[Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a patient with factitious disorder: therapist's and patient's perspective].

Objective: Presentation of the disorder model and inpatient psychotherapy of a patient with factitious disorder as seen from the therapist's and patient's perspective.

Method: Case report including the patient's own notations.

Results: The description of her motives by the patient facilitated a concise planning of therapy and its successful progression.

Psychometric evaluation of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales.

Background: The aims of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of a German version of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS) in a sample of patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders and affective disorders with delusions and to validate subscales of the PSYRATS with other ratings of psychotic symptoms.

Sampling And Methods: Two hundred patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorder and affective disorders with delusions were examined. Psychometric properties of the PSYRATS items and scales were determined, and the scores of the PSYRATS scales and subscales were compared to the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and other ratings of psychotic symptoms.

Quality of marital relationship and depression: results of a 10-year prospective follow-up study.

Background: Although the long-term course of depression has been intensively examined, there are only few studies on the long-term development of depressed patients' spousal relationships. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and stability of depressed patients' spousal relationships in the long-term course of depression and to identify predictors of relationship outcome.

Methods: In the study, 50 inpatients with Major Depression were followed-up one, two and ten years after discharge from hospital and compared to a healthy control group matched by age and sex.

Dimensions of delusional experience scale: a psychometric evaluation of a german version.

Background: Delusional experience is a fundamental symptom of psychotic illness. Over recent years, a multidimensional perspective has become increasingly important regarding this phenomenon. Several instruments to measure different dimensions of delusions have been constructed.

Expressed emotion, perceived criticism and 10-year outcome of depression.

Outcome studies of patients suffering from depression indicate a high relapse rate and a tendency towards chronicity. A family atmosphere characterised by expressed emotion (EE) and perceived criticism (PC) was reported to be a robust predictor of outcome in affective disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between EE, PC and long-term outcome of depression.

The care of patients with subthreshold depression in primary care: is it all that bad? A qualitative study on the views of general practitioners and patients.

Background: Studies show that subthreshold depression is highly prevalent in primary care, has impact on the quality of life and causes immense health care costs. Although this points to the clinical relevance of subthreshold depression, contradictory results exist regarding the often self-remitting course of this state. However, first steps towards quality improvement in the care of subthreshold depressive patients are being undertaken.

Validation and cultural adaptation of a German version of the Physicians' Reactions to Uncertainty scales.

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the validity of a translated and culturally adapted version of the Physicians' Reaction to Uncertainty scales (PRU) in primary care physicians.

Methods: In a structured process, the original questionnaire was translated, culturally adapted and assessed after administering it to 93 GPs. Test-retest reliability was tested by sending the questionnaire to the GPs again after two weeks.

Predictors of depression in a sample of 1,021 primary care patients with osteoarthritis.

Objective: Although there is a strong relationship between depression, chronic pain, and physical activity, there are few findings regarding the prevalence and predictors of depression in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of the present study was to assess the prevalence and severity of depression in a large sample of patients with OA and to reveal predictors of depression.

Methods: Patients were approached consecutively in 75 general practices.

Problems and needs for improving primary care of osteoarthritis patients: the views of patients, general practitioners and practice nurses.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is highly prevalent and has substantial impact on quality of life as well as on healthcare costs. The general practitioner (GP) often is the first care provider for patients with this chronic disease. The aim of this study was to identify health care needs of patients with OA and to reveal possible obstacles for improvements in primary care management of OA patients.

Preferences for treatment in primary care: a comparison of nondepressive, subsyndromal and major depressive patients.

Objective: In recent years, patients' preferences concerning treatment of emotional distress in general and of depression in particular have received more emphasis in the clinical setting as well as in research.

Methods: The treatment preferences of 607 primary care patients were assessed in a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. Besides having the opportunity to choose between psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment, the patients could also decline or choose both treatment options at one time.

How can the practice nurse be more involved in the care of the chronically ill? The perspectives of GPs, patients and practice nurses.

Background: A well established "midlevel" of patient care, such as nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants, exits in many countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. In Germany, however there is only one kind of profession assisting the physician in practices, the practice nurse. Little is known about the present involvement of practice nurses in patients' care in Germany and about the attitudes of GPs, assistants and patients concerning an increased involvement.

A comparative study of nonspecific depressive symptoms and minor depression regarding functional impairment and associated characteristics in primary care.

Background: Milder forms of depression are highly prevalent in the clinical setting as well as in primary care. However, it is still unclear whether there are distinguishable groups among the various subthreshold syndromes and to what extent they are associated with impairment, thus requiring treatment. Therefore, the study aimed at comparing the degree of impairment in 2 groups of subthreshold depressive patients (nonspecific and minor depressive) with nondepressive patients and with major depressive patients.