Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

What Aspect Of Dependence Does The Fagerström Test For Nicotine Dependence Measure?, Joseph R. Difranza, Robert J. Wellman, Judith A. Savageau, Ariel Beccia, W. W. Sanouri A. Ursprung, Robert Mcmillen

Judith A. Savageau

Although the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) are widely used, there is a uncertainty regarding what is measured by these scales. We examined associations between these instruments and items assessing different aspects of dependence. Adult current smokers ( , mean age 33.3 years, 61.9% female) completed a web-based survey comprised of items related to demographics and smoking behavior plus (1) the FTND and HSI; (2) the Autonomy over Tobacco Scale (AUTOS) with subscales measuring Withdrawal, Psychological Dependence, and Cue-Induced Cravings; (3) 6 questions tapping smokers’ wanting, craving, or needing experiences in response …

Perspectives On Help-Negation, Coralie J. Wilson

Coralie J Wilson

Help-negation refers to the process of help avoidance or refusal that commonly occurs in clinical and non-clinical samples with varying forms and levels of psychological symptoms. In the last decade the effect has been established as an inverse relationship between the severity of symptoms and help-seeking for suicidal ideation, depression, and general psychological distress, for a variety of professional and non-professional help sources [see Wilson CJ, Bushnell JA, Caputi P. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 2011; 5: 34-39, for a review]. Findings from now over 20 help-negation studies suggest that at least some types of psychological symptoms or processes associated with …

Seeing Recovery Through The Eyes Of Ethnic And Cultural Minorities, Linda M. Cabral, Kathy Muhr, Judith A. Savageau

Judith A. Savageau

Describes a study that sought to better understand how persons with mental health conditions from two cultural groups, Latino and Deaf/Heard of Hearing (D/HH), access recovery-oriented and peer support services. Results from this study helped to inform the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health regarding system improvements that could be made to better serve these populations.

Partner Violence Assessment In Rural Health Care Clinic, Ann Coker, Vicki C. Flerx, Paige H. Smith, Daniel J. Whitaker, Mary Kay Fadden, Melinda Williams

Dan Whitaker

Objectives. We sought to determine the frequency of intimatepartner violence by type in a large, clinic-based, nurse-administeredscreening and services intervention project.

Methods. A brief intimate partner violence screen, which includeditems to measure sexual and physical assaults and psychologicalbattering (using the Women’s Experience With Batteringscale) was administered to consenting women receiving care at1 of 8 rural clinics in South Carolina.

Results. Between April 2002 and August 2005, 4945 eligible womenwere offered intimate partner violence screening, to which 3664(74.1%) consented. Prevalence of intimate partner violence ina current (ongoing) relationship was 13.3%, and 939 women (25.6%)had experienced intimate partner violence at some point …

Screening Mammograms In Alzheimer’S Disease Patients, George M. Yousef, Piyush Sovani, Sirisha Devabhaktuni, Lynne J. Goebel

Lynne J. Goebel

Very little guidance exists to help clinicians and families decide whether mammograms are useful in elderly women with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We present a case of a patient with moderate AD who had a positive mammogram and discuss the dilemma faced by the family and clinician in deciding what was best to do for the patient. In this case, the family opted for breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by palliative care which brought up the question of whether screening was appropriate with this treatment goal in mind. We reviewed the literature on AD and breast cancer screening and summarize these …

Patterns Of Depressive Symptoms And Antidepressant Use Among Women Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Lorraine Davies, Jinette Comeau

Lorraine Davies

Abstract

Purpose

One of the primary mental health responses of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) is depression, yet little is known about the mental health and antidepressant use of women in the period after leaving an abusive partner. We investigate patterns of antidepressant use and depressive symptoms by various social indicators (parenting status, socioeconomic status, severity of abuse and disclosure of abuse). Second, we examine whether variation in antidepressant use is explained by higher rates of depression diagnoses and/or depressive symptoms, taking these social indicators into consideration.

