HIV-related stigma: implications for symptoms of anxiety and depression among Malawian women.

An estimated 11% of the adult population in Malawi, Africa, is living with HIV/AIDS. The disease has taken a toll on communities, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Malawian women carry the burden of being caretakers for individuals infected with HIV while also worrying about their own health.

Differences in verbal memory performance in postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy: 17β-estradiol versus conjugated equine estrogens.

Objective: Much controversy exists and many questions remain unanswered about the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on cognition in postmenopausal women. There is growing evidence suggesting that HT compounds containing conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) have negative effects on cognition whereas 17β-estradiol (17β-E) either has positive or neutral effects. The present study sought to further examine this issue in a sample of postmenopausal women with risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Catastrophizing, depression and pain-related disability.

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine catastrophizing, depression and their interactive effects in predicting disability in patients with chronic pain.

Method: A battery of questionnaires was mailed to primary care patients in a large integrated health care delivery system. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess major depression, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire assessed catastrophizing and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale was used to assess pain intensity and two measures of disability, including self-report of pain interference and days missed from usual activities.

Posttraumatic stress, family adjustment, and treatment preferences among National Guard soldiers deployed to OEF/OIF.

We used an anonymous self-reported questionnaire to assess posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, relationship concerns, and treatment preferences including interest in family-focused interventions among 100 National Guard Soldiers who were recently redeployed from Iraq or Afghanistan. We found that the majority of married or partnered soldiers were concerned about getting along with their partners, while the majority of parents were concerned about their child-rearing practices. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were significantly associated with the degree of relationship concerns.

Sexual minority status and trauma symptom severity in men living with HIV/AIDS.

Traumatic experiences are common among populations living with HIV; furthermore, the minority stress model indicates that sexual minority group members, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), are more likely to experience negative psychological outcomes after exposure to trauma, given the stress of minority stigma. The current study examined the prevalence of traumatic events and the impact of these events on trauma symptoms in a sample of 113 MSM and 51 men who have sex with women (MSW) who are living with HIV/AIDS. Rates of experiencing trauma were similar for both MSM and MSW.

A review of efficacious technology-based weight-loss interventions: five key components.

Objective: Obesity is highly prevalent among American adults and has negative health and psychosocial consequences. The purpose of this article was to qualitatively review studies that used technology-based interventions for weight loss and to identify specific components of these interventions that are effective in facilitating weight loss.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a narrow, qualitative review, focusing on articles published in the last 10 years that used an experimental or pre/posttest design and used a technology-based intervention for weight loss.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms among National Guard soldiers deployed to Iraq: associations with parenting behaviors and couple adjustment.

Objective: In this article, we report findings from a 1-year longitudinal study examining the impact of change in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following combat deployment on National Guard soldiers' perceived parenting and couple adjustment 1 year following return from Iraq.

Method: Participants were 468 Army National Guard fathers from a brigade combat team (mean age = 36 years; median deployment length = 16 months; 89% European American, 5% African American, 6% Hispanic American). Participants completed an in-theater survey 1 month before returning home from Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment (Time 1) and again 1 year postdeployment (Time 2).

Does improving mood in depressed patients alter factors that may affect cardiovascular disease risk?

To determine if improvement in mood would ameliorate autonomic dysregulation, HPA dysfunction, typical risk factors and C-reactive protein in depressed patients with elevated cardiovascular disease risk (CVD), 48 depressed participants with elevated cardiovascular risk factors were randomized to a cognitive behavioral intervention (CBT) or a waiting list control (WLC) condition. Twenty non-depressed age and risk-matched controls were also recruited. Traditional risk factors (e.

Binge drinking in women at risk for developing eating disorders.

Objective: To determine binge drinking rates in college-age women at risk for eating disorders and to examine factors related to binge drinking over time.

Method: Participants were 480 college-age women who were at high risk for developing an eating disorder (ED) and who had a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 32. Participants were assessed annually for 4 years.

The role of ethnic identity in the relationship of race-related stress to PTSD symptoms among young adults.

Although many studies have shown that stronger ethnic identity is associated with better adjustment, the role of ethnic identity in the context of race-related threat is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ethnic identity on the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the context of race-related stress, particularly to examine whether ethnic identity moderates the effect of racism on consequent PTSD symptoms. Subjects were 91 undergraduate students (11% Caucasian, 6.

The effects of cognitive behavior therapy on depression in older patients with cardiovascular risk.

This study examined the effect of a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy intervention designed to reduce depression in older patients with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Forty-eight depressed patients with elevated CVD were randomized to a 16-week individual CBT intervention (n = 23) or a wait-list control (WLC) group (n = 25). Pre- and post-treatment measures of depression were obtained during office visits, and measures of positive and negative affect were obtained during laboratory psychological stress testing and at five points during the day.