Using the attachment network Q-sort for profiling one's attachment style with different attachment-figures.

Attachment instruments vary substantially in practicability of administration, employment of categorical versus dimensional scoring, quality of scales, and applicability to different attachment figures. The Attachment Network Q-sort (ANQ) is a self-report, quasi-qualitative instrument that discriminates relationship-specific attachment styles for multiple attachment figures. The current study assesses the properties of the ANQ in psychotherapy patients and in non-patient respondents, using mother, father and romantic partner as possible attachment figures.

The 5-HTTLPR genotype, early life adversity and cortisol responsivity to psychosocial stress in women.

Background: The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has previously been associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Moreover, it has been suggested that this association is moderated by an interaction with stressful life experiences.

Aims: To investigate the moderation of cortisol response to psychosocial stress by 5-HTTLPR genotype, either directly or through an interaction with early life stress.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device potentiates stress reactivity.

Background: The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is currently recommended as a first-line contraceptive with an exclusively local intrauterine influence. However, recent clinical trials have identified side effects of LNG-IUD that appear to be systemically mediated, including depressed mood and emotional lability.

Methods: We performed two experimental studies and a cross-sectional study.

Borderline and cluster C personality disorders manifest distinct physiological responses to psychosocial stress.

Background: Maladaptive emotional control is a defining feature of personality disorders. Yet little is known about the underlying physiological dynamics of emotional reactivity to psychosocial stress across distinct personality disorders. The current study compared subjective emotional responses with autonomic nervous system and HPA axis physiological responses to psychosocial stress in women with cluster C personality disorder (CPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Patients with unexplained physical symptoms have poorer quality of life and higher costs than other patient groups: a cross-sectional study on burden.

Background: To determine whether healthcare resources are allocated fairly, it is helpful to have information on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Unexplained Physical Symptoms (UPS) and on the costs associated with them, and on how these relate to corresponding data in other patient groups. As studies to date have been limited to specific patient populations with UPS, the objective of this study was to assess QoL and costs in a general sample of patients with UPS using generic measures.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 162 patients with UPS reported on their QoL, use of healthcare resources and lost productivity in paid and unpaid work.

Psychometrics and validity of the Dutch Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-r) in an outpatient mental health sample.

The Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-r) is a self-report instrument to assess adult attachment style that seems to have appropriate psychometric qualities. The ECR-r has been most widely studied in student and community samples. In this study we report factor structure, reliability, and construct validity of the Dutch translation of the ECR-r in an outpatient mental health sample (N = 262).

Predicting the outcome of a cognitive-behavioral group training for patients with unexplained physical symptoms: a one-year follow-up study.

Background: Although Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for Unexplained Physical Symptoms (UPS), some therapists in clinical practice seem to believe that CBT outcome will diminish if psychiatric comorbidity is present. The result is that patients with a psychiatric comorbidity are redirected from treatment for UPS into treatment for mental health problems. To explore whether this selection and allocation are appropriate, we explored whether CBT outcomes in UPS could be predicted by variables assessed at baseline and used in routine-practice assessments.

Effective group training for patients with unexplained physical symptoms: a randomized controlled trial with a non-randomized one-year follow-up.

Background: Although cognitive-behavioral therapy for Unexplained Physical Symptoms (UPS) is effective in secondary care, studies done in primary care produced implementation problems and conflicting results. We evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral group training tailored to primary care patients and provided by a secondary community mental-health service reaching out into primary care.

Methodology/principal Findings: The effectiveness of this training was explored in a randomized controlled trial.

Alexithymia does not predict the persistence of medically unexplained physical symptoms.

Background: Alexithymia is thought to be associated with the development of medically unexplained physical symptoms (UPS). So far little research has been published on alexithymia as a risk factor for the persistence of UPS.

Objective: To determine the clinical outcome in UPS patients and to study the relative importance of alexithymia in predicting that outcome.

Childhood adversities as risk factors for alexithymia and other aspects of affect dysregulation in adulthood.

Background: Affect regulation is assumed to be a biologically based function that can become disrupted by inadequate parenting and by traumatic experiences. We studied the relation between the perceived parental parenting style, and sexual and physical abuse, with alexithymia, dissociation, anxiety and depression.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study psychiatric outpatients were administered a structured interview on childhood physical and sexual abuse and they completed a number of questionnaires about the parenting styles of their parents, and about alexithymia, dissociation and mood pathology.