Outcomes of specialized residential treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) utilizing exposure and response prevention for obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) has typically been studied in the context of time-limited treatment conducted in outpatient settings. However, in practice, patients vary in their response to such treatment, and some require more prolonged participation to obtain optimal benefit. An intensive residential program is one alternative for patients who do not improve in traditional outpatient treatment.

Cellular phenotypes in human stenotic lesions from haemodialysis vascular access.

Background: Haemodialysis vascular access dysfunction (due to venous stenosis and thrombosis) is a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity. The aim of the current study was to identify the specific cell types present within stenotic tissue samples from patients with AV fistula and graft failure.

Methods: Discarded tissue segments were collected from the stenotic portions (usually near the graft-vein anastomosis or the AV anastomosis) of 23 dialysis grafts and 20 AV fistulae, and examined for expression of smooth muscle alpha actin, desmin, vimentin and a macrophage marker.

Influence of fatty acid diets on gene expression in rat mammary epithelial cells.

Background: This study examines the impact of dietary fatty acids on regulation of gene expression in mammary epithelial cells before and during puberty.

Methods: Diets primarily consisted of n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids (olive oil), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (safflower), saturated acids (butter), and the reference AIN-93G diet (soy oil). The dietary regimen mimics the repetitive nature of fatty acid exposure in Western diets.

Treatment outcome for adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder in a specialized hospital setting.

Although few data are available concerning adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the existing literature suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment of choice for adolescents with mild to moderate OCD. A combination of CBT and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) is recommended for more severe forms of OCD, based on the Expert Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the Pediatric OCD Treatment Study (POTS). Despite the effectiveness of CBT, a recent meta-analysis found that 27% of adolescent outpatients fail to show clinically significant improvement following CBT and many also fail to show improvement with pharmacotherapy.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: update on assessment and treatment.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequently debilitating and often severe anxiety disorder that affects approximately 2% of the population. This article discusses the presentation of the disorder and theories of etiology and provides an overview of assessment and treatment. A case description is included to illustrate the cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment approach.