Effects of treatment duration and severity of depression on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy.

A total of 117 depressed clients, stratified for severity, completed 8 or 16 sessions of manualized treatment, either cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CB) or psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy (PI). Each of 5 clinician-investigators treated clients in all 4 treatment conditions. On most measures, CB and PI were equally effective, irrespective of the severity of depression or the duration of treatment. However, there was evidence of some advantage to CB on the Beck Depression Inventory. There was no evidence that CB's effects were more rapid than those of PI, nor did the effects of each treatment method vary according to the severity of depression. There was no overall advantage to 16-session treatment over 8-session treatment. However, those presenting with relatively severe depression improved substantially more after 16 than after 8 sessions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The neuro-immuno-cutaneous-endocrine network: relationship of mind and skin

Skin does more than present one's "face" to the world; it plays a vital role in the maintenance of physical and mental health. As our most ancient interface, skin retains the ability to respond to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli, sensing and integrating environmental cues while transmitting intrinsic conditions to the outside world. As such, it has long been a target for the application of both medical and nonmedical therapies of healthy and diseased states. Our understanding of how the skin and topical therapies affect health is in its infancy. Conversely, we known little of how our internal systems affect our skin. By exploring an elaborate web of neuro-immuno-cutaneous-endocrine (NICE) phenomena, we seek to shed light on the generally acknowledged, but inadequately defined, relationship between mental and physical health. We use skin as our window, noting some of the biological mediators linking nervous, immune, cutaneous, and endocrine functions. It is likely that these mediators are important in homeostasis, and that they affect several dermatologic and psychiatric conditions.     

Neuroimaging in alcoholism: CT and MRI results and clinical correlates

The objectives of our work are to develop methodologies capable of identifying the potential environmental health hazards of chemicals. These techniques are particularly useful when it is necessary to evaluate molecules that have not been synthesized as yet, or for which there is little or no toxicological information known. With the help of MULTICASE, an artificial intelligence program capable of uncovering the relationship between the presence of specific substructures in a molecule and its toxicity, and TOX II, a program capable of identifying the existence of such substructures in a new molecule, it is now possible to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty whether a new molecule will be toxic. TOX II will uncover any functionality previously found to be related to toxicity in any organic molecule. The evaluation is extensive and may include its automatically generated metabolites. The scope of TOX II is vast as more than 70 toxicological endpoints can be evaluated.     

Women's oral health issues: an exploration of the literature

As interest in women's health issues grows, there is increasing concern that today's practice of medicine may not meet the health needs of women. A primary reason is the gender bias that has been inherent in medical education, research and clinical practice. The prevailing medical viewpoint has often been that the male body is considered to be the norm and that the female body exactly the same except for the reproductive function. This attitude has led to a lack of interest in researching gender differences and a consequent lack of knowledge of women's health issues. Fortunately, there is a movement for change. The Women's Health Interschool Curriculum Committee was formed in January 1992 to develop curricula concerning women's health and examine bias that may exist in existing curricula. The Canadian Women's Health Network has been growing across the country and there have been calls to create a new specialty in women's health. According to Angell, this proposal for a new specialty was provocatively debated in the Journal of Women's Health, which started publication in 1992. There is also a growing concern on how to conduct better research to address women's health needs. As more attention is paid to women's health issues, what will happen in the area of oral health? In health care, it would seem that the mouth has become completely separated from the rest of the body. Health conferences rarely have any oral health content at all. To correct this problem, there must be an increase in general awareness of the importance of oral health as it relates to the overall health of both women and men. Good oral health is more than just decay-free teeth. Oral health encompasses the teeth, the supporting periodontal structures, soft tissues of the mouth and oral pharynx area, temporomandibular joints and muscles of mastication. The mouth is a gateway to the body and will also reflect many systemic health problems, such as diabetes, leukemia and lupus. The second step would be the recognition that women may have different oral health needs and issues than men. The common view may be that teeth are gender free, but how can this be when teeth exist in a body, and that body is male or female? For many years, the primary acknowledged difference between men and women's oral health was pregnancy gingivitis. Like medicine, dentistry must re-examine the viewpoint that women's oral health differs from men's only as it is influenced by reproductive processes. There are many areas where women's oral health may differ from that of men. This paper will explore the literature for potential women's oral health issues in the areas of oral hygiene behaviours, esthetics, eating disorders, temporomandibular disorders, and hormonal influences on periodontal health.     

