the frequency of apathy drops to 5% to 10%. Several scales have been recommended to rate apathy in PD, but specific psychiatric interviews have not been developed, and recently proposed standardized diagnostic criteria are still in the validation process. Most studies assessing the association between subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) and apathy have reported a relative increase in the frequency and severity of apathy, although discrepant findings have also been reported. Several mechanisms to explain apathy in PD have been proposed, from dopaminergic imbalances in frontal‐bas...

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Can a targeted psychological intervention be effective for young people following a first manic episode? Results from an 18‐month pilot study

Early Intervention in Psychiatry — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study suggests that a manualized psychological intervention targeted to a first‐episode population can be effective in reducing depression and overall symptom severity, and can improve functional outcome following a first episode of psychotic mania. (Source: Early Intervention in Psychiatry)

Review: Bridging research and practice: relational interventions for maltreated children

Child and Adolescent Mental Health — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:51:48 +0100

Conclusion: Increasingly, it is imperative that such evidence‐based models of intervention be translated into community settings so that the most vulnerable children and families can benefit from them. (Source: Child and Adolescent Mental Health)

Does pre-exposure inhibit fear context conditioning? A Virtual Reality Study

Journal of Neural Transmission — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:49:14 +0100

Abstract Several studies in animals and humans have indicated that familiarity toward cues reduces cue-conditioning effects. The influence of familiarity of a context on context conditioning has been confirmed in animal studies only. Thus, this study examined contextual fear conditioning in humans depending on pre-exposure to the to-be-conditioned context. To accomplish this, a virtual reality paradigm presented via a head mounted display was realized. During conditioning, participants were exposed to one of two office rooms (contexts), of which one became associated with aversive electric stimuli (UCS). 1 day before conditioning, participants were randomly exposed to either the later to-be-conditioned context (n = 20) or to an unrelated virtual environment (...

On the application of light therapy in German-speaking countries

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:47:34 +0100

Abstract Many studies have investigated seasonal affective disorder (SAD; fall-winter-depression) and its treatment with light therapy (LT). However, to the best of our knowledge, no other study has investigated the usage of LT in Europe since 1994. Thus, we performed a survey in hospitals with adult psychiatric departments in German-speaking countries by questionnaire. First, a questionnaire was constructed, considering also recent developments in LT. This questionnaire was sent to all hospitals with adult psychiatric departments listed in the “Deutsches Krankenhaus Adressbuch,” which contains hospitals from all German-speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria). Non-responders were asked to answer the questionnaire by mail and by phone. We achieved a compl...

Race/ethnicity as a predictor of change in working alliance during cognitive behavioral therapy for intimate partner violence perpetrators. - Walling SM, Suvak MK, Howard JM, Taft CT, Murphy CM.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:21:09 +0100

Despite evidence that the working alliance (WA) is an important factor in psychotherapy outcome and that race/ethnicity plays an important role in the processes of therapy, few studies have directly examined associations between WA and race/ethnicity. Thes... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Sport psychiatry and psychotherapy. Mental strains and disorders in professional sports. Challenge and answer to societal changes. - Markser VZ.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:21:09 +0100

Professional athletes are subject to massive somatic, social, and mental stress. Despite great public interest for athletic achievements, the emotional strains thereof are very poorly investigated and discussed. The main reason for this is the widespread a... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Growing up with cystic fibrosis: achievement, life satisfaction, and mental health

Quality of Life Research — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:59:59 +0100

Conclusions Most patients with cystic fibrosis achieve ordinary social and vocational development into adulthood. A favorable mental health status seems more important than pulmonary function to maintain a good satisfaction with life. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0096-0Authors Tanja Besier, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, GermanyLutz Goldbeck, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany Journal Quality of Life ResearchOnline ISSN 1573-2649Print ISSN 0962-9343 (Source: Quality of Life Research)

Factors associated with sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent

Journal of Advanced Nursing — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. When low income Latinas of Mexican descent report sleep problems, clinicians should probe for environmental sleep factors associated with low income, such as noise, over‐crowding and exposure to trauma and violence, and refer the woman to psychotherapy and counselling rather than merely prescribing a sleep medication. (Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing)

Antidepressant, Talk Therapy Fail to Beat Placebo--Really?

