bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic Interactions of Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Albright Penny S. , Bruni J.
Published: July 2016

The problem of antiepileptic drug interactions is significant in that many epileptic patients are treated with multiple drug therapy. Moreover, patients may also be receiving additional medication for other concurrent disorders. Most drug interactions are pharmacokinetic, involving changes in absorption, protein binding, metabolism, or excretion. As a result, plasma levels of the antiepileptic drug may decrease leading to exacerbation of seizures. Alternatively, plasma levels may rise resulting in toxic side effects. Similar changes may also occur with drugs given for other disorders. In this paper, possible mechanisms of drug interactions are discussed. This is followed by a description of clinically significant interactions involving phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, valproic acid, benzodiazepines, and succinimides. Potentially serious drug interactions may be minimized by using as few medications as possible and by regularly monitoring plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs.
Occlusive Cerebrovascular Disease in Young Adults
Authors: Klein Gary M. , Seland T. Peter
Published: July 2016

This retrospective study documents the experience of two large Canadian teaching hospitals with occlusive cerebrovascular disease in young adults. Chart review disclosed 76 patients aged 15-40 years during a recent six year period. An apparent cause, or significant coincident risk factors were found in 51 patients (67%). The most prevalent recognized causes were atherosclerosis, emboli from cardiac sources or intracranial aneurysms, and complicated migraine. Pregnancies or use of oral contraceptives were apparent coincident risk factors.
Fatal Nemaline Myopathy in Infancy
Authors: McMenamin Joseph B. , Curry Bernadette , Taylor Glen P. , Becker Laurence E. , Murphy E. Gordon
Published: July 2016

The clinical and neuropathological findings in two infants with congenital nemaline myopathy are described. One patient presented at birth with severe hypotonia, respiratory failure and contractures and died shortly after the neonatal period. The other presented at age two months with hypotonia and, following a period of clinical stability, died at age seven months from respiratory failure. Pathological findings in the fatal neonatal case revealed numerous rod bodies in lingual, pharyngeal, diaphragm and limb muscles, correlating with clinical findings. Significant, but less rod body involvement was found in the diaphragm and limb muscles of the second patient. Although a neural basis has been suggested for this disorder, no abnormalities were found in the central nervous system or in the peripheral nerves of these two severely affected patients.
The History and Pharmacology of Dopamine Agonists
Authors: Lataste X.
Published: July 2016

The recognition of the dopaminergic properties of some ergot derivatives has initiated new therapeutical approaches in endocrinology as well as in neurology. The pharmacological characterization of the different ergot derivatives during the last decade has largely improved our understanding of central dopaminergic systems. Their development has yielded valuable information on the pharmacology of dopamine receptors involved in the regulatory mechanisms of prolactin secretion and in striatal functions.

The clinical application of such new neurobiological concepts has underlined the therapeutical interest of such compounds either in the control of prolactin-dependent endocrine disorders or in the treatment of parkinsonism. Owing to their pharmacological profiles, dopaminergic agonists represent a valuable clinical option especially in the management of Parkinson’s disease in view of the problems arising from chronic L-Dopa treatment.
Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rajput A.H.
Published: July 2016

Epidemiology of parkinsonism for 13 years (1967 to 1979) in Rochester, Minnesota is evaluated. For each patient, two age- and sex-matched controls with comparable medical follow-up (mean 40 years before diagnosis) were selected from the same community. Smoking habits, dementia, acute and chronic illnesses and mortality patterns in the two groups are compared. The annual incidence rate was 20.5/100,000, which is virtually unchanged from previous reports on Rochester population. Cigarette smoking habits of cases and the controls before the index date were not significantly different. Prior to diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, dementia was diagnosed significantly more frequently among the patients than the controls (P = 0.048). After diagnosis of parkinsonism dementia emerged nearly three times more frequently in patients than among the controls. Mortality rate in the entire parkinsonian population was similar to that reported from the same community between 1935 and 1966. Only 50% of the patients were treated with levodopa. Among those treated with levodopa the mortality rate was comparable to their controls. Because there were no definite criteria for administering levodopa therapy, higher frequency of dementia and prolonged survival in those treated with this drug could be attributed to the bias of case selection for treatment.
Dopamine Agonists in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Calne Donald B. , Burton Keith , Beckman Jeff , Wayne Martin W.R.
Published: July 2016

Dopamine agonists have yielded two important advances to our understanding of the basal ganglia – they have facilitated the subdivision of different classes of dopamine receptors, and they have established the fact that important dopaminergic effects can be achieved by activation of dopamine receptors in a manner that is unrelated to anoxal impulse traffic in dopaminergic neurons – a phenomenon similar in its diffuse, slow, characteristics to an endocrine effect.

