Mixed Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Depressive Symptomatology in Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Although ~50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience depression, treatment for this important and debilitating comorbidity is relatively understudied. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been increasingly utilized for the management of tremors in progressive PD. Several preliminary studies have shown the potential benefit of DBS for non-motor PD symptoms such as depression. Here, we critically evaluate seven recent randomized clinical trials of the effectiveness of DBS in reducing depressive symptomatology among individuals with PD. Findings are mixed for the effectiveness of DBS as a treatment for depression in PD. Our review suggests that this is due, in large part, to the anatomical and methodological variation across the DBS studies. We provide a comprehensive discussion of these variations and highlight the need to conduct larger, more controlled studies aimed specifically at evaluating the treatment of depression in PD patients

Results of a Transtheoretical Model-Based Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Intervention in Middle Schools

Background: Early use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs threatens the physical and mental well-being of students and continued use negatively affects many areas of development. An internet-based, tailored intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change was delivered to middle school students to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. This internet-based approach requires very little faculty and staff time, which is efficient given curricular demands. Methods: Twenty-two middle schools in the United States were matched and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control conditions (N. =. 1590 students who had ever used substances). Participants received one pre-test assessment, three thirty-minute intervention sessions over three months, and two post-test assessments (3 and 14. months after pre-test, respectively). Results: Random effects logistic models showed significant treatment effects for the intervention group when compared to the control group at the 3-month post-test. Conclusions: This program has the potential to be applied as stand-alone practice or as part of more intensive interventions to promote substance use cessation. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd