bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of psychological diagnosis in the process of establishing criteria for psychodynamic therapy designed for patients with personality disorders.
Authors: Izydorczyk Bernadetta , Gąska Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The main purpose of this paper was to present a model of psychological diagnosis, aimed at establishing the fundamental criteria for qualifying patients with symptoms of various mental disorders (including neurotic and personality disorders) for outpatient psychodynamic therapy.

Subject or material and methods

Rorschach Inkblot Test, clinical interview

Results

The research was conducted in the years 2010-2013 in the Neurosis Treatment Centre and in the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic A study population comprised 38 males and 42 females.

Discussion

The structure of personality characteristics and their impact on a patient’s eligibility to participate in a particular type of psychotherapy was assessed based on the major assumptions of psychodynamic approach, with special focus on the criteria put forward by Gabbard; the Big Five personality dimensions; as well as on the diagnostic criteria for personality disorders, developed by the American Psychiatric Association.

Conclusions

Analysis of the result of this research allowed to develop a model of fundamental criteria for selecting an appropriate form of psychotherapy designed for patients with various types of personality disorders. Eight criteria were found to be significant in the process of qualifying the aforementioned individuals for outpatient psychotherapy. They included two psychological dimensions: intrapsychic (describing psychological indicators of the self-structure and maturity level of the patient's identity) and interpersonal (describing indicators of the person’s capacity for establishing emotional relations with others). Diagnosis of the aforementioned indicators proves to contribute significantly to the process of selecting effective therapeutic methods for neurotic patients as well as individuals who exhibit symptoms of more severe destabilization of personality organization.
THE USE OF THE PARADOX TECHNIQUE IN FAMILY THERAPY WITH IRANIAN FAMILIES: REPORT OF TWO CAESES
Authors: KAVIANI HOSSEIN , Mousavi Ashrafsadat
Published: July 2016

Aim: This study assessed the effect of the paradox in family therapy. The paradox, as a therapeutic tool, has been developed by a number of therapists, especially Mara Selvini Palazzoli. Cases: Two clients (both female) were chosen for this study. These two girls were the symptomatic members of their families. They were both depressed and on medication for more than two years. Management and outcome: The therapist benefited the Milan Systems Approach to family. The families participated in 16 sessions of therapy. Then, they were followed up for two years. All family members filled in FAD and BDI questionnaires before the therapy, in the tenth session, after therapy and three months later. It was found that the paradox in appropriate cases had satisfactory outcome. This method reduced the symptomatic behavior, and affected family system as a whole. Family system became more workable and functional. Case 1 after two years was well functioning and got married. Case 2, after therapy, did not need to take medication, finished her high school and entered university. Conclusion: The paradox is a powerful tool for family therapy. It is a creative and critical solution for long-term illness. But Caution should be taken when using this technique in therapy. It should be the last option in the course of family therapy, after other techniques failed to be effective.
Burnout, neurotic symptoms and coping strategies among Polish medical students
Authors: Tereszko Anna , Drozdowicz Katarzyna , Szymura Mateusz , Taurogiński Bartłomiej , Tuleja Aleksandra , Korzeniowski Wojciech , Kozłowska Agata , Siwek Marcin , Dudek Dominika
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

Symptoms of burnout are found not only after years in medical profession but also in the early stages of career – as early as in medical college. Medical studies are considered one of the most stressful majors leading to early burnout and other related symptoms such as neurotic symptoms. Our aim was to examine this topic by assessing burnout and neurotic symptoms as well as strategies of coping with stress felt during each year of studies.

Subject or material and methods

We used web-based questionnaire, consisting of MBI-SS, CISS and Symptom checklist S-III and invited medical students of each year of 6-years medical course to fill it online. Questionnaire was filled by 781 students in total.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed interesting pattern of symptoms severity present in students, with its highest scores at the beginning as well as the end of medical course and lowest score during 3rd year of studies. This pattern was clearly visible for MBI-SS Exhaustion, and somewhat less pronounced for MBI-SS Cynicism and S-III score, where decrease of symptoms was the only significant change. Coping strategies seemed to be similar for all medical students with higher score for Distraction scale on 3rd year compared with 2nd one.

Discussion

These results, however unexpected, seem to be consistent with available literature, emphasizing higher amount of stress felt during great changes regarding expectations for the beginning student and soon-to-be doctors.

Conclusions

Results prompt to reflect on ways of countering emerging symptoms of burnout not only in the experienced students, but among those starting college.
Evaluation of the efficacy of ADHD treatment with the use of EEG-biofeedback method in comparison to methylphenidate
Authors: Flisiak-Antonijczuk Halina , Adamowska Sylwia , Chładzińska-Kiejna Sylwia , Kalinowski Roman , Adamowski Tomasz
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the EEG-biofeedback (NF) method in ADHD treatment in each of the three basic DSM-IV-TR clinical types.