The tangible clinical benefit of dopamine agonists has been evident in patients with prominent dyskinesia or wearing off reactions. It is possible that earlier use of agonists, in low doses combined with similarly low doses of levodopa, may improve the long term treatment of Parkinson’s disease, but as yet there is no firm evidence.

In the future, we can expect to see agonists with more prolonged effects, deriving from the formation of active metabolites. We can also hope to gain further insight into the correlations between the various animal models of dopaminomimetic activity, and specific aspects of drug efficacy and toxicity in parkinsonian patients. Such information should allow the design of improved pharmacotherapy.
Should Dopamine Agonists be Given Early or Late in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Rascol A. , Montastruc J.L. , Rascol O.
Published: July 2016

The long term consequences of the use of a dopamine agonist, bromocriptine, in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease are reported. In a first study in 82 patients showing late side effects of levodopa, bromocriptine permitted a significant decrease of the gastro-intestinal adverse effects. In contrast, no significant improvement of end of dose deterioration from levodopa was noted. In cases where levodopa had ceased to be active, bromocriptine produced an improvement in the clinical state. The drug was ineffective in the very advanced stages of the disease or in the cases of dyskinesias without “on-off” effects. Bromocriptine did not significantly improve freezing or “on-off” effects, but reduced other side effects of levodopa, in particular dystonia. In a second group of 29 patients who had never received levodopa treatment, bromocriptine was shown to be very effective as a first treatment of the disease. The most important finding was the absence of long term side effects similar to those usually observed under levodopa: in this group and in comparison with 38 patients taking levodopa, dyskinesia, dystonia, oscillations in performance and especially “on-off” effects were not noted. However, a partial loss of efficacy of bromocriptine was observed in 27% of cases. In a third group of 10 patients, bromocriptine introduced according to a low and slow protocol was found to be active in a limited number of patients only.
Intrauterine Hydrocephalus and Ventriculomegaly: Associated Abnomalies and Fetal Outcome
Authors: Cochrane D. D. , Myles S. T. , Nimrod C. , Still D. K. , Sugarman R. G. , Wittmann B. K.
Published: July 2016

Advances in fetal diagnostic techniques have opened many areas to prenatal anatomical scrutiny. Intrauterine hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly are conditions which are readily diagnosed. Fetal intervention has been undertaken in humans in order to minimize the craniofacial disfigurement and to maximize the growth potential of the brain. To justify such an approach, the significance of all anomalies should be recognized prior to treatment. The authors have reviewed 41 cases of hydrocephalus diagnosed in utero in order to define associated anomalies and patient outcome.

75% of our personal series and 72% of the reviewed literature cases had other anomalies of the central nervous system. Other system malformations, some of which proved fatal, were seen commonly. Prenatal diagnostic techniques did not always reveal these additional problems.

The outcome of these pregnancies is not good. Approximately one third of these fetuses have survived to be treated postnatally and to be followed up clinically. Only 7.5% of this series were felt to have attained normal developmental milestones. The remainder of the survivors have various focal and/or global cerebral deficits.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: An Unusual Neurosurgical Entity
Authors: Dolan Eugen J. , Schwartz Michael L. , Lewis Anthony J. , Kassel Edward E. , Cooper Perry W.
Published: July 2016

Adenoid cystic carcinoma, or cylindroma, usually presents in the salivary glands or in the upper respiratory passages. We report an unusual case of adenoid cystic carcinoma in a 45-year-old woman who presented with a three-year history of progressive right trigeminal sensory palsy, most pronounced in the second division. There was, in addition, a right trigeminal motor palsy and a partial right 6th nerve palsy. CT scanning showed only a small soft tissue mass spanning an enlarged right foramen ovale. Solid adenoid cystic carcinoma was resected from Meckel’s cave via a middle cranial fossa approach. A subsequent biopsy of the right maxillary antral mucosa found tumor tissue. We concluded that the tumor originated in the maxillary antrum and spread posteriorly along the infraorbital nerve to enlarge in the foramen ovale. Radiation to a total of 5,000 cGy was given. At 22 months there was neither radiographic nor clinical evidence of recurrence. At 30 months, the development of unsteady gait signalled the presence of recurrent tumor extending backwards from Meckel’s cave into the right cerebello-pontine angle.
Longitudinal Evoked Potential Studies in Hereditary Ataxias
Authors: Taylor M.J. , Chan-Lui W.Y. , Logan W.J.
Published: July 2016

We studied multimodal evoked potentials (EPs) longitudinally in a series of children with Friedreich’s ataxia and ataxia telangiectasia to determine both their diagnostic utility and their correlation with clinical regression.

The auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were abnormal only in the children with Friedreich’s ataxia. The abnormality seen in these patients was a rostral-caudal loss of the ABR waves. The visual EPs (VEPs) were abnormal in many of the patients; those with ataxia telangiectasia had unusually low amplitude or absent VEPs, occasionally with increased latencies, whereas those with Friedreich’s ataxia had normal amplitude VEPs, often at increased latencies. The somatosensory EPs were usually of increased latency or absent in these patients. Unlike the ABR and VEPs, they did not serve to differentiate the groups.

Changes in the EPs appeared to reflect clinical deterioration; patients with little change in their EPs over several years were regressing very slowly, whereas others had rapid deterioration in both EPs and clinical status. We suggest that the EPs are diagnostically of value in degenerative ataxias and may be of value in monitoring these patients and their response to therapy.
Persistent Hemiballismus with Lesions Outside the Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Lang Anthony E.
Published: July 2016

Two patients are reported with hemiballismus due to lesions in the striatum as documented on CT scan. The involuntary movements persisted for one and five years respectively. A third patient with more typical self-limited hemiballismus had no evidence of a causative lesion on CT scan. It is proposed that lesions outside the subthalamic nucleus of Luys may interfere with the compensatory mechanisms which can result in the spontaneous resolution of hemiballistic movements. None of the patients benefited from the use of sodium valproate therapy, however, pimozide reduced the severity of the dyskinesia in the two with longstanding hemiballismus.
Amantadine Therapy for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Murray T.J.
Published: July 2016

We carried out a double blind control study of fatigue in 32 patients with multiple sclerosis, comparing amantadine hydrochloride 100 mg twice a day and placebo. On amantadine 31% had marked improvement; 15.6% moderate improvement; 15.6% mild improvement; and 36.5%unchanged. On placebo, none noted marked improvement; one claimed moderate improvement on either amantadine or placebo. 18.7% reported mild improvement on placebo; and most of them had similar or more response to amantadine. No patient selected placebo over amantadine at the end of the trial. Overall improvement was seen in 62.5% of patients on amantadine and 21.8% on placebo. Additional experience up to two years suggests continued benefit but common and important side-effects.
The Carotid Siphon: A Scanning Electron Microscope Assessment of its Embolie Potential
Authors: Saunders F.W. , Shedden P.
Published: July 2016

The role of the carotid siphon as a source of embolic material has had limited morphological or clinical study. The morphologic data available suggests that the siphon plays only a small role in embolic cerebrovascular disease. Clinical studies, however, suggest that it has a significant ischemic potential. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, we have designed a scanning electron microscope study of the carotid siphon. Eighty percent of the specimens from the carotid bifurcation and 30% of the siphon specimens showed evidence of damaged endothelium with attached red cell and platelet debris. The embolic potential of the siphon is estimated to be between ⅓ to ½ that of the carotid bifurcation. This supports the most recent clinical studies.
Fluctuation of Plasma Cortisol Levels in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Butterworth F. M. , Ristow G. E. , Collarini E.
Published: July 2016

Using radioimmunoassay, the levels of plasma cortisol of 23 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 control subjects were determined at three or more times over a one-year period. The status of the disease was ascertained by neurological examination at the same time. Twelve of the patients were considered stable because they showed no changes in their disease status during the year. The remaining 11 patients were designated active since each had one or more relapses. The levels of cortisol of the control and stable groups remained relatively constant during the one-year period, but the levels of the active group fluctuated significantly more than either of the other two groups. Furthermore the active patients who had more than one episode had the greatest fluctuation in their cortisol levels. The fluctuations could indicate some endocrinologie al aberration in patients with active multiple sclerosis or may be secondary to the influence of the disease.
Brain Resuscitation
Authors: Ventureyra Enrique C.G. , Ivan Leslie P.
Published: July 2016

All those related to the medical profession are familiar with the term “resuscitation” which usually means restoration of normal cardio-respira-tory activity in someone who has suffered from the effects of severely impaired functions of these two organs.

The concept of “brain resuscitation” has emerged during the past few years and to the best of our knowledge the term was probably first coined by SAFAR (1977). This term is used more freely by anesthetists. Neuro-surgeons, when they relieve otherwise fatal herniations of the brain, are not in the habit of calling the effort resuscitation. Since, in our opinion, the term brain resuscitation focuses attention on a set of measures in an acute catastrophic situation, we would like to support its use.
Brain Lesions in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Oppenheimer D.R.
Published: July 2016

An estimate is given of the frequency of pathological changes (assessed by cell populations and from myelin staining) in the brains of 15 cases of Friedreich's ataxia. Mention is made of the special problem of distinguishing primary degenerative lesions from those due to circulatory disturbances arising from the patients cardiac disease.
Taurine and Beta-Alanine Uptake in Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts from Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Melancon S.B. , Grignon B. , Potier M. , Dallaire L.
Published: July 2016

