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Biomedical subjects

D Biddle

Publications and source records attributed to D Biddle.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Self-reported problems: a comparison between PTSD-diagnosed veterans, their spouses, and clinicians.

This study investigated self-reported problems in a sample of help-seeking Vietnam veterans, comparing the veteran's own view with clinician and spouse perspectives, with the aim of examining convergence in reports across different informants. Veterans with PTSD (N = 459) were asked to list and rate their five most serious problems. Spouses and treating clinicians completed the same questionnaire in relation to the veteran. Rates of endorsement for each problem area, and levels of agreement between raters, were calculated. Veterans, spouses, and clinicians were all likely to rate anger as a high priority, with veterans also likely to nominate anxiety and depression. Spouses were likely to nominate more observable behavioural problems such as interpersonal difficulties and avoidance, while clinicians were likely to nominate indications of psychopathology, such as anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Agreement across raters was generally high, although interpretation of agreement levels was complex.

Anger↗
PubMed2001

The validity of the PTSD checklist as a measure of symptomatic change in combat-related PTSD.

Little research to date has examined the ability of self-report measures to assess changes in symptom severity and diagnostic status as a function of treatment. This study investigated the validity of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist (PCL) as a measure of symptomatic change following programmatic treatment. A sample of 97 Vietnam veterans with combat-related PTSD was assessed using the clinician-administered PTSD scale (CAPS) and the PCL prior to, and 9 months following, participation in a PTSD treatment program. Using the CAPS as the "gold standard" measure of PTSD symptomatology, the PCL demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy pre- and posttreatment. However, significant variations in accuracy were evident in the ability of the PCL to determine the presence and severity of individual symptoms at each time point. In addition, as symptoms improved from pre- to posttreatment, and approached the threshold criteria, the PCL demonstrated reductions in diagnostic accuracy. As a measure of overall symptomatic change, the PCL underrated improvement in comparison to the CAPS. The results supported the use of an overall cut-off score of 50 on the PCL for a diagnosis, and an item score of 3 for symptom criterion, in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Obstetrical emergencies.

This article discusses different techniques that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of obstetrical emergencies. Female reproductive emergencies commonly encountered by small animal practitioners include pyometra, dystocia, cesarean section, mastitis, eclampsia, uterine torsion, and uterine prolapse. A thorough knowledge of normal and abnormal reproductive behavior will aid the emergency veterinarian in successfully managing such cases. Timely diagnosis and treatment of these emergencies will often give a good outcome.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Treatment outcome in Australian veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: a cause for cautious optimism?

This study investigated treatment outcome in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were 419 Australian Vietnam veterans who completed a 12-week hospital-based program. A comprehensive protocol assessed PTSD, comorbidity, and social functioning at admission and at 3 and 9 months posttreatment. Overall, the group showed significant improvements in core PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, social dysfunction, and anger. Changes occurred mostly between admission and 3 months posttreatment, with gains maintained at 9 months. Ratings by patients and their partners indicated perceived improvement and strong satisfaction with treatment. Nevertheless, treatment gains were variable and, for most veterans, considerable pathology remained following the programs. The current study provides grounds for cautious optimism in the treatment of combat-related PTSD.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1981

Conservative management of focal intracerebral infection.

One case of bacterial brain abscess and one case of multiple tuberculomas with tuberculous meningitis were treated non-surgically for an extended time with the aid of serial CT. Complete clinical and radiologic resolution was demonstrated in both cases. The features and the sequence of events in these cases suggest that conservative management of focal intracerebral infection may often obviate the need for surgical intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Seizures of axial structures. Presumptive evidence for brain stem origin