Psychology Today Depression Center — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:49:56 +0100

If all treatments are equal, why not treat depression with sugar pills rather than expensive psychotherapy or medication?read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)

Gender dysphoria: treatment and outcomes [Articles]

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the treatment of gender dysphoria, including psychotherapy, and how eligibility and readiness for surgery are assessed. It considers issues facing transgender individuals detained in prison or psychiatric hospital, the factors that affect patients’ satisfaction with gender reassignment surgery and how the specialist can ensure a satisfactory outcome. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)

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Psychotherapy for gender identity disorders [Articles]

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article describes a special adaptation of group psychotherapy as a psychological treatment for people with a variety of gender identity disorders. It can be used as an alternative to or concurrently with hormonal and/or surgical interventions for transgender people. It is also suitable for individuals whose gender identity disorder remains after physical interventions. The article draws from a UK specialist pilot for such a treatment service and describes the explicit aims of the psychotherapy, the specialist adaptation of therapeutic technique required and observed thematic features relevant to working in this specific field. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)

Brief psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy for patients with multisomatoform disorder: randomised controlled trial [PAPERS]

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This trial documents the long-term efficacy of brief PIT for improving the physical quality of life in patients with multiple, difficult-to-treat, medically unexplained symptoms. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)

Ethics of clinical research with mentally ill persons

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:53:19 +0100

This article describes ethical, legal and professional components of the two core requirements of clinical research: informed consent and risk–benefit relationships. It deals particularly with the ethically relevant reasons, criteria, procedures and validity of (1) the informed consent process, (2) the relationship between benefits and risks, and as a requirement of its assessment: (3) standards and (quasi quantitative) criteria of benefits and risks and/or burdens of a research intervention. These requirements will be discussed with specific reference to research interventions in mentally ill patients, and particularly in those who are incompetent to consent. (4) The analysis concludes by demanding a strong adherence to the ethical rules of clinical research in order to protect par...

Metabolic gray matter changes of adolescents with anorexia nervosa in combined MR proton and phosphorus spectroscopy

Neuroradiology — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:58:11 +0100

Conclusions Significant changes in GM metabolite concentrations were observed in AN possibly triggered by elevated excitotoxin Glu. Increased tCho may indicate modifications of membrane phospholipids due to increased catabolism in the parietal region. Since no significant changes in phosphorylated choline compounds were found for the frontal region, the tCho increase in this region may hint to fluidity changes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Paediatric NeuroradiologyPages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s00234-011-1001-9Authors Stella Blasel, Institute of Neuroradiology, University of Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt, GermanyUlrich Pilatus, Institute of Neuroradiology, University of Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt, GermanyJoerg Magerkurth, Institut...

Handbook of Psychotherapy in Cancer Care. Edited by Maggie Watson and David Kissane. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, West Sussex, UK. Price: $57.95 (US), £34.99 (UK). 266pp. ISBN: 978‐0470660034

Psycho-Oncology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psycho-Oncology)

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Integrative Mental Health (IMH): Paradigm, Research, and Clinical Practice

Explore — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This paper provides an overview of the rapidly evolving paradigm of “Integrative Mental Health (IMH).” The paradigm of contemporary biomedical psychiatry and its contrast to non-allopathic systems of medicine is initially reviewed, followed by an exploration of the emerging paradigm of IMH, which aims to reconcile the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model with evidence-based methods from traditional healing practices. IMH is rapidly transforming conventional understandings of mental illness and has significant positive implications for the day-to-day practice of mental health care. IMH incorporates mainstream interventions such as pharmacologic treatments, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions, as well as alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, di...

The Moderating Effect of Adherence‐Promoting Interventions With Clients on Evidence‐Based Practices for Children and Adolescents With Mental Health Problems

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study examined the moderating effect of adherence‐promoting strategies in a survey and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials of cognitive behavioral treatments, interpersonal therapy, and psycho‐education for children and adolescents with mental health problems (k = 33). Results indicated the type and intensity of adherence promoters’ moderated study effect sizes according to client characteristics (age, gender, diagnosis). Preliminary findings suggest that males had higher effect sizes when more intensive adherence‐promoting efforts were employed. Adherence‐promoting efforts were associated with lower effect sizes for youths who were diagnosed with externalizing disorders. Results of this study suggest directions for future research to clarify clinical guideline...

