Somatization symptoms and hypochondriacal features in the general population.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The principal goal of this study is to examine the base rates of somatoform symptoms and of hypochondriacal features in the general population.

METHODS:

A representative sample of 2050 persons in Germany was examined by use of screening for somatoform symptoms and the Whiteley Index.

RESULTS:

A meta-analytic examination of basal cardiovascular activity in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this meta-analytic study was to determine whether individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have higher levels of basal cardiovascular activity relative to comparable groups of individuals without PTSD.

METHODS:

Longitudinal MRI study of hippocampal volume in trauma survivors with PTSD.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors prospectively explored whether a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus occurs in recent trauma survivors who develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD:

Thirty-seven survivors of traumatic events were assessed within a week of the traumatic event and 6 months later. The assessment included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (including 124 coronal slices of 1.5-mm thickness), psychometric testing, and structured clinical interviews. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale conferred PTSD diagnoses at 6 months.

Symptoms of dissociation in humans experiencing acute, uncontrollable stress: a prospective investigation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Peritraumatic dissociation has been associated with subsequent development of posttraumatic stress disorder, but supporting data have been largely retrospective. The current study was designed to assess the nature and prevalence of dissociative symptoms in healthy humans experiencing acute, uncontrollable stress during U.S. Army survival training.

METHOD:

Prediction of psychological outcomes one year after a motor vehicle accident.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors' goal was to identify predictors of 1-year outcomes for consecutive patients in a hospital emergency department following motor vehicle accidents and to describe the prevalence and course of four types of psychiatric outcomes after such accidents.

METHOD:

Psychological impact of the hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua in a one-year perspective.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Whereas natural disasters more commonly occur in low-income countries, almost all studies on psychological consequences have been conducted in the Western world. In countries where resources are poor it is of importance to know which groups should be targeted for early intervention after a disaster. The study aims at assessing the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and of post-traumatic symptoms among people afflicted by hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and at identifying risk factors for PTSD symptoms 6 months following a disaster.

Frequent attenders in general practice: a retrospective 20-year follow-up study.

Abstract

We describe a 20-year retrospective study of 58 patients with a cross-matched control group in one practice, who initially attended more than 12 times in 1975. The study establishes that frequent attendance is not consistent; the majority of high-attending patients in general practice revert over a short period of time to a normal consulting pattern. Diseases, rather than patients, appear to dictate high consulting rates. Consistent high attendance is largely owing to multiple pathology.

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