Subject or material and methods

85 patients aged 6 to 14 treated in an outpatient department and a day-care department (S) were qualified for the EEG-biofeedback therapy, whereas the control group consisted of 30 patients (C) who were treated with methylphenidate. For the purposes of evaluating the treatment efficacy, a structured interview on the presence of the ADHD symptoms was conducted.
The S group patients participated in 20 NF therapy sessions throughout a six-month period. An analysis of electrophysiological parameters of EEG was additionally performed in group S - Th/SMR and Th/Beta ratios in C3 and C4 channels at three points in time (at the beginning, during the course of and at the end of the EEG-biofeedback therapy).

Results

Both types of S and C group therapies significantly reduce (p < 0.01) the number of attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms in subgroups with attention deficit prevalence and mixed type. In all ADHD types, significant decrease in values of the examined Th/SMR and Th/Beta ratios was noted between the sessions 1 and 10.

Discussion

The NF method proved similarly effective as methylphenidate in reducing the number of symptoms, both in the type with prevalence of attention deficit and in the mixed type.

Conclusions

The results of the study are promising, since the EEG-biofeedback therapy was similarly effective as methylphenidate in reducing the aggravation of ADHD symptoms.
Post-discharge medication adherence in schizophrenia
Authors: Yalamova Iglika
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

To assess the stability of medication adherence and risk factors for non-adherence in outpatients with schizophrenia after hospital discharge.

Subject or material and methods

Patients with schizophrenia (n=40) were recruited one month after hospital discharge for acute hospitalization and followed up for 5 months. Medication adherence and relevant clinical variables and socio-demographic factors were assessed at baseline and at the end of follow-up.

Results

One month after hospital discharge 32.5% of the patients showed high treatment adherence. Adherence rates decreased further up to 16.7% six months after hospital discharge. While antipsychotic side effects differentiated adherent from non-adherent patients at baseline, both groups were differentiated at follow-up by the level of insight. Non-adherence prior to hospitalization and in the first month after hospital discharge, and hospitalization in the previous year predicted further non-adherence.

Discussion

Medication adherence in schizophrenia decreases substantially after hospital discharge with partial adherence being common in clinical practice. Risk factors for non-adherence have been identified. The post-discharge period seems important for establishing high treatment adherence in schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Vigorous interventions in community-based settings should be applied in the post-discharge period in order to improve medication adherence and outcome in outpatients with schizophrenia.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases in the course of mental disorders
Authors: Ostachowska Anna , Popiołek Lech , Walczewska Jolanta , Rutkowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

Background: Psychosomatic disorders are extremely common in patients in non-psychiatric departments. It is widely known that in these cases comorbid psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent and that the importance of psychosocial factors is relevant. However, it is still a challenge for both internal medicine and mental health professionals to diagnose and treat them effectively. The need of evidence-based treatment guidelines for clinicians is obvious. As far as it is concerned, DSM-5 has redefined the criteria of somatoform disorders, underlying the importance of incorrect thoughts about symptoms whether organic ethiology.
Methods/Design: The aim was to provide an insight into the barriers of diagnosing psychosomatic disorders in cardiology referring to possible psychiatric comorbidity. Over 150 actual abstracts and full text manuscripts were checked. The literature published in English and Polish, mostly in PubMED/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews of past 10 years was studied and compared to the literature of psychoanalytic theory.
Disscussion: It is worth to remember, that for high proportion of patients with mental disorders somatic syndrome is the only symptom they report to physicians. Emotion regulation theory, alexithymia theory and desomatization and resomatization theory find it as the effect of unsolved problems with emotions. Moreover, functional neuroimaging studies seem to reveal coherent findings. Based on it, the neurophysilogical model of emotion regulation and the mechanism of cognitive-emotional executive control were described. Accordingly, literature shows that in heart disease patients the incorporation of psychological interventions in healing process significantly reduces mortality and relapse.
E-Learning: Is it any better than Traditional Approaches in Psychotherapy Education?
Authors: Hickey Catherine , McAleer Sean , Khalili Donnamarie
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

There is a trend towards competency based psychotherapy education in psychiatry training but programs are finding it difficult to meet the expanded requirements for learner competence in multiple modalities of psychotherapy. E-learning has been raised as a potential solution to the problem. However, there have been few studies determining if e-learning is any better than traditional learning. The objective of this study is to determine if online learning modules can enhance knowledge acquisition and learner satisfaction in psychotherapy education.

