Psychopathy among pedophilic and non-pedophilic child molesters

Journal ArticleResearch is making increasing clear that, among men who sexually offend against prepubescent children, there are at least two subgroups, pedophiles and non-pedophiles, and that the groups differ in many important respects. Our ability to understand the etiology, nature, and most effective treatment for child molesters will depend, in no small part, on our ability to recognize the differences between these two groups of offenders. This paper reports on two studies which examined possible differences between the groups in psychopathy, a personality dimension long recognized as an important element in sexual offending. Utilizing a validated self-report measure of psychopathy, the Psychopathy Personality Inventory (PPI), both studies found non-pedophilic child molesters to score as significantly more psychopathic than their pedophilic counterparts

Functional brain networks before the onset of psychosis : a prospective fMRI study with graph theoretical analysis

Individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) have a risk of developing a psychotic disorder significantly greater than the general population. However, it is not currently possible to predict which ARMS individuals will develop psychosis from clinical assessment alone. Comparison of ARMS subjects who do, and do not, develop psychosis can reveal which factors are critical for the onset of illness. In the present study, 37 patients with an ARMS were followed clinically at least 24 months subsequent to initial referral. Functional MRI data were collected at the beginning of the follow-up period during performance of an executive task known to recruit frontal lobe networks and to be impaired in psychosis. Graph theoretical analysis was used to compare the organization of a functional brain network in ARMS patients who developed a psychotic disorder following the scan (ARMS-T) to those who did not become ill during the same follow-up period (ARMS-NT) and aged-matched controls. The global properties of each group's representative network were studied (density, efficiency, global average path length) as well as regionally-specific contributions of network nodes to the organization of the system (degree, farness-centrality, betweenness-centrality). We focused our analysis on the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a region known to support executive function that is structurally and functionally impaired in ARMS patients. In the absence of between-group differences in global network organization, we report a significant reduction in the topological centrality of the ACC in the ARMS-T group relative to both ARMS-NT and controls. These results provide evidence that abnormalities in the functional organization of the brain predate the onset of psychosis, and suggest that loss of ACC topological centrality is a potential biomarker for transition to psychosis

Abnormal P300 in people with high risk of developing psychosis

Background Individuals with an “at-risk mental state” (or “prodromal” symptoms) have a 20–40% chance of developing psychosis; however it is difficult to predict which of them will become ill on the basis of their clinical symptoms alone. We examined whether neurophysiological markers could help to identify those who are particularly vulnerable. Method 35 cases meeting PACE criteria for the at-risk mental state (ARMS) and 57 controls performed an auditory oddball task whilst their electroencephalogram was recorded. The latency and amplitude of the P300 and N100 waves were compared between groups using linear regression. Results The P300 amplitude was significantly reduced in the ARMS group [8.6 ± 6.4 microvolt] compared to controls [12.7 ± 5.8 microvolt] (p < 0.01). There were no group differences in P300 latency or in the amplitude and latency of the N100. Of the at-risk subjects that were followed up, seven (21%) developed psychosis. Conclusion Reduction in the amplitude of the P300 is associated with an increased vulnerability to psychosis. Neurophysiological and other biological markers may be of use to predict clinical outcomes in populations at high risk

Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia: An official American thoracic society clinical practice guideline

Background: This document presents the American Thoracic Society clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Target Audience: Clinicians investigating adult and pediatric patients for possible PCD. Methods: Systematic reviews and, when appropriate, meta-Analyses were conducted to summarize all available evidence pertinent to our clinical questions. Evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach for diagnosis and discussed by amultidisciplinary panelwith expertise in PCD. Predetermined conflict-of-interest management strategies were applied, and recommendations were formulated, written, and graded exclusively by the nonconflicted panelists. Three conflicted individuals were also prohibited from writing, editing, or providing feedback on the relevant sections of the manuscript. Results: After considering diagnostic test accuracy, confidence in the estimates for each diagnostic test, relative importance of test results studied, desirable and undesirable direct consequences of each diagnostic test, downstream consequences of each diagnostic test result, patient values and preferences, costs, feasibility, acceptability, and implications for health equity, the panel made recommendations for or against the use of specific diagnostic tests as compared with using the current reference standard (transmission electron microscopy and/or genetic testing) for the diagnosis of PCD. Conclusions: The panel formulated and provided a rationale for the direction as well as for the strength of each recommendation to establish the diagnosis of PCD

