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Biomedical subjects

G Henrich

Publications and source records attributed to G Henrich.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Preprocessing in computed tomography picture analysis: a "bone-deleting" algorithm.

A procedure for automatic deletion of extracranial parts and bone in computed tomography (CT) pictures is presented. Such a procedure is a prerequisite for many types of quantitative image analysis. The algorithm can delineate complex bone contours and is completely independent of information outside the skull. Special options allow, in addition, the deletion of calcified parts of the brain and of some artifacts. The program is implemented in a general program system (PICPRO) developed for CT image analysis and picture manipulation.

Brain↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The effectiveness of the initial interview at a psychosomatic- psychotherapeutic outpatient unit].

In a cross sectional study of 1945 consecutive patients seen at a psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic outpatient unit between 1993 and 1995, we investigated how the therapists assessed the effectiveness of their work and what correlations there were with patient characteristics and with the way the therapists conducted the initial session. The therapists' ratings indicated that about two thirds of the patients benefited from the consultation. In the multivariate analysis of the data the most important determinants of effectiveness were found to be the patient's motivation, the ICD diagnosis, the patient's level of personality organisation and the reason for the consultation. In addition, we did a one-year follow-up of 260 patients to analyse the determinants that help patients to agree to the proposed treatment plan. Of the 235 patients for whom treatment was recommended, 174 (74%) actually began a treatment program. Our results show that a patient is more likely to accept the treatment recommendation if the therapist conducts the session in a certain way (e.g. provides detailed information) and helps the patient to find an appropriate therapist.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Quality of life with cystic fibrosis--aspects of age and gender].

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) becomes more important as primary criterion of quality management in time consuming therapy programs of chronic progressive diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF). Measuring weighted satisfaction of life allows to evaluate subjective aspects of health-related and general quality of life. PATIENTS/METHOD: QoL of 254 CF-patients (age 16-45 years, mean 29.4 years, mean FEV1 62.5 % of the predicted, mean BMI 20.5) was evaluated with the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ(M)), a multi-dimensional QoL questionnaire. QoL results of patients are compared with the QoL of a healthy population. RESULTS: Subjective contentment in health-related life dimensions of German adolescents and adults with CF is significantly lower compared with healthy peers. Women with CF compensate their increased restriction in health-related dimensions by high satisfaction in the dimensions housing and partnership. Women with CF > 35 years have a risk for low life satisfaction, men of this age group are not restricted. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy programs should take into account the subjective perceived QoL. Routine monitoring of QoL can indicate patients with special needs.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychological factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders: characteristics of the disorder or of the illness behavior?

OBJECTIVE: This study examines factors affecting the frequency of physician consultations by individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) in a group of subjects with functional dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. Systematic selection of persons who were already seeing a physician for one of these problems was avoided by conducting an epidemiological field study rather than a clinical study. METHODS: A representative sample of the German population (N=2201) completed a questionnaire that included, in addition to the criterion (number of physician visits in the past 12 months), items aimed at identifying the target group and questions about physical symptoms, illness behavior, living situation, personality features, and sociodemographic status (a total of 31 predictors). RESULTS: Individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders who consulted a physician for their gastrointestinal disorders and those who did not differed significantly, especially on psychological measures. The differences between these individuals and the general population were greater for the consulters than for the nonconsulters. Multiple regression analyses yielded nine predictors that explained 40.2% of the variance of the criterion. The best predictors of frequency of physician consultations were the duration of periods with symptoms and psychological factors, such as the severity of depression and the patients' views on the cause of their illness. CONCLUSIONS: The psychopathology seen in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders is of two types: one is a characteristic of the illness itself and the other leads the individual to consult a physician. When gastroenterologists see patients with such disorders, they can assume that they may be dealing with a self-selected group of individuals with psychological stress. Psychological assessment would, therefore, be useful to determine whether a given individual with FGD might benefit from psychotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Need for psychosocial counseling--a comparison of women and men in East and West Germany].

The increasing use of psychosocial medical care by women has resulted in a wider range of counselling facilities for specific problems concerning women over the last few years. According to our survey including the population of both Western and Eastern Germany, however, there is no evidence that women have a greater need for counselling activities than men. Needs for counselling are more freely admitted by women than by men; counselling needs for so-called "women's problems" are more commonly observed in Eastern Germany, whereas male oriented problems predominate in Western Germany. The highest need for counselling exists in the field of "Health" and "Social Security".

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mutual stress and support in couples with one cancer patient].

Sources of distress and support were assessed in a prospective study covering 149 couples with a cancer patient on outpatient chemotherapy, with an overall equally high impact of disease. Distress levels in spouses were found as high as in patients, showing a moderate relation within couples. From multivariate regression analyses spouses' distress proved predominantly determined by characteristics of illness. When broken down according to gender, factors contributing to couples' distress varied. Couples' distress was found more closely related to each other with female patients, with spouses relying more on their ill wives, compared to couples with male patients. Whereas female patients' distress was determined by the degree of role limitations, male patients appeared more vulnerable to the psychological impact of illness. Though couples' estimated social support from various sources was estimated greatly helpful, no effects were found on patients' and spouses' distress, respectively. Conclusions in respect of family-oriented interventions are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