Hardiness and health: A critique and alternative approach.

Recent research has suggested that individual differences in the personality variable of hardiness are related to health and illness. Despite some success at predicting health outcomes, there are several theoretical and empirical problems that must be addressed before research on this topic can proceed. Most critical are (a) how hardiness is to be measured; (b) whether hardiness should be treated as a unitary phenomenon or as three separate phenomena associated with commitment, control, and challenge; and (c) whether hardiness has direct effects on health or indirect effects by virtue of buffering the impact of stressful life events. After reviewing the literature and presenting our own study of the psychometric properties of the Hardiness Scale and its subcomponents, we draw the following conclusions: (a) Hardiness is not a unitary phenomenon, but should be treated as involving three separate phenomena; (b) of the three subcomponents of hardiness, only commitment and control have adequate psychometric properties and are systematically related to health outcomes; (c) lack of control and lack of commitment have direct effects on health because they are psychologically stressful; and (d) if there are buffering effects of commitment and control, they are in addition to these direct effects and are situation specific. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Diaphragm structure and function in health and disease

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration, and as such uncompromised function is essential to support the ventilatory and gas exchange demands associated with physical activity. The normal healthy diaphragm may fatigue during intense exercise, and diaphragm function is compromised with aging and obesity. However, more insidiously, respiratory diseases such as emphysema mechanically disadvantage the diaphragm, sometimes leading to muscle failure and death. Based on metabolic considerations, recent evidence suggests that specific regions of the diaphragm may be or may become more susceptible to failure than others. This paper reviews the regional differences in mechanical and metabolic activity within the diaphragm and how such heterogeneities might influence diaphragm function in health and disease. Our objective is to address five principal areas: 1) Regional diaphragm structure and mechanics (GAF). 2) Regional differences in blood flow within the diaphragm (WLS). 3) Structural and functional interrelationships within the diaphragm microcirculation (DCP). 4) Nitric oxide and its vasoactive and contractile influences within the diaphragm (MBR). 5) Metabolic and contractile protein plasticity in the diaphragm (SKP). These topics have been incorporated into three discrete sections: Functional Anatomy and Morphology, Physiology, and Plasticity in Health and Disease. Where pertinent, limitations in our understanding of diaphragm function are addressed along with potential avenues for future research.     

HIV infection and health policy.

The epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has given an urgency to health policy dilemmas that have long been brewing. By exacerbating long-standing problems, the epidemic has surpassed what we find tolerable and has pressured politicians and health officials to find solutions. Whether the approaches they take will substantially contribute to solving the underlying problems is unclear. Many persons engaged in health policy believe that in responding to the AIDS crisis we may be defining our society for future historians. Judgment may be passed on how compassionately we care for those who are sick, how effectively we choose our public health measures, and how creatively we apply our scientific knowledge. This paper addresses six challenges that face policymakers: (a) protecting people from discrimination, (b) designing testing and screening programs, (c) developing safe and effective antiviral drugs, (d) planning for future vaccine trials, (e) organizing and delivering health care to sufferers of HIV infection, and (f) financing such health care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Promoting a sense of connectedness among individuals by scientifically demonstrating the existence of a planetary consciousness?

The subjective experience of feeling consciously connected with others and our environment-to that which is larger than ourselves-has been found to promote physical and mental health, or well-being. Various ways of evaluating this sense of connectedness have been studied under controlled scientific conditions. Through these studies, more has been learned about the effect of connectedness, ways of facilitating a sense of connection, and how to approach some objective understanding of its physical basis and human value. Evidently, we do share a interconnected rapport with others and with nature. However, we may have formed the contrary habit of dissociating and repressing a sense of connectedness for reasons strategic to their individual survival. Nevertheless, individual and global health could depend on therapeutically confronting these choices-both personally and socially.     

