Views of chartered physiotherapists on the psychological content of their practice: a preliminary study in the United Kingdom. (1/30)
BACKGROUND: Although research into the psychological aspects of sports injury is increasing and psychological interventions have been identified as important in the rehabilitation process, few studies have focused on how sports medicine practitioners deal with psychological problems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perceptions of English chartered physiotherapists on the psychological content of their practice. METHODS: The Physiotherapist and Sport Psychology Questionnaire (PSPQ) was adapted slightly from the Athletic Trainer and Sport Psychology Questionnaire and used in this study. A survey package comprising a PSPQ, introductory letter, and self addressed envelope was mailed to 179 chartered physiotherapists registered in the England Eastern Region Sports Medicine Directory. RESULTS: In total, 90 (50% response rate) questionnaires were returned. The sample consisted of 67 women and 23 men with a mean (SD) age of 40.1 (5.4) years and 9.2 (3.1) years of experience as chartered physiotherapists. Descriptive statistical and qualitative analysis showed that physiotherapists believed athletes were often psychologically affected by injury. The physiotherapists also reported often using psychological techniques when treating injured athletes, but few reported having access to a sport psychologist for referral. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicates that future physiotherapy education may need more emphasis on the psychological aspect of injury, and seek to increase knowledge on the potential of using psychological interventions within a physiotherapy rehabilitation programme. Furthermore, some form of referral network should be established between chartered physiotherapists and sport psychologists. (+info)Objectivity in psychoanalytic assessment of couple relationships. (2/30)
BACKGROUND: Clinicians claim that partners in a couple can be understood to share a mode of relating, at an unconscious level. Assessment of this depends on inference from observable data. This study tests the viability and reliability of a modification of the Personal Relatedness Profile (PRP) for this purpose. AIMS: To test the interrater reliability and construct validity of a joint PRP score for couples. METHOD: Seven therapists independently rated couples' interactions using the 30-item PRP and segments of videotaped interviews with 19 couples. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was good and correlations between items clearly supported the underlying Kleinian bipolar model used (paranoid-schizoid/ depressive positions). CONCLUSIONS: Psychoanalytic couple psychotherapists agree in independent judgements of the nature of couple functioning, these judgements being based on envisaging couples in terms of an unconsciously shared state of mind. (+info)First report of a psychosocial intervention for patients with alcohol-related liver disease undergoing liver transplantation. (3/30)
Performing transplantations in patients with alcoholic liver disease raises great concerns for both clinicians and lay people, not least because of the fear that relapse back to drinking after the procedure may lead to poor outcomes. Therefore it is important to develop and evaluate new strategies for assessing and supporting such patients. A program of psychosocial intervention was developed to assist patients undergoing transplantation for alcoholic liver disease in coping with their alcohol problems. We describe a feasibility study of its implementation in a group of 20 such patients. This report shows that it is feasible to deliver a time-limited psychological intervention to patients undergoing assessment for liver transplantation. The intervention was readily integrated into the usual transplantation process and was acceptable to both patients and staff. Further research is required to clarify its impact on longer-term outcome measures. (+info)Depression in later life: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. (4/30)
Depression in elderly persons is widespread, often undiagnosed, and usually untreated. The current system of care is fragmented and inadequate, and staff at residential and other facilities often are ill-equipped to recognize and treat patients with depression. Because there is no reliable diagnostic test, a careful clinical evaluation is essential. Depressive illness in later life should be treated with antidepressants that are appropriate for use in geriatric patients. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, including consideration of electroconvulsive treatment in some cases, is important. The overall long-term prognosis for elderly depressed patients is good. (+info)Unmet demands for health care among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: indications for underuse? (5/30)
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of unmet health care demands among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to determine if these unmet demands indicate underuse. METHODS: A total of 679 patients with RA participated in a questionnaire survey and clinical examination. Unmet health care demands and health care use were assessed for orthopedic care, allied health care, home care, and psychosocial care. Indications for underuse were determined by comparing health outcomes of patients with unmet health care demands and of health care users. RESULTS: Of the 679 patients, 28.7% had an unmet demand for 1 of the 4 services: 13.4% for allied health care, 9.7% for orthopedic care, 9.4% for home care, and 6.2% for psychosocial care. Underuse of allied health care, home care and psychosocial care was observed. CONCLUSION: Unmet demands for health care are frequent among RA patients. Most unmet demands indicate underuse. Health care professionals should therefore be more responsive to the demands of patients. (+info)Evaluation of the support services provided to deaf children attending secondary general schools in Cyprus. (6/30)
Deaf children have been integrated into secondary schools in Cyprus since 1990. This article reports the results of a major study carried out in Cyprus, the aim of which was to evaluate for the first time the support services available for deaf children receiving their education in secondary general schools. For the purposes of our study, four types of questionnaires were designed and administered to all deaf children integrated into secondary general schools, as well as to their parents, teachers, and head teachers. All participants stressed that the support services are vital for the children's academic success and social integration. The main support services identified by the participants in our study were: one-to-one and group sessions; presence of co-coordinators (special teachers of the deaf); "acoustical treatment" of the classrooms; provision and management of personal amplification, psychological support, and counseling; and in-service training for designated teachers. The majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with the support services offered to them. They also made some suggestions for the improvement of the integration of deaf children into secondary schools in Cyprus. (+info)The effects of methylphenidate on a functional analysis of disruptive behavior: a replication and extension. (7/30)
In the present investigation, a functional analysis of the disruptive behavior of a 18-year-old man who had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate mental retardation was conducted, both when he was taking methylphenidate and when he was not taking the medication. The results of this functional analysis demonstrated that the participant's disruptive behaviors were reinforced by access to attention only when he was not taking methylphenidate. (+info)Nonpharmacologic and complementary approaches to cancer pain management. (8/30)
Nonpharmacologic interventions are important adjuncts to treatment modalities for patients with cancer pain. A variety of modalities can be used to reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life. Physicians may feel relatively uninformed about which modalities have been used for patients with cancer and which have scientific support. This article reviews a few of the nonpharmacologic and complementary and alternative modalities commonly used by patients with cancer pain. It focuses on those modalities that have empirical support or promising preliminary evidence, with the goal of familiarizing physicians with treatment modalities that may complement regular oncologic care. (+info)Psychological techniques generally refer to various methods and approaches used in psychology to help individuals manage their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. These techniques are often based on scientific research and theories from fields such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic psychology, and positive psychology. Here are some examples of psychological techniques:
1. Cognitive restructuring: This technique involves identifying and challenging negative or distorted thinking patterns to replace them with more realistic and adaptive ones.
2. Mindfulness meditation: Practicing mindfulness means focusing on the present moment without judgment, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Exposure therapy: This is a technique used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Systematic desensitization: A form of exposure therapy that involves pairing relaxation techniques with increasingly intense exposures to a feared stimulus.
5. Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help individuals process emotions, gain self-awareness, and track progress in therapy.
6. Role-playing: Acting out scenarios or conversations can help people practice new skills, build confidence, and improve communication.
7. Mental imagery: Visualizing positive outcomes or situations can help change negative thought patterns and promote personal growth.
8. Emotion regulation strategies: Learning to identify, understand, and manage emotions is an essential skill for mental well-being. Techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and distraction.
9. Behavioral activation: Engaging in enjoyable activities can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
10. Assertiveness training: This technique teaches individuals how to express their needs and desires clearly and respectfully while maintaining healthy boundaries.
These psychological techniques are often used by mental health professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, and counselors, to help clients overcome various emotional and behavioral challenges. However, some techniques can also be self-taught or practiced independently with the guidance of books, online resources, or support groups.