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Biomarkers may serve as objective measures in complicated grief (CG) potentially capturing responses to stress reduction treatment. This paper reports challenges in obtaining and assessing salivary cortisol and α-amylase (sAA) for a recent randomized clinical trial. Within-session changes in salivary cortisol and sAA for 54 older adults with CG who received Accelerated Resolution Therapy were compared with perceived stress measured by Subjective Units of Distress Scale. Bivariate correlations and multiple regressions examined changes in biomarkers. Protocols, study logs, and audit reports identified challenges. Challenges included obtaining unstimulated passive drool salivary samples and their analyses. Our sample of older females on multiple medications may have resulted in a perfect storm of moderating and intervening variables which affected the stress response. This paper contributes to the discussion on designing clinical trials for older adults which must account for physiologic changes, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy common in this population and makes recommendations moving forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The association between religiosity and secular mental health utilization is unclear. Evidence suggests that religious and spiritual leaders (R/S leaders) may be more trusted than secular mental health therapists (SMHTs) and are often the first point of contact for individuals with mental health problems who identify as religious. Methods: Generalized equation estimate (GEE) analyses were used to examine the association between religiosity and mental health seeking behaviours in 2,107 participants using t Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) data collected between 1995 and 2014. Results: The final model indicated that after adjusting for covariates, higher levels of baseline religious identification and baseline spirituality (assessed in 1995) predicted an increase in visits to R/S leaders from 1995 to 2014 by a factor of 1.08 (95% CI=1.01–1.16) and 1.89 (95% CI=1.56–2.28), respectively. Higher levels of baseline religious identification reduced SMHTs visits by a factor of 0.94 (95% CI=0.90–0.98), whereas higher levels of baseline spirituality increased SMHTs visits by a factor of 1.13 (95% CI=1.00–1.27) during the same timeframe. Conclusion: Higher levels of spirituality and religious identification increased the frequency over time of seeking mental health support from R/S leaders relative to SMHTs. Individuals with mental illness may seek support from religious resources, mental health professionals, or both, underscoring the importance of collaboration between R/S leaders and SMHTs. Mental health training for R/S leaders and collaboration with SMHTs may help alleviate mental health burden, especially among those who highly value their religious and spiritual beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of World War II and its aftermath on the mental health sector, and traces the resulting transformations in US psychiatry and psychology. Focusing on the years between 1940 and 1970, it analyses the growing federal role in funding training and research in the mental health sector, the dominance of psychoanalysis within psychiatry in these years, and the parallel changes that occurred in both academic and clinical psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mental health providers often have little to no training on working with disabled people, and may hold negative biases toward disability (American Psychological Association [APA], 2022). Given these conditions, this study fills a gap in knowledge about the experiences of people with physical disabilities in psychotherapy, and data-driven disability-affirmative approaches. Purposive sampling was used to recruit people with physical disabilities (N = 24) through social media, who participated in semi-structured individual interviews about their psychotherapy experiences. Consensual qualitative research methods revealed four overarching domains with multiple underlying themes. The four domains were: (a) positive therapeutic interventions and interactions, (b) negative therapeutic interventions and interactions, (c) in/accessibility of services, and (d) suggestions for improving mental health services. The results inform affirmative practices for psychotherapy with a stigmatized population. Implications for culturally-responsive clinical practice and training are discussed, as well as study limitations and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating disaffiliation from Orthodox Judaism typically utilize samples composed of disaffiliated individuals, without a comparison group of affiliated individuals for reference. This research investigation measured 21 social, psychological, and intellectual experiences in disaffiliated and affiliated Orthodox Jewish individuals primarily in the United States to determine which factors were predictive of disaffiliation, a type of religious change. Experiences were measured with Yes/No questions and a Likert rating scale to indicate the extent to which respondents believed each factor contributed to their disaffiliation. Participants were 730 individuals who grew up practicing Orthodox Judaism and had either stopped or continued practicing (disaffiliated N = 387; affiliated N = 343). Based on regression analysis, factors predictive of disaffiliation were: (1) emotional abuse, (2) feelings that Orthodoxy is restrictive, (3) diagnosis of/treatment for a psychological disorder, (4) poor secular education in school, and (5) intellectual conflicts regarding Orthodox Judaism or questioning God. When rating each factor's contribution to their disaffiliation, exiters most frequently reported moral or social conflicts with Orthodox Judaism, intellectual conflicts regarding Orthodox Judaism or questioning God, and feelings that Orthodoxy is restrictive. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of religious exiting and draw out the factors uniquely predictive of disaffiliation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the application of androgyny in the theory and practice of psychotherapy in the U.S. Convergence between androgyny and psychological health; Adoption of androgyny as a model of mental health; Social inequities of sexism.