Subject or material and methods

A need analysis was performed at this institution to determine the learning needs and preferences of the psychiatry residents. A blended course (consisting of traditional lectures, online modules and videotape review) was designed and developed based on these needs. Lectures and online modules were evaluated by means of pre-tests and post-tests. A paired t-test was used to determine if knowledge acquisition occurred in each online module and lecture group. An independent t-test was used to determine if there was greater knowledge acquisition in the online module group versus the lecture group. A learner satisfaction questionnaire was distributed with each online module.

Results

Nineteen residents completed the study. There was statistically significant knowledge acquisition in each online module and lecture group. There was no difference in knowledge acquisition between online modules and lectures. Learners were satisfied with the modules, but experienced minor technical difficulties.

Discussion

Online modules may enhance learner satisfaction in psychotherapy education. But there may be no difference in learning compared to traditional classroom-based lectures.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed.
Clinical Philosophy for the treatment of paranoid schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Gole Markus
Published: July 2016

Clinical Philosophy (CP) can be understood as an approach to the treatment of mental disorders. The goal of the present study is to put this CP approach to a first empirical testing. I present Arnold, a comorbid case with an insufficient treatment response to conventional, standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Using a single case pre-test/post-test design a CP approach was developed drawing heavily on existentialist and philosophy-oriented writers. The client responded well to this novel treatment approach. Above all, levels of intolerance of uncertainty improved greatly from pre- to post-treatment. Also, a decrease in overall illness severity as well as specific psychopathological variables such as obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, and anxiety could be observed. Results are discussed in terms of the underlying mechanism of the CP approach. An account of the underlying mechanism of efficacy, understood as a tripartite function, is introduced. CP as a philosophy-oriented method within the broader framework of third wave CBT and existential analysis is considered.
Reflection on the possibility of alternative approach to the psychopathology of “functional” disorders
Authors: Aleksandrowicz Jerzy
Published: July 2016

Functional short-term disorders provoked by extremely difficult life events – stresses – are entirely different from the chronic or recurrent ones: anxiety or other “neurotic” syndromes, eating, sexual and some other disorders, not being conditioned behavioral dysfunctions. Chronic/ recurrent disorders seems to have they causes in the particular personality traits and deficits. Some of them are revealed, described and could be measured by means of Neurotic Personality Questionnaire KON 2006.
In this approach, functional disorder is understood as structured systems of the particular nonverbal language (“parole”) in which symptoms play a role of words while syndromes the role of sentences, expressing the current state of mind – mainly the need of bond with other people and its frustration. They are messages of looking attention, attachment. The use of such language seems to be the result of personality deficits making difficult or even impossible to fulfil the need of bond in the psychosocial field using common for done culture verbal and nonverbal language, “normal” means of communication.
While in the acute and conditioned reactions on stress different forms of helping people (e.g. CBT) seems to be adequate, in the chronic and recurrent functional disorders therapy is postulated to aiming rather at transformations of the communication, leading to the exchange of the messages’ language having the quality of disorder for common, mainly verbal one.
Psychological Center as a Foundation for the Practical Training of Clinical psychologists at the Saint-Petersburg State University
Authors: Burina Ekaterina , Danilova Marina , Grandilevskaya Irina , Rykman Liudmila , Trąbczyński Piotr
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

This study, aimed at identifying perceptions of graduate students about the most important professional qualities.

Subject or material and methods

Subject and method of study is a qualitative analysis of 74 student essays on the topic «The image of an effective counselor».

Results

Students’ perceptions match a profile of an effective counselor, most frequently described in scientific literature.

Discussion

In addition, the experts believe these qualities to be the most effective for practicing psychologists.
The article features a comprehensive analysis of the main challenges faced by young professionals at the beginning of their counseling careers.

Conclusions

In overall, the Psychological Center with its long-term experience of preparation and practical skills training for the students of the Clinical Psychology specialty, has proven its necessity, relevance, and effectiveness.
Stress Management Techniques
Authors: Czabała Czesław , Miedziun Patrycja
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The object of the study was to identify, what techniques of coping with stress are used by the general population. Furthermore, the study also established what stress managing techniques are used by the people declared as those feeling more stressed.

Subject or material and methods

In the study a Questionaire of Stress Coping Techniques was used, containing the list of the techniques. It also included demographic factors as well as the statement of feeling stressed. The group constituted of a 100 people, with the age average of 34,6 years.

Results

The study showed that the most common techniques of dealing with stress are: listening to music, focusing on problem solving, analyzing and planning of future activities, meeting with friends and a rational explanation of the situation. The analysis have also shown that people declaring higher levels of stress use the techniques of “distancing” and “passivity”.

Discussion

Proszę usunąć Discussion

Conclusions

Of all the stress management techniques people used mostly those included in the categories of “problem solving”, “vicarious gratification” and “distancing”. This points to the use of techniques that require no effort but are not fully effective. It could be so that they have not skills to use other techniques, or are aware that such techniques exist.
Positive and negative urgency and sleep quality among patients with borderline and antisocial personality disorder
Authors: Taherifard Mina , Abolghasemi Abbas , Hajloo Nader
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to compare positive and negative urgency as well as sleep quality among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).

