[Efficiency of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy versus clinical intervention for the treatment of major depression]

In recent years computerized therapies like computerized cognitive behavioral therapy have helped the therapists. Some advantages of these interventions are reducing the costs and time and spreading the use of psychiatrist interventions as well. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the efficiency of cognitive behavioral therapy in three methods of web-based intervention, software package and clinical intervention in comparison with untreated in major depression. The sample consisted of 68 students who were selected using availability sampling from students with major depression criterion who were seeking treatment at online and presence consultation center of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili [Iran], and then randomly assigned in three experimental groups and one control group. The instrument consisted of beck depression inventory and structured clinical interview for DSM disorders. The results of this study showed that in comparison to three different methods of cognitive behavioral therapy [web-based intervention, software package and clinical intervention] supported the more effective role of clinical intervention. Computerized therapies present effectiveness learning experiences and result in increasing fast access of therapists and patients to determined therapeutic goals. Results of this research indicate that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy is a feasible and effective intervention in treatment of major depression

[Comparison of memory writing style in patients with disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar mood]

Introduction: Mental disorders difficultly are detected because not associated with physical defects. When disorders have signs and symptoms are very similar, the problem is much. The main goal of this study was survey of comparison of memory writing style in patients with disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar mood

Materials and Methods: Research methods of this study were after the events, the type of case-control on 60 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar mood of Fatemi and Eisar hospital in Ardabil city in 2008. Participants were chosen with sampling available method. Data were collected using clinical interview questionnaire and symptoms of positive and negative questionnaire [PANSS]. For data analysis variance methods was used

Results: Findings showed that the average age of patients was 68.07 +/- 10.36 years. There was no difference between groups from education level, marital status, occupation and age. Difference between groups was significant of the number of days hospitalization [P<0.01]. Patients memories of bipolar mood was variation than other groups [schizoaffective, schizophrenia] that there is statistically significant [P<0.01]. Schizophrenia patients in comparison with other two groups were higher writing irregularities that there is statistically significant [P<0.01]. Schizophrenia patients in comparison with other two groups were lower average number of emotional words that there is statistically significant [P<0.01]

Conclusion: The results showed the average number of memories emotional words in schizophrenia patients less than schizoaffective and bipolar mood patients, and schizoaffective patients less than bipolar mood patients. Also manner of writing, schizophrenia patients were higher writing irregularities compare with schizoaffective and bipolar mood patients and this writing irregularities schizoaffective patients more than bipolar mood patients

[Comparison of executive functions among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability and normal children]

The present research was conducted to compare the executive functions among the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], learning disability [LD] and normal children. Samples of this comparative study were students of 3rd to 6th grades of normal elementary schools and schools for mentally disabled children in 2005 in Ardabil city, north western part of Iran. Sixty subjects [20 ADHD boys, 20 LD and 20 normal children] were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data gathering was done by Conners' questionnaire for ADHD, hearts and flowers test, Simons 1 and 2, visual search and Raven intelligence scales. The multiple analysis of variance [MANOVA] and least significant difference [LSD] post hoc tests were used to analyze data. The results revealed that there is a significant difference in executive functions among three groups [P<0.00]. ADHD children obtained higher scores in working memory in comparison with LD group [P<0.05], but had not a significant difference in inhibition [P>0.05]. Children of LD group obtained lower scores in both inhibition and working memory in comparison with normal group. Children suffering from LD are more impaired in executive functions in comparison with normal and ADHD groups

[Efficacy of words list and illustrative pictures tests in diagnosis of personality disorders in comparison with clinical interview]

Diagnosis of personality disorders based on diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders [DSM] criteria has clinical limitation and is not considered as a clinical science. This survey is designed to investigate the efficacy of words list and illustrative pictures tests in personality disorders diagnosis and for propounding differential diagnosis of personality disorders. In this study, which was conducted during February 2004 to September 2005, 328 persons who seemed to be afflicted with different personality disorders were selected with random sampling from among those who had referred to therapeutic and consultation centers in Ardabil as well as Ardabil Jail prisoners. They responded to researcher-edited words and pictures tests. Out of the mentioned participants, 45 were normal ones. Obtained data were analyzed employing descriptive statistics and discriminative analysis. The findings showed that both words list and illustrative pictures tests can distinguish different personality disorders from normal persons in 96% and 100% of cases, respectively. Words list test can only diagnose borderline, paranoid, and schizotypal personality disorders in the selective executive method. Also, words list test, as a 7 degrees scale for diagnosis of personality disorders, is more useful than selection only words list. Words list and illustrative pictures tests are useful for diagnosis of personality disorders; it is also suggested that further studies be done with the mentioned tests employing more precision in choosing words and pictures