Taurine and ß-alanine uptake kineiics were studied in cultured skin fibroblasts from 9 patients with Friedreich's Ataxia and 8 controls. No significant difference was observed. The data support the presence of normal ß-amino acid carrier protein in Friedreich's Ataxia cell membrane.
Case Studies in Self-management: Valuable Learning Experiences
Authors: Lackner Ksenija A. , Moloney Gail , Stain Helen , Ward Ruth C. , Birnbrauer Jay S.
Published: July 2016

Four self-management exercises completed by advanced psychology students as part of their course of instruction are summarised. The cases illustrate the level of sophistication of clinical replications that can be attempted in a semester unit. These cases were chosen because they targeted long-standing serious problems which none of the students thought would be responsive to behavioural-cognitive techniques applied by themselves. The problems were nocturnal bruxism, excessive urinary frequency, unassertiveness, and dog phobia. All were successful in meeting the initial therapeutic objectives that had been set, but gains were not maintained in the cases of bruxism and excessive urinary frequency. The value and problems associated with self-management exercises as a teaching tool are discussed.
Empirically Validated Treatments: Health Psychology Interventions
Authors: James Jack E.
Published: July 2016

Whereas King's (1977) focus was clinical psychology, the present commentary considers empirical validation of psychological practice in health settings. Comparisons are made with the fact that most diagnostic and therapeutic medical practices in use have yet to be empirically validated. At the population level, modern medicine does not appear to have had a large impact on any of the major causes of premature death, past or present. Conversely, there is strong evidence that all current major causes of death are closely related to behaviour pattern. However, there are formidable obstacles to the uptake and future development of behavioural interventions in health settings. Issues subsumed under the rubric of quality of care are particularly important, including appropriateness (treatment should not be applied when it is not needed — avoidance of overservicing), and necessity (treatment should be available to persons in need — avoidance of underservicing). The general public, health practitioners, and health policy makers are relatively uninformed about relevant psychological practices and about the central role of psychological processes in all aspects of human health.
The Assessment of Rapists
Authors: Ward Tony , Hudson Stephen M. , McCormack Julie
Published: July 2016

The assessment of sexual aggression presents many difficulties for clinicians. The tendency of offenders to minimise or deny their offending, and their frequent distrust of mental health professionals, require high levels of skill to circumvent. In addition, the multifactorial nature of rape means that assessment needs to cover a broad range of content areas and utilise a number of different methods. In this paper we suggest that a comprehensive assessment should inquire into the developmental history of rapists, social competency, attitudes and beliefs about women and sexual crimes, sexual knowledge, sexual preferences and disorders, empathy, offence variables, psychiatric history, and substance abuse. The clinical interview remains the primary method of information acquisition, and needs to be tailored to match the particular interpersonal style of rapists. The use of psychometric and physiological measures are also valuable sources of clinical data.
An Intervention for Substance Abuse in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kavanagh David J.
Published: July 2016

Substance abuse in schizophrenia is a significant management problem for both clients and treatment agencies, impacting on psychotic symptoms, medication adherence, and participation in training and employment. However, there is little published work on the treatment of drug abuse in this population. This paper describes a cognitive-behavioural intervention for alcohol and cannabis abuse which integrates substance abuse treatment with other aspects of psychosis management.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Authors: King Neville J. , Ollendick Thomas H. , Montgomery Iain M.
Published: July 2016

This selective review shows that childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that requires early identification and treatment. Initially, we examine the relationship of childhood rituals to OCD, and discuss recent findings on the epidemiology of childhood OCD. The DSM-IV criteria for OCD are presented, along with recent findings on psychopathology. Clinical management of childhood OCD is a challenging and difficult task for mental health professionals. We briefly describe and evaluate advances in behavioural treatment — mainly in vivo exposure and response prevention. The adjunctive use of antidepressant medication is also examined. Whilst these clinical innovations are promising, further controlled evaluations are necessary before the efficacy of behavioural intervention can be confidently asserted.
Behaviour Therapy and Schizophrenia: An Introduction
Authors: Halford W. Kim
Published: July 2016

This brief article introduces a two-part series of special issues ofBehaviour Changeon the cognitive-behavioural treatment of schizophrenia. Two pervasive myths about schizophrenia inhibit effective psychological treatment and rehabilitation: (1) that schizophrenia inevitably has poor outcome, and (2) that drugs are effective in the management of schizophrenia. Neither of these myths is supported by available data. A stress–vulnerability model is described which provides a framework for understanding the variability in outcome of schizophrenia, and for conducting cognitive-behaviour therapy.
Prevention of Marital Distress: Current Issues in Programming and Research
Authors: Behrens Brett C. , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: July 2016

