Relation of detoxification fear to methadone maintenance outcome: 5-year follow-up.

Assessed 5-yr treatment outcome follow-up on 56 methadone maintenance patients originally assessed for detoxification fear. Three fear measures (psychometric, interview, and self-report) were associated with treatment outcome variables by canonical correlation, representing 40% shared variance between predictor and predicted variables. Detoxification fear was associated with longer treatment, fewer treatment episodes, fewer methadone detoxification attempts, and fewer successful methadone detoxifications. Findings suggest that detoxification fear is a significant factor that may affect methadone maintenance outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment outcome and patient characteristics in an aversion therapy program for alcoholism.

Conducted 1- and 3-yr follow-ups of 685 alcoholic patients treated with aversive conditioning during a 2-wk inpatient program followed by periodic single-day reinforcement sessions. 63% of the Ss reported continuous abstinence for 1 yr, and 31% were still abstinent after 3 yrs. Results indicate that Ss were at highest risk for relapse 3–4 mo after treatment and that continued aftercare was an important component of successful treatment. Outcomes were better for older than younger males and for married than unmarried males. Few significant differences in outcomes for males and females were apparent, and outcome was also unrelated to prior treatment history, education, or occupation. Findings support the use of aversive techniques in the treatment of alcoholism. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Smoking cessation and weight gain.

Investigated determinants of weight gain after quitting smoking in 2 smoking treatment outcome studies in which 255 Ss (mean age 37 yrs) participated. It was hypothesized that (a) abstinence would result in weight gain; (b) postquitting weight gain would be predicted by pretreatment tobacco use, a history of weight problems, and eating patterns; and (c) relapse to smoking would follow weight gain. The 1st 2 hypotheses were confirmed. Year-long abstainers gained more weight than relapsers. Most of the weight gain occurred during the 1st 6 mo following quitting. Number of cigarettes smoked at pretreatment and past maximum body weight correlated positively with weight gain. Scores on a measure of eating control in specific situations, especially emotional ones, explained 27% of the variance in weight gain among abstinent Ss at a 1-yr follow-up. A measure of persistent hunger also predicted weight gain at a 1-yr follow-up. Eating disinhibition scores, number of cigarettes smoked at pretreatment, and maximum body weight were not correlated among Ss abstinent for the year. Disinhibition score and maximum body weight, however, correlated positively in the entire sample of Ss. Contrary to the 3rd hypothesis, greater weight gain during the 1st mo predicted continued abstinence, not relapse. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Abstinence or controlled drinking goals for problem drinkers: A randomized clinical trial.

24 adult problem drinkers were assigned to brief behavioral treatment with either an abstinence (AB) or a controlled drinking (CD) goal. Self-report and collateral report data reflect significant overall reduction in alcohol consumption and projected blood alcohol peaks at 3-mo and at 3.5-yr follow-up intervals. AB and CD Ss did not differ significantly from each other on outcome variables at any point before or after treatment. At 3.5 yrs, 4 Ss had been abstinent for at least 12 mo, 3 had been moderate and asymptomatic drinkers for at least 12 mo, 5 were improved but still somewhat impaired, 8 were unimproved, 3 refused to be interviewed, and 1 could not be located. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-administered masturbation training in the treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction.

30 married and 30 single nonorgasmic women (mean age 29 yrs) participated in a clinical outcome study of sexual dysfunction. Ss were randomly divided into 3 groups: videotape modeling, written instructions, and waiting-list control. Both treatment procedures involved a 6-wk, self-administered masturbation-training program. After the pretest interview, treatment was carried out without direct contact with the experimenter. Of the Ss receiving treatment, 60% became orgasmic by the end of the treatment period. Four additional married Ss became orgasmic by the time of the 1-yr follow-up. For those Ss who failed to transfer orgasmic capacity to coital intercourse, the role of partner dysfunction is discussed. Although no significant differences were found between the videotaped modeling condition and the written instructions group, the overall effectiveness of the treatment compares favorably with other treatment programs. With respect to cost–benefit assessment, however, the self-administered treatment is clearly superior. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Contingent take-home incentive: Effects on drug use of methadone maintenance patients.

