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The article focuses on a study regarding the dropout rate of training cases at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. The study hypothesized that timing and frequency of dropout indicates problems in technique during the induction and early treatment phases. A comparison of the 2009 study to the rate in a cohort from 2007-2012 is presented.

One hundred consecutive patients applying for analysis completed a comprehensive battery of structured interviews and self-report questionnaires assessing dimensions of psychopathology and psychological functions that analysts consider important when evaluating patients for analysis. Patients were evaluated for analysis by a candidate supervised by a training analyst. Fifty patients were accepted for analysis and fifty rejected. In both groups, psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial impairment were high, with a 50% current and 74% lifetime diagnosis of mood disorder, 56% current and 61% lifetime history of anxiety disorder. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score fell in the moderate range, 19.1 (SD = 11.0), mean Hamilton Depression score in the mild range, 14.1 (SD = 7.8), and the mean Hamilton Anxiety score in the moderate range, 14.6 (SD = 8.1), with 57% meeting criteria for an Axis II diagnosis, and mean social adjustment in the moderate to high pathology range. Patients accepted and rejected for analysis did not differ with regard to any of these dimensions. Accepted patients scored lower on measures of impulsivity, aggression, and sociopathy, and on scores of personality rigidity, primitive defenses, and outward aggression. The major finding was the striking similarity between patients accepted and rejected for psychoanalytic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training cases define clinical immersion for candidates and are essential to their education, progression, and graduation. While dropouts from treatment are expected, repeated dropouts can be detrimental to a candidate's education and progression. In a study of the rate and timing of dropout in 145 cases at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, 40 percent of patients were found to have dropped out within the first twelve months of treatment, though converted cases were less likely to drop out than were new patients evaluated at intake. This high dropout rate raises many questions about the reasons for it and suggests that there are critical educational issues regarding supervision and/or regarding candidates' technique during the induction phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All twenty-eight respondents to a recent poll of the thirty institutes affiliated with the American Psychoanalytic Association reported that they now accept cases converted from psychotherapy to psychoanalysis as control cases. This study was designed to compare converted cases to clinic cases systematically with respect to patient characteristics, treatment, and the educational experience of the treating candidate. The study followed twenty-four candidates entering analytic training between 1992 and 1995, who treated thirty-four clinic cases and forty-three converted cases between February 1993 and July 2000. Clinic and converted patients were comparable with regard to demographics, prior treatment histories, structural diagnoses, and Axis I diagnoses. In addition, the two groups of cases were indistinguishable with respect to the rate at which candidates received credit toward graduation requirements. Candidates treating converted cases earned approximately $7,600 per patient per year, compared to candidates treating clinic cases, who earned nothing. Eighty-four percent of converted patients diagnosed with a mood disorder by the treating candidate were on medication, in contrast to only 20% of clinic patients with the same diagnosis. Similar differences were seen in the case of anxiety disorders. Given the prevalence of affective and anxiety disorders in control cases and the availability of a variety of medications and psychotherapies with documented efficacy in treating these disorders, candidates should be trained to discuss treatment options with patients who present with Axis I disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Examines an Institute of Medicine report that explored social and behavioral research to devise multipronged intervention strategies using the theories of argumentation of Chaim Perelman. Attributes inherent to argumentation; Categories of audiences; Actions characteristic of public health interventions.

The process of evaluating the Australian National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) is described. The campaign consists of activities in education, treatment, research and legislative controls. Because of the complex nature of the campaign, a range of evaluation activities was used, including activity monitoring, process and outcome evaluations and the establishment of an expert task force to undertake an assessment of the overall impact of the first three years of the campaign. The conduct of the task force's approach is described and some positive and negative lessons are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at a meeting of the Forum on Food and Health on the role of breakfast in determining a healthy life is presented. Nutritionists are interested in determining the impact of breakfast on cholesterol count and obesity. Effect of change in food habits with growing age was analyzed. The meeting featured several nutritionists including W.D.B. Hamilton, Margaret Whichelow, and Michael O'Donnell.

Suggests on how rehabilitation professionals can teach adaptive techniques and equipment to people with diabetes. Recommended features by the National Task Force On Diabetes and Vision Impairment; List of recommended devices by the authors; Suggestions for rehabilitation workers.

The article announces that Margaret Hamilton was selected as executive director of the Stulberg International String Competition.