Cardiovascular disease in the JCR:LA-cp rat

The intimate association between the Golgi complex and the microtubule cytoskeleton plays an important role in Golgi structure and function. Recent evidence indicates that the dynamic flow of material from the ER to the Golgi is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the Golgi complex and its characteristic location within the cell, and it is now clear that this flow is dependent on the ongoing activity of microtubule motor proteins. This review focuses primarily on recent microinjection and expression studies which have explored the role of individual microtubule motor proteins in controlling Golgi dynamics. The collective evidence shows that one or more isoforms of cytoplasmic dynein, together with its cofactor the dynactin complex, are required to maintain a juxtanuclear Golgi complex in fibroblasts. Although questions remain about how dynein and dynactin are linked to the Golgi, there is evidence that the Golgi-spectrin lattice is involved. Kinesin and kinesin-like proteins appear to play a smaller role in Golgi dynamics, though this may be very cell-type specific. Moreover, new evidence about the role of kinesin family members continues to emerge. Thanks in part to recent advances in our understanding of these molecular motors, our current view of the Golgi complex is of an organelle in flux, undergoing constant renewal. Future research will be aimed at elucidating how and to what extent these motor proteins function as regulators of Golgi function.     

Research strategies toward a conception of positive mental health.

Problem areas in the field of science for a concept of mental health and the question of how research may be brought to advance our understanding of optimal human functioning are considered. Major sections are: Some Conceptual Difficulties with "Mental Health," The Frontal Assault, The Multiple Criterion Approach, Fundamental Research in Personality, and Systems Theory as a Frame of Reference. "The systems framework as a way of thinking ties mental health to our most general conceptions of personality in a schema that permits or, better, requires elaboration by research… . Mental health… is complex and not easily schematized." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mental health and psychiatric disorders in older women

An increase in the number and diversity of resources designed to optimize psychosocial function in people and especially women over age 65 is inevitable in the next decade as both the size and political influence of this group increase. The successful implementation of such programs is dependent on widespread change throughout society, involving many disparate groups, including older people themselves, politicians, health care administrators, and researchers from a range of disciplines. Clinicians in medicine and allied professions have a pivotal role in this regard. At present there are many reversible causes of psychiatric morbidity in the elderly, including depression, anxiety, cognitive defects, sensory impairment, malnutrition, and adverse effects of alcohol abuse and polypharmacy that are often not recognized or treated appropriately. It is therefore essential that family practitioners receive both undergraduate and postgraduate training to recognize and manage the wide range of psychosocial disorders prevalent in older women. Intervention may require little more than an opportunity for the women to ventilate concerns or obtain information and advice about community resources. In other circumstances in which there are complex interactions of physical, social, and psychological factors, optimal management may involve interventions that require specific skills beyond the scope of the individual practitioner. Referral to a psychogeriatric team is likely to be helpful in such situations. The team, with its access to a full range of health professionals and community resources, is well placed to deal economically with complex issues. The special care units are best equipped to manage the tertiary care of the chronically ill who do not have adequate community-based support available. Increased information derived from research relating to the spectrum of mental ill health and mental health is essential to adequately address the causes, correlates, and treatments of illness, and to answer questions about the positive aspects of mental health that may have implications for all age groups and both sexes. For example, it is intriguing that older women maintain a high level of psychological health despite greater social disadvantages than any other major section of the community. It is likely that psychological factors, such as better coping skills and ability to adapt to stressful life events, influence both the quality of life in older women and possibly also its duration. Alternatively, it is possible that the commonly held view that the life expectancies of women and men will converge as women undertake more of the roles and activities currently the province of men may occur.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing of necrophageous insects (Diptera, Coleoptera) in criminal forensic studies: validation and use in practice

There is a heightened threat of biological weapons being used for biological warfare or bioterrorism. Many of the microorganisms and toxins that may be used as such biological weapons can easily be acquired and mass produced. Dissemination of aerosols of these biological agents can produce mass casualties. If used by a terrorist they may overwhelm our current public health system. Some biological agents, such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and botulinum toxin, are considered far more likely than others to be used as biological weapons; smallpox virus was apparently produced in mass quantities by the former Soviet Union and may also be a serious threat. The release of such agents could go undetected for several hours or days and would be followed by mass illnesses and a first line of response by the public health community. Rapid epidemiological investigation to identify the nature of the disease outbreak would be critical for limiting casualties. For many, but not all, biological agents there are medical treatments that can greatly lower the mortality rate. There currently are, however, insufficient supplies of medicinals and trained personnel to cope with a massive bioterrorist or biological warfare use of biological weapons. Increasing our preparedness is critical.     

Adapting cognitive-behavioral therapy for Mexican American students with anxiety disorders: Recommendations for school psychologists.

