Childhood abuse has been implicated as a leading factor in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Data in this report, drawn from an ongoing study of the therapeutic effect of fluoxetine in BPD patients, were gathered in an attempt to replicate previous findings indicating a history of physical abuse in 71% and sexual abuse in 67% of adult BPD subjects. Thirty-one subjects for a study of the pharmacological treatment of BPD or BPD traits met criteria for the study. Those who had been previously hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder, who had recently been suicidal, or who had recent histories of self-mutilation were excluded. Specific information about childhood abuse was gathered using questions from a previous study of abuse histories in BPD patients. All subjects were then interviewed in greater depth regarding past experiences of abuse as part of the ongoing study of the relationship of childhood attachment experience and adult psychopathology. Six of 31 subjects (19.4%) reported a definite history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. Four of these subjects met criteria for full BPD, and two met criteria for BPD traits. Three of 31 subjects reported a history of physical abuse (9.7%); five reported a history of sexual abuse (16.1%). Two of the six who reported abuse reported both physical and sexual abuse. A history of childhood abuse is not necessarily linked to the development of BPD or BPD traits in all individuals. The following hypothesis is suggested: BPD may represent a spectrum of symptomatic severity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of a geriatric mental health training program for nursing personnel in rural long-term care facilities.

Although mental illness among elderly living in nursing homes is a substantial and growing concern, the behavioral problems associated with mental illness or threats to mental health are not well understood, tolerated, or effectively managed by nursing home staff. As a result, resident care and quality of life, and staff morale often suffer. The need for geriatric mental health training in long-term care settings has become increasingly apparent. Psychiatric/mental health nurses are in an advantageous position to address this current need and future challenge through the development, implementation, and evaluation of geriatric mental health education and training programs in long-term care settings. This article describes one such innovative training effort, designed to improve the quality of psychosocial care provided by nursing personnel in rural long-term care settings, and highlights evaluation outcomes related to participant satisfaction, staff knowledge, and attitudes.

Aged↗

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Maxillary post-traumatic outcome correction. Literature review and personal experience. Part III: loss of maxillary substance (free flaps-distraction osteogenesis).

Revascularised free flaps retain dual vascularisation, both periosteal and medullary, undoubtedly present optimal survival and minimal re-absorption in view of the prevalence of osteogenetic rather than osteoclastic phenomena. A revascularised free bone flap involves the transfer of a certain amount of bone tissue, whether or not associated with a muscular, skin and/or facial component, with the features of an axial flap, dissecting the vascular stalk of the donor site and re-anastomosing both the arterial and the venous components on to recipient vessels in the site of the primary defect. The vessels in question measure only about 2-4 mm, so that micro-surgery techniques must be applied. For bone defects less than 6 cm, with upkeep of the mandibular or maxillary cortical bone and preservation of the soft tissues, with residual bone of at least 8 mm in height and 4 mm in thickness, alveolar distraction may represent a valid alternative to bone grafts, at the same time as ensuring an increase of the alveolar bone and intraoral soft tissues involved in the distraction process.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied