 
Article Date: 08 Jul 2010 – 4:00 PDT
Researchers at the University of Granada have designed a new training program on specific self-efficacy for reducing stress in psychotic patients. When stress was reduced, patients reported an improvement in symptoms, which meant enhancement of their well-being and quality of life. Researchers proved that these patients can improve their quality of life through proper psychological intervention.
To carry out this study, the researchers tested a training program designed by themselves on 14 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The evolution of patients was evaluated successively three and six months after implementation of the training program. The results were compared to those obtained by a control group that did not receive any training.
This program included 15 training sessions: firstly, patients were trained on general self-efficacy, and secondly on specific self-efficacy to acquire skills to deal with stress. The second training period included sessions to learn to deal with interpersonal difficulties (communication and social skills) and family conflicts, improve discipline with their biomedical/psychological treatments, cope with their symptoms and hallucinations, avoid negative thinking, and prevent and deal with daily stress.
This study was prepared by Maria Luisa Vázquez Pérez, from the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Pshychological Treatment of the University of Granada, and led by professors Juan F. Godoy GarcÃa y Débora Godoy Izquierdo.
Reduction of Psychotic Symptoms
After their participation in the training program, patients’ perception of their own specific self-efficacy increased – both their expectations regarding the results after the training, and its efficiency – to deal with stress, and a 171.8% percentage of change was observed. Additionally, a significant reduction in negative, affective, psychotic symptoms, disorientation and confusion was observed. A 171.8% increase of positive symptoms was found.
Further, most of patients reported high levels of wellness (A 22.6% difference between both groups was found, in favour of the group that participated in the training program), and they expressed their satisfaction at the changes attained thanks to the program.
Conversely, patients from the control group did not report any change in their perceived self-efficacy to deal with stress and their psychotic symptoms. Thus, they obtained lower scores than the intervention group in their levels of wellness, areas of change and general satisfaction. The same results were obtained in successive evaluations. Indeed, some improvements were recorded in patients having participated in the training sessions.
The research conducted by MarÃa Luisa Vázquez is pioneer in this field, since a training program on specific self-efficacy for coping with stress had never been designed or implemented before.
 
ScienceDaily (July 8, 2010) — Researchers at the University of Granada — in collaboration with the Clinical Hospital San Cecilio and the University Rey Juan Carlos — have shown that the psychological and physiological state of patients with tension headache improves within 24 hours after receiving a 30-minute massage.
As researchers explained, tension headaches have an increasing incidence in the population. This type of disorder is usually treated with analgesics, that relieve symptoms temporarily. One of the main causes of this type of headache is the presence of trigger points. Recently, new strategies for controlling this disabling pain are being studied.
Physiological improvement
Researcher Cristina Toro Velasco — leader of the study, under Professor Manuel Arroyo Morales supervision — has shown that a 30-minute massage on cervical trigger points improves autonomic nervous system regulation in these patients. Additionally, patients exhibit a better psychological state and “reduce the stress and anxiety associated to such a disturbing disorder.”
Similarly, patients report a perceived relief from symptoms within 24 hours after the massage. This might mean that massages may reduce the pain caused by trigger points, which would involve an improvement in the general state of patients.
The results of this pioneer study were published in American Journal of Manipulative Physiological and Therapeutics.
Journal Reference:
- Cristina Toro-Velasco, Manuel Arroyo-Morales, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Joshua A. Cleland, Francisco J. Barrero-Hernández. Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Heart Rate Variability, Mood State, and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Pilot Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2009; 32 (7): 527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.011
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100708081233.htm
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ScienceDaily (July 8, 2010) — Researchers at the University of Granada — in collaboration with the Clinical Hospital San Cecilio and the University Rey Juan Carlos — have shown that the psychological and physiological state of patients with tension headache improves within 24 hours after receiving a 30-minute massage.
As researchers explained, tension headaches have an increasing incidence in the population. This type of disorder is usually treated with analgesics, that relieve symptoms temporarily. One of the main causes of this type of headache is the presence of trigger points. Recently, new strategies for controlling this disabling pain are being studied.
Physiological improvement
Researcher Cristina Toro Velasco — leader of the study, under Professor Manuel Arroyo Morales supervision — has shown that a 30-minute massage on cervical trigger points improves autonomic nervous system regulation in these patients. Additionally, patients exhibit a better psychological state and “reduce the stress and anxiety associated to such a disturbing disorder.”
Similarly, patients report a perceived relief from symptoms within 24 hours after the massage. This might mean that massages may reduce the pain caused by trigger points, which would involve an improvement in the general state of patients.
The results of this pioneer study were published in American Journal of Manipulative Physiological and Therapeutics.
Journal Reference:
- Cristina Toro-Velasco, Manuel Arroyo-Morales, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Joshua A. Cleland, Francisco J. Barrero-Hernández. Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Heart Rate Variability, Mood State, and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Pilot Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2009; 32 (7): 527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.011
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100708081233.htm
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On several occasions, I have written about the difficulties in self-regulation that are commonly experienced by people with Personality Disorders. Related to that, people with Personality Disorders also tend to have difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Take, for example, someone with Avoidant Personality Disorder who only has very few relationships, or someone with Borderline Personality Disorder who is extremely afraid of abandonment. Many experts believe that these difficulties are in some way related to experiences in early childhood relationships. While we don’t know how exactly Personality Disorders develop and what causes them, there is some indication that it is probably a combination of biological makeup and disposition in interaction with life experiences and the environment that are at the root of these difficulties.
One lens through which to look at this is Attachment Theory, first postulated by John Bowlby in the late 1960s. Bowlby suggested that we all are born with a biologically determined need to form close relationships. According to Bowlby, the human infant has the inborn need to seek proximity to a caregiver in moments of fear and distress. In other words, when the child feels that there is some form of threat or distress, its attachment behaviors get activated. You are probably familiar with some of these behaviors: Clinging, crying, smiling, or proximity seeking. In turn, the caregiver tends to respond through soothing and protective behaviors.
Read in Full:Â http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=38648&cn=8
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On several occasions, I have written about the difficulties in self-regulation that are commonly experienced by people with Personality Disorders. Related to that, people with Personality Disorders also tend to have difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Take, for example, someone with Avoidant Personality Disorder who only has very few relationships, or someone with Borderline Personality Disorder who is extremely afraid of abandonment. Many experts believe that these difficulties are in some way related to experiences in early childhood relationships. While we don’t know how exactly Personality Disorders develop and what causes them, there is some indication that it is probably a combination of biological makeup and disposition in interaction with life experiences and the environment that are at the root of these difficulties.
One lens through which to look at this is Attachment Theory, first postulated by John Bowlby in the late 1960s. Bowlby suggested that we all are born with a biologically determined need to form close relationships. According to Bowlby, the human infant has the inborn need to seek proximity to a caregiver in moments of fear and distress. In other words, when the child feels that there is some form of threat or distress, its attachment behaviors get activated. You are probably familiar with some of these behaviors: Clinging, crying, smiling, or proximity seeking. In turn, the caregiver tends to respond through soothing and protective behaviors.
Read in Full:Â http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=38648&cn=8
 