How to Define, Find and Classify Side Effects in Psychotherapy: From Unwanted Events to Adverse Treatment Reactions

Clinical Psychology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionRecognition of adverse treatment effects is a characteristic of good therapists and treatments. Psychotherapists should be sensitive for negative effects. This can help improve the quality of treatment. The UE–ATR checklist can be used in psychotherapy trials, quality assurance, clinical practice and training of psychotherapists.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner MessageIf you do not find adverse treatment effects, then ask yourself why and do not assume that there are no side effects.The detection and management of adverse treatment effects is not a sign of bad but of good clinical practice. (Source: Clinical Psychology)

The combined predictive effect of patient characteristics and alliance on long‐term dynamic and interpersonal functioning after dynamic psychotherapy

Clinical Psychology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

On the basis of the well‐established association between early alliance and outcome, this exploratory study investigated the associations between the therapeutic alliance and long‐term outcome, 3 years after treatment termination. In addition to the early alliance, pre‐treatment patient characteristics and expectancies that were significantly related to early alliance were included in the statistical analyses. The data are from the First Experimental Study of Transference, a dismantling randomized clinical trial with long‐term follow‐up. One hundred out‐patients who sought psychotherapy due to depression, anxiety and personality disorders were treated. Alliance was measured with Working Alliance Inventory after session 7. Change was determined using linear mixed model analyse...

Chemotherapy line-associated differences in quality of life in patients with advanced cancer

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:42:53 +0100

Conclusions The results indicate that patients receiving third- or above-line palliative CT are confronted with stronger QOL impairments than first- and second-line patients. Supported by its feasibility and acceptance of by patients, electronic QOL data capture is an attractive method to screen for symptoms and track their course within clinical routine. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1355-xAuthors B. Mayrbäurl, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Clinical Centre Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchnerstraße 42, 4600 Wels, AustriaL. M. Wintner, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, 6020 Innsbruck, AustriaJ. M. Giesinger, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Inns...

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Elements of psychotherapy in Navaho religion - Leighton AH, Leighton DC.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:51:29 +0100

Psychiatry has its place in the ranks of social disciplines and the goal is scientific humanism. Success in this promises something new and something stable as a nation, as a hemisphere, perhaps as a world. Failure leaves two archaic alternatives: either t... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Efficacy of short-term anxiety-regulating psychotherapy on love trauma syndrome - Dehghani M, Atef-Vahid MK, Gharaee B.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:51:29 +0100

This study has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of short-term dynamic psychotherapy on Love Trauma Syndrome (LTS) in female students. LTS includes a constellation of intensive signs and symptoms which appear following the breakdown of ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Mental health and patterns of work-related coping behaviour in a German sample of student teachers: a cross-sectional study

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:51:54 +0100

Conclusions Our data indicate a problematic stress level for student teachers in the second training phase (high exposure to health risks and unfavourable coping styles). Since teaching is clearly an extremely demanding job, it is vital that teacher training systems contribute towards protecting the health of teachers by focusing on fostering healthy personal attitudes and equipping young teachers with coping styles and skills that will better prepare them for the challenges facing them in their daily work. Self-care health management should also be part of the teacher training curriculum. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s00420-011-0731-7Authors Linda Zimmermann, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Uni...

The Accidental Practitioner: Principles of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut

Journal of Humanistic Psychology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article traces the similar philosophies and shared beliefs of Vonnegut and REBT’s founder, Albert Ellis, and details how Ellis’s REBT is illustrated in selected works of Vonnegut: Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions. The article concludes by suggesting that Vonnegut’s works—and the principles of REBT that they illuminate—provide a much needed guide for living in an irrational, often absurd, world. (Source: Journal of Humanistic Psychology)

Second-generation antidepressants for seasonal affective disorder

NeLM - Mental Health — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Class Focused Reviews Background Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seasonal pattern of recurrent depressive episodes that is often treated with second-generation antidepressants (SGAs), light therapy or psychotherapy. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of SGAs for the treatment of SAD in adults in comparison with placebo, light therapy, other SGAs or psychotherapy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neuorosis Review Group's specialised register (CCDANCTR) on the 26 August 2011. The CCDANCTR contains reports of relevant randomised controlled trials from The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE (1974 to date), MEDLINE (1950 to date) and PsycINFO (1967...