Marital dissatisfaction is the most common presenting problem in adults seeking psychological services and is rated as the second most severe stress adults can experience after a death in the family. Almost every married couple is, at some time, at risk for marital distress, conflict, separation, and divorce and for the resulting stress on themselves and their children. Traditionally, theory and practice have focused on tertiary prevention of marital distress (i.e., marital therapies). However, marital therapy has limited efficacy and accesses only limited numbers of couples. Poor communication and dissatisfaction with interactions, assessed premaritally, are strong predictors of marital distress. Several marital distress prevention programs have been developed which generally or specifically target communication behaviour of pre- and early married couples. Outcome evaluations suggest such programs can lead to improved communication and problem-solving skills, improved relationship satisfaction, lower levels of marital violence, and diminished probability of marital dissolution. Suggestions for future research include a more fine-grained analysis of situation-specific cognition, affect, and psychophysiological responses during communication, incorporation of a self-regulatory model within prevention work, and the use of longitudinal research designs.
The Relationship Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Panic Disorder: A Case Study
Authors: Wade Tracey , Jones Megan
Published: July 2016

Evidence suggests that cognitive behaviour therapy is the treatment of choice for both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and panic disorder (PD). The present study examines the treatment issues relating to a woman diagnosed with both IBS and PD (with agoraphobia), where therapy for PD was disrupted by IBS symptoms. Group therapy was then initiated for IBS, and this was associated with a large decrease in general anxiety and depression, and an increase in confidence concerning management of the pain caused by the IBS. This finding is discussed with respect to its possible implications for the treatment of people suffering both IBS and PD.
Preventing Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Spence Susan H. , Dadds Mark R.
Published: July 2016

Although much has been written about the need for prevention of anxiety disorders in children, there has been a marked absence of empirical research to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs. This paper suggests that there is now sufficient evidence to identify risk and protective factors for the development of childhood anxiety disorders. Early childhood temperament, negative life events, and children's coping styles are suggested to play a significant role. Acting in association with these variables are parental behaviours that serve to model, prompt, and reinforce anxious behaviour and emphasise the threatening nature of events. Our knowledge of these causal variables enables us to identify children at risk for the development of anxiety problems and highlights variables that should be targets of change in prevention programs. Indicated prevention is designed to disrupt the trajectory towards the development of clinical levels of psychological disorder. This paper describes an “indicated” preventive program for children identified as being at risk for the development of anxiety disorders given evidence of mild anxious symptomatology.
Foundation Education as a Means for Disseminating Behavioural Innovation to Nonpsychologists
Authors: James Jack E.
Published: July 2016

Proponents of behavioural intervention have often advocated consultation as a means for disseminating behavioural innovation to nonpsychologists. However, experience suggests that the benefits of consultative arrangements are mostly localised, and that widespread dissemination is unlikely to be achieved through this process. The current “crisis in education” in the United States is given as an example of the limited effectiveness of dissemination through consultation. An alternative approach is examined, which aims to disseminate behavioural science knowledge to nonpsychologist practitioners during the formative stages of their professional education. This alternative, dissemination through foundation education, is illustrated by describing recent initiatives at La Trobe University. Several potential concerns that behaviour analysts may have about the dissemination of behavioural innovation to nonpsychologists are examined, including concern that behavioural scientists may lose their distinctiveness, the fear that behavioural scientists may be “giving away” valuable expertise, the conviction that behavioural scientists must retain control over behavioural innovation, the belief that dissemination will result in misuse of behavioural innovation, and the claim that it is futile to disseminate behavioural science knowledge because it is not valued by other health professionals. These various concerns were found to be unwarranted.
Self-control in Schizophrenia
Authors: Piatkowska Olga Elizabeth , Farnill Douglas
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews studies of the application of self-control procedures to the symptoms of schizophrenia. The authors argue that, while there are few well-controlled studies on their effectiveness, there are many cognitive-behavioural techniques which show promise for assisting clients to develop greater mastery over a number of symptoms. Surveys also show that many persons with schizophrenia spontaneously use their own methods to gain some control over their symptoms. While much further research is needed in this area, clinicians need to empower clients with schizophrenia to explore and enhance their self-control skills.
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy in the UK: Comments on Lovibond
Authors: Tarrier Nicholas
Published: July 2016