Methods

We examine data from the Women’s Health Effects Study, a community …

Housing, Income Support And Mental Health: Points Of Disconnection, Cheryl Forchuk, Libbey Joplin, Ruth Schofield, Rick Csiernik, Carolyne Gorlick, Katherine Turner

Rick Csiernik

There exists a disconnection between evolving policies in the policy arenas of mental health, housing, and income support in Canada. One of the complexities associated with analysing the intersection of these policies is that federal, provincial, and municipal level policies are involved. Canada is one of the few developed countries without a national mental health policy and because of the federal policy reforms of the 1970s, the provincial governments now oversee the process of deinstitutionalization from the hospital to the community level. During this same period the availability of affordable housing has decreased as responsibility for social housing has been …

The Distinguishing Characteristics Of Narrative Identity In Adults With Features Of Borderline Personality Disorder: An Empirical Investigation, Jonathan Adler

Jonathan M. Adler

While identity disturbance has long been considered one of the defining features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), the present study marks only the third empirical investigation to assess it and the first to do so from the perspective of research on narrative identity. Drawing on the rich tradition of studying narrative identity, the present study examined identity disturbance in a group of 40 mid-life adults, 20 with features of BPD and a matched sample of 20 without BPD. Extensive life story interviews were analyzed for a variety of narrative elements and the themes of agency, communion fulfillment (but not communion), …

Do Antipsychotic Dose Reduction Trials Result In Worsening Behavior Among Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jennifer Tjia, Abir O. Kanaan, Jennifer L. Donovan

Jennifer Tjia

Background: While federal regulations require gradual dose reduction trials of antipsychotics prescribed for behavior management in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia, widespread concern about precipitating behavioral disturbances limits implementation. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials reducing antipsychotic drug use in NH residents to determine best dose reduction practices and risk of behavior escalation.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts between January 1970 and October 2011 using the terms “antipsychotic agent or neuroleptic agent,” “dementia,” “nursing homes,” and “withdrawal.” One investigator reviewed abstracts for inclusion based on: English-language, …

Knowledge Of And Perceived Need For Evidence-Based Educational Materials About Antipsychotic Medication Safety By Nursing Home Staff, Celeste A. Lemay, Sarah Foy, Kathleen M. Mazor, Leslie R. Harrold, Jennifer L. Donovan, Abir O. Kanaan, Becky A. Briesacher, Jerry H. Gurwitz, Jennifer Tjia

Jennifer Tjia

Background: Given the widespread overuse of antipsychotic medications among US nursing home (NH) residents, we sought to identify knowledge of and perceived need for the AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Research Summary Guide (CERSG) “Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs”.

Methods: We conducted a baseline needs assessment with 12 NHs participating in a randomized controlled trail evaluating evidence dissemination strategies. Using a mixed method approach, we conducted in-depth assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and practice behavior using telephone interviews with NH leadership (administrators, directors of nursing [DON], and medical directors), and questionnaires with NH leadership, consultant pharmacists and direct care staff. …

Screech Owls: The Familia Of Roy Macgregor’S Narratives On Hockey, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

Screech Owls: The Familia Of Roy Macgregor’S Narratives On Hockey, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

Roy MacGregor is perhaps the most prolific of Canadian writers to use hockey as the subtext and text for his writing. His most well-known work, The Home Team: Fathers, Sons, and Hockey, succinctly, is an intimate portrait of the father-son bond in and through the game of hockey. More sweeping in national scope and significance of hockey is Home Game: Hockey and Life in Canada which MacGregor co-authored with hockey legend Ken Dryden. Least well known, though acclaimed by academics to be one of the very best novels on sport, is The Last Season. The latter is a poignant description …

Sitting At The Nexus Of Epistemological Traditions: Narrative Psychological Perspectives On Self-Knowledge, Jonathan Adler

Jonathan M. Adler

This authoritative handbook reviews the state of the science of self-knowledge, a key emerging area in psychology. Leading investigators describe innovative theory and research that is shedding new light on how—and how accurately—people perceive their own traits, thoughts, feelings, behavior, and relationships. Coverage encompasses the behavioral, mental, biological, and social structures that underlie self-knowledge; approaches to studying self-beliefs in specific domains; and the motives and biases that influence accuracy. The volume explores the personal and societal benefits of self-knowledge and also considers possible ways to enhance it.