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Questions Kids Ask About ADHD

Psych Central — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:15:11 +0100

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common mental health concern among children and teenagers today. It is readily treated by medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Here are some commonly asked questions teens have about ADHD, and their answers. Q: What is ADD? A: The letters ADD stand for “attention deficit disorder.” Having attention deficit disorder is like needing to wear glasses. It means you have trouble seeing life clearly. You have trouble paying attention. You may like to move around a lot, and this also makes it hard to pay attention to what is going on. Just as it can be annoying for people who wear glasses to have to put on their glasses, it can be annoying to have ADD. But there is nothing wrong with it. It doesn’t me...

Questions Teens Ask about ADHD

Psych Central — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:13:30 +0100

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common mental health concern among children and teenagers today. It is readily treated by medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Here are some commonly asked questions teens have about ADHD, and their answers. Q: What is ADD? A: ADD stands for “attention deficit disorder.” It is a neurological syndrome characterized by distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness. “Neurological” means having to do with the brain and nervous system. ADD is a label for how the brain and nervous system of people with ADD works. People with ADD tend to think quickly and creatively. They are usually smart, intuitive, and full of new ideas and plans. They like to try out new things and they like to have fun. ...

Emotional status: diagnosis and treatment for severe psychiatric disorders

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:03:27 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00406-011-0284-5Authors P. Falkai, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, GermanyH.-J. Möller, Psychiatry Hospital, Ludwigs-Maximililans-University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany Journal European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical NeuroscienceOnline ISSN 1433-8491Print ISSN 0940-1334 (Source: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience)

Attachment in psychotherapy: Psychometric properties of the Psychological Treatment Inventory Attachment Styles Scale (PTI-ASS).

Journal of Psychotherapy Integration — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to explain the theoretical principles underlying the Psychological Treatment Inventory (PTI; Gori, Giannini, & Schuldberg, 2008) and to verify the psychometrics properties (dimensional structure, validity, reliability) of the PTI Attachment Styles Scale (ASS). The sample was composed of 566 persons divided into two groups: 1) Nonclinical sample (521 subjects), and 2) Clinical sample (45 subjects). All participants completed the PTI Attachment Styles Scale; to verify some aspects of concurrent validity, a portion of the nonclinical sample (Group 1) completed the Italian version of the Experience in Close Relationship Questionnaire (ECR) and the Italian version of the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were...

An attachment based integrative psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.

Journal of Psychotherapy Integration — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this article I describe an assimilative, integrative treatment for patients who suffer from complicated anxiety disorders. It is hypothesized that these disorders reflect problems in attachment; namely, that insecure attachment experiences have led to difficulties and fears about exploring the world. It further is hypothesized, based on repeated clinical experiences, that this form of treatment is necessary, and will be more effective than standard, manualized forms of therapy. Stages of treatment and methods of intervening at each stage are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Psychotherapy Integration)

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Johnson's philosophy of personal meaning and theoretical integration.

Journal of Psychotherapy Integration — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article presents an underlying view of human meaning creation developed by Mark Johnson that provides a basis for theoretical integration of therapies by explaining how lived, experiential meaning and formal, logical thought and language are all points along a single process continuum. Some implications for theoretical integration and clinical practice are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Psychotherapy Integration)

Correction to Prenn (2011).

Journal of Psychotherapy Integration — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article will explore three aspects of clinical practice that foster secure attachment bonds, and will also address what kind of therapist an attachment therapist is. It will outline the importance of nonverbal communication; it will start to catalogue what I call experiential language: specific words and interventions that are evocative of experience and emotion. Finally it will assert that self-disclosure is an essential attachment-creating intervention, and it will explain the importance of metaprocessing and Metatherapeutic processing to titrate therapeutic interactions moment-to-moment in session and to promote metacognitional thinking as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Psychotherapy Integration)

Modafinil for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:10:45 +0100

Conclusions: Although these data suggest that modafinil, plus group behavioral therapy, was not effective for decreasing methamphetamine use, the study is probably inconclusive because of inadequate compliance with taking medication. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

Hopeful News For Treating Depression: Study Fails To Find Differences In Therapy, Meds, Placebo

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:54:23 +0100

I expected the worst this morning: a subject line of “Uh oh” on a professional listserv posting from a respected colleague. Seems there’s a new study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, one that failed to show any difference between anti-depressant medication, psychotherapy, and placebo in treating depression. This is the kind of “failed trial” drug companies tend not to publicize nor include in FDA approvals, and that can make clinicians really nervous about what we are doing. But rather than calling for anxious Subject lines, I think what this research does is once again demonstrate the power, and limitations, of hope; it illustrates how hope is an active ingredient in treating mild to moderate depression. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Sibutramine promotes amygdala activity under fasting conditions in obese women

