Retention in psychiatric treatment in a Canadian sample of HIV-positive women.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is more prevalent in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than in the general population. This is a concern as MDD is associated with decreased adherence to HIV treatment and contributes significantly to disability and reduced quality of life. Several studies report that, while prevalence is high, people living with HIV often do not access or follow-up with treatment of MDD.

Postdischarge impact of C-L psychiatry treatment in obstetrical inpatients.

Purpose. Twenty-eight women, referred to C-L Psychiatry during their obstetrical inpatient stay were interviewed six months post-discharge to determine how they experienced the consultation process, whether they recollected and adhered to treatment recommendations, and whether they developed or had a recurrence of mental health problems post-discharge. Method.

Characteristics of obstetrical inpatients referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatry service in a tertiary-level university hospital.

A review of psychiatric consult notes of 96 obstetric inpatients referred to a Consultation-Liaison (C-L) psychiatry service in a tertiary-level university general hospital was carried out in order to compare the characteristics of such a service in a North American setting with similar services in other parts of the world. Data extracted from consult notes included: reason for referral, current diagnosis (DSM-IV-R), psychiatric history, obstetrical history, recommended treatment approaches, current psychotropic medications, current gestational age or number of days postpartum, patient age, and partnership status. In addition, obstetrical referrals were calculated as a percentage of hospital-wide referrals to C-L psychiatry.

Viewing the fetus following termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.

Objectives: To determine what evidence exists to support the practice of viewing the deceased fetus by women terminating pregnancy for fetal anomalies.

Data Sources: Electronic databases searched (1966-2007) were Medline, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Dissertation Abstracts Index.

Study Selection: Literature was reviewed that either directly or parenthetically dealt with the emotional effects on women of viewing the fetus post termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies.

Insecure attachment is associated with the alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep.

Background: The alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep, originally associated with chronic pain, is noted in several psychiatric and medical conditions and is also present in some normal subjects. The exact significance of the alpha-EEG anomaly is uncertain, but it has been suggested to be a nonspecific response to a variety of noxious stimuli. We propose that attachment insecurity, which is often associated with a state of hypervigilance during wakefulness, may be associated with the alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep.