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1.
Psychiatr Serv ; 52(7): 959-64, 2001 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11433115

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To help improve treatment for incarcerated veterans, the study examined exposure to trauma, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), functional status, and treatment history in a group of incarcerated veterans. METHODS: A convenience sample of 129 jailed veterans who agreed to receive outreach contact completed the Life Event History Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Addiction Severity Index. Participants who had scores of 50 or above on the PCL-C, designated as screening positive for PTSD, were compared with those whose scores were below 50, designated as screening negative for PTSD. RESULTS: Some 112 veterans (87 percent) reported traumatic experiences. A total of 51 veterans (39 percent) screened positive for PTSD, and 78 veterans (60 percent) screened negative. Compared with veterans who screened negative for PTSD, those who screened positive reported a greater variety of traumas; more serious current legal problems; a higher lifetime use of alcohol, cocaine, and heroin; higher recent expenditures on drugs; more psychiatric symptoms; and worse general health despite more previous psychiatric and medical treatment as well as treatment for substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The findings encourage the development of an improved treatment model to keep jailed veterans with PTSD from repeated incarceration.


Subject(s)
Crime/psychology , Life Change Events , Prisons , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Veterans/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Comorbidity , Crime/statistics & numerical data , Health Status , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Sampling Studies , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/therapy , Substance-Related Disorders/etiology , Veterans/psychology , Washington/epidemiology
2.
J Sex Marital Ther ; 26(1): 25-40, 2000.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10693114

ABSTRACT

Although sexual dysfunction is common in psychiatric patients, quantification of sexual dysfunction is limited by the paucity of validated, user-friendly scales. In order to address this problem, the authors have developed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Possible total scores range from 5 to 30, with the higher scores indicating more sexual dysfunction. This study assesses the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the ASEX.


Subject(s)
Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/diagnosis , Adult , Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Comorbidity , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology
3.
Addiction ; 95 Suppl 3: S361-80, 2000 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11132363

ABSTRACT

Missing data constitute a common but widely underappreciated problem in both cross-sectional and longitudinal research. Furthermore, both the gravity of the problems associated with missing data and the availability of the applicable solutions are greatly increased by the use of multivariate analysis. The most common approaches to dealing with missing data are reviewed, such as data deletion and data imputation, and their relative merits and limitations are discussed. One particular form of data imputation based on latent variable modeling, which we call Multivariate Imputation, is highlighted as holding great promise for dealing with missing data in the context of multivariate analysis. The recent theoretical extension of latent variable modeling to growth curve analysis also permitted us to extend the same kind of solution to the problem of missing data in longitudinal studies. Data simulations are used to compare the results of multivariate imputation to other common approaches to missing data.


Subject(s)
Health Services Research/methods , Multivariate Analysis , Bias , Cross-Sectional Studies , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Longitudinal Studies
4.
Biol Psychiatry ; 46(4): 498-505, 1999 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10459399

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rapid and transient depletion of tryptophan (TRP) causes a brief depressive relapse in most patients successfully treated with and taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, but little change in drug-free, symptomatic depressed patients. This study investigates the effects of TRP depletion in drug-free subjects in clinical remission from a prior major depressive episode (MDE). METHODS: Twelve subjects with a prior MDE, currently in clinical remission and drug-free for at least 3 months (patients), and 12 healthy subjects without personal or family history of Axis I disorder (controls), received TRP depletion. The study was conducted in a double-blind, controlled [full (102-g) and quarter-strength (25 g) 15-amino acid drinks], crossover fashion. Behavioral ratings and plasma TRP levels were obtained prior to, during, and after testing. RESULTS: All subjects experienced significant depletion of plasma TRP on both test-drinks, showing a significant dose-response relation. Healthy control subjects had minimal mood changes, but patients had a depressive response of greater magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of prior TRP depletion studies with antidepressant-treated, and drug-free symptomatic depressed patients, these results suggest that depression may be caused not by an abnormality of 5-HT function, but by dysfunction of other systems or brain regions modulated by 5-HT.


