Using the attachment network Q-sort for profiling one's attachment style with different attachment-figures

Attachment instruments vary substantially in practicability of administration, employment of categorical versus dimensional scoring, quality of scales, and applicability to different attachment figures. The Attachment Network Q-sort (ANQ) is a self-report, quasi-qualitative instrument that discriminates relationship-specific attachment styles for multiple attachment figures. The current study assesses the properties of the ANQ in psychotherapy patients and in non-patient respondents, using mother, father and romantic partner as possible attachment figures. Analyzing the ANQ-data with latent class analysis, we found four types or classes of participants: a group with an overall secure profile, a group only insecure for father, a group only insecure for mother, and a group insecure for mother as well as father but not for partner (if available). These profiles proved to have good concurrent, discriminant and construct validity. We conclude that the ANQ is potentially a useful alternative clinical self-report instrument to assess combinations of attachment styles for a range of attachment figures such as parents and a romantic partner

Effective group training for patients with unexplained physical symptoms: A randomized controlled trial with a non-randomized one-year follow-up

Background: Although cognitive-behavioral therapy for Unexplained Physical Symptoms (UPS) is effective in secondary care, studies done in primary care produced implementation problem

The 5-HTTLPR genotype, early life adversity and cortisol responsivity to psychosocial stress in women

Background The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has previously been associated with hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis function. Moreover, it has been suggested that this association is moderated by an interaction with stressful life experiences. Aims To investigate the moderation of cortisol response to psychosocial stress by 5-HTTLPR genotype, either directly or through an interaction with early life stress. Method A total of 151 women, 85 of which had personality psychopathology, performed the Trier Social Stress Test while cortisol responsivity was assessed. Results The results demonstrate a main effect of genotype on cortisol responsivity. Women carrying two copies of the long version of 5-HTTLPR exhibited stronger cortisol responses to psychosocial stress than women with at least one copy of the short allele (P = 0.03). However, the proportion of the variance of stress-induced cortisol responsivity explained by 5-HTTLPR genotype was not further strengthened by including early life adversity as a moderating factor (P = 0.52). Conclusions Our results highlight the need to clarify gender-specific biological factors influencing the serotonergic system. Furthermore, our results suggest that childhood maltreatment, specifically during the first 15 years of life, is unlikely to exert a moderating influence of large effect on the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and cortisol responsivity to psychosocial stress. Declaration of interest None

De veranderende relatie tussen lichaam en geest gedurende de levensloop: De ouder wordende mens

Veroudering en lichamelijke veranderingen gaan hand in hand. Veroudering kent behalve biologische aspecten, zoals multimorbiditeit en polyfarmacie, ook belangrijke psychosociale aspecten, zoals veranderende kwetsbaarheid en veranderende veerkracht. De verhouding tot het verouderende lichaam en het levenseinde is een belangrijke uitdaging voor de ouder wordende mens en kan bijdragen aan psychopathologie. Het lichaam en de eindigheid zijn derhalve ook steeds aanwezig in de psychotherapeutische en psychiatrische behandeling van ouderen