Tracey Ward cheered and applauded as she watched her son Alex run the bases Tuesday at New Era Park in Hamburg.
The 10-year-old Alden resident had just connected with the ball during a one-hour baseball skills and conditioning clinic at the indoor facility on Lake Avenue.
The occasion was Nickel City Baseball’s first-ever clinic for children with high-functioning autism, or Asperger syndrome. Alex, who is autistic, was the first official player-in-training.
“All the way home, Alex!†instructor Charles Karstedt urged as the boy rounded third base. “That really was a home run. That was your farthest one yet.â€
It is not very often that Alex engages in those types of activities. Ward said her son, at times, is anxious about playing sports, but she hopes the clinic will help turn that around, improve his social and motor skills, and give him a reason for enthusiasm.
Read in Full:Â http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/07/07/1105771/for-a-10-year-old-baseball-inspiration.html
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Tracey Ward cheered and applauded as she watched her son Alex run the bases Tuesday at New Era Park in Hamburg.
The 10-year-old Alden resident had just connected with the ball during a one-hour baseball skills and conditioning clinic at the indoor facility on Lake Avenue.
The occasion was Nickel City Baseball’s first-ever clinic for children with high-functioning autism, or Asperger syndrome. Alex, who is autistic, was the first official player-in-training.
“All the way home, Alex!†instructor Charles Karstedt urged as the boy rounded third base. “That really was a home run. That was your farthest one yet.â€
It is not very often that Alex engages in those types of activities. Ward said her son, at times, is anxious about playing sports, but she hopes the clinic will help turn that around, improve his social and motor skills, and give him a reason for enthusiasm.
Read in Full:Â http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/07/07/1105771/for-a-10-year-old-baseball-inspiration.html
 
For many parents, a trip to the dentist is fraught with apprehension and worry. Just the word, dentist, can conjure up sounds of drills and possibility of pain. It is the fear of the unknown, and the way children will handle such an experience, that may prevent a parent from making an appointment. The fact is oral hygiene is extremely important to a child’s total health.  Scheduling a cleaning every 6 months is a necessary ritual for a young child. It will teach the importance of maintaining dental care throughout the child’s life.
Caring for a special needs child with autism or other disability can put the dentist on the back burner for many reasons. Some, may have oral motor difficulties or texture sensitivities. Others, have sensory integration problems where bright  lights and noises could push the child into sensory overload causing tantrums or behavior outbursts. Luckily, parents no longer have to postpone dental treatment or endure the cries of their child. Kids First Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, located in Fairfield, Connecticut is dedicated to the needs of this unique community. By connecting parents who have a special needs child with Amy Paundlay, the special needs liaison for the group, a sense of relief and hope is immediately felt. Ms. Paundlay offers understanding and, most of all, solutions to creating a positive dental experience for the entire family.
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For many parents, a trip to the dentist is fraught with apprehension and worry. Just the word, dentist, can conjure up sounds of drills and possibility of pain. It is the fear of the unknown, and the way children will handle such an experience, that may prevent a parent from making an appointment. The fact is oral hygiene is extremely important to a child’s total health.  Scheduling a cleaning every 6 months is a necessary ritual for a young child. It will teach the importance of maintaining dental care throughout the child’s life.
Caring for a special needs child with autism or other disability can put the dentist on the back burner for many reasons. Some, may have oral motor difficulties or texture sensitivities. Others, have sensory integration problems where bright  lights and noises could push the child into sensory overload causing tantrums or behavior outbursts. Luckily, parents no longer have to postpone dental treatment or endure the cries of their child. Kids First Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, located in Fairfield, Connecticut is dedicated to the needs of this unique community. By connecting parents who have a special needs child with Amy Paundlay, the special needs liaison for the group, a sense of relief and hope is immediately felt. Ms. Paundlay offers understanding and, most of all, solutions to creating a positive dental experience for the entire family.
 
Prosecutor Says ‘Inaction’ Not Criminal
POSTED: 5:33 pm EDT July 7, 2010
UPDATED: 9:15 am EDT July 8, 2010
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A St. Lucie County school bus aide who was arrested in March on a child neglect charge won’t be criminally charged in the incident that left an autistic child bloody and a school bus window broken.
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