Subject(s)
Depression/blood , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Serotonin/blood , Tryptophan/deficiency , Adult , Aged , Biomarkers , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Mood Disorders/blood , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Recurrence , Sex Characteristics
5.
Int J Eat Disord ; 25(2): 195-214, 1999 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10065397

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the McKnight Risk Factor Survey-III (MRFS-III). The MRFS-III was designed to assess a number of potential risk and protective factors for the development of disordered eating in preadolescent and adolescent girls. METHOD: Several versions of the MRFS were pilot tested before the MRFS-III was administered to a sample of 651 4th through 12th- grade girls to establish its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Most of the test-retest reliability coefficients of individual items on the MRFS-III were r > .40. Alpha coefficients for each risk and protective factor domain on the MRFS-III were also computed. The majority of these coefficients were r > .60. High convergent validity coefficients were obtained for specific items on the MRFS-III and measures of self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and weight concerns (Weight Concerns Scale). CONCLUSIONS: The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the MRFS-III suggest that it is a useful new instrument to assess potential risk and protective factors for the development of disordered eating in preadolescent and adolescent girls.


Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior/psychology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/diagnosis , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/standards , Adolescent , Child, Preschool , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Female , Humans , Predictive Value of Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity
6.
Int J Eat Disord ; 24(1): 31-42, 1998 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9589309

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association of weight concerns with potential risk factors for the development of eating disorders. METHOD: A self-report survey was given to 103 elementary (Grades 4 and 5) and 420 middle (Grades 6-8) school students in Arizona and California. Of these, 78 elementary and 333 middle school students provided complete data and were used in the analyses. RESULTS: In a multivariate stepwise regression analysis, the importance that peers put on weight and eating was most strongly related to weight concerns in the elementary school girls, accounting for 34% of the variance after adjusting for site differences. Trying to look like girls/women on TV and in magazines as well as body mass index (BMI) entered the final model that accounted for 57% of the variance in weight concerns. In middle school, the importance that peers place on weight and eating was also the strongest predictor accounting for 33% of the variance followed by confidence, BMI, trying to look like girls/women on TV and in magazines, and being teased about weight. Together these variables accounted for 55% of the variance. DISCUSSION: Prevention programs aimed at reducing weight concerns need to address these factors.


Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior , Body Image , Body Weight , Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Advertising , Data Collection , Feeding and Eating Disorders/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Risk Factors , Self Concept
7.
J Psychosom Res ; 44(3-4): 301-13, 1998.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9587875

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between weight control behaviors and potential risk factors for disordered eating in a sample of young girls. The McKnight Risk Factor Survey was administered to 523 elementary and middle school girls. In the sample of elementary school girls, results from the multiple regression analyses indicated that frequency/severity of weight control behaviors was associated with body mass index (BMI), self-confidence, peers' weight-related pressures, ethnicity, and the interaction between having divorced/separated parents and BMI. Sensitivity to peers' weight-related pressures and BMI were also associated with weight control behaviors in the middle school girls, along with poor body image, substance use, having divorced/separated parents, and the interaction between having divorced/separated parents and father's pressure for thinness. Longitudinal research is needed to determine how risk factors change over time, beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school.


Subject(s)
Body Image , Body Weight , Diet, Reducing/psychology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Child , Feeding and Eating Disorders/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Personality Inventory , Risk Factors
8.
ABNF J ; 7(1): 4-6, 1996.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8715314

ABSTRACT

A number of forces and trends confront America's educational institutions. None are as pervasive and encompassing as the issue of diversity which implies change in the daily operation of these universities. The change that must occur includes, but is not limited to, new policies that recognize and respect the tremendous ethnic and social diversity both on and off campus. Helping to fuel these changes are minority students on White campuses who are expected to participate in mainstream activities at the same time that they are encountering barriers and attitudes which stand in their way of doing so. This conflict exacerbates the attrition rate for minority students. This article address issues of diversity and change relative to minority students on predominantly White campuses. It provides insight for educational personnel on issues of diversity and change, ethnic identity development and development of minority student leaders in the broad collegial settings. By empowering minority leaders and organizations, institutions strengthen their ability to recruit, develop and retain minority students.


