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Biomedical subjects

D M Donovan

Publications and source records attributed to D M Donovan.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

Shifts in perceptual differentiation and defense mechanisms in alcoholics.

The Group Embedded Figures Test and the Defense Mechanism Inventory were administered to 50 alcoholics approximately 10 days after admission and again after about 6 weeks of treatment. The posttreatment scores on the embedded figures test were significantly higher, more field independent, than initial scores. Ss also had significantly higher scores on the defense of turning against an object and lower scores on reversal when compared to pretreatment scores on the defense inventory. The changes in defensive style were not related to the initial level of or changes in perceptual differentiation.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1975

Relationships among locus of control, self-concept, and anxiety.

Sixty male alcoholic inpatients were administered the Locus of Control scale (IE), the Activity Preference Questionnaire (APQ), the Manifest Anxiety scale (MAS), and the Tennessee Self Concept scale (TSCS). Ss defined as having an external locus of control appeared significantly more anxious than internal Ss on the MAS; however, no differences were found between groups on the APQ or TSCS scales. The self-report (MAS) and nonobtrusive (APQ) measures of anxiety were not correlated significantly. A differential pattern of correlations was found between the MAS and APQ and TCSC subscale scores. The obtained correlations support the contention that the MAS may measure more accurately a dimension of neuroticism and/or negative self-concept rather than anxiety. Further research appears necessary to investigate the internal consistency and dimensionality of the MAS.

Alcoholism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multidimensional assessment of anger in Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

This study examined the effects of combat exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on dimensions of anger in Vietnam veterans. Vietnam combat veterans were compared with Vietnam era veterans without war zone duty on the Multidimensional Anger Inventory (MAI). Combat veterans were not significantly more angry than their veteran peers who did not serve in Southeast Asia. Additionally, various parameters of war zone duty were not highly associated with anger scores. However, combat veterans with PTSD scored significantly higher than veterans without PTSD on measures of anger arousal, range of anger-eliciting situations, hostile attitudinal outlook, and tendency to hold anger in. These results suggest that PTSD, rather than war zone duty, is associated with various dimensions of angry affect.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sources of motivation for abstinence: a replication analysis of the reasons for quitting questionnaire.

The Reasons for Quitting Questionnaire (RFQ) as modified by McBride and colleagues (C. M. McBride et al., 1994) for use with substance users other than tobacco smokers, was administered to individuals approved for public-sector addiction treatment. Four motivation dimensions, similar to those found by McBride et al., were identified: self-concept issues, health concerns, legal issues, and social influence. A forced two-component solution yielded dimensions interpretable as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Self-concept issues provided the highest levels of motivation for abstinence in this sample, with moderate levels provided by health concerns, and the lowest levels provided by legal and social influence components. Intrinsic motivation was higher than extrinsic motivation. Logistic regression models, with adjustment for total motivation, tested the association of successful abstinence during a follow-up period with baseline extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and with the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic levels. All three associations were significant: intrinsic motivation (positive association), extrinsic motivation (negative association), and the difference score (positive association). The results suggest the usefulness of the 20-item modified RFQ in evaluating motivation for abstinence among treatment seekers exhibiting severe negative consequences of addiction. Testing with samples varying in severity of addiction consequences is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

To thine own self be true: self-concept and motivation for abstinence among substance abusers.

Individuals approved for public-sector addiction treatment were interviewed regarding their reasons for attempting abstinence. Follow-up interviews were completed 3 to 6 months after participants' removal from county-controlled treatment wait-lists. Rates of continuous self-reported abstinence for 90 days preceding follow-up were positively associated with motivation linked to discrepancies between substance use and self-standards. Characteristics associated with high identity-linked motivation were cocaine preference, a history of reducing self-dissatisfaction through substance use, low rewards and high costs associated with using. and low support for the user identity among significant others. The perception of discrepancies between substance use and self-standards was an effective motivator of abstinence even among those who reported previous use of substances to dampen self-dissatisfaction.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Integrating skills training and motivational therapies. Implications for the treatment of substance dependence.

Two well-articulated models of substance abuse treatment, skills training and motivational enhancement, have received considerable research attention in recent years. Skills training treatments operate on the underlying rationale of correcting skills deficits, whereas motivational strategies are based on affecting clients' willingness to use skills they already possess. Skills training and motivational enhancement are typically described as distinct treatments and have recently been constructed as different treatments within a large multisite trial in the United States (Project MATCH). This article explores how treatments for substance abuse can draw from and integrate skills training and motivational strategies. Recovery from addictive patterns of behavior often requires learning over time and typically involves slips, relapses, and multiple quit attempts. Therapeutic support for change in addictive behavior, in particular attempting to prevent and minimize relapse, requires assessment and support of both why one might pursue change (motivation) and how one can best be successful (skills).

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Esophagogastric adenocarcinoma in an E1A/E1B transgenic model involves p53 disruption.

We studied tumorigenesis and p53 immunostaining in a murine transgenic model introducing E1A/E1B under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR) promoter in which adenocarcinoma occurs at the squamocolumnar junction in the foregut, predominantly in males, and at no other site. Mutations of p53 are frequent in human esophageal adenocarcinoma and the E1B gene product interferes with p53-mediated apoptosis, inhibiting tumor suppression at the G(1)/S checkpoint. Transgenic animals were generated utilizing a purified linear 6.7 kb fragment of plasmid DNA containing MMTV-LTR/E1A/E1B and were confirmed by dot blot hybridization of tail DNA to (32)P-labeled E1A/E1B probe and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of E1A. Transgenic and control animals were observed for morbidity and weight changes. Eleven of 45 animals were transgenic (24% efficiency) with an estimated 5 to 57 copies of the gene per genome. Profound weight loss (>20%) led to sacrifice or death of one of five females (at 12 weeks) and four of six males (at 16 to 17 weeks). Grossly visible tumors (2 to 10 mm) were noted in the forestomach at the visible margin between the proximal (squamous-lined) stomach and the distal glandular stomach. Histologic sections confirmed adenocarcinoma arising in each case at the squamocolumnar junction with glandular formation, pleomorphism, and frequent mitotic figures. Immunostaining was positive for p53 indicating accumulation of mutated or altered p53 protein. E1A/E1B transgenic animals developed macroscopic and microscopic adenocarcinoma at the squamocolumnar junction, which corresponds to adenocarcinoma at the human esophagogastric junction. Disruption of p53 was present in the transgenic model as in the human cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Using naltrexone in inpatient alcoholism treatment.

Naltrexone has been used successfully in outpatient settings as an adjunct to alcoholism treatment. This study examines the efficacy of using naltrexone in an inpatient treatment setting. Sixty-three alcohol-dependent patients who volunteered for a double-blind, placebo-controlled study were followed over the course of their 20 days in treatment and six months follow-up. A comparison group of 59 patients who did not volunteer were also studied over the same period of time. Patients in the study group were randomly assigned to receive naltrexone or placebo. Information was gathered daily on alcohol craving, drug craving and moods on self-reporting forms from the naltrexone and placebo groups, and from the comparison group. Follow-up data was gathered through self-report and through Washington State's TARGET management information system. No significant differences were found in craving scores while in treatment, nor in recidivism after treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical limitations of neuropsychological testing in predicting treatment outcome among alcoholics.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate a number of factors that may influence the relationship between neuropsychological impairment and treatment outcome among alcoholics. Cognitive deficit upon admission to treatment was significantly related to the individual's age but independent of the years of problem drinking and the recency of the last drink prior to assessment. Significant improvement was noted on measures of neuropsychological function over the period from treatment admission to 6-month follow-up assessment. On the average, improvement in functioning occurred across time despite drinking relapses during the intervening period. The individual's age, but not years of problem drinking, was associated with recovery of function; neither of these variables interacted with subsequent drinking status to affect differentially the changes in cognitive functioning. Finally, selected measures of neuropsychological function assessed both at admission and 6-month follow-up were reliably related to follow-up employment status but unrelated to the average amount of alcohol consumed per day and to the number of heavy drinking days during the 3-month period between the 6- and 9-month follow-ups. The results are discussed in terms of the need for determining the utility of neuropsychological measures in predicting everyday functioning among alcoholics and for selecting domains of assessment other than cognitive status to predict treatment outcome.

Alcohol Drinking↗