Evaluated pretherapy patient variables as correlates of outcome among 62 patients with major depressive disorder. Negative responders were characterized by high levels of interpersonal difficulty and low levels of subjective distress; nonresponders by moderate levels of both interpersonal difficulties and subjective distress; positive responders…

Presents four case reports of bodybuilders whose self-administered anabolic steroid programs resulted in gynecomastia, and discusses treatment strategies advocated by some bodybuilders. The actual recommended treatment is complete cessation of drugs. By dispelling unfounded treatment methods, physicians might help discourage such drug use. (SM)

Examines the differences in perspective and training of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and effects of these on their interactive strategies with patients. Shows how the macro issue of differences in occupational perspective can be incorporated into micro studies of the form and content of talk in social interactions. (SR)

Examines compliance with a medical and behavioral regimen by 60 American Indian diabetics, as it relates to demographic and medical variables, attitudes, perceived beliefs of others, and coping strategies. Concludes that the patient's perceptions of significant others' belief is the best predictor of overall adherence. Contains 29 references. (SV)

Explored validity and potential use of Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Subjects included 100 adults currently in psychotherapy, 100 adults not in psychotherapy, 32 who had previously sought treatment, and 41 college students. The results showed that the FOS differentiated between patients and nonpatients, but it measured only one general factor and…

Used Research Diagnostic Criteria to assess base rate of detection of depression in 150 elderly medical inpatients by nonpsychiatric physicians, and evaluated psychometric properties of screening instruments to assess depression. Found detection of depression by house staff extremely low (8.7 percent). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), BDI…

Describes group psychotherapy at an inpatient, psychiatric hospital serving priests, nuns, and religious brothers. Discusses formation of and differences among four groups: a low-level group for sisters; an interactional group for sisters; a high-level, Gestalt-oriented group for sisters; and an interactional group for priests and brothers. (ABL)

Using the Recognition Memory Test, Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, and the Knox Cube Test as markers for malingered memory deficits was studied with 100 university students, federal inmates, and patients with head injuries. Malingerers performed more poorly than injured patients on all three tests. (SLD)

To assess the sensitivity of Warrington's Recognition Memory Test "words" and "faces" subtests to lateralized temporal lobe seizure foci and effects of epilepsy surgery, 27 left- and 39 right-temporal lobectomy patients were tested before and after surgery. Conditions under which misclassification is most likely are discussed.…

Follows clinical course of older adult with dementing illness. Through patient's art therapy work, attempts to corroborate patient's behavior and performance with clinical and medical tests. This information is then related to present-day knowledge of brain dysfunction and impairment and to autopsy findings. Discusses role of art therapy for this…

The clinical utility of the cluster solution of core profiles of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised by McDermott and others (1989) was studied with 161 brain-damaged patients. Core profile methodology was not sensitive to brain damage and lacked neurodiagnostic utility. (SLD)

Assesses the effectiveness of communication strategies designed to improve both initial and long-term medical adherence. Finds that male physicians were effective if they used either positive or negative regard strategies, whereas female physicians were limited to using positive regard strategies. Finds also that occasional use of non-rewarding…

Describes how art therapy can benefit patients hospitalized due to severe burns, who suffer psychological as well as physical trauma. Outlines the psychological phases, identifies how burn patients typically experience their healing process, and discusses how art therapy can assist the patient at each stage of the recovery process. (JPS)

A variety of programs have produced changes in knowledge, behavior, and health for arthritis patients. National dissemination of patient education programs is in progress. Research needs center on new populations, delivery methods, and arthritis-specific applications of theory. (SK)

Examined effectiveness of outpatient group therapy for discharged elderly psychiatric inpatients. Found that therapy was enhanced by participation of caregivers or significant others, in-depth exploration of medical issues and medication, and the creation of a socially active facilitating environment with extensions into the community. (Author/NB)