It was with great interest that I read Professor Lovibond's paper, not the least because of the fact that before returning to the UK in 1991 I had spent approximately 2½ years working in Australia. In his article Professor Lovibond charts the history of behaviour therapy in Australia and comments on the current academic and professional situation there. He raises issues concerning scientific rigour, clinical practice, service delivery, and professional organisation. Some of these are general issues and many readers from many places around the world will find sympathy with these. Others are relevant to the local circumstances within Australia and are less pertinent to other countries. My first reaction to the article was surprise that problems within clinical psychology were being aired at a World Congress of Behaviour Therapy and within a behaviour therapy journal. This is perhaps explained by Professor Lovibond's view that behaviour therapy is too narrow a term for what is really clinical psychology and should be so entitled. But from a UK perspective there is here a confounding between the theory and practice of behaviour therapy (I will use the term cognitive-behaviour therapy as being more reflective of current thinking) and the profession of clinical psychology. I will devote most of this short article to outlining the situation in the UK so that it can be seen why Professor Lovibond's suggestion that behaviour therapy and clinical psychology are synonymous would not be readily acceptable in the UK. Firstly, I would like to comment on the situation regarding behaviour therapy before briefly describing that of the profession of clinical psychology.
EMG Feedback Alone and in Combination with Posture Feedback: A Comparative Treatment Study in a Case of Torticollis
Authors: Fernandez Ephrem , Llamas Michael
Published: July 2016

A single-case design was used to explore the effects of EMG feedback versus EMG-plus-posture feedback in the treatment of overt symptoms of torticollis in an elderly female patient. It was found that EMG levels of the sternomastoid muscle were inversely related to EMG of the trapezius muscle, rather than systematically related to components of treatment. Resting posture showed a pattern of improvement, especially with regard to shoulder asymmetry and forward flexion. Also, the patient's voluntary control over posture showed marked improvement between pre- and postphases of treatment; this was maintained at follow-up 8 weeks after treatment. Implications are raised for further research, in particular, the importance of assessing multiple aspects of posture and recording EMG from more than one site simultaneously.
School Refusal: An Overview
Authors: King Neville , Ollendick Thomas H. , Tonge Bruce J. , Heyne David , Pritchard Melinda , Rollings Stephanie , Young Dawn , Myerson Nicole
Published: July 2016

Traditionally, mental health professionals and school authorities have found school refusal to be a perplexing and challenging problem. Relevant to an understanding of school refusal, we initially review some important developmental-normative considerations. The clinical features, epidemiology, and etiology of school refusal are also briefly discussed. We then describe a number of behavioural strategies that have been used in the management of school refusal. Finally, we review the research support for the efficacy and acceptability of behavioural strategies in the treatment of school refusal.
Predicting Testicular and Breast Self-examination Behaviour: A test of the Theory of Reasoned Action
Authors: Moore Susan M. , Barling Norman R. , Hood Bernadette
Published: July 2016

One aim of this study was to describe attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours concerned with testicular and breast self-examination (TSE, BSE); the second was to test the efficacy of the Ajzen and Fishbein theory of reasoned action in predicting self-examination behaviour. Participants comprised 116 male adults with a mean age of 27.9, and 141 female adults with a mean age of 30.0 years. The sample was relatively well-educated, with over half having engaged in some tertiary studies. They completed a questionnaire assessing self-examination behaviours, intentions, beliefs, attitudes, and perceived norms. Results indicated low rates of self-examination for both TSE and BSE. Barriers to self-examination included embarrassment, perceived unpleasantness and difficulty, concern about reliability, and worries about what the tests might reveal. Respondents perceived only moderate levels of support from salient others for engaging in the self-examinations. The theory of reasoned action was strongly supported by the study, with intentions to perform self-examination being predicted by attitudes and subjective norms, and intentions in turn predicting self-examination behaviours.
Evaluation of Attributional Change in a Relapse Prevention Program for Child Molesters
Authors: Larsen Jillian , Hudson Stephen M. , Ward Tony
Published: July 2016

Relapse prevention is a multimodal, cognitive-behavioural approach to treating, among other types of clients, child molesters. Rather than positing a cure as the outcome of treatment, it emphasises self-management and personal responsibility for avoiding or coping with situations that threaten self-control. The motivation to use these self-control strategies is likely to vary according to beliefs about the causes of their offending behaviour, particularly as a function of the degree to which they are seen as controllable. Fifteen child molesters, classified as preferential or situational type, and familial or nonfamilial, from the Kia Marama unit at Rolleston Prison reported on their causal beliefs concerning their offence-related behaviour at four points in their description of their most typical or recent relapse. This assessment was carried out at four points in the 35-week relapse-prevention based treatment program.