Subject or material and methods

The present study is causal-comparative. The sample includes 50 patients diagnosed with ASPD and 50 patients diagnosed with BPD, as well as 50 healthy persons. Also, all subjects were selected based on availability. The instrument used was Lynam et al Impulse Control Scale and Pittsburg’s Sleep Quality Index .

Results

The results show that the mean of negative urgency in BPD patients is significantly higher than ASPD patients. Also, the mean of positive urgency in ASPD patients is significantly higher than BPD patients. Dimensions of sleep quality in both BPD and ASPD patients are significantly higher than healthy persons (P<0.01).

Discussion

The results show that a significant difference exists among the BPD and ASPD patients and healthy group in the positive and negative urgency and sleep quality.

Conclusions

We found that BPD and ASPD patients, manifest reckless behaviors when experience, respectively, due to more negative urgency when experiencing negative emotional situations and positive urgency when experiencing positive emotional situations. The both show weaker sleep quality which has diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
An analysis of the sibling relationship in adulthood. Polish adaptation of STQ-Now
Authors: Szymańska Paulina
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The main aim was the Polish adaptation of STQ-Now, an American questionnaire describing the current sibling relationship by R. Stewart and co-workers.

Subject or material and methods

The sample of 416 adults, aged 18 – 36 years old, completed a survey that consisted of a sociodemographic form, STQ-Now and one of 3 questionnaires: ASRQ, SWS or UCLA.

Results

Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed five-factor structure of the STQ-Now, however because of the low level of reliability of one of the scales (Longing) some changes were made. Firstly, items included in Longing were distributed into Mutuality and Apathy. Then 7 items from Criticism formed a new factor Predominance. The new model was well-fitted to data. The internal consistency of all scales were high (Cronbach's α from 0.719 to 0.935). The Pearson correlation coefficients between STQ-now and ASRQ, SWS, and UCLA showed satisfactory level of concurrent and discriminant validity.

Discussion

The Polish adaptation of STQ-Now consists of 48 items, examining the sibling relationship. Statistical and theoretical analyses led to the five-factor model with following scales: Mutuality, Criticism, Predominance, Apathy and Competition. Some limitations of the questionnaire were also mentioned in the article.

Conclusions

In spite of some differences with regard to the original version, STQ-Now is a valid and reliable questionnaire and can be used in the Polish population.
Piecewise polynomial regression model for interpretation of risperidone depot concentration versus time data
Authors: Koch Horst
Published: July 2016

Risperdal ConstaTM (risperidone) was the first long-acting depot formulation of an atypical antipsychotic belonging nowadays to standard treatments for schiz-ophrenic patients. The microsphere technology of this depot formulation re-sults in a complex pharmacokinetics with a delay (lag time) of relevant drug levels for 3 to 4 weeks, which therefore initially requires additional oral doses. The piecewise polynomial regression approach based on sign functions was used to define the complex concentration versus time curve after a single in-tramuscular injection. A 3-phase linear model with logarithmic transformation of concentration data was suited to fit the concentration time data and gave valuable data on both half-lives and phase borders (deflection points).
Neuropsychological functioning across different states of bipolar disorder: mania or hypomania and depression
Authors: Świtalska Julita
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to compare neuropsychological functioning across different states of bipolar disorder: mania/hypomania and depression.

Subject or material and methods

Cognitive functions were examined in 30 depressed bipolar patients aged 18-68 who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for depressive episode (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≥ 11) and 30 manic or hypomanic bipolar patients aged 23-68 who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for manic or hypomanic episode (Young Mania Rating Scale ≥ 11). The comparison group consisted of 30 healthy subjects aged 23-71 without history of psychiatric or neurological disorders. A neuropsychological battery assessed executive functions and fluency (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test – WCST and Controlled Oral Word Association Test FAS, Stroop Color-Word Interference Test), working memory and attention (Trail Making Test Part B - TMT, N-back Test), psychomotor speed (TMT A) and reaction time (N-back Test).

Results

The bipolar groups showed cognitive dysfunctions in working memory, fluency, attention, psychomotor speed and reaction time in relation to the comparison group. The manic/hypomanic group was also impaired on WCST, a measure of executive functions, which was not observed in depressive patients. Manic/hypomanic patients were significantly more impaired on executive functions than the depressed group.

Discussion

The obtained results are partly consistent with the previous results.