Racial, ethnic, and cultural factors influencing mental health in later life are important to study in their own right. However, they also offer an opportunity to expand our understanding of mental health and mental illness in older adults independent of race, ethnicity, or culture. Any time an opportunity arises to examine a problem from a different perspective, chances increase that new light will be shed on the problem. For example, while suicide is greatest in older Americans compared with any other US population group, it is less frequent in older blacks than older whites. Why? Among the different theories that have been advanced, one holds that older African Americans in reaching later life have surmounted more threats to self-esteem (compared with whites) and are thereby better adapted to new challenges associated with aging.1 Still, the discrepancy in suicide rates between older blacks and whites remains an important research question. In studying suicide with attention to racial and ethnic variables, the opportunity presents itself to gain a more fundamental understanding of suicide itself—to the benefit of all older adults, indeed to the benefit of all age groups.This paper focuses on some African American issues pertinent to geriatric psychiatry and identifies areas for further research. In addition to a selected literature review, the author draws on his own research from a 20-year longitudinal study, initiated in 1971, of a senior citizens' apartment building in Washington, DC, with a predominantly African American population.2 (1= Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, Committee on Cultural Psychiatry: Suicide and Ethnicity in the United States. New York, Bruner/Mazel, 1989; and 2= Cohen GD: Lessons from longitudinal studies of mentally ill and mentally healthy elderly: A 17-year perspective, in Bergener M, Finkel SI (eds): Clinical and Scientific Psychogeriatrics, Vol. 1. New York, Springer, 1990.) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: This study examined whether trajectories of depressive symptoms of one spouse are associated with the other spouse's memory. Methods: Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2016) were used (N = 5690 heterosexual couples). Latent-class growth analysis and structural equation models examined the actor and partner effects of depressive symptom trajectories on memory. Results: Four depressive symptom trajectories were identified (i.e., persistently low, increasing, decreasing, and persistently high). Compared to the low trajectory group, the increasing and persistently high trajectories were associated with worse memory for both men and women. While none of the wives' depressive symptom trajectories was significantly associated with husbands' memory (p >.05), husbands' decreasing trajectory was linked to wives' better memory (β = 0.498, 95% CI = 0.106, 0.890). Discussion: Older adults with increasing and persistently high depressive symptoms may experience worse memory. Psychosocial interventions targeting depressive symptoms among older men may be beneficial to their spouses' memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Childhood abuse has been linked to problematic familial relationships in adulthood; however, it remains unclear what factors buffer the association. Mindfulness research has demonstrated promise in improving relationships among adults abused during childhood, but research has focused on couples, with fewer studies examining familial relationships. Methods: Using a data sample of 2430 adults from the Midlife Development in the United States, the current study examined mindfulness as a moderator of childhood abuse and familial support and strain in adults. Results: Analysis of hierarchical regression revealed that mindfulness was a moderator of childhood abuse and family strain over a 10-year period in women, but not men. However, mindfulness did not moderate childhood abuse and support. Discussion: This examination of mindfulness in the context of familial relationships may help women more successfully manage negative familial interactions. Results indicate mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in improving familial relationships among adults abused by family members in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the computer-simulated psychotherapy in teaching clinical psychology in the U.S. Definition of the Eliza computer-simulated psychotherapy program; Methods of the exercise for the Eliza operation; Role of the computer program on the mental health field of the student.

The article offers author's view on Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) is a national membership organization for students associated with American Psychological Association, on psychological effect of presidential election in U.S., and issue related to sex bias stereotyping in counseling and psychotherapy.