All participants made clinically positive changes in their causal ascriptions over treatment. Preferential participants judged the cause of their offending to be less controllable, and more stable at the time of offence, and more global than situational offenders. Compared with non-familial participants, incestuous participants evaluated the cause of their offending to be less stable at the time of their offence and less global across all the assessment points. The results are discussed in terms of the utility of attributional assessment as an interim measure of progress, particularly with respect to motivation to avoid reoffending.
The Effects of an Accidental Extinction Procedure on Pokey Players: A Brief Report on the Melbourne Effect
Authors: McDonald Linda , McDonald Stewart , Murphy Greg
Published: July 2016

Extinction is a well-researched behavioural procedure that is used to reduce in frequency, or eliminate, behaviour that is judged to be inappropriate or excessive. Typically, the procedure is implemented contingent upon the exhibition of the behaviour targeted for change. In the present study, the effects of an accidental extinction procedure on pokey players' behaviour are discussed. Extinction is deemed “accidental” in that the procedure came into effect as the result of a power failure. Results demonstrate a gradual reduction in attempts to operate the poker machines over the extinction period, as well as an increase in the collateral behaviours of beverage (primary alcohol) consumption, cigarette lighting, and social interactions. Implications of this study for further research are discussed.
“Abuse” of Dietary Fibre in a Woman With Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: July 2016

In addition to vomiting, clinicians and researchers have outlined several means by which women with bulimia nervosa purge, including fasting, exercise, laxatives, emetics, diuretics, thyroid hormone, fluoxetine, sorbitol, enemas, heroin, and tobacco (Bulik, 1992; Mitchell, Hatsukami, Eckert, & Pyle, 1985; Pyle, Mitchell, & Eckert, 1981). The following report presents an additional method of purging, namely with excessive dietary fibre, which was particularly reinforcing as it satisfied the need to binge and purge simultaneously.

Ms. A was a 27-year-old single white female who presented for outpatient treatment with a 1-year history of “out of control” binge-eating. She reported no prior history of any eating or weight disturbance. At the beginning of treatment she was 172.7 cm and weighed 64.5 kg (BMI = 21.6). She reported her desired weight to be 59 kg. The onset of her eating disorder was 1 year prior to treatment after moving, taking a new job, and beginning a relationship with a man whose diet consisted mainly of junk food.

During the first few months of the relationship, she gained (4–4.5 kg) and became quite concerned. She was distraught at not fitting into her clothes and disliked her body at that weight. She began a very restrictive diet, losing 6 kg in 2 weeks. Following that 2-week period, she “lost control” and began to binge-eat. This pattern of alternating binge and fast periods and 5 kg weight fluctuations continued for 1 year. With every subsequent binge period, she reported feeling more out of control.
The Influence of Behavioural Family Intervention on the Health of Chronically Ill Children
Authors: Finney Jack W. , Bonner Melanie J.
Published: July 2016

Chronic illnesses in children and adolescents present difficulties for the individual and family. A family systems perspective can provide directions for assessment and intervention with these children and their families. A review is made of research on family interventions for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and the influence of intervention on health outcomes is discussed. Few family interventions, particularly behavioural family interventions, have been rigorously evaluated, but multisystemic models show promise for improving children's health outcomes and family adaptation to chronic illnesses.
The Effects of Posted Feedback on Littering: Another Look
Authors: Dixon Robyn S. , Moore Dennis W.
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the effectiveness of posted feedback as a litter control strategy in a university cafeteria. Patronage and litter rates were monitored daily throughout the second term of the academic year. Posted feedback was effective in reducing litter rates relative to baseline. Reductions in litter rates were maintained following intervention and continued to be evident 2 weeks after the completion of the study. Results support previous findings that posted feedback is a simple and effective method of litter control.
Psychometric Analysis of the Subscales of the Thoughts and Real-Life Experiences Scale
Authors: Dua Jagdish , Price Ian
Published: July 2016

This paper reports on the reliability, validity, and factor analysis of the subscales of the Thoughts and Real-Life Experiences Scale (THARL Scale). Two hundred and twenty-three subjects completed the THARL Scale. Of these, 86 subjects also completed anxiety, stress, depressive cognitions, well-being, and general psychological health scales. Six weeks later, 174 subjects completed the THARL Scale again. The four subscales of the THARL Scale were found to be reliable. Thought-related distress and real life related distress correlated positively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions, and the thought-related positive affect and real life related positive affect correlated negatively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions. High distress was associated with low well-being and low psychological health, and high positive affect was associated with high well-being and high psychological health. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that positive affect due to thoughts was the best predictor of anxiety, while positive affect due to day-to-day experiences was the best predictor of stress and depressive cognitions. Positive and negative affect caused by thoughts were the two significant predictors of well-being while negative affect caused by thoughts and positive affect caused by day-to-day experiences were the two significant predictors of general psychological health. It was concluded that the THARL Scale may be employed as an instrument for the diagnosis of psychological problems and emotional health.
Social Training for Adolescents: Making Positive Steps
Authors: Ralph Alan , Spano Annette , Whitely Heather , Strong Linda , Parker Michael , Pailthorpe Wendy
Published: July 2016