Conclusions

A poorer neuropsychological performance was observed in different states of bipolar disorder but during manic/hypomanic state cognitive deficits were more serious regarding executive functions.
Prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kokoszka Andrzej , Leszczyńska Katarzyna , Radzio Rafał , Daniewska Dorota , Łukasiewicz Agnieszka , Orzechowski Wojciech , Piskorz Aldona , Gellert Ryszard
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression in Polish dialysis patients and assess the relations of depression with attitude toward illness.

Subject or material and methods

107 patients undergoing dialysis (56 men and 51 women) aged 23-85 (M=56.63 years, SD=15.45) were diagnosed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). They also filled out the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS).

Results

Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 74 (69.2%) patients, including: a major depressive episode - 31 (29%), dysthymia - 30 (28%), and an episode of depression with melancholic features - 23 (21.5%). Only 23 (21.5%) patients met no criteria for a mental disorder in the M.I.N.I. There were statistically significant differences among mean scores in BDI in the following groups: depression with melancholic features (M=20.9, SD=9), a major depressive episode (M=18.08, SD=8), dysthymia (M=13.75, SD=6), and without depressive disorder (M=3.8, SD=3). There were statistically significant moderate correlations between intensity of depressive symptoms and acceptance of illness (r=0.5; p < 0.001).

Discussion

Relation between intensity of depression and low acceptance of illness suggests that hemodialysis low mood is related to an increase in maladaptive attitude toward chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions

A very high rate of prevalence of depressive disorders in dialysis patients was confirmed in the Polish population when a clinical structured interview was applied. It indicates that routine screening for depressive disorders in these patients is necessary.
Can meaning buffer work pressure? An exploratory study on styles of meaning in life and burnout in firefighters
Authors: Krok Dariusz
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between different dimensions of meaning in life and burnout among firefighters. The relationships between personal meaning, presence of meaning, search for meaning, and burnout are to be examined. In addition, the differences in the firefighters’ level of burnout are to be evaluated within three styles of meaning in life.

Subject or material and methods

Participants were 189 Polish firefighters who participated in the study voluntarily. The age ranged from 20 to 50 years and the mean age was 33.04 years (SD = 7.87). The participants were randomly recruited from twelve fire stations located in southern parts of Poland. They filled in the following questionnaires: the Personal Meaning Profile, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results

Firefighters with higher levels of personal meaning and presence of meaning reported less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and more personal accomplishment. Most of the personal meaning dimensions also had significant associations with the burnout indicators. Individuals in detached style had higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization than individuals in presence style and presence and search style.

Discussion

Meaning structures are an important salutary factor that enables firefighters to effectively comprehend and interpret their work-related experiences, and thus reduces the likelihood of distress and weariness. Search for meaning has beneficial effects on burnout consequences among firefighters only if it is linked with presence of meaning.

Conclusions

Valuable goals and purposes endow individuals with meaningful experiences which form the building blocks of meaning in life that neutralize burnout processes.
Fast Effects of Cognitive Restructuring Training on Neurocognitive Functions in Opioid Addicts
Authors: Tavakolian Ehsan , Abolghasemi Abbas
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

This study intended to investigate the effect of cognitive restructuring training on prefrontal related neurocognitive functions in opioid addicts and its relationship with relapse prevention.

Subject or material and methods

Thirty opioid addicts who completed a 21-day detoxification program were randomly placed in experimental and control groups. Before and after the training, the subjects underwent urinalysis, Addiction-Stroop test, Iowa Gambling Task, Wisconsin Card Sorting test, and Emotion Recognition Scale.

Results

Decision-making and emotion recognition were improved after the training course, but no significant difference was observed in attention bias, cognitive flexibility and relapse.

Discussion

Different neurocognitive functions in addicts are affected differently by cognitive restructurin training. cognitive restructuring training effects more significantly on venromedial prefrontal cortex related functions than that of dorsolateral related functions.

Conclusions

Cognitive restructuring training and improvement of some neuropsychological functions are not enough to prevent relapse, and attention bias and cognitive flexibility should be adjusted.
Psychoeducation training on stress management strategies as an addition to the therapy of temporomandibular joint dysfunction – preliminary studies
Authors: Biegańska Joanna
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study was to compile the psycho-education programme for patients suffering temporomanidbular joint dysfunction and to validate its usefulness.

Subject or material and methods

Study population was a group of 25 patients, aged 19-48 years. The usefulness of psychoeducation training was assessed based on a survey conducted twice: at baseline (survey 1) and a month after running the psychoeducation programme (survey 2).

Results

Preliminary results suggest that the developed psychoeducation programme improves emotional status of patients receiving prosthetic treatment for temporomandibular disorders.