Help-Negation For Suicidal Thoughts In Sub-Clinical Samples Of Young People, Coralie Joy Wilson

Coralie J Wilson

Across the popular and academic literature, it is widely recognised that young people with persistent suicidal thoughts are at high risk for suicide completion. It is also accepted that seeking and receiving appropriate help offers protection against the development of acute forms of suicidality, along with suicide completion. Yet, as promising as appropriate help-seeking appears for suicide prevention, a growing number of studies suggest that suicidal ideation itself may impede the help-seeking process. There is evidence that acutely suicidal samples will negate or avoid available help, and there are indications that the help-negation process may occur in samples before levels …

His Majesty, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

8. Child Witnesses And The Confrontation Clause., Thomas D. Lyon, Julia A. Dente

Thomas D. Lyon

Aacc Handout April 13 2012 When Stress Becomes Destructive: Identifying & Treating The Intimacy Anorexic, John C. Thomas

John C. Thomas

Objectives: to conceptualize these presenting problems as symptoms of emotional and relational disengagement to identify and treat these relationships dynamics to avoid and repair disintegration of marital intimacy prevention strategies for handling marital stress without succumbing to this destructive cycle

Dynamics Of Drug Use, Joan Rollins, Raymond Holden

Joan H Rollins

This paper analyzes data from interviews with167 drug users in the community, including age, sex, birth order, education, family constellation, age of first drug use and circumstances of first drug use. Initial drug use was usually a social experience, with considerable influence from peers. Usually initial drug use began with marijuana or alcohol. The majority of subjects had tried to stop using drugs, but most of them had been unsuccessful at the time of the interview.

Low-Income Women Speak Out About Housing, Joan Rollins, Renee Saris, Ingrid Johnston-Robledo

Joan H Rollins

This review of the social science literature examines correlates of homelessness. The review is supplemented by the voices of 12 low-income women who are temporarily housed or living in public housing. Homelessness for women is associated with teen pregnancy and parenting, domestic violence, working at minimum-wage jobs, and waiting lists of several years for subsidized housing. We conclude with a summary of women_s experiences accessing government housing programs. Public policy recommendations regarding housing programs are made. Government housing programs are briefly described in an Appendix to the article.

Trial Of The University Assistance Program For Alcohol Use Among Mandated Students, Hortensia Amaro (1950-), Marilyn Ahl, Atsushi Matsumoto, Guillermo Prado, Christina Mulé, Amaura Kemmerer, Mary E. Larimer, Dale A. Masi, Philomena Mantella

Philomena Mantella

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for mandated students in the context of the University Assistance Program, a Student Assistance Program developed and modeled after workplace Employee Assistance Programs. Method:Participants were 265 (196 males and 69 females) judicially mandated college students enrolled in a large, urban university in the northeast United States. All participants were sanctioned by the university's judicial office for an alcohol- or drug-related violation. Participants were randomized to one of two intervention conditions (the University Assistance Program or services as usual) and were assessed at baseline and 3 and …

Brief Screening For Co-Occurring Disorders Among Women Entering Substance Abuse Treatment, Alisa K. Lincoln, Jane M. Liebschutz, Miriam Chernoff, Dana Nguyen, Hortensia Amaro (1950-)

Alisa Lincoln

BackgroundDespite the importance of identifying co-occurring psychiatric disorders in substance abuse treatment programs, there are few appropriate and validated instruments available to substance abuse treatment staff to conduct brief screen for these conditions. This paper describes the development, implementation and validation of a brief screening instrument for mental health diagnoses and trauma among a diverse sample of Black, Hispanic and White women in substance abuse treatment. With input from clinicians and consumers, we adapted longer existing validated instruments into a 14 question screen covering demographics, mental health symptoms and physical and sexual violence exposure. All women entering treatment (methadone, residential …

Insurance Status And Length Of Stay For Involuntarily Hospitalized Patients, William Fisher, Paul Barreira, Alisa Lincoln, Lorna Simon, Andrew White, Kristen Roy-Bujnowski, Marylou Sudders

Alisa Lincoln

General and private psychiatric hospitals are becoming increasingly common as sites for involuntary hospitalization. Unlike the public facilities that these settings are supplanting, these hospitals must pay strict attention to issues associated with reimbursement, insurance status, and managed care. This article examines the effects of insurance status on length of stay for involuntarily hospitalized patients in general and private hospitals in Massachusetts. Using a two-stage sampling procedure, data on episodes of involuntary hospitalization were gathered and assessed using multiple regression. The primary effect was found between patients with Medicare, who had the longest stays, and individuals who were uninsured, who …

