Response consistency on a semantic memory task in persons with dementia of the Alzheimer type

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the test-retest response consistency rate on a semantic memory task in persons with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Ten mildly and 13 moderately impaired DAT subjects and 14 normal controls matched for age, years of education, and estimated IQ participated in this study. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) was administered twice to each subject with a 7-day intertest interval. The mild and moderate DAT subjects responded inconsistently to significantly more PPVT items than normal controls. When the effects of guessing were considered, moderate DAT subjects gave significantly more inconsistent PPVT responses than normal controls and mild DAT subjects showed a trend toward giving more inconsistent responses. These results substantiate the conclusion that the impairment of specific conceptual knowledge in DAT subjects cannot be reliably measured with a single administration of a semantic memory task such as the PPVT.     

The interaction between cohesive systems and dispersive systems: Creating the trigenerational therapeutic context

The author presents a model for research investigation and clinical use that deals with the interaction between cohesive and dispersive family of origin systems as reflected in marital and family interaction in nuclear families.From a paper presented at the tenth annual meeting of the American Family Therapy Association, June, 1988, Montreal, PQ, Canada.     

Commentary on reviews of “outcome” studies of family and marital psychotherapy

Reviews of the outcome literature in family and marital therapy are critically evaluated. The literature is equivocal in regard to the effectiveness of family therapy, particularly in comparison to alternative forms of treatment, so that statements to the effect that family therapy has demonstrated its general efficacy would not appear to be justified. Problems are identified which require solution before the efficacy of family therapy can be demonstrated.Paper presented at the 45th annual conference of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Chicago, Illinois, October 31, 1987.     

Intuition in family therapy: A short manual on post-modern witchcraft

Intuition is an important part of a mature clinician's work. Yet, it is a component of clinical work which is looked upon with suspicion, due in part to the Middle-Age's association between intuition and the work of witches. This paper describes a tenuous link between intuition, witches, and Carl Whitaker. Patterns for including intuition in family therapy are discussed.     

Risk Factors of a Suicide Reattempt by Seasonality and the Method of a Previous Suicide Attempt: A Cohort Study in a Japanese Primary Care Hospital

Suicide has a great impact on the individual whose life is lost and the bereaved family members. The risk of a suicide reattempt is particularly high during the first 12 months after a suicide attempt. In this cohort study, risk factors for a suicide reattempt were explored among 291 patients at suicide risk. Clinical and demographic data were collected from a Japanese primary care hospital. Past psychiatric history and multiple diagnoses were associated with suicide reattempts in both genders. Drug overdose, past psychiatric history, and the summer season were linked to suicide reattempts among males. Past psychiatric history and multiple diagnoses were linked to suicide reattempts among females. Appropriate assessment of past psychiatric history, season and method of suicide attempt, gender, and diagnosis may play a role in preventing suicide.