Psychopharmacology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:49:12 +0100

Conclusions Our results demonstrate a modulatory influence of sibutramine on amygdala activity in obese women which may underlie the appetite suppressant effects of the drug. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2615-7Authors Kerstin M. Oltmanns, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, GermanyMarcus Heldmann, Department of Neurology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, GermanySusanne Daul, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Magdeburg University Medical School, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, GermanySilke Klose, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Magdeburg University Medical School, Otto von Gu...

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Psychotherapy Plus Prozac

This Week in Science — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:32:22 +0100

Clinical experience has consistently shown that a combination of antidepressant medication and psychological treatment works better for mood disorders than either therapy on its own. However, the mechanisms underlying these … [Read more] (Source: This Week in Science)

This Week in Science

Science: Current Issue — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Effects of ketamine-induced psychopathological symptoms on continuous overt rhyme fluency

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:07:52 +0100

Abstract The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Administered to healthy individuals, a subanesthetic dose of the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist ketamine reproduces several psychopathological symptoms commonly observed in patients with schizophrenia. In a counterbalanced, placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-participants study, fifteen healthy subjects were administered a continuous subanesthetic S-ketamine infusion while cortical activation was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. While being scanned, subjects performed an overt word generation task. Ketamine-induced psychopathological symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Ketamine administration eli...

Avoidance in OCD: It’s Never the Answer

Psych Central — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:27:47 +0100

One of the common ways that people deal with anxiety is through avoidance. Afraid to fly? Well then, don’t. A large crowd of people too much to deal with? Just stay away from parties or large gatherings. Too anxious to ever give a presentation? Don’t apply for that job you’d otherwise love. So what’s the problem? In isolated instances, avoidance may work. But as Dr. Charles Elliott, a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, says in reference to this behavior: “It makes your world smaller and fosters your fears. The more you avoid, the worse things get.” I believe this is especially true when talking about avoidance and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead the suf...

Mikhail Bakhtin's contribution to psychotherapy research

Culture — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Vygotsky clarified the methodological foundation that, in his view, characterizes every scientific discipline by elucidating the concepts of subject matter, explanatory principle, and unit of analysis. In this article, these concepts are used to explore and organize Michael Bakhtin’s relevance for psychotherapy research. Client and therapist utterances can be regarded as the object of research. Bakhtin’s theory of utterance provides the basic abstractions that define the facts, or the subject matter, of the research area. Semiotic mediation will be considered the explanatory principle that accounts for the utterance as a tool of interaction as well as an expression of intra-psychic processes. Neither Vygotsky’s instrumental nor Bakhtin’s dialogic conception of the s...

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A hermeneutic perspective on dialogical psychology

Culture — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Leiman is surely right that Bakhtin's dialogism is of immense importance for psychotherapy research and psychology in general. Here I argue that Bakhtin's ideas represent an attractive third alternative to modern individualism and postmodern relativism. Philosophical hermeneutics also outlines such an alternative, one that richly complements Bakhtin's dialogism. Nevertheless, I suggest that some contemporary Bakhtinian theorists may veer too far in the direction of a radically decentered notion of the self. They stress Bakhtin's notion of "centrifugal" forces, but downplay his equally important conception of "centripetal" ones, in human communication. I suggest that hermeneutic philosophy sketches a more balanced and credible approach to finding a genuine alternative to modern individualis...

From Bakhtinian theory to a dialogical psychology

Culture — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The analysis of the different articles in this special issue gives a rather promising but complex image of a dialogical approach to psychology. Mikael Leiman proposed utterances as the object of study for psychotherapy research, semiotic mediation as the explanatory principle, and semiotic position as the unit of analysis. Frank Richardson cautioned us about how dialogical proposals can become entrapped by the extreme decentering tendency of social constructionism. James Cresswell, in his turn, claimed that Bakhtin's work is precisely a way of avoiding the unbalanced account of personal vacuity and freedom found in many constructionist accounts: it is precisely because we are bound to social ties that we become ethically involved with others and, indeed, with ourselves. Michèle Gros...