Discussion

Psychoeducation helps patients improve their self-esteem, develop skills and strategies to control mental well-being, provides them with emotional support and teaches them how to solve problems. During psychoeducation training patients learn practical ways to manage chronic stress. The training makes patient more aware of the effects of excessive emotional stress on the development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest that the developed psychoeducation programme improves emotional status of patients receiving prosthetic treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Development of an algorithm for these patients needs further research and testing.
Attitudes and awareness towards eating disorders among students: a preliminary study
Authors: Czepczor Kamila , Kościcka Katarzyna , Brytek-Matera Anna
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was two-fold. The first purpose was to evaluate eating attitude and behaviours as well as knowledge about eating disorders in young adults women and men. The second purpose was to assess the relationship between measurable variables in both groups.

Subject or material and methods

The research consisted of 34 female and 32 male young adults aged 19-21 years. The Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire and the Eating Disorders Awareness Test were distributed to all participants

Results

Female undergraduate students were more concerned about their weight and shape than male undergraduate students. Differences in eating disorders awareness between female and male groups were significant. In women knowledge of issues relevant to eating disorders was higher than in male. Among all participants, 52.9% of female and 18.75% of males declared an interest in eating disorders. Both women (72.2%) and men (50%) most often derived their knowledge about anorexia and bulimia nervosa from science press books and publications.

Discussion

Moderate positive correlations between avoidance of eating and shape concern as well as weight concern were found in both groups. In addition, in female university students restraint was related to eating concern.

Conclusions

Since weight and shape concerns are considered to be integral to the psychopathology of eating disorders, it is definitely worth paying attention to the prevention of eating-related attitudes and behaviour in youth, particularly in female
Validation of the Polish Version of the Washington 4-Digit Diagnostic Code for the Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Klecka Małgorzata , Janas-Kozik Małgorzata , Jelonek Ireneusz , Siwiec Andrzej , Rybakowski Janusz
Published: July 2016

Cel pracy

Celem pracy jest ilościowa ocena cech dysmorfii twarzy w populacji polskiej z wykorzystaniem polskiej wersji kwestionariusza diagnostycznego FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), tzw. Kwestionariusza Waszyngtońskiego.

Metoda

Zbadano 2 grupy dzieci: 30 w wieku 4 – 7 lat i 30 w wieku 8 – 11 lat z cechami dysmorfii twarzy charakterystycznymi dla Płodowego Zespołu Alkohowego. Grupę kontrolną stanowiło 60 dzieci (4-11 lat), pacjentów bez cech dysmorfii twarzy, w normie rozwojowej. W badaniu porównano wyniki oceny 3 cech dysmorficznych twarzy (skrócenie szpar powiekowych, wygładzenie rynienki podnosowej, scieńczenie górnej wargi). Oceniano powtarzalność, zgodność i trafność diagnostyczną badania cech dysmorfii.

Wyniki

W zakresie powtarzalności uzyskano dla szpary powiekowej wartości na poziomie "słabym", "dobrym" i "bardzo dobrym", dla rynienki podnosowej na poziomie "dobrym" i "bardzo dobrym", dla górnej wargi na poziomie "dobrym" i "bardzo dobrym". W zakresie zgodności uzyskano dla szpary powiekowej wartości na poziomie "umiarkowanym" i "dobrym", dla rynienki podnosowej na poziomie "dobrym", dla górnej wargi na poziomie "dobrym". W grupie eksperymentalnej kryteria diagnostyczne FAS spełniało 13 osób, kryteria częściowe spełniało 37 osób a kryteria encefalopatii niepostępującej bez charakterystycznego dla FAS fenotypu spełniały 2 osoby. Żadna z osób grupy kontrolnej nie spełniała tych kryteriów.

Wnioski

Skala obrazkowa do oceny cech dysmorfii twarzy okazała się narzędziem przydatnym w diagnostyce klinicznej FAS w warunkach polskich, gdzie po raz pierwszy w Europie została poddana procedurze walidacyjnej. Ze względu na problemy związane z pomiarem szpary powiekowej istnieje konieczność weryfikacji siatek centylowych dla populacji polskiej.
Awareness and use of family planning methods among men in Mista Ali District, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Grace , Okoli Nkem , Kumzhi Patience , Wina Folashade , Ari Eunice , Onyejekwe Grace
Published: July 2016

Background:

Meeting the health-care needs of a rapidly expanding population is one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria, and contraceptive use, at 16%, is low.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and use of family planning methods among men in Mista Ali District, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Methods:

A descriptive design was used, and a total of 172 respondents took part in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results:

98.8% of the respondents were aware of family planning. The most-heard-of contraceptive method was the male condom (reported by 85.5% of respondents), which was also the most-used method (93.5%). Level of education significantly influenced the use of any family planning method by the men.