Exploring Predictors of Outcome in the Psychosis Prodrome: Implications for Early Identification and Intervention

Functional disability is a key component of many psychiatric illnesses, particularly schizophrenia. Impairments in social and role functioning are linked to cognitive deficits, a core feature of psychosis. Retrospective analyses demonstrate that substantial functional decline precedes the onset of psychosis. Recent investigations reveal that individuals at clinical-high-risk (CHR) for psychosis show impairments in social relationships, work/school functioning and daily living skills. CHR youth also demonstrate a pattern of impairment across a range of cognitive domains, including social cognition, which is qualitatively similar to that of individuals with schizophrenia. While many studies have sought to elucidate predictors of clinical deterioration, specifically the development of schizophrenia, in such CHR samples, few have investigated factors relevant to psychosocial outcome. This review integrates recent findings regarding cognitive and social-cognitive predictors of outcome in CHR individuals, and proposes potential directions for future research that will contribute to targeted interventions and improved outcome for at-risk youth

Is Homosexuality a Paraphilia? The Evidence For and Against

Whether homosexuality should be described as one among many paraphilic sexual interests or an altogether different dimension of sexual interest has long been discussed in terms of its political and social implications. The present article examined the question instead by comparing the major correlates and other features of homosexuality and of the paraphilias, including prevalence, sex ratio, onset and course, fraternal birth order, physical height, handedness, IQ and cognitive neuropsychological profile, and neuroanatomy. Although those literatures remain underdeveloped, the existing findings thus far suggest that homosexuality has a pattern of correlates largely, but not entirely, distinct from that identified among the paraphilias. At least, if homosexuality were deemed a paraphilia, it would be relatively unique among them, taxonometrically speaking

Herman Melville\u27s Use of Oriental Myth, Old Testament Legend and New Testament Allusion in Moby-Dick

And I only am escaped alone to tell thee. --Job Thematically, the influence of the Book of Job on Moby-Dick is so pervasive as to be second to no other single source. Mythically, the Leviathan passages in Job and the rest of the Old Testament provide the structural nexus of Moby-Dick to which all other mythical strands connect as spokes to the axle. Imagistically, the vortex-whirlwind image and the light and dark images in Job supply important comment on Melville\u27s use of these images in Moby-Dick. It will be the purpose of this chapter to provide a full critical exegesis of Jobian theme, myth, and image in Moby-Dick, using a close textual analysis to investigate the interrelations which cohere all three elements

What ways can an early childhood special education birth to three team effectively utilize a transdisciplinary team approach?

The motivating factor for my capstone was influenced by the shift from child-centered practices to family-centered practices in early intervention. Developing a collaborative relationship with parents and caregivers is the key to a successful early intervention. Recommended practices support the use of a transdisciplinary team approach. Primary influences in my research include R. McWilliam, V. Buysse, and P. Wesley. To discover answers to my capstone question an extensive literature review was done, interviews were conducted and a survey was sent to ECSE specialists using a transdisciplinary team approach. Networking with ECSE specialists and the willingness of consultants to relinquish their role to a primary service provider are a few of the elements needed to effectively utilize a transdisciplinary team approach

An examination of works for band: Southern folk rhapsody, arranged by Michael Sweeney, On a hymnsong of Philip Bliss, arranged by David Holsinger, Music from wicked, arranged by Michael Sweeney, Whispers of the wind, by David Shaffer

Master of MusicDepartment of MusicFrank C. TraczThe following report is research and analysis from the comprehensive examination question based on the Graduate Conducting Recital of Jared Eastvold. The recital was performed by the Leyton High School Band, on on May 8, at 7:00 p.m., in Dalton, Nebraska. The repertoire included Southern Folk Rhapsody, arranged by Michael Sweeney; On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, arranged by David Holsinger; Music from Wicked, arranged by Michael Sweeney; and Whispers of the Wind, by David Shaffer. This document contains analysis, both theoretical and historical, and outlines the procedures of planning and performing the graduate conducting recital. This report also includes a detailed analysis of the recital music, using both the Blocher/Miles and the Tracz formats. A philosophy of music education is presented as the foundation to planning rehearsals and selecting the music for the recital. An overview of the music program at Leyton is given to provide background to the performance organization. Comprehensive rehearsal plans for the works are also given