Manualized Treatment Programs for FSD: Research Challenges and Recommendations

The Journal of Sexual Medicine — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. In order to administer manualized treatments for FSDs with appropriate flexibility, while also maximizing internal validity and replicability, the authors recommend that predetermined decision rules be utilized to guide individual tailoring, that potential gaps in the manual be identified and addressed, and that differing levels of motivation and readiness for treatment be taken into consideration in the treatment protocol. Hucker A and McCabe MP. Manualized treatment programs for FSD: Research challenges and recommendations. J Sex Med **;**:**–**. (Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine)

Interventions for treating anxiety after stroke.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:00:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to guide the treatment of anxiety after stroke. The data available suggest that pharmaceutical therapy (paroxetine and buspirone) may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in stroke patients with co-morbid anxiety and depression. No information was available for stroke patients with anxiety only. Randomised placebo controlled trials are needed. PMID: 22161439 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Second-generation antidepressants for seasonal affective disorder.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:00:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for the effectiveness of SGAs is limited to one small trial of fluoxetine compared with placebo, which shows a non-significant effect in favour of fluoxetine, and two small trials comparing fluoxetine against light therapy, which suggest equivalence between the two interventions. The lack of available evidence precludes the ability to draw any overall conclusions on the use of SGAs for SAD. Further larger RCTs are required to expand and strengthen the evidence base on this topic, and should also include comparisons with psychotherapy and other SGAs.Data on adverse events were sparse, and a comparative analysis was not possible. Therefore the data we obtained on adverse effects is not robust and our confidence in the data is limited. Overall, up to 27% of participants ...

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Complementary and miscellaneous interventions for nocturnal enuresis in children.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:00:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There was weak evidence to support the use of hypnosis, psychotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and medicinal herbs but it was provided in each case by single small trials, some of dubious methodological rigour. Robust randomised trials are required with efficacy, cost-effectiveness and adverse effects clearly reported. PMID: 22161390 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Olfaction in child and adolescent anorexia nervosa

Journal of Neural Transmission — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:51:46 +0100

Abstract Previous studies indicate disturbed olfactory functions in anorexia nervosa with presumable relationship to the clinical symptom of food aversion and weight loss. However, these studies are in part limited due to inadequately matched control samples, insufficient exclusion criteria, complex interactions of the olfactory and trigeminal system, and the lack of regard to co-morbidity and medication. Thus, we investigated olfactory function in 26 female adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa and 23 healthy controls matched for age, gender, handedness, and intelligence. No significant group differences were identified. Controlling for co-morbid disorders, psychopharmacological treatment, and depressivity revealed superior olfactory identification performance in the ...

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in unipolar major depression

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:49:52 +0100

Abstract Previous studies on the association between affective disorders and the metabolic syndrome yielded inconclusive results. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in 230 men and women with unipolar major depressive disorder during inpatient treatment and compared it to 1,673 subjects from primary care from a similar region in northern Germany. We used the AHA/NHBLI criteria to determine the rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and each single criterion of MetS in both groups. The age-standardized prevalence of MetS was 2.4× as high in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared with data from comparison subjects (41.0% vs. 17.0%). With respect to the single criteria, elevations were found in MDD patients for fasting glucose and t...

Narrative Exposure Therapy for PTSD increases top-down processing of aversive stimuli - evidence from a randomized controlled treatment trial

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results indicate that NET causes an increase of activity associated with cortical top-down regulation of attention towards aversive pictures. The increase of attention allocation to potential threat cues might allow treated patients to re-appraise the actual danger of the current situation and, thereby, reducing PTSD symptoms.Registration of the clinical trialNumber: NCT00563888, Name: "Change of Neural Network Indicators Through Narrative Treatment of PTSD in Torture Victims" ULR: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00563888 (Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles)

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Research

Springer Medicine titles — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:07:03 +0100

Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidenceseries:Current Clinical PsychiatryPsychodynamic Psychotherapy Research: Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence continues the important work of the first book published in 2009 by Humana Press (Handbook of Evidence-Based Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice). This landmark title presents in one volume significant developments in research, including neuroscience research, in ... (Source: Springer Medicine titles)

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What a Life Can Be

Psych Central — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:45:02 +0100

In “What a Life Can Be: One Therapist’s Take on Schizo-Affective Disorder,” Carolyn Dobbins, PhD offers an insightful look into the evolution of a successful mental health professional with a challenging diagnosis: schizo-affective disorder. In an unusual format, the author elucidates the many trials she has faced since her teen years, when she first began experiencing symptoms. Transitioning from a competitive young athlete to a woman struggling to find her identity both with and apart from her mental health diagnosis, Carolyn guides us through her journey often filled with confusion, frustration and plenty of bumps. The reader readily forms an alliance with the author, as we witness her difficulties with medication, her loving but sometimes strained relationship with very ca...