Conclusions:

A broader range of activities towards educating men should be undertaken.
Experiences and needs of women who were discharged early after birth in selected settings in Botswana
Authors: Rapinyana Ogar , Magowe Mabel
Published: July 2016

Background:

Hospital stays for women following birth have increasingly become shorter in the past 50 years worldwide ( Cargill and Martel, 2007 ). The length of hospital stay after childbirth has been reduced to less than 24 hours in many cases, but postpartum women may need the support of health-care providers at home.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore the experiences of postpartum women after early discharge, in order to improve postpartum services.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey explored the experiences of postpartum women after early discharge. One hundred and ten (110) women with normal births were selected through purposive sampling during 6-week postnatal visits at clinics in Francistown, Botswana. Ethical considerations were observed. Data were analysed using SPSS and presented in frequency distributions.

Findings:

The majority of women (n = 70, 63.6%) preferred to be discharged home within 6–24 hours; 16 (44%) primiparous women were ready for hospital discharge despite having difficulty dealing with perineal sutures and childcare. Multiparous women (n = 54, 72.9%) preferred early hospital discharge.

Conclusions:

Women need information about self-care and baby care, and a visit within 3–7 days at home. A standard protocol for postpartum follow-up care is needed.
Evaluating the effectiveness of smoking cessation in the management of COPD
Authors: Temitayo Orisasami Isimat , Ojo Omorogieva
Published: July 2016

The aim of this literature review is to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is the fifth leading cause of death in the world and smoking leads to COPD in more than 80% of cases. Smoking cessation aids are considered the most effective intervention to improve quality of life and prevent further deterioration in COPD. Evidence based on the use of pharmacotherapies, patient support and motivation as part of smoking cessation strategies were evaluated and discussed. The findings demonstrate that pharmacotherapies, support and counselling in smoking cessation help reduce hospital stay and hospitalisation and improve symptoms and quality of life. In addition, nurses need more education on how to use open-ended questions and motivation when giving advice on smoking cessation to patients with COPD.
Therapeutic opportunities when using vapocoolants for cannulation in children
Authors: Richardson Cliff , Ovens Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

How nurses make a difference and influence outcome has been the subject of much debate over many years and is perhaps more relevant now owing to healthcare funding being a scarce commodity. Nurses need justification and validation of what they do. Nursing therapeutics is a relatively new term that can help nurses and others to appreciate the multifariousness, complexity and value of what they do. It encapsulates the means by which a nurse delivers care that is both evidence based and beneficial to his or her patients. This article highlights how nurses can make use of common nursing interventions to ensure that the full impact of their skills is embedded in their care—using the administration of vapocoolants as the focus of the discussion. It will be illustrated that through each patient contact, a nurse can establish therapeutic principles that can positively influence health outcomes.
Interventions in infant obesity
Authors: Cremonesini Louise , Oben Jude A
Published: July 2016

The factors affecting the rise in child obesity are discussed by Louise Cremonesini and Jude A Oben
Protecting long-term health in HIV
Authors: Watson Shaun
Published: July 2016

People with HIV have a normal life expectancy and need care and support as they age, writes Shaun Watson
Nosectomy in the dog and cat
Authors: Hoad Julian
Published: July 2016

Surgical excision of tumours with a clear margin offers the best chance of curing many patients. However, it may be difficult on occasions to obtain a wide enough margin, either because of the proximity of the tumour to structures that would result in physical or mobility problems if damaged, or else because the result of excision is a potentially startling or unwanted change in appearance. Many clients have an abhorrence to the thought of limb amputation, for example. Amputation of the nose (nasal planectomy or nosectomy), is a potentially life-saving and curative surgical option in many cases of nasal neoplasia, but is often disregarded due to fears over the complexity of surgery, or of the animal's appearance post surgically. This article aims to outline the benefits of the procedure and illustrates its use with two case examples.
When does inter-cat communication become inter-cat aggression?
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: July 2016

Cats are rapidly catching up with dogs as the UK's favourite companion animal, yet the majority of cat owners continue to be unaware of the cat's welfare needs. This lack of owner understanding can lead to owners assuming that the cat's needs — particularly for social companionship — are similar to their own, leading owners to seek feline companions for their cats. This article considers the cat's capacity for intra-specific relationships and gives an over-view of the purpose of the cat's communication system and the significance of, and subtlety of, aggression within the cat's communication repertoire.
Lipid infusion in the management of poisoning: an introduction
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: July 2016