Examined contingent methadone take-home privileges for effectiveness in reducing on-going supplemental drug use of methadone maintenance patients. 53 new intakes were randomly assigned to begin receiving take-home privileges after 2 consecutive weeks of drug-free urines or to a noncontingent procedure in which take-homes were delivered independently of urine test results. The contingent procedure produced more individuals with at least 4 consecutive weeks of abstinence (32 vs 8%); 28% of noncontingent Ss also achieved abstinence after shifting to the contingent procedure. Lower baseline rate of drug-free urines was strongly associated with successful outcome, whereas the type of drug abused (cocaine vs benzodiazepines) did not influence outcomes. Findings support a recommendation for using contingent take-home incentives to motivate abstinence during methadone maintenance treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Implosive therapy treatment of heroin addicts during methadone detoxification.

Examined the effectiveness of implosive therapy with heroin addicts during detoxification from methadone. 24 Ss with comparable histories of heroin addicition and similar maintenance levels of methadone were assigned to an implosive therapy, eclectic counseling, or control group. The 2 treatment groups received 12 sessions of implosive therapy or eclectic counseling and were followed for a subsequent 6-wk period. The implosive therapy Ss were the only ones to reduce significantly their methadone level during treatment and the follow-up period. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biofeedback and relaxation training for chronic headache: A controlled comparison of booster treatments and regular contacts for long-term maintenance.

Assigned 55 adult Ss, successfully treated by 2 of the present authors in behavioral treatment for chronic headaches, to 1 of 2 follow-up conditions: (1) regular contact or (2) booster treatment. Ss assigned to regular contact were asked to continue daily monitoring of headache activity and home practice and were seen for a brief visit (10–25 min) on a monthly basis for 6 mo. Ss assigned to booster treatments received full sessions during their 6 monthly visits. Results show that at 1-yr follow-up diary records and interviews with Ss and significant others revealed no major differences between groups. Although Ss attributed a number of positive side effects to treatment, it is suggested that regular contact may be an efficient procedure for maintaining treatment gains. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross-modal and intramodal transfer as predictors of mental development in full-term and preterm infants.

25 full-term (FT) and 33 preterm (PT) infants who had participated in studies of cross-modal (CM) and intramodal (IM) transfer at 12 mo of age were seen at older ages to assess the predictive validity of these early measures for later cognition. FT Ss were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 24 mo of age; PT Ss were administered these scales at 12 and 24 mo of age, the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (Form L-M) at 34 and 40 mo of age, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration at 6 yrs of age. For FT Ss, both 12-mo measures were significantly related to 24-mo Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) scores; for PT Ss, both 12-mo measures were related not only to 24-mo Bayley MDI but to each subsequent measure of cognitive outcome through 6 yrs. 12-mo IM scores were highly correlated with the 6-yr assessment of visual–motor integration. A measure of object permanence obtained at 12 mo was also related to cognitive outcome, but not so consistently as were the other 2 12-mo measures. Although parental education was a significant predictor beginning at 24 mo, multiple regression analyses indicated that the CM and the IM measures substantially increased the percentage of variance in outcome that could be accounted for by parental education alone. (61 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of social, familial, and maternal state variables on neonatal and infant health.

The medical protocols of a Danish birth cohort of 5,036 infants were summarized into 5 infant outcome measures: birth weight, neonatal physical health, neonatal neurological status, 1-yr physical health, and 1-yr motor development. All Ss received uniform medical care during pregnancy. 17 indices representing both medical and environmental variables were used as predictors in hierarchical regression analyses. Consistent negative environmental influences on neonatal outcomes were not found, presumably due to the uniform medical care during pregnancy that each mother received. A stronger environmental influence was observable at 1 yr of age. Institutional daycare, mother's employment, family size, whether the child was planned, and SES all contributed significantly to the regression equation for 1-yr physical health. This effect was anticipated, since no uniform medical treatment was provided the cohort subsequent to birth. (46 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treating anxiety disorders in children: Results of a randomized clinical trial.

Investigated a psychosocial treatment for 47 Ss (aged 9–13 yrs) with anxiety disorders. A 16-session cognitive-behavioral treatment was compared with a wait-list condition. Outcome was evaluated using child self-report, parent report, teacher report, cognitive assessment, and behavioral observations. Pretreatment–posttreatment changes and maintenance of gains at 1-yr follow-up were examined. Results revealed that many treated Ss were found to be without a diagnosis at posttest and at follow-up and to be within normal limits on many measures. The child's perception of the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's perception of parental involvement were measured but were not related to outcome. Discussion focuses on characteristics of effective child therapy and the need for further research on treatment components and alternative treatment methods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Identifying survivors at risk: Long-term impairment following the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire.

Examined the chronic responses of survivors of a 1977 supper club fire, in which 165 people died, from the standpoint of linking individual differences in aspects of the fire experience to differential outcome. 117 Ss were interviewed on stress, life events, coping, social supports, psychopathology, and symptoms 1 yr postfire. 67 Ss were reinterviewed a year later. Hierarchical regression analyses for multiple outcome measures showed that the most predictable symptoms at 1 yr were those associated with stress disorders. The independent variables contributing most to that prediction were aspects of the S's experience (e.g., bereavement, injury). Predictability shifted somewhat in the 2nd yr for the outcome measures: Secondary measures (those with a hostility component) became more predictable. Overall, up to 45% of outcome variance 1-yr postfire could be explained by the individual's experiences surrounding the fire. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Categories of response to reunion with the parent at age 6: Predictable from infant attachment classifications and stable over a 1-month period.

Describes the development of a system for classifying attachment organization at age 6 on the basis of study of children's responses to unstructured reunions with parents. In a study of 33 families, 6th-year attachment classifications to mother were highly predictable from infancy attachment classifications to mother (84%), with Ss secure in infancy identified as secure on reunion at age 6 (Group B); and Ss insecure-avoidant in infancy identified as insecure-avoidant (Group A); Ss who were insecure-disorganized/disoriented identified as controlling of the parent (Group D). Lower predictability (61%) was found for attachment to father. An insecure-ambivalent (Group C) 6th-year classification was developed following the Berkeley study. In a 2nd study of child–mother dyads, (N?=?50), 62% of Ss were stable in (A, B, C, and D) classification across a 1-mo interval. When D children were reassigned to their best-fitting alternative A, B, or C categories, stability was high both for major classifications (A + B + C?=?86%) and for 7 subclassifications (A1, A2, B1/B2, B3, B4, C1, C2?=?76%). Avoidance of mother was stable across the 5-yr and the 1-mo periods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Schizophrenic intelligence, symptoms, and release from the hospital.

Used the WAIS and Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Scale to assess changes in intelligence and symptoms over a 1-yr period in 64 male chronic schizophrenics (an additional 32 Ss were assessed only at the end of the 1-yr period). Hospital status 6 yr. later identified Ss who had been discharged successfully and those still hospitalized. Ss who improved in symptoms gained in test scores. Short-term symptomatic improvement showed no significant relationship to discharge within the next 6 yr., whereas short-term gains in intelligence predicted subsequent discharge to a highly significant degree (p     

Effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral treatments in reducing Type A behavior among university faculty: One year later.

Conducted 6-mo and 1-yr follow-up evaluations of a study in which the effectiveness of cognitive–behavior modification (CBM) and cognitive–behavior modification plus assertion training (CBM/AT) treatments were compared with a minimal treatment (MT) control in reducing Type A (coronary prone) behavior and related characteristics among 31 university faculty members. Ss completed a battery of measures, including the Jenkins Activity Survey, a Type A self-rating scale, and the Manifest Hostility Scale. At both follow-ups, CBM and CBM/AT groups continued to report significantly less Type A behavior and Type A irrational beliefs than controls. Also, CBM and CBM/AT groups reported significantly less speed and impatience behavior at both follow-ups than did the control group, differences that were not found at posttreatment. No significant differences among groups were found for hard-driving/competitive, trait anger, or hostility levels, with the exception that CBM Ss reported significantly less hostility at the 1-yr follow-up than did MT Ss. Results support the long-term effectiveness of brief cognitive–behavioral treatments in reducing Type A behavior. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Accelerating longitudinal research on child psychopathology: A practical example.