Mexican American students are the fastest growing group in U.S. public schools. There is a growing body of research indicating that Mexican American families underutilize mental health services and are more likely to drop out of care prematurely when they do seek help. These findings may indicate that our health care system is not providing ethnic minorities with culturally competent care. Although cognitive?behavioral interventions are considered to be evidence-based treatments for child anxiety disorders, previous protocols have not taken cultural factors into account. This article discusses how to adapt cognitive?behavioral therapy (CBT) for Mexican American students with anxiety disorders. Working within the Psychotherapy Adaptation and Modification Framework (PAMF), this article offers adaptation principles that may guide school psychologists in implementing CBT strategies when working with Mexican American youth and their families. A case study is provided illustrating how cultural modifications of CBT can lead to positive outcomes for Mexican American students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Philosophy of life and human health

In order for people to survive on the Earth, they have to learn to live one with others again. The time when our future was simply given to us has already passed. We have to reach our future again, and to become "the farmers of the time". Appropriate life style is without any doubt the crucial factor in people [symbol: see text] s health protection. Beside high-quality medicine and its movement to health prevention, (and not just taking care of illness) human beings need to know how to live. This is important because it is in the range of our own possibilities and willings. Sooner or later, we will have to be aware of that.     

Medications as a risk factor for caries and periodontal disease

Since our population is aging, patients will present to our offices with more medications than in the past. Although these medications may benefit their general health, they may adversely affect their dental health. Although most medications discussed increase the risk for caries and periodontal disease, a few may actually decrease the risk.     

Public policy and the provision of psychological services to older adults.

Public policy shapes who delivers health care, how care is delivered, and how much providers are paid. The impact of public policy will become even more important to psychologists who serve older adults as 76 million members of the so called “baby boom” generation enter their later years. Armed with basic public policy facts, psychologists can better maneuver the systems created by public policy and even change policy. This article reviews how Medicare works since it is the primary payer of mental health services for older adults. The article then turns to the question of how many health care professionals (including psychologists) will be required to meet the needs of a rapidly growing older population and concurrent challenges of training and building that work force. Finally, different policy visions for a better mental health care system for older adults are summarized since they may be roadmaps to what the future of mental health care will look like. The article closes with practical recommendations on how psychologists can influence mental health and aging public policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychosocial issues: their importance in predicting disability, response to treatment, and search for compensation

The conceptualization of pain and its progression into chronic disability has evolved from unidimensional models to more integrative, biopsychosocial models that take into account the many biological, psychosocial, social, and economic factors that may significantly contribute to the low back pain experience. This chapter reviews various studies that have demonstrated our growing understanding of these complex, interactive processes in helping to predict those who develop chronic disability as well as those who respond best to treatment attempts. Further, we examine the issue of compensation and how it too is intricately intertwined with the other variables contributing to lower back pain disability.     

Review of Rediscovering psychoanalysis: Thinking and dreaming, learning and forgetting.

Reviews the book, Rediscovering psychoanalysis: Thinking and dreaming, learning and forgetting by Thomas H. Ogden (see record 2009-01395-000). Ogden has deepened our understanding of how to make therapeutic use of strong emotional reactions to our patients as much as any contemporary psychoanalytic writer. In his most recent book is an enjoyable work that is capable of affecting readers in both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant ways. This book consists of eight chapters that may best be thought of in two parts. In the first part, we see the author looking back and sharing his vast experience as clinician, teacher, supervisor and lifelong student of psychoanalytic practice. In the second part, the chapters are more consistent with earlier works and what many readers have come to expect from Ogden’s deep engagement with the canon of psychoanalytic theory. It should be said that this book may reach its best audience with relatively seasoned psychoanalytic practitioners. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Susceptibility and precipitating factors in depression: Sex differences and similarities.

Argues that the well-documented sex difference in depression may be due to a sex difference in susceptibility, in precipitating factors, or in both. Data from a large mental health survey (2,515 White over-18 residents of 2 cities) were used to study precipitating factors. It was found that women were exposed more often to more of the factors that relate to depression; with a few exceptions, the factors related to depression similarly for men and women. Matching on these factors did not eliminate the sex difference in depression. This suggests that there may be a sex difference in susceptibility. Current theories of depression are incorporated into a sequential model of how learned factors might contribute both to susceptibility and to the sex difference. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)