Lipid infusion therapy is the intravenous infusion of a parental lipid formulation which can be used in the management of some toxic substances, particularly fat soluble (lipophilic) compounds, such as permethrin and ivermectin. Although the mechanism is not fully understood the lipid is thought to act as a ‘shuttle’ resulting in redistribution of the toxic compound. Adverse effects from the use of lipid infusion in the management of poisoning appear to be rare. Lipid is straightforward to administer and a relatively cheap treatment option and should be considered in an animal failing to respond to other therapies after exposure to a substance which fits the criteria for lipid infusion treatment which is high lipid solubility, high volume of distribution and short to moderate half-life.
How to hand feed newborn puppies
Authors: Scully Samantha
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Newborn puppies may need to be hand fed for a variety of reasons including maternal death, rejection by the bitch, prematurity, infection or congenital abnormalities such as macroglossia (enlarged tongue). Traditionally, a bottle and teat has been used to feed puppies but this is not suitable for very sick or premature neonates. Eye droppers can result in aspiration pneumonia and should never be used. This article describes how to tube feed a puppy and then progress onto a modified version of the traditional bottle feeding. The techniques described in this article are also suitable for kittens and most other mammals.
Care report for a Dogue De Bordeaux with congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nelson Debbie
Published: July 2016

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of acquired myocardial disease in dogs. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterised by clinical signs of increased tissue water retention and/or decreased tissue perfusion caused by heart disease such as DCM. When clinical findings are severe sudden death is common. This patient presented in the overt clinical phase of DCM and displayed signs of CHF. The nursing care involves understanding the action of drug therapy and the pathophysiology of heart disease/failure. In conjunction with this, it is important for veterinary nurses (VNs) to consider the nutritional needs of a patient with CHF. Poor body condition score and distinct loss of fat and overall muscle mass are characteristics of cachexia, which is related to the poor prognosis in CHF patients. Good communication with the owner regarding the patient's normal eating habits, could allow the VN to re-create normal routines thus improving the response to food. The ability of the VN to communicate effectively with the owners can optimise patient care and enhance quality of life for the patient.
The threat of ticks and tickborne disease – a cocktail of risk
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: July 2016

By working together, veterinary nurses, surgeons, drug companies and government bodies can reduce the risk of tick-borne disease to pets and the public. Ian Wright explains.
Comparison of Picrosirius Red Staining With Second Harmonic Generation Imaging for the Quantification of Clinically Relevant Collagen Fiber Features in Histopathology Samples
Authors: Drifka Cole R. , Loeffler Agnes G. , Mathewson Kara , Mehta Guneet , Keikhosravi Adib , Liu Yuming , Lemancik Stephanie , Ricke William A. , Weber Sharon M. , Kao W. John , Eliceiri Kevin W.
Published: July 2016

Stromal collagen alignment has been shown to have clinical significance in a variety of cancers and in other diseases accompanied by fibrosis. While much of the biological and clinical importance of collagen changes has been demonstrated using second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging in experimental settings, implementation into routine clinical pathology practice is currently prohibitive. To translate the assessment of collagen organization into routine pathology workflow, a surrogate visualization method needs to be examined. The objective of the present study was to quantitatively compare collagen metrics generated from SHG microscopy and commonly available picrosirius red stain with standard polarization microscopy (PSR-POL). Each technique was quantitatively compared with established image segmentation and fiber tracking algorithms using human pancreatic cancer as a model, which is characterized by a pronounced stroma with reorganized collagen fibers. Importantly, PSR-POL produced similar quantitative trends for most collagen metrics in benign and cancerous tissues as measured by SHG. We found it notable that PSR-POL detects higher fiber counts, alignment, length, straightness, and width compared with SHG imaging but still correlates well with SHG results. PSR-POL may provide sufficient and additional information in a conventional clinical pathology laboratory for certain types of collagen quantification.
Continuous sedation vs. daily sedation interruption in mechanically-ventilated children
Authors: Azis Henri , Triratna Silvia , Bahar Erial
Published: July 2016

Background A daily sedation interruption (DSI) protocol in ventilated patientsis an effective method of improving sedation management that decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation. In adult patients, it is a safe and effective approach, as well as common practice. For ventilated children,its effectiveness and feasibilityare unknown.Objective To compare continuous sedation and DSI in mechanically-ventilated children with respect todurationof mechanical ventilation, the time needed for patients to awaken, and the frequency of adverse events.Method This randomized, controlled, open-label trial, was performed in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Forty children on mechanical ventilation were included. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either continuous sedation or DSI. The duration of mechanical ventilation was the primary outcome, while the time for patients to awaken on sedative infusion and the frequency of adverse events were secondary outcomes.Results Forty patients were randomized into the continuous sedation protocol (18 subjects) or into the DSI protocol (22 subjects). The median (interquartile range) duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter in the DSI compared to the continuous sedation group [41.50 (30-96) hours vs. 61 (30-132) hours, respectively; (P=0.033)]. The time for patients to awaken was also significantly lower in the DSI than in the continuous sedation group [median (interquartile range): 28 (24-78) vs. 45.5 (25-12) hours, respectively; (P=0.003)]. The frequencies of adverse events were similar in both groups. The severity of illness contributed to outcome variables.Conclusion The duration of mechanical ventilation and the time for patients to awaken are significantly reduced in the DSI group compared to the continuous sedation group.