Subject(s)
Black or African American , Minority Groups , Power, Psychological , Universities , Humans
9.
Arch Intern Med ; 152(8): 1690-5, 1992 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1497403

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although temporal arteritis is a well-recognized syndrome, controversy still exists regarding the optimal approach to diagnosis and treatment of this condition. We undertook this review to further define the spectrum of presenting features and outcomes of patients undergoing temporal artery biopsy. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients undergoing temporal artery biopsy over a 5-year period. Presenting features were compared in biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative patients. In patients with positive biopsy specimens, treatment regimens, disease, treatment-related morbidity, and outcomes were recorded. Alternative diagnoses and therapy were reviewed in biopsy-negative patients. RESULTS: Of 98 patients, 30 had positive and 68 had negative biopsy specimens. Biopsy-positive patients had an increased incidence of headache (93% vs 62%), jaw claudication (50% vs 18%), and prior polymyalgia rheumatica (23% vs 3%), but the sensitivity and specificity of these indicators were relatively low. Other clinical and laboratory parameters, including prior steroids and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, were similar between the two groups. In 30 patients with positive biopsy specimens, response to initial high-dose steroid was excellent. Serious manifestations after initial treatment were not seen, but mild flares were common after 1 year of therapy. Steroid-related morbidity was common, and steroids were seldom discontinued (0/22 patients at 1 year, 6/19 patients at 2 years, 5/11 patients at 3 years). In 68 patients with negative biopsy specimens, alternative diagnoses included neurologic diseases (15 patients), "pure" polymyalgia rheumatica (14 patients), and other inflammatory rheumatologic diseases (10 patients). Fourteen patients with negative biopsy specimens were treated for temporal arteritis, and were similar to biopsy-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal arteritis remains a challenging condition to diagnose and to treat. Presenting features are seldom helpful in predicting biopsy results. Initial treatment is effective but frequently toxic. Although late disease-related complications are rare, most patients continue to take long-term low-dose steroid therapy.


Subject(s)
Giant Cell Arteritis/pathology , Temporal Arteries/pathology , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/adverse effects , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Age Factors , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Follow-Up Studies , Giant Cell Arteritis/complications , Giant Cell Arteritis/drug therapy , Giant Cell Arteritis/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Sensitivity and Specificity , Sex Factors , Treatment Outcome
10.
Arthritis Rheum ; 34(12): 1571-4, 1991 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1747142

ABSTRACT

We compared 5 patients who had biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) less than 50 mm/hour with 25 patients who had temporal arteritis and high ESR and with 10 patients who had negative temporal artery biopsy results and low ESR. Patients with low-ESR temporal arteritis were similar to the other groups, except that they had a higher mean hemoglobin level than the high-ESR group and a significant increase in the percentage of patients (4 of 5) who had a previous diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica or had received steroid therapy compared with either of the other groups. The latter finding suggests that even low-dose steroid therapy can lower the ESR in patients with temporal arteritis. We conclude that the ESR is low in only a small percentage of patients with temporal arteritis, and that most of these patients have a history of polymyalgia rheumatica or steroid therapy.


Subject(s)
Blood Sedimentation , Giant Cell Arteritis/blood , Aged , Biopsy , Female , Giant Cell Arteritis/drug therapy , Giant Cell Arteritis/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymyalgia Rheumatica/complications , Retrospective Studies , Steroids/therapeutic use , Temporal Arteries/pathology
12.
Arthritis Rheum ; 34(1): 118-20, 1991 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1984768
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