Are You SAD This Winter? Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Psych Central — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:35:54 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) goes beyond the winter blues. It goes beyond feeling tired or sad or disliking winter. SAD is a form of clinical depression that occurs in the winter, according to Kelly Rohan, Ph.D, associate professor of psychology at the University of Vermont, whose research focuses on SAD. It starts around fall or winter, as the days get shorter and darker, and typically remits in the spring or summer. SAD affects around 14 million Americans, according to author and SAD specialist Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., in his book Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder. (About 14 percent of American adults struggle with the winter blues.) People with SAD experience a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms that impairs their da...

The Media and Mental Illness: The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous

Psych Central — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:35:25 +0100

When portraying mental illness and psychotherapy, the media tends to get it wrong — a lot — which has far-reaching results. Inaccurate depictions fuel stigma and may prevent people from seeking help. “There are people out there who could benefit from therapy but don’t go because they think it’s just for ‘crazy’ people or think all therapists are nuts — because that’s what they see in the media,” said Ryan Howes, Ph.D, a psychologist, writer and professor in Pasadena, California. When a tragic or violent act happens, the news media tends to exaggerate mental illness and depict it negatively, according to Jeffrey Sumber, MA, LCPC, a Chicago psychotherapist, author and teacher. “In circumstances such as a school shooting or the Giffords shooting...

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker candidates of schizophrenia: where do we stand?

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:49:53 +0100

Abstract Here, we review the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) candidate markers with regard to their clinical relevance as potential surrogates for disease activity, prognosis assessment, and predictors of treatment response. We searched different online databases such as MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on schizophrenia and CSF. Initial studies on cerebrospinal fluid in patients with schizophrenia revealed increased brain–blood barrier permeability with elevated total protein content, increased CSF-to-serum ratio for albumin, and intrathecal production of immunoglobulins in subgroups of patients. Analyses of metabolites in CSF suggest alterations within glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as monoamine and cannabinoid metabolism. Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic...

Differential phosphorylation of serum proteins reflecting inflammatory changes in schizophrenia patients

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:42:02 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00406-011-0283-6Authors Julian A. J. Jaros, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QT UKDaniel Martins-de-Souza, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QT UKHassan Rahmoune, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QT UKEmanuel Schwarz, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QT UKF. Markus Leweke, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, GermanyPaul C. Guest, Department of Chemical...

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Mindfulness and Awareness: Constructivist, Psychodynamic and Eastern Perspectives

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:55:47 +0100

Abstract In this paper I develop my contention that reality is experienced polymorphically at different levels along a concrete-abstract continuum. At the more abstract and psychic level the internal representations of primary reality are, to varying degrees, verbally labelled. However, for various reasons, this verbal symbolisation is rarely adequate or complete—even in adulthood, and hence the persistent recourse to somatisation, acting out, projection and other psychological strategies and defences. This paper also examines, using both constructivist and psychodynamic models, how verbalisation can be helpful in clinical practice with somatoform disorders as both models are concerned with the “talking cure”. Drawing on our understanding of meditation and mindfulnes...

RI Hospital receives $1.5 million grant to study treatments for body dysmorphic disorder

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Lifespan) Rhode Island Hospital has received a grant for more than $1.5 million from the National Institute of Mental Health for a five-year study on treatment for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Led by Katharine A. Phillips, M.D., director of the BDD Program at Rhode Island Hospital and an internationally known expert in BDD, the study will examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy versus supportive psychotherapy for the treatment of people with BDD. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Subconscious olfactory influences of stimulant and relaxant odors on immune function

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:13:15 +0100

Abstract Brain and immune system are linked by bidirectional pathways so that changes of the central nervous system may influence various immune functions. The olfactory system may be involved in this interaction. In most odor studies subjects are aware of an odor exposure, using frequently high odor concentrations or long-term exposures without controls. In this pilot study, the potential immune effects of short-term odor exposure were examined in 32 blinded subjects (16 male, 16 female). Subjects were exposed without their knowledge either to a stimulant essential oil (grapefruit, fennel, pepper), a no-odor control or a relaxant essential oil (lavender, patchouli, rose) during a set of psychological questionnaires for 30 min at three separate visits. Activity of neu...