Accelerated longitudinal analyses link longitudinal data obtained for multiple birth cohorts. These analyses were used to determine whether longitudinal data obtained on children in 1 cohort could predict outcomes of psychopathology in another cohort. Seven cohorts of Dutch children were assessed 5 times at 2-yr intervals. Individual Ss from different cohorts were matched on Child Behavior Checklist total problem scores at 2 ages. Over 2-, 4-, and 6-yr intervals, between cohort correlations were nearly as high as within-cohort correlations. However, between-cohort correlations were only similar to within-cohort correlations when they included at least 1 of the 2 ages at which Ss were matched. The results support accelerated longitudinal analysis as a method of combining short-term longitudinal studies of behavioral-emotional problems into a longer longitudinal study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment of obesity by behavior therapy and very low calorie diet: A pilot investigation.

Treated 17 obese females (mean age 37.5 yrs) who averaged 87% overweight for 6 mo on a program of diet and behavior modification designed for weight loss maintenance. Ss, who were paid to participate, received a balanced diet of 1,000–2,200 kilocalories/day for Month 1, a low calorie protein liquid (400–500 kilocalories/day) for Month 2, low calorie protein (fish, fowl) for Month 3, and a balanced diet for Months 4–6. Results show that Ss lost an average 20.5 kg during treatment and showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression even while consuming the low calorie diet. At 1-yr follow-up, Ss had regained an average of 2.1 kg. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Randomized trial of two parent-training programs for families with conduct-disordered children.

Assigned mothers (mean age 30 yrs) of 35 3–8 yr old conduct-disordered children to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 was a waiting list control; Group 2 had 9 wks of individual therapy; and Group 3 had 9 wks of therapist-led group therapy based on a standardized videotape modeling program. Ss and their children were assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and 1 yr later using home visits, twice per week telephone reports, and questionnaires. Results show that 1-mo after treatment Ss in Groups 2 and 3 showed significant attitudinal and behavioral improvements that were maintained at 1-yr follow-up. Children of Ss in these groups showed reduction in child noncompliance and deviant behavior that continued in reduction at 1-yr follow-up. It is concluded that although both treatments offered equivalent and sustained improvements, the therapeutic efficiency of the videotape modeling group format was more cost-effective. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of alternative theoretical approaches to smoking cessation and relapse.

139 smokers (mean age 40.6 yrs) were randomly assigned either to (a) a traditional treatment program that used contingency contracting and emphasized the necessity for absolute abstinence (AA) or (b) a relapse-prevention (RP) treatment that focused on gradual acquisition of nonsmoking skills. It was hypothesized that the RP treatment would be less successful initially but would result in better maintenance skills and show a lesser relapse rate during a 1-yr follow-up. Each program was evaluated in 2 formats: group-based treatment and self-help materials. Results indicate comparable 1-yr abstinence rates for all treatments, although more Ss dropped out of the self-help formats. Ss in the RP intervention were more likely to lapse sooner after quitting and were more likely to quit again during the 1-yr maintenance period. Women were more successful in the RP program, and men had greater success with the AA approach. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Borderline personality organization and prognosis in eating disorders.

Used interview-based assessment of level of personality organization and confirmed the finding of C. Johnson et al (see record 1991-13161-001) that borderline bulimics had a markedly worse prognosis over 1 yr than bulimics without borderline features. Ss in the present study were 31 eating disorder female patients at 1-yr follow-up. However, after 2 and 3 yrs, no such indications were evident. Instead, the borderline patients (9 Ss) unexpectedly caught up, eliminating the initial advantage held by the neurotics (7 Ss), and after 3 yrs, there were no differences in outcome between the groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)