Trial Of The University Assistance Program For Alcohol Use Among Mandated Students, Hortensia Amaro (1950-), Marilyn Ahl, Atsushi Matsumoto, Guillermo Prado, Christina Mulé, Amaura Kemmerer, Mary E. Larimer, Dale A. Masi, Philomena Mantella

Amaura Kemmerer

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for mandated students in the context of the University Assistance Program, a Student Assistance Program developed and modeled after workplace Employee Assistance Programs. Method:Participants were 265 (196 males and 69 females) judicially mandated college students enrolled in a large, urban university in the northeast United States. All participants were sanctioned by the university's judicial office for an alcohol- or drug-related violation. Participants were randomized to one of two intervention conditions (the University Assistance Program or services as usual) and were assessed at baseline and 3 and …

27. Does Valence Matter? Effects Of Negativity On Children's Early Understanding Of Truths And Lies., Lindsay Wandrey, Jodi A. Quas, Thomas D. Lyon

Thomas D. Lyon

Using The Fcb Grid To Evaluate A Failed Mental Health Levy: The Marketing Implications Of Stigma, Oscar T. Mcknight, Ronald Paugh, Steffi Liotta, Wenhui Jin

Oscar T McKnight Ph.D.

This research found that using the FCB Grid to develop and evaluate a mental health levy campaign has merit. Likewise, stigma has both positive and negative impact on a mental health levy. Introduced is the ‘STIGMA’ planning model to help mental health professionals pass a public mental health levy.

Building The Foundation For The Family Options Project, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie Williams, Karen Albert

Joanne Nicholson

This article describes how the long-standing partnership between Employment Options, Inc., a psychosocial rehabilitation agency in Marlborough, MA, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School's (UMMS) Center for Mental Health Services Research led to the development of the Family Options program.

Mothers With Mental Health Disorders: Mental Health Promotion In The Context Of Parenting, Joanne Nicholson, Elizabeth Aaker, Michael Agar, Karen Albert, Steven Banks, Kathleen Biebel, Bernice Gershenson, Antonia Seligowski, Valerie Williams, Brenda Warren, Sierra Williams, Katherine Woolsey

Joanne Nicholson

Parenting is a meaningful role for the majority of American women, including those with mental health disorders. Success in this role, particularly for women with mental health disorders, would seem to be intimately related to mental health promotion, the recovery process, and successful functioning in other major life domains (e.g., employment, community living, and personal health and well-being). The achievement of maximum social participation for women with mental health disorders may hinge on addressing the challenges they face as parents. Presented at Margins to Mainstream: World Congress on Mental Health Promotion and Prevention. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, September 2008.

Critical Issues For Parents With Mental Illness And Their Families, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Beth Hinden, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier

Joanne Nicholson

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated the impact of parents who have mental illness on children and families. The report discusses the scope of the issue and the experiences of parents with mental illness, federal and State policies impacting policies and practices relating to parents with mental illness, current programs for parents with mental illness and their families, and recommended steps for improving and expanding services. Prepared for the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD.

Exploring The Concept Of “Young Carer” In Families Living With Parental Mental Illness, Antonia Seligowski, Peter Mcnamee, Karen Albert, Valerie Williams, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Background Information: The concept of “young carers” has been framed in the literature as children providing care and assuming household responsibilities when parents have physical and/or mental disabilities (Aldridge & Becker, 2003). In the United Kingdom, young carers have been studied extensively, leading to increased access to services and supports (Dearden & Becker, 2004). Our goal is to explore the concept of young carers in the U.S.

Aims: 1) To describe the care giving and household responsibilities of children and youth living with parents with mental illnesses, how often they are performed, and the feelings of children and youth about …

Programs For Families With Parental Mental Illness: Results Of A Us National Survey, Joanne Nicholson, Beth Hinden, Kathleen Biebel, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier

Joanne Nicholson

Citation: Nicholson, J., Hinden, B., Biebel, K., Henry, A., & Stier, L. (2004). Programs for families with parental mental illness. Visions: British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal, 2(2), 27-29. Available at: http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/parenting. Summary: Survey of programs in the U.S. for parents with mental illness.