Biomedical subjects

B C Frueh

Publications and source records attributed to B C Frueh.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Interrelationship between MMPI-2 and Rorschach variables in a sample of Vietnam veterans with PTSD.

We examined interrelationships between theoretically related MMPI-2 and Rorschach variables in a sample of Veterans Affairs outpatients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Subjects were 20 White Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD who completed the Rorschach and MMPI-2 as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Correlations were calculated for variables in three groups: validity, depression and anxiety, and thought disturbance. Results showed strong relationships between m, MOR, and the Dramatic special score of the Rorschach and MMPI-2 indices of distress. Positive relationships were also found for some indicators of thought disturbance, whereas correlations for other depressive indicators were not significant. Findings are discussed with regard to implications for the clinical assessment of combat-related PTSD and future directions for assessment research.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The susceptibility of the Rorschach Inkblot Test to malingering of combat-related PTSD.

The ability of subjects to alter their responses on the Rorschach and self-report measures to fake the symptoms of combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was investigated. Subjects were 40 White male undergraduates, randomly assigned to either a control or role-informed malingerer group, and 20 White Vietnam veterans with PTSD. Subjects were administered the Rorschach, MMPI-2 validity scales, and Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD. Results indicated that malingerers were able to achieve scores similar to the PTSD patients on the Mississippi Scale and some Rorschach variables. However, they evidenced significant differences on the MMPI-2 validity scales and several important Rorschach variables. Malingerers typically gave responses that were overly dramatic and less complicated, less emotionally restrained, and indicated an exaggerated sense of impaired reality testing as compared to PTSD patients. Behavioral differences were also noted between the groups. Findings are discussed in the context of the study's limitations and the practical detection of malingered PTSD in clinical settings.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Chronicity of symptoms in combat veterans with PTSD treated by the VA mental health system.

Self-report questionnaire data, collected at two stages of treatment, are presented for a group of 40 combat veterans with PTSD treated within the VA mental health system. Patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Mississippi Scale, and Dissociative Experiences Scale prior to treatment at a PTSD outpatient clinic and at midtreatment follow-up. Patients' symptom reports at follow-up were not correlated with length of time in treatment. Further, results suggest that patients' self-reported symptoms on these measures do not show evidence of improvement after entry into the VA mental health system. Explanations for this apparent chronicity of symptoms are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Flooding versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy: relative efficacy has yet to be investigated--comment on Pitman et al (1996)

Pitman et al. recently published a pair of studies on the relationship between indicators of emotional processing and outcome in flooding therapy (Compr Psychiatry 1996;37:409-416) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR; Compr Psychiatry 1996;37:419-429). Among their conclusions, they asserted EMDR was found to be at least as effective flooding in the treatment of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and produced fewer adverse consequences. Although this research constitutes an important contribution to the literature on psychosocial treatments for PTSD, their conclusions regarding the relative effectiveness of these two treatments are unwarranted. The bases of our objections are that (1) assignment of participants to treatment conditions was nonrandom, and (2) several significant procedural differences existed between the two studies in addition to the specific treatments under investigation. These include different inclusion and exclusion criteria, the confounding of psychological treatment with psychiatric medication status, and differences in assessment procedures. Since the two treatments were not compared in a single head-to-head controlled trial, we conclude that their relative efficacy has yet to be investigated.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Self-reported symptoms of social anxiety in a sample of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-reported levels of social anxiety among combat veterans was assessed using the Social Phobia and Anxiety inventory (SPAI). Participants were 45 veterans with combat-related PTSD assessed using a multimeasure assessment package. The veterans reported a high level of social anxiety and agoraphobia-like symptoms. Agoraphobia scores were predicted by PTSD severity and elevated by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales of acute distress and psychopathology. Social phobia scores were predicted by severity of depression. The relationship between social anxiety, depression, and PTSD is discussed. Implications for the assessment and treatment of PTSD are also discussed.

Agoraphobia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Does EMDR work? And if so, why?: a critical review of controlled outcome and dismantling research.

Research on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) was reviewed to answer the questions "Does EMDR work?" and "If so, Why?" This first question was further subdivided on the basis of the control group: (a) no-treatment (or wait list control), (b) nonvalidated treatments, and (c) other validated treatments. The evidence supports the following general conclusions: First, EMDR appears to be effective in reducing at least some indices of distress relative to no-treatment in a number of anxiety conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and public-speaking anxiety. Second, EMDR appears at least as effective or more effective than several nonvalidated treatments (e.g., relaxation, active listening) for posttraumatic stress reactions. Third, despite statements implying the contrary, no previously published study has directly compared EMDR with an independently validated treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., therapist-directed flooding). In the treatment of simple phobia, participant modeling has been found to be more effective than EMDR. Fourth, our review of dismantling studies reveals there is no convincing evidence that eye movements significantly contribute to treatment outcome. Recommendations regarding further research directions are provided.

Anxiety Disorders↗