A rationale is provided for the development of a small group instructional approach to improving the competence of adolescents who reportedly experience difficulty making and maintaining friendships. Social problem-solving studies are briefly examined to provide support for such an approach, which is based on incorporating gradated in vivo assignments into the training process and using progress in these assignments as feedback for further assignment setting. The program, named STAMPS (Social Training for Adolescents: Making Positive Steps) is described in some detail and illustrated with data from a single case. Discussion deals with aspects of the program requiring further investigation, including the selection of peers as potential friends, and the need to modify the program to deal with broader adolescent issues including conflict with authority, teachers, and parents.
Childhood Fears and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: King Neville J. , Gullone Eleonora , Tonge Bruce J.
Published: July 2016

Despite their significance, childhood anxiety disorders, compared to those of adults, have been neglected by researchers. However, recent years have witnessed increasing research on childhood anxiety disorders. Normative and developmental aspects of fear and anxiety are briefly discussed and we examine the classification and diagnostic reliability of childhood anxiety disorders. In relation to assessment, we focus on some recent research developments on self-report instruments and behavioural avoidance tests. An integrative behavioural treatment model is presented in which the need for age-appropriate intervention is emphasised. Also, data on the social validity of fear reduction procedures are presented. Finally, we outline several directions for future research.
Response Prevention of Compulsive Behaviour: A Case Study Conducted in a Community-based Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Britt Eileen
Published: July 2016

The client, Susan, was a 25-year-old woman who had been engaging in checking rituals and repeating actions for at least five years. Staff, psychology students, high school volunteers and members of the client's family acted as observers and behaviour change agents. Data were collected daily, for up to 16 hours, over a 14-month period. The two major dependent variables comprised the number of rituals and the total time required to complete specific tasks. The major independent variable (response prevention) was also monitored. The results suggest that response prevention reduced the number of rituals and the time required to complete tasks and these changes were maintained at three months follow-up. In addition, a number of daily activities increased. The advantages and disadvantages of carrying out an intensive intervention within a community-based rehabilitation setting are discussed.
General Practitioner Interventions for Smoking Cessation: Past Results and Future Prospects
Authors: Richmond Robyn , Heather Nick
Published: July 2016

General practice is a critical setting for the identification, assessment, treatment, follow-up and onward referral of smokers. General practitioners (GPs) are in a unique position to play a part in reducing preventable morbidity and mortality attributable to tobacco use. During the past decade, numerous trials have been conducted in general practice and have shown that GP intervention with smokers has a variable degree of success depending on the intensity of contact. Although there are many positive reasons for GP involvement, there are also barriers to implementing smoking cessation strategies in general practice. In this paper we discuss some of these issues. The Stages of Change framework developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1986) has been used to describe the stages a smoker goes through in the process of becoming a non-smoker. However, the incorporation of smoking cessation interventions in a GP's routine practice also involves a process of psychological change. In this paper, therefore, we apply the Stages of Change model to GPs' recognition, uptake and maintenance of smoking cessation interventions.
A Simple Response Cost Procedure to Reduce Nosepicking by a 7-year Old Boy
Authors: Pianta Maureen , Hudson Alan
Published: July 2016

This study describes the effectiveness of using, then fading, a response cost procedure to reduce the frequency of persistent nosepicking by a 7-year old boy in a school classroom. The procedure which was employed by the class teacher and a teacher aide was easily implemented. Substantial success was achieved.
Assessment and Modification of Marital Communication
Authors: Noller Patricia , Guthrie Diane
Published: July 2016

Our aim in this paper is to provide researchers and practitioners with a brief overview of current approaches to the assessment and treatment of dysfunctional communication in marriage. In our discussion of assessment, we examine four basic types of procedures: questionnaires, self-monitoring techniques, interviews and techniques involving the direct observation of interaction. We conclude that both insider (spouses' perceptions and interpretations gathered through self-report and self-monitoring) and outsider (direct observation of interaction) provide different but equally valid information about the relationship. Therapists and researchers are encouraged to use both types of information. Our discussion of therapeutic techniques includes the three major components of Behavioural Marital Therapy (BMT): Behaviour Exchange, Communication Training and Problem-Solving Training. We also focus on the importance of considering spouses' cognitions and emotional reactions, particularly those related to sex roles, when designing therapeutic approaches. Issues related to assessing the efficacy of therapy outcome are also discussed.
Cognitive Processes and Marital Satisfaction: Research, Theories and Clinical Implications
Authors: Truax Paula , Jacobson Neil
Published: July 2016

Cognitive models of marital distress have received increasing attention. There are four major goals of this paper: (1) to review the prominent cognitive theories of marital distress and corresponding empirical data; (2) to provide theoretical integration; (3) to discuss the adjunctive use of cognitive interventions with behavioural marital therapy and outcome studies assessing the efficacy of cognitive clinical applications with couples; (4) to suggest future clinical and research directions.