Translating the Theoretical Into Practical: A Logical Framework of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Interactions for Research, Training, and Clinical Purposes

Behavior Modification — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) provides a behavioral analysis of the psychotherapy relationship that directly applies basic research findings to outpatient psychotherapy settings. Specifically, FAP suggests that a therapist’s in vivo (i.e., in-session) contingent responding to targeted client behaviors, particularly positive reinforcement of a client’s effective behavior, should be a powerful mechanism of change. However, much of the previous literature on FAP has been theoretical, broadly defining FAP techniques rather than explicating them with the precision necessary for replication and training. In this article, the authors explicate a logical framework for turn-by-turn interactions between the client and therapist that may guide research, training, and disseminati...

The mystery of Carole Myers

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:04:10 +0100

When she was found dead at 41, Carole Myers left a statement saying she had suffered Satantic child abuse at the hands of her parents. But did she?At 9.02am Richard Felstead answered the phone; by 9.03am he was breathless with crying. It was the coroner's assistant in Battersea with the news that his sister, Carole, had died two weeks earlier. "I'm sorry it's taken so long to notify you," she said. "Carole's next of kin told us there was no family. But a letter was found – from you."Two minutes later, the phone rang again. A different caller, with a strange voice, said, "I know you're not one of the ones that harmed Carole.""Who are you?" said Richard."I'm Carole's next of kin.""What's your name?""That's not important.""How did Carole die?""She had a very difficult childhood.""What? No s...

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Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression on B-lymphoblasts of healthy versus schizophrenic subjects stratified for smoking: [3H]-nicotine binding is decreased in schizophrenia and correlates with negative symptoms

Journal of Neural Transmission — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:55:15 +0100

Abstract Heavy smoking and schizophrenia are diversely associated with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, as was shown for brain and lymphocytes. Most studies so far have not systematically differentiated between schizophrenia smokers and non-smokers and were confined either to in vivo or post-mortem study approaches. In order to avoid variable in vivo influences or post-mortem bias, we used stably transformed B-lymphoblast cultures derived from healthy and schizophrenia subjects stratified for smoking versus non-smoking in order to differentiate these clinical conditions with regard to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression and regulation. Receptor quantities were measured using [3H]-nicotine and [3H]-epibatidine binding. At baseline, [3H]-nicotine binding w...

Evaluation of An Australian Day Treatment Program for Eating Disorders

Behaviour Change — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article reports on the evaluation of a pilot DTP in an Australian mental health setting, which utilised an integrative approach combining evidence-based treatments such as dialectical-behavioural therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy offered in a group-based setting. Comparison of pre- and post-treatment data outcome measures for eating disorder pathology and comorbid symptoms was undertaken. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated using qualitative methods. Results indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms post-treatment, along with a high degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Limitations of this study, along with the implications of the findings and directions for future research, are discussed. (Source: Behaviour Change)

Home-based telehealth to deliver evidence-based psychotherapy in veterans with PTSD

Contemporary Clinical Trials — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Although medical service delivery via home-based telehealth technology (HBT) is gaining wider acceptance in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, few studies have tested HBT applications of psychotherapy. Clinicians, administrators, and researchers question whether delivering psychotherapeutic services to patients in their homes via video-conferencing technology compromises patient safety, potency of treatment, or data security. Despite these concerns, HBT service delivery may increase access to evidence-based psychotherapies for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who may be less willing or less able to receive weekly treatment at a VA medical center or outpatient clinic due to symptom severity or other similar barr...

Depression and Complementary Health Practices

NCCAM Featured Content — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:48:33 +0100

Depression is a medical condition that affects nearly 21 million American adults each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Mood, thoughts, physical health, and behavior all may be affected. Among the common symptoms of depression are persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and/or worthlessness; restlessness or irritability; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; insomnia; overeating, or loss of appetite; and/or thoughts of suicide. Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Depression can be treated effectively with conventional medicine, including antidepressants and certain types of psychotherapy. Some people tur...