bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of McGill illness narrative interview (MINI) in fibromyalgia patients. An experience from Spain
Authors: Pelaéz C.F. , Caballero L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe McGill Illnes Narrative (MINI) is a semiestructured, qualitative interview schedule, which is useful to explore individuals’ illnes narratives in sociocultural context. It has been used in first- time postmyocardial infarction patients and also in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, but it has not yet been used in fibromyalgia.Patients and methodsA study was conducted using McGill Illness Narratives (MINI) with 20 patients who were recruited from a referral Rheumatology Service during 2009 and 2010, and met criteria of the American Association of Rheumatology for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) trying to explore:Narrative of illness experienceSalient prototypes related to current health problemExplanatory modelsHelp seeking and service utilizationImpact of illnessThe interviews were carried out and audiorecorded and the narratives were analyzed according to their structure and content.ResultsThe physical cause was the most common causal attribution. Most of them had been treated for different specialists, and reported problems in seeking diagnosis and help from professionals. Some patients were diagnosed by rheumatologists with celiac disease, lactose intolerance and undifferentiated spondylitis, termed “False Fibromyalgia”. Like previous research, negative emotional states were correlated with worsening pain. Many changes were related in their way of life.ConclusionsQualitative studies are essential to complement quantitative research methods and are imprescindible to understand FMS. The exploration of the explanatory models may stimulate exchange between disciplines and may give access to a popular cultural construct related to somatic conditions not yet documented in the literature.
Pain perception in borderline personality disorder explored using PMS
Authors: Schönfeldt-Lecuona C. , Connemann B.J. , Fladung A.-K. , Kammer T. , Schmahl C. , Plener P.L. , Cárdenas-Morales L.K. 
Published: May 2011

Different experimental methodologies have been used to investigate pain perception in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) overall showing elevated pain thresholds (PT). We assessed PT, sensorial and affective components of pain processing in BPD patients and healthy controls using repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) as a novel tool for provoking controlled aversive cutaneous sensation. In 10 BPD patients and 8 healthy women we assessed PT, cutaneous sensation, emotional valence and arousal level during rPMS at different intensities on two consecutive days. Additionally, inner tension level was assessed before and after each session.We found significantly higher PT in BPD patients (91% of maximal output of stimulator, vs. 56% in controls); these measures were consistent among both days of assessment, showing a high intra-individual repeat-reliability. In BPD, PT correlated positively with motivational factors of non-suicidal self-injury (to avoid feeling of emptiness r = 0.823, p = 0.023; to punish oneself r = 0.774, p = 0.041). All stimulation intensities used were discriminated similarly in both groups. However, emotional valence and arousal level did not vary with stimulus intensity in BPD patients. Furthermore, BPD patients were found to have higher baseline levels of inner tension than controls and, as opposed to controls, they experienced subjective relief after stimulation. Besides demonstrating a distinctive pattern of affective components of pain in BPD, the present study demonstrates that rPMS is a suitable and well-tolerated method for the assessment of pain sensation.
The impact of pain anxiety on chronic pain among elders
Authors: Tsatali M. , Gouva M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPain is a complex and multifacial phenomenon, which interferes in almost every person's life, while in case it turns into chronic, can cause a significant disturbance in individual's physical, psychological and social sphere. That means the intense communication and interaction between ache biome, living conditions and state of health. Cognitive factors play a significant role on the recurrent dysphoria levels, while cognitive functions participate actively in pain intensity, sense of disability and medicine response.AimEstimate the possible significance between pain anxiety and pain intensity.Materials and methodsEighty six elders suffering from various types of chronic pain were examined by the Pass-20 (Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale) scale, and GPM (Geriatric Pain Measure), while the results were assessed by SPSS 14 and specifically the Linear Regression method.ResultsIt was found statistical significance between the four sub-scales and the presence and existence of chronic pain among participants. Specifically the first subcale (avoidance of pain) was linked with the intensity of pain (p = ,00), the second scale (fearfull thinking) was associated with the prevalence of pain and the gender (p = ,014), the third scale (cognitive anxiety) showed a statistic significance with GPM results and education levels (p = ,00) and the forth scale (psychological responses) was found to affect the pain sense, while it was depended by gender (p = ,0015).DiscussionAmong elders pain anxiety can deteriorate the pain sense affecting the general well-being. For that reason non-pharmacological interventions can be very helpful both for the patient and clinician.
