Tear Film Conditions and Depression Symptoms in Persons with Obesity.

Most persons with obesity who have undergone gastric bypass surgery present depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety have been associated with tear film disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between tear film conditions and depression symptoms in patients subjected to bariatric surgery.

Decisions to initiate involuntary commitment: the role of intensive community services and other factors.

Objective: This study examined the predictors of actions to initiate involuntary commitment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Methods: Emergency services clinicians throughout Virginia completed a questionnaire following each face-to-face evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Over a one-month period in 2007, a total of 2,624 adults were evaluated.

Effectiveness of A-CRA/ACC in treating adolescents with cannabis-use disorders.

An evidence-based treatment for adolescent cannabis users, Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach with Assertive Continuing Care, was implemented in a rural county and small city in the USA. A total of 147 adolescents, ages 12-18, were enrolled and assessed at baseline and three time points: 3, 6, and 12 months using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs and related measures. Program effectiveness was confirmed.

The effect of community mental health services on hospitalization rates in Virginia.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between the availability of mental health outpatient services provided by 40 publicly funded community service boards (CSBs) and the use of inpatient mental health treatment among Medicaid recipients.

Methods: Three-year data were obtained for Medicaid recipients aged 18-64 from the Medicaid claims database for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Medicaid recipients who had a mental disorder diagnosis and who had received at least one community mental health service were included in the sample.

Health disparities between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties in Virginia USA.

Unlabelled: The examination of health disparities among people within Appalachian counties compared to people living in other counties is needed to find ways to strategically target improvements in community health in the United States of America (USA).

Methods: A telephone survey of a random sample of adults living in households within communities of all counties of the state of Virginia (VA) in the USA was conducted.

Findings: Health status was poorer among those in communities within Appalachian counties in VA and health insurance did not make a difference.

An evaluation of a computer-imaging program to prepare women for chemotherapy-related alopecia.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate a computer program named Help with Adjustment to Alopecia by Image Recovery (HAAIR) that was developed to provide educational support and reduce distress in women with hair loss following chemotherapy.

Methods: Forty-five women who had been diagnosed with cancer and anticipated alopecia following treatment were randomly assigned to either the Imagining group (IG) or Standardized Care group (SCG). Patients in the IG used a computer-imaging program that created the patient's image on a screen to simulate baldness and use of wigs whereas patients in the SCG were directed to a resource room at the Cancer Center established for women with chemotherapy-related alopecia.

Similarities in affect, perceived stress, and weight concerns between Black and White women who quit smoking during pregnancy.

Mood and weight concerns may relate to postpartum smoking, and racial differences in these concerns may be important in developing interventions to prevent postpartum relapse. We compared differences in the smoking patterns, mood, and weight concerns of Black and White women who quit smoking during pregnancy (N = 174). In univariate comparisons, there were no consistent differences in nicotine dependence, smoking history, or motivation to remain abstinent postpartum.