Does long-term group psychoeducation of parents of individuals with schizophrenia help the family as a system? A quasi-experimental study

A chronic illness like schizophrenia seriously disrupts family functioning in various ways that can be addressed through family psychoeducational interventions in routine clinical services, an approach that has not received proper research attention. We pre- and post-tested four sets of parents of individuals with schizophrenia who participated in a long-term group psychoeducational intervention (treatment group) and four sets of parents of individuals with schizophrenia who received standard outpatient services (clinical control group), using three self-reported questionnaires to measure family functioning (Family Assessment Device), family atmosphere (Family Rituals Scale), and family burden (Family Burden Scale). At pre-test, there were no systematic differences between the two groups in any of the parameters assessed. At post-test, within and across groups, comparisons revealed significant improvements (under cut-off scores) in the mean scores of the treatment group (p < 0.05) in all three parameters under study. Our findings provide pilot evidence that intensive group parent psychoeducation is an efficient and efficacious treatment intervention for improvement of systemic properties of families, such as family functioning, family atmosphere, and family burden. © 2015 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Sexual Functioning and Distress among Premenopausal Women with Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction. Current studies indicate that women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have a high prevalence of sexual disorders although data on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction are limited when sexual distress is included. Aim. The frequency and the possible correlates of distressful sexual disorders in a highly selected group of type 1 diabetic women. Methods. The sexual function, sexual distress, and general health status were assessed in 44 premenopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM and 47 healthy controls, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the General Health Questionnaire28 (GHQ28). Main Outcome Measures. The impact of sexual distress on the frequency of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Results. The frequency of sexual disorders according to the FSFI was significantly higher in diabetic compared to control women (25% vs. 8.5%, respectively, P < 0.05). Diabetic women had significantly lower median (first to third quartile) total FSFI score compared to control group (30.55 [26.0833.08] vs. 33.50 [30.7034.30], P = 0.001). Desire, arousal, and satisfaction were the sexual domains significantly affected in the diabetic group. Diabetic women had significantly higher median (first to third quartile) FSDS score compared to control group (6.5 [2.315.8] vs. 4.0 [1.010.5]P = 0.043). FSD (combined pathological FSFI and FSDS scores) was present in higher proportion of diabetic women (15.9%) compared to controls (2.1%) (P = 0.020). GHQ28 score was comparable between the groups. However, in the diabetic group, FSD was related with anxiety, depression, and low educational level. Diabetes-related factors were not associated with FSD. Conclusions. Pre-menopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM have significantly higher frequency of FSD compared to healthy controls, when the criterion of sexual distress is included. Psychosomatic and contextual factors implicated in sexual distress are correlates of FSD. Dimitropoulos K, Bargiota A, Mouzas O, Melekos M, Tzortzis V, and Koukoulis G. Sexual functioning and distress among premenopausal women with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes. J Sex Med 2012;9:13741381

The Impact of Parental Bonding on Sexual Distress in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction. Psychosomatic and social issues have been found to be determinants of sexual distress in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. However, the role of parental bonding as a determinant for sexual distress has not been studied in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1). Aim. To study the role of parental care and overprotection, in the pathogenesis of sexual distress in women with DM-1. Methods. Seventy-seven women with uncomplicated DM-1 and 77 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Parental Bonding Instrument were used to evaluate sexual distress, general health and bonding with parents, respectively. Main Outcome Measures. To assess the role of parental bonding as risk factor for sexual distress, in women with DM-1. Results. Women with DM-1 had significantly higher FSDS scores compared with controls. Furthermore, women with DM-1 had significantly higher maternal and paternal care, and lower maternal overprotection in comparison with the healthy ones. Paternal overprotection and general health were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Sexual distress was more frequent in women with DM-1 (31.43% vs. 8.57% of controls, P 0.05). Moreover, sexually distressed DM-1 women had worse general health parameters in comparison with the non-sexually distressed diabetics (P < 0.05). In the DM-1 group, low maternal care and low paternal overprotection were significant risk factors for sexual distress (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Parental care and overprotection can lead to sexual distress and, therefore, to Female Sexual Dysfunction in DM-1 women. Evaluation of parental bonding is necessary in DM-1 women with distressing sexual problems. Bargiota A, Dimitropoulos K, Mouzas O, Melekos M, Tzortzis V, and Koukoulis G. The impact of parental bonding on sexual distress in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. J Sex Med **;**:****

Psychosocial Correlates of Insomnia in An Adolescent Population

This study examines the nature of the relationship between psychosocial factors and insomnia complaints in an adolescent non-clinical population. It is a cross-sectional study of a stratified sample of 2,195 Greek adolescent high-school students. Subjects were given the Athens insomnia scale, the Symptom Checklist scale (SCL-90-R) and a questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics. None of the subjects had received help for insomnia complaints or other overt psychopathology. Adolescents classified as suffering from insomnia presented higher levels of general psychopathology. Age, tobacco and alcohol use, self-reported patterns of communication in the family, perceived economic status and school performance were identified as correlates of the insomnia complaints. A significant number of adolescents fail to receive appropriate treatment for insomnia. Psychosocial correlates are important factors to consider when faced with insomnia complaints in this age group. More research is needed in important timelines in the developmental history of a young adult