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Biomedical subjects

B J Powell

Publications and source records attributed to B J Powell.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Outcomes of co-morbid alcoholic men: a 1-year follow-up.

In this prospective, 1-year study, 360 males admitted to an inpatient alcoholism treatment program were administered a DSM-III compatible structured interview and subtyped by co-occurring psychiatric disorder. Forty percent satisfied diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence while 27% met criteria for alcohol dependence and one additional psychiatric syndrome. The dually diagnosed patients were divided into: alcohol dependence plus drug abuse, alcohol dependence plus antisocial personality and alcohol dependence plus depression. These subtypes were compared on multiple dimensions at intake and at 1-year follow-up. At follow-up, all groups showed significant improvement in drinking and psychosocial functioning. The results suggest that subtyping alcoholics by co-morbid psychiatric disorders may be a good postdictor of clinical history, but a poor predictor of drinking outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Clinical management of father-daughter incest. A critical reexamination.

The professional literature relevant to child incest cases is reviewed. Four questions related to clinical management are examined. Although physical separation of the offending parent and child is typically recommended, there is insufficient evidence to support the belief that an incestuous relationship per se is inevitably harmful to the mental health of the child. It is suggested that exclusive focus on the sexual relationship can sometimes prevent the clinician from providing maximum assistance to the child and family. A representative case history is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Determinants of locus of control orientation in male alcoholics.

Investigated various demographic correlates of locus of control orientation in 123 male alcoholics. The social functioning of alcoholics was associated significantly with locus of control. It was suggested that conflicting results among similar studies probably are due to the differing social or demographic characteristics of the samples that were used.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Medical problems of the alcoholic in nonmedical treatment.

The ambivalence about chronic alcohol abuse among health and related professionals can result in their failure to appreciate medical complications frequently associated with this disorder. Data from 81 male alcoholics are presented in this article to illustrate their increased risk of physical illness and premature death. The authors point to the need for more effective screening and monitoring procedures in alcoholism programs as well as improved training of professionals.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Clinical correlates of the PRF Androgyny scale in an alcoholic population.

Clinical correlates of the PRF Andro were examined in an alcoholic population. Measures included the Sensation Seeking Scale, Eysenck Personality Inventory, Symptom checklist--90, the Cornell Medical Index and Rotter's Locus of Control. Of 28 possible relationships, only five measures were found to be weakly associated with androgynous subtypes. Androgynous subtypes appear largely unrelated to the psychological and physical health of alcoholics.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Differentiation of alcoholics by family history.

Alcoholics having a family history of alcoholism tended to drink at an earlier age and to have more social and personal problems than do alcoholics not having a family history of alcoholism.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Disaster-relief training and mental health.

The author describes a training program in diaster-relief agencies. The program is designed to improve their over-all understanding of disaster-relief work and to increase their sensitivity to the emotional needs of disaster victims. Based on the recommendations of a state task force report, it consists of a workshop that makes use of videotapes and learning exercises to help participants improve their listening skills, learn problem-solving techniques, become aware of behavioral signs that can alert them to victims' emotional reactions, and familiarize them with the work of other relief agencies.

Crisis Intervention↗
PubMed1977

Pharmacological aftercare for homogeneous groups of patients.

In a study to evaluate the effectiveness of specific pharmacological treatment groups, former VA inpatients who have similar diagnoses and respond satisfatorily to drug treatment join a Prolixin group, a lithium group, or an affective disorder group. In monthly meetings patients learn about their illness, the importance of the taking medication as prescribed, and possible side-effects; they also receive psychological support. The 85 patients who joined the groups during the first 12 months attended 87.3 per cent of the sessions. Twenty per cent of them were rehospitalized, about half of them because they did not take medication as prescribed. The authors believe the groups are an economical and effective way to provide aftercare.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Acquired preference for morphine but no d-amphetamine as a result of saccharine adulteration.

Consumption of morphine sulfate and d-amphetamine was studied in two groups of rats. In a choice situation, preference for both drugs remained low after 46 days of drinking. In two additional groups morphine and d-amphetamine solutions were prepared with 1% saccharine. Morphine drinking was significantly increased by saccharine adulteration, whereas drinking of amphetamine solutions decreased. Addition of saccharine to morphine solutions increased drinking in more than a simple additive way. Saccharine facilitates the acquisition of drug-directed behavior. The slope of the acquisition trials for the morphine-saccharine group was significantly different from horizontal (O-slope) and significantly different from the slope found for the morphine without saccharine group.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Cocaine and morphine self-administration: effects of differential rearing.

Two groups of Wistar rats were reared in either enriched or impoverished conditions for 100 days postweaning. These two groups were further divided and tested for cocaine or morphine preference in a two-bottle choice (water alternative) for 16 days. Enriched and impoverished rearing has previously been found to alter emotionality, conditionability, and body weight of adult rats. Validating previous reports of differential rearing effects on body weight, the enriched animals in the present study weighed less than their litter mates reared in impoverished conditions. Animals reared in the enriched environment consumed significantly more cocaine than animals reared in an impoverished one. No significant differences were observed for morphine self-selection as a result of differential rearing.

Animals↗