A case is made for community-based psychoanalysis as part of usual psychoanalytic practice. A safe community is first defined psychodynamically, after which three variations are presented on the community-based style and qualities and modes of practice compared with individual psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis. Three community case studies, from Jamaica and the U.S., are then presented to illustrate and lend depth and aliveness to the theory. Finally, a plea is made for a community-based initiative in preventive physical and mental health care that uses schools as a basic site for addressing the causes and cure of socially and economically costly community problems, creating healthy individuals through each turn of the pre-K through twelfth grade school cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Delusional disorder is an infrequent diagnosis in outpatient clinical practice. While delusional thought processes are a fairly common part of symptom clusters in chronic psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, true delusional disorders are believed to be fairly rare. Method: In this article, we review scientific data on incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of delusional disorders. This was done by PubMed search utilizing the search terms "delusional disorder," "oncology," "diagnosis," and "treatment." Relevant articles were excluded if they dealt predominantly with schizophrenia instead of primary delusional disorder. Results: We present a case of a patient diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and an apparent longstanding history of persecutory delusions. The patient's symptoms eventually led to intervention in the oncology practice involving the medical center faculty and staff, as well as local police and the court system. Conclusions: Delusional disorder is an under-researched condition, and limited information is known regarding the treatment of this condition when it inroads upon medical care. Future research directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid intoxications and overdose are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Opioid overdose may occur in the setting of intravenous or intranasal heroin use, illicit use of diverted opioid medications, intentional or accidental misuse of prescription pain medications, or iatrogenic overdose. In this review, we focused on the epidemiology of illict opioid use in the United States and on the mechanism of action of opioid drugs. We also described the signs and symptoms, and diagnoses of intoxication and overdose. Lastly, we updated the reader about the most recent recommendations for treatment and prevention of opioid intoxications and overdose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes a poster presentation on anorexia nervosa presented at the 6th annual poster session of the American Psychoanalytic Association. According to the author, the study tries to link what seems to be different views of anorexia nervosa via the multiple code theory and referential process concept. In particular, the study examines the nature of self-reflection and emotional expression in patients with anorexia nervosa which are considered to be integral in the therapeutic realm.

The author highlights the emphasis given on psychoanalysis and psychotherapy at the annual meeting of the American Psychoanalytic Association which was held fifty years ago in the U.S. It mentions that the alterations in the practice of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy were driven by the significant societal change and numerous developments in theory and technique. Psychiatrist Frieda Fromm-Reichmann claimed that the interpersonal dimensions of therapeutic technique were being undervalued.

Over the past 25 years, meta-analysis has assumed a significant role in the synthesis of counseling and psychotherapy research through the evaluation and interpretation of the results of multiple studies. An examination of four widely recognized rehabilitation counseling journals, however, reveals that only one meta-analysis (Bolton & Akridge, 1995) has been published during the past 10 years. This article examines the meta-analysis process as a viable method to aggregate multiple studies, discusses common advantages and criticisms of meta-analysis, and provides suggestions specific to how meta-analyses may be applied to investigate rehabilitation outcomes. In addition, new applications of meta-analysis that have been discovered and refined in recent years are presented through a reanalysis of the Bolton and Akridge (1995) meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent behavioral disorder among children in the United States. Although symptoms may remit over time for some individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, a significant number continue to report clinically significant impairment into adolescence and adulthood. The specific difficulties encountered by adults with ADHD are just starting to be understood and studied. In particular, the long-standing difficulties encountered by females first identified with ADHD in adulthood have apparently been greatly underreported. The goal of this article is to discuss the case of a young woman, Amanda, who is first diagnosed with ADHD after encountering difficulties during her freshman year of college. Her case demonstrates the importance of an accurate diagnosis and the benefit of a course of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy combined with standard pharmacotherapy for adult ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks into the influence of feminism on the institution of psychotherapy regarding theories and assessment instruments in the U.S. General advances of women's movement; Crises affecting women like rape and pregnancy; Incidence of domestic violence.

Presents the results of a survey on the opinions and practices of psychology students concerning psychotherapy for women in the U.S. Number of training facilities using the systematic method in psychotherapy; Need to improve internship programs; Efficacy of egalitarian group supervisory meetings in dealing issues on sex bias and stereotyping.

This article describes obesity and its treatment in mentally retarded children and youth. The major cause of obesity and commonly associated syndromes in the retarded are discussed. Traditional treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy, caloric restriction, increased activity, and anorexiant drugs are discussed. Contemporary behavioral approaches to the obese retarded population are reviewed. Implications for practitioners beginning a weight control program are delineated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 1950's and early 1960's, differences in psychiatric treatment, given in universityrelated psychotherapeutic clinics, were found to be related to the social class of the client. To test whether analogous differences exist in mental health centers, the relationships between social class and various aspects of psychiatric treatment are investigated in forty mental health centers. In general, clients are given treatment with little or no regard to social class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an update on research efforts related to income security, insurance and benefits, as of October 1981. Miriam Ostow and Charles Brecher are examining the infusion of funds in the health service industry from all sources in New York City since 1965. Gilbert Nestel and Herbert Parnes are investigating retirement trends and experiences. Don Ronchi and Jack Sparacino are analyzing evidence of the effectiveness of psychotherapy for old people and whether psychologists should be allowed direct reimbursement for treating Medicare insurance beneficiaries instead of having to go through a physician.