Presents a statistical technique that yields consistent estimates for censored samples. Application of this technique to models related to selection bias and the presence of depression indicate that the prevalence of this disorder in mental health center populations approaches 44 percent rather than the 25 percent from a censored sample.…

Compared the effectiveness of behavior modification, cognitive modification, and cognitive-behavior modification in increasing compliance with an exercise prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (N=96). Although all treatment groups showed improvement, the cognitive-behavior modification strategy produced the most…

Evaluated the possible significance of nonverbal communication in 49 terminal cancer patients using the Facial Affect Scoring Technique. Results showed fear was highest in early stages of illness. Sadness increased regularly from the early to late phase. (JAC)

Described the development of the Cancer Inventory of Problem Situations (CIPS), and presented a study of cancer patients (N=84) using the CIPS. Results showed that cancer patients have moderate to severe problems in personal care, activity management, involvement with the health care system, work, and interpersonal interactions. (LLL)

Investigated whether behavior modification would improve short- and long-term results of weight control programs for obese patients (N=53) with Type II diabetes. The behavior modification group lost more weight than the nutrition education or standard-care condition during the 16-week treatment, but at 16-month follow-up, weight loss differences…

Identifies the criteria for legally safe programs. Lists ways to assess the status of one's own program relative to those criteria and discusses strategies to improve the organization's performance. (Author/BH)

Analyzes the interaction between psychiatric services in public general hospitals and in other institutional settings. A one-day census of patients in a New York general hospital showed the hospital was providing care to a large number of patients in need of other, less intensive institutional settings. (BH)

Obstetricians and obstetrical residents (N=70) were polled on their attitudes regarding stillbirth and simultaneously were assessed for their level of death threat as measured by the Threat Index. No effect of death threat level on attitudes toward stillbirth was observed, even when extreme scores were isolated and compared. (Author/NRB)

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles of Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome outpatients (N=30) and newly admitted random psychiatric inpatient veterans (N=30) were found to be practically identical and were consistent with diagnosis of schizophrenia, indicating the severity of delayed response to stress in Vietnam veterans. (NRB)

The case records of 29 mentally disordered offenders who committed suicide in a state hospital were reviewed. Information was collected on demographic and clinical characteristics; time, method, and location of the suicides; and the presence of suicide indicators. Comparisons were made between the characteristics of the suicide patients and those…

Concentrates on the joint issues of suicide and euthanasia in the context of the doctor-patient relationship. A new evaluation of suicide prevention and euthanasia, especially as they relate to the training of medical students and doctors, is advocated. (Author/BL)

Determined if baseline anxiety levels are predictive of outcome on treatments associated with cancer chemotherapy. Results indicated low-anxiety patients reported less anxiety and depression before behavioral training but nonetheless exhibited significantly greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and diastolic blood pressure after training.…

Examined ethnic differences among Black, Hispanic, and White applicants for outpatients psychotherapy (N=165) using symptoms self-reported on the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised. Results indicated a significant ethnic effect on several symptom dimensions, with Black patients less likely to report symptoms than Hispanic or White patients. (LLL)

Evaluated two different taped relaxation training programs with 39 psychiatric inpatients, half of whom received minor tranquilizers in conjunction with relaxation training. The enhanced relaxation program produced slightly more therapeutic effects than the standard training program. Significant differences were found between the medicated and the…

Compared the perceptions of 302 doctors and their patients' relatives concerning the patients' suffering, awareness, symptoms, communication about prognosis, and acceptance of death. Results confirmed that dying patients more accurately communicate with relatives. (JAC)