A Comparison of Schemas, Schema Modes and Childhood Traumas in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Chronic Pain Disorder and Eating Disorders

BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated early maladaptive schemas (EMS), schema modes and childhood traumas in patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in contrast to patients with other Axis I disorders. Based on cognitive theories on OCD, our main research question was whether schemas belonging to the domain of 'impaired autonomy and performance' are more prevalent in OCD than in both eating disorders (ED) and chronic pain disorder (CPD). SAMPLING AND METHODS EMS, schema modes and traumatic childhood experiences were measured in 60 patients with OCD, 41 with ED, 40 with CPD and 142 healthy controls. To analyze differences between the groups, MANCOVAs were conducted followed by deviation contrasts. Depression level, age and gender were considered as possible covariates. RESULTS OCD patients scored higher on 4 EMS, 2 of which belong to the domain 'impaired autonomy and performance'. ED patients had higher scores in the EMS 'emotional inhibition' and CPD patients on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire subscale 'physical neglect'. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that there might be typical schema patterns associated with OCD and ED. We can also conclude that a higher prevalence of traumatic experiences does not necessarily coincide with more EMS and schema modes

Psychological and nutritional correlates of objectively assessed physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a role in the course of anorexia nervosa (AN). Objective: To assess the association between PA, nutritional status and psychological parameters in patients with AN. Method: Using a wearable activity monitor, PA was assessed in 60 female AN inpatients, by step count and time spent in 4 metabolic equivalent (MET)-intensity levels: sedentary behaviour, light, moderate and vigorous PA. In addition, BMI, psychological (patient-reported outcome questionnaires) and nutritional parameters (body fat, energy and macronutrient intake) were assessed. Results: The study population spent little time in vigorous PA. BMI on admission and discharge was higher when more time was spent in sedentary behaviour, and lower with more time spent in light PA. Relationships between PA and patient-reported outcomes were weak and limited to an association between vigorous PA and compulsiveness. Low fat mass was associated with more time spent in light PA, while subjects with higher step counts showed less intake of energy, carbohydrates and fat. Conclusion: The relationship between inadequate food intake and increased PA in patients with AN requires further investigation

Factors associated with dropout from treatment for eating disorders: a comprehensive literature review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dropout (DO) is common in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), but the reasons for this phenomenon remain unclear. This study is an extensive review of the literature regarding DO predictors in EDs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All papers in PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library (1980-2009) were considered. Methodological issues and detailed results were analysed for each paper. After selection according to inclusion criteria, 26 studies were reviewed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The dropout rates ranged from 20.2% to 51% (inpatient) and from 29% to 73% (outpatient). Predictors of dropout were inconsistent due to methodological flaws and limited sample sizes. There is no evidence that baseline ED clinical severity, psychiatric comorbidity or treatment issues affect dropout. The most consistent predictor is the binge-purging subtype of anorexia nervosa. Good evidence exists that two psychological traits (high maturity fear and impulsivity) and two personality dimensions (low self-directedness, low cooperativeness) are related to dropout.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Implications for clinical practice and areas for further research are discussed. Particularly, these results highlight the need for a shared definition of dropout in the treatment of eating disorders for both inpatient and outpatient settings. Moreover, the assessment of personality dimensions (impulse control, self-efficacy, maturity fear and others) as liability factors for dropout seems an important issue for creating specific strategies to reduce the dropout phenomenon in eating disorders.</p

L-Ovothiol A: The egg release pheromone of the marine polychaete Platynereis dumerilii: Annelida: Polychaeta

Sex pheromones, released with the coelomic fluid by male Platynereis dumerilii initiate egg release in swarming females. The egg release pheromone, isolated from the coelomic fluid of sexually mature males, was identified as L-Ovothiol A, which was fou