Characteristics and content of intrusive images in patients with eating disorders.

The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and content of intrusive images in patients with different subtypes of eating disorders (EDs). Data were collected from 74 ED patients, 22 dieting, and 29 nondieting controls. Participants completed a set of self-report questionnaires. Intrusive images of ED patients were significantly more repetitive, detailed, vivid, and distressing than intrusive images of dieting and/or nondieting controls. Most of the intrusive images were the same for the ED subtypes; however, patients with anorexia nervosa were more likely to report an observer vantage perspective than patients with bulimia nervosa, who were more likely to report a field vantage perspective. As expected, intrusive images' content was related to body checking (weight and shape) or negative self (evaluated by themselves or others). Finally, there were significant associations between intrusive images' vividness and weight and shape concerns. These findings indicate that intrusive images may be a core element of EDs and targeting intrusive images in therapy may be helpful.

Non-suicidal self-injury in patients with eating disorder: associations with identity formation above and beyond anxiety and depression.

In the present study, we investigated the association between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and problems in identity formation among patients with eating disorder (ED). NSSI is highly prevalent in ED, and problems with identity formation are characteristic of both NSSI and ED. Few studies, however, have investigated identity formation in patients with ED with and without NSSI while taking into account comorbid psychopathology (e.g. anxiety and depression). Therefore, we investigated the relationships between NSSI characteristics, identity confusion/synthesis, and anxiety/depression in 99 female patients with ED by means of self-report questionnaires. The results showed that 58.6% of the patients with ED engaged in at least one type of NSSI (most frequently cutting), with no significant differences in rates of NSSI or identity problems among ED subtypes. Presence, versatility and automatic negative reinforcement functions of NSSI were each significantly and positively related to identity confusion and negatively related to identity synthesis. Even after controlling for age, anxiety, and depression, lack of identity synthesis remained a significant predictor of NSSI in patients with ED. Given that NSSI may constitute an effort to deal with identity confusion/synthesis in patients with ED, therapists should take this developmental task into account while treating patients with ED with NSSI.

An introduction to infertility counseling: a guide for mental health and medical professionals.

The practice of infertility counseling delivered by mental health and medical professionals has become more sophisticated and widespread over the past decade. This paper summarizes information presented at the second campus workshop of the Special Interest Group of Psychology and Counseling of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). This group is dedicated to improving infertility services by creating meaningful connections between mental health and medical professionals. The paper identifies key issues that infertility counselors must consider in their work with couples experiencing infertility. The use of supportive psychosocial interventions and treatments are highlighted. The paper also details the process for choosing the most appropriate type of infertility counseling, and the use of assessment tools that assist in understanding infertility related symptoms. Infertility counselors should also consider gender differences, the impact of infertility on a couple's sexual relationship,and the unique challenges couples face regarding third-party conception. Finally, the paper addresses specific recommendations for infertility counselors in mental health and medical settings.

The relationship among compulsive buying, compulsive internet use and temperament in a sample of female patients with eating disorders.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association among compulsive buying (CB), compulsive internet use (CIU) and reactive/regulative temperament in a sample of 60 female patients with eating disorders. All patients were assessed by means of the Compulsive Buying Scale, the CIU scale, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System scales, the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology and the effortful control scale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. The results showed a positive association between CB and CIU, both categorized as impulse control disorders, not otherwise specified. Both CB and CIU showed significantly positive correlations with emotional lability, excitement seeking and lack of effortful control (more specifically lack of inhibitory and lack of activation control). The implication of these findings for the treatment of both disorders will be discussed.

The position of the fertility counsellor in a fertility team: a critical appraisal.

The ongoing evolution of reproductive medicine has revealed the complexity of emotional reactions of couples seeking to fulfil their desire for a child. The position of counselling is evaluated from three perspectives: the couple, medical staff and the individual counsellor. This leads to three proposed levels of counselling, as an integrated component of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).