Analgesic and anticonvulsive activity new compounds with norbornene and adamantane fragments
Authors: Zlenko H.T. , Kasyan L.I. , Palchikov V.A. , Golodaeva H.A. , Stefanik M.I. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe present work deals with analgesic and anticonvulsive activity of four novel aminoalcohols C-81, C-78, C-115 and C-120 synthesized on basic glycidylcamphorimide (Gly-CI), exo- and endo-aminomethylnorbornenes, aminoethyladamantan (remantadin) and aminoethylnorbornan (deitiforin).AimsSynthesis cage-like compounds with excellent analgesic and anticonvulsive activity. Methods: Experiments have been carried out on both genders adult white mice at the dozes of 1/10 LD50. Investigated substances were entered intraperitoneally. Preparations have been entered as a water suspension on TWEEN-40. Acute toxicity of compounds (LD50) has been measured by Litchfield & Wilcoxon method in Prozorovsky V.B. modification and amounts 370–1196 mg/kg.ResultsThe most toxic compound is aminoalcohol C-115 with adamantane fragment. Investigation of analgesic activity has been carried out by determination of pain threshold by thermal irritation method (hot plate) at 55°C. Anticonvulsive activity has been studied by corazole spasm test. The activity has been calculated in percentage in relation to control group of animals.ConclusionsAll aminoalcohols have shown analgesic and (except for compound C-81) anticonvulsive activity. For exo-aminoalcohol C-81 the most intense activity are analgesic (195.0%) and for endo-isomer C-78 - anticonvulsive activity (213.3%). Compounds C-115 and C-120 shows medium analgesic (67.1 and 58.5%) and anticonvulsive activity (13.4 and 67.5%).
Borderline personality disorder - a dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system?
Authors: Bandelow B. , Schmahl C. , Falkai P. , Wedekind D. 
Published: May 2011

The neurobiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD) remains unclear. Dysfunctions of several neurobiological systems have been discussed, including serotoninergic, dopaminergic, and other neurotransmitter systems.Here we present a theory that alterations in the sensitivity of opioid receptors or the availability of endogenous opioids constitute part of the underlying pathophysiology of BPD.1 The alarming symptoms and self-destructive behaviors of the affected patients may be explained by uncontrollable and unconscious attempts to stimulate their endogenous opioid system (EOS) and the dopaminergic reward system, regardless of the possible harmful consequences. Neurobiological findings that support this hypothesis are reviewed: Frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, frequent and risky sexual contacts, and attention-seeking behavior may be explained by attempts to make use of the rewarding effects of human attachment mediated by the EOS. Anhedonia and feelings of emptiness may be an expression of reduced activity of the EOS. Patients with BPD tend to abuse substances that target μ-opioid receptors. Self-injury, food-restriction, aggressive behavior, and sensation-seeking may be interpreted as a desperate attempt to artificially set the body to “survival mode”, in order to mobilize the last reserves of the EOS. BPD-associated symptoms, such as substance abuse, anorexia, self-injury, depersonalization, and sexual overstimulation, can be treated successfully with μ-opioid receptor antagonists.An understanding of the neurobiology of BPD may help in developing new treatments for patients with this severe disorder.
Personality changes in mild cognitive impairment versus alzheimer's disease
Authors: Blacioti M.A. , Moraru R. , Spiru L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionEstimates for Romanian patients with dementia range from 200,000 to 300,000, but reports warn that actual numbers may be higher.ObjectivesBased on our experience we inferred that specific personality changes may occur in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer (AD).AimsWe tried to quantify such personality changes in MCI and AD patients.MethodWe designed an observational study (n = 60 patients, aged 55+) with MCI (n = 30; 50% male; mean age ∼ 73) and moderate AD (n = 30; 43.3% male (n = 13); mean age ∼74). We “profiled” patient personality (Woodworth - Mathews questionnaire) and identified the most prominent features.ResultsThe most prominent feature in MCI was depression (80%, n = 24) followed by impulsive (26.7%, n = 8) and emotional (23.3%, n = 7) tendencies. Moderate AD patients exhibited less depression (43%, n = 13). Twice more AD patients exhibited paranoid tendencies (36.7%, n = 11) as compared to MCI patients (16.7%, n = 5); schizoid tendencies in moderate AD reached 23.3% (n = 7) vs. 0.03% (n = 1) in MCI patients. Hypochondria, obsessions, emotional instability and antisocial behavior were similar.ConclusionsDifferent dominant personality features as noted in MCI (depressive, impulsive and emotional tendencies) and moderate AD (paranoid, schizoid tendencies) require personalized treatment. Some features (depressive, impulsive and emotional tendencies) tend to be accentuated in MCI (barely impaired self awareness). Aggravated paranoid or schizoid tendencies in AD may result from impaired awareness; however, altered control over previously “dormant” personality features should be considered.
Staff attitudes towards patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Bodner E. , Cohen-Fridel S. , Ianco I. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionBDP is a common diagnosis in hospitals and community settings, estimated at 20% and 11%, respectively. Nevertheless, the attitudes and skills of all mental health professionals regarding the treatment of these patients had hardly been studied.ObjectivesDevelop tools and use them to understand staff attitudes towards BDP patients.Aims(1)To develop two inventories for the measurement of cognitive and emotional attitudes towards borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients and their treatment;(2)To use these tools to understand and compare attitudes of psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses toward BPD patients.MethodTwo lists of items referring to cognitive and emotional attitudes towards BPD patients were formulated. Nurses, psychologists and psychiatrist (n = 57), working in public psychiatric institutions rated their level of agreement with each item. Both lists of attitudes yielded three factors (cognitive: required treatment, suicidal tendencies, and antagonistic judgment, and emotional: negative emotions, experienced difficulties in treatment, and empathy, respectively).ResultsPsychologists scored lower than psychiatrists and nurses on antagonistic judgments. Nurses scored lower than psychiatrists and psychologists on empathy. Regression stepwise analyses on the three emotional attitudes separately showed that suicidal tendencies of BPD patients mainly explained negative emotions and difficulties in treating these patients. All groups were interested in learning more about the treatment of these patients.ConclusionsSuicidal tendencies of BPD patients provoke antagonistic judgments among the three professions. Psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses hold distinctive cognitive and emotional attitudes towards these patients. Staff training programs regarding BDP patients should consider these differences and concerns.
The relationship of mood instability to neuroticism and suicidal thoughts
Authors: Bowen R. , Baetz M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionMany patients with depression mention sudden short “mood swings” (MI) when asked. MI is distressing but little is known about its relationship to personality disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts.ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between mood instability (MI), neuroticism, and suicidal thoughts.AimsTo deconstruct the concept of neuroticism to determine whether MI is an important component. To determine whether MI predicts suicidal thoughts.Methods129 patients with Major Depression were interviewed with the MINI diagnostic interview. They also completed the Eysenck Neuroticism Scale (ENS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Affective Lability Scale (ALS), Beck Suicide Scale (BSS) and 5 questions describing mood swings and its effects on behaviour.ResultsIn a regression analysis with the BSS as the dependent variable, with age and sex controlled, and all of the other variables entered, only the BDI (p < 0.001) and the ALS (p < 0.01) were significant predictors. In an exploratory factor analysis of the ENS, 3 main factors (53% of variance) emerged. 2 of the factors consisted of mild anxiety and depression symptoms. The third factor (16% variance) was a mood instability factor. The ALS and the ENS both correlated with the 5 questions describing mood swings, but the correlations with the ALS were stronger.ConclusionsMood Instability is the unique component of neuroticism. MI (ALS) predicts suicidal thoughts along with the broad concept of depression (BDI). In this model, neuroticism (ENS) is not a predictor.
Age and clinical presentation of patients at onset of borderline personality disorder in a mental health unit
Authors: Garcia Tellez J.M. , Gonzalez Saavedra L. , Sanchez-Moyano Lea J.M. 
Published: May 2011

OjectiveBorderline Personality disorder is a well recognised syndrome. These patients show a clear emotional unstability, lack of control impulse, unpredictible auto and heteroaggresive behaviour, poor interpersonal realitionships and self image as well as brief psychotic episodes.The unspecific symtomatology and diagnostic difficulty derived from different nosographic frames makes their diagnosis and treatment a challenge. Through the analysis of their medical records we aim to know the age they sought specialized help, the symptomatology at first consultation, the treatment given and the outcome after years of therapy.MethodologySystematic review of all BPD patient's medical records treated in our Unit with a particular reference to age and symptoms at the start of treatment and at present. Medical records from the Childhood and Adolescence Psychiatric Unit were also reviewed to determine the most prominent symptoms at that time.ResultsWe found that the vast majority of cases contacted the psychiatric services in their adolescence and early adulthood, probably in relation to demands of daily life at that age. The most relevant symptoms at onset of illness were depressive mood and anxiety. As time went on depressive symptoms were the main complaint. The clinical state remained fairly stable over time.ConclusionsThere is a clear early onset of symptoms, in particular, affective ones (depression and anxiety) being prominent in childhood and preadolescence. Also there is a stable psychopathology over time which keep the patients on long term follow ups. This medical demand seemed to diminish at their fifth decade.
Analysis of the clinical boarding of the BPD in ambulatory treatment
Authors: Garcia Tellez J.M. , Gonzalez Saavedra L. , Sanchez-Moyano Lea J.M. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveIt has become increasingly clear over the last few years that the most effective treatments for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a combined psychological and pharmacological approach, aiming to improve the symptoms, feelings and behaviours that are so distressing and damaging to their lives. On this poster we try to show our daily therapeutic practice with these patients through a complete review of the BPD patient's medical records available in our outpatients psychiatric clinic.MethodSystematic review of all BPD patients medical records, treated in our clinic with a particular reference to pharmacological, psychotherapeutic or both approaches stating the type of intervention in each case.ResultsWe found a mostly mixed approach to treating BPD patients in our clinic as clinical guidelines and other literature recommends. Being critical of our practice, we have observed a prolonged use of medication despite evidence suggesting a sometimes limited benefit for acute and chronic symptoms.Although psychotherapeutic interventions are widely used in our Clinic, it is doubtful that the most accepted psychotherapies mentioned earlier are the ones implemented (Kernberg, Linehan….)ConclusionThe evidence from the literature and prescribing guidelines, suggests that some of the main approaches to treating BPD patients are specific psychotherapies. However, without belittling the benefit of these psychotherapies, we found that the use of psychopharmacological treatments helps too with alleviating acute and more chronic symptoms; maybe improving the likelihood of psychotherapeutic engagement.
Factitious bereavement with psychotic features in a patient with borderline personality disorder and opium dependence
Authors: Ghaffarinejad A. , Shahriari V. 
Published: May 2011

Factitious disorder, whilst uncommon, is not rare in patients referring to clinics and psychiatric hospital.Concerning high rate of grief reactions in this province after the Bam earthquake in the year 2004, we believe that this condition is Under diagnosed, mainly because of diagnostic difficulties. In current article an unusual case who came with psychotic symptoms accompanied by symptoms of complicated grief is reported. The final diagnosis is supposed to be factitious bereavement.Reported case is a 27 years old man with approved diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and opium dependence. At the last session of hospitalizing in 2010, his symptoms include : irritability, aggression and emphasis on visiting his relatives and some strange people who died in the Bam earthquake about six years ago, in which the patient took part in finding their corpses in collaboration with safety guards.From onset of disturbance, patient claimed that those deceased people are continuously present around him, talk to him and blame him because of his insufficient effort to save them. He also believes that the experiences are real and those people are alive at present. Relationship between factitious disorder with bereavement symptoms is not well-described in literatures, so this patient and influences of personality structure and opium dependence on forming patient's symptoms are discussed in this article.
Self disclosure and self criticism in adolescents
Authors: Horesh-Reinman N. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between self-disclosure and self-criticis, positive and negative life events, social support, and a number of well-being and distress variables.MethodsFifty-one adolescents suffering from emotional difficulties and 47 healthy adolescents participated in the study. The following questionnaires were administered to the subjects: Major Life Events Questionnaire, Minor Life Events Questionnaire, Self-Disclosure Questionnaire, Self-Criticism Questionnaire, Social Support Questionnaire, Depressive symptoms questionnaire, Mood questionnaire and demographic questionnaire.ResultsThe study group was characterized by a greater number of major negative life events, a lower level of social support, and a higher level of distress indexes. In the whole sample a positive relation was found between life events and the social network size, and also between positive life events and self-disclosure level and between it and satisfaction from social support. We also found a positive relationship between the negative life events and some of the distress indexes. In addition, there were gender differences in self-disclosure: the girls were more willing to disclose themselves to a close friend in comparison to the boys. A negative relationship was found between self-criticism and social network size. Moreover, self-criticism was related positively to suicidal tendency indexes and was negatively related to positive mood. Finally, a negative relationship was found between social support and some of the distress indexes.ConclusionsThe results of the study confirmed most of the research hypotheses. The theoretical and clinical implications of the study are discussed, as well its strengths and limitations.
Alexithymia and interpersonal functioning:an extension of empirical research by using a dimensional approach for interpersonal style and the structured interview for alexithymia
Authors: Inslegers R. , Vanheule S. , Meganck R. , Desmet M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe concept of alexithymia refers to problems in experiencing and regulating affects; clinical study as well as empirical research suggests that alexithymia is related to cold and socially inhibited interpersonal functioning. However, empirical studies frequently use only self report questionnaires.Objectives/aimsThis study investigates the relation between alexithymia and self-reported interpersonal problems. By using an interview measure of alexithymia next to a questionnaire, we want to avoid artificially high correlations due to shared method variance and thus get a clearer picture of the link between alexithymia and interpersonal style. We hypothesize that alexithymia will be related to a cold, but not to a dominant or submissive interpersonal style.MethodThe Toronto Structured Interview for Alexithymia (TSIA) was administered by a trained researcher to 74 psychiatric inpatients, who also filled out the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64). Dimensional affiliation and dominance scores of the IIP-64 were computed and Pearson correlations between TSIA, TAS-20 and IIP-64 dimensional scores were calculated.ResultsAs hypothesized, we observed no significant correlation between TSIA, TAS-20 and the dominance dimension of the IIP-64 and a significant correlation between the affiliation dimension and TSIA and TAS-20.ConclusionsOur results support previous research and confirm that alexithymia is related to a cold interpersonal style. Since our findings converge for both measurements of alexithymia, the link between alexithymia and interpersonal style can not be explained by shared method variance. The measurement of only self-reported interpersonal problems is a limitation of this study.