Developing evidence-based practice: the role of case-based research

How can practitioners engage in evidence-based practice when the evidence for effectiveness of psychological treatments comes from randomized controlled trials using patient populations different from those encountered in everyday settings and treatment manuals that seem oversimplified and inflexible? The authors argue that important evidence about best practice comes from case-based research, which builds knowledge in a clinically useful manner and complements what is achieved by multivariate research methods. A multidimensional model of the research process is provided that includes clinical practice and case-based research as significant contributors. The authors summarize the principles of case-based research and provide examples of recent technical advances. Finally, the authors suggest ways in which practitioners can apply the case-based approach in researching and publishing their own cases, perhaps in collaboration with university-based researchers

Victimisation in the lives of lesbian-identified women in South Africa : implications for clinical assessment and treatment

Few clinical studies have examined victimisation in the lives of lesbian women in South Africa and whether there are distinct implications for psychological treatment. This paper presents the assessment and treatment of a lesbian-identified South African survivor of childhood sexual abuse who, as an adult, was raped and later gang raped. Her victimisation in adulthood represented ‘corrective rape’ motivated by the prejudiced assumption that the sexuality of lesbian women is pathological and should be ‘corrected’ through rape. This paper lends insights into the role of heterosexism in shaping vulnerability to victimisation and the process of recovery. It provides recommendations for work with sexual minority clients and highlights the implications when there is an absence of safety and support in the external environment

Terapia cognitiva : aplicações de uma técnica para qualidade de vida e saúde

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo geral aplicar e avaliar uma técnica específica de terapia cognitiva - organizada em 12 sessões grupais e denominada Tomada de Decisão e Qualidade de Vida -, destinada a promover saúde e incrementar qualidade de vida. No total, participaram 18 servidores de uma instituição pública de ensino superior. Nas etapas de admissão e de encerramento, aplicaram-se : Questionário de Qualidade de Vida, Inventário Beck de Ansiedade e Inventário Beck de Depressão. Foram identificadas melhoras significativas nos domínios físico, psicológico, meio ambiente, geral e saúde, relacionados à qualidade de vida. Não se verificaram alterações significantes nos escores de ansiedade (p=0,26). Em contrapartida, os escores de depressão indicaram melhora (p=0,02). Os resultados sugerem que a técnica pode ser empregada para promover saúde e qualidade de vida.In this study we implemented and assessed a specific cognitive therapy technique - Decision Making and Quality of Life, which is used to promote health and improve quality of life. Eighteen employees from a higher education institution participated in the study, which was organized into 12 group sessions. At the admission and concluding phases, we asked participants to complete the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results showed significant improvement in five of the domains that measure quality of life: physical, psychological, environmental, general, and health. There were no significant changes (p=0.26) in anxiety scores. In contrast, the depression scores got significantly better (p=0.02). The results suggest that the proposed technique is conducive to health promotion and quality of life

Crisis intervention techniques for panic disorder.

Panic disorder is estimated to affect more than 4% of the U.S. population. It is assumed that this incident rate increases during crisis situations. While the professional literature is replete with references on the treatment of panic disorders, few authors address the use of nondrug treatment in conjunction with crisis intervention. This article provides an overview of the latest nonpharmacologic interventions for panic along with a description of their effectiveness in reducing the onset of symptomatology as well as preventing relapse during crisis

An Empirical Survey on Psychological Testing and the Use of the Term Psychological: Turf Battles or Clinical Necessity?

The issue of who, in addition to psychologists, is actually qualified to administer, score, and interpret psychological testing has been a matter of ongoing debate for decades. With the advent of licensing laws for other mental health professionals (e.g., professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers), many professionals now contend that their laws permit them to utilize psychological testing, provided that they have the appropriate training and experience. This article presents a discussion of the issue of psychological testing as well as the adjoining issue of who is permitted to use terms such as psychologist and psychological. The results of a survey that was conducted, to which a response was received by every psychology licensing board in the United States and Canada, indicate that of all 62 jurisdictions, 61 restrict the use of the terms psychologist and psychological to those who hold a valid license to practice psychology. Of the total sample polled, 67.2% indicated that their jurisdiction prohibits other licensed professionals from conducting psychological testing. A discussion section highlights some of the exceptions, along with the dilemmas and future concerns regarding this topic and potential remedies. © 2007 American Psychological Association