"Scratching" beneath the surface: an integrative psychosocial approach to pediatric pruritus and pain.

Pruritus is prevalent in children with atopic dermatitis and associated with effects on mood, quality of life, sleep, scholastic performance, social and family functioning. In this study a 7-year-old African American female with severe atopic dermatitis, itching and pain refractory to multiple systemic and topical medications was referred for treatment. At baseline, the patient scratched to the point of bleeding, despite maximal doses of anti-histamines, antidepressant and topical therapies.

Coconut fragrance and cardiovascular response to laboratory stress: results of pilot testing.

There is preliminary evidence that pleasant fragrances may alter response to stressors in different settings. This pilot study examined the effect of coconut fragrance on cardiovascular response to standard laboratory stressors. While inhaling coconut fragrance (n = 17) or air (n = 15), subjects performed a Stroop color-word task and a mental arithmetic task.

A pilot study to assess the effects of a guided imagery audiotape intervention on psychological outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of postoperative cardiac events and death in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These risks persist even several months after the procedure. Guided imagery has been used with cardiac surgery patients for some time and with numerous anecdotal reports of considerable benefit.

Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed youth in IDP camps in Northern Uganda: adaptation and training.

This article reviews the use of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) with depressed youth living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in North Uganda. This youth has been exposed to severe losses and disruptions in relationships with caregivers, family, and community members; limited access to formal education; exposure to malnutrition and infections; and pressure to prematurely assume adult family roles. The process of adaptation to the content and training of IPT for these youth is presented and illustrated with case examples.

Participation in annual skin cancer screening among women seeking routine mammography.

Background: Early detection of skin cancer is associated with improved prognosis. The American Cancer Society's current skin cancer screening (SCS) recommendation states that adults over the age of 40 should receive an annual skin examination conducted by a health professional. However, little is known about the psychosocial factors related to participation in annual SCS, which remains relatively low among the general public.

Adherence to colorectal cancer screening in mammography-adherent older women.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Screening can prevent the development of CRC or diagnose early disease when it can effectively be cured, however existing screening methods are underutilized. In this study, we examined the utility of an updated Health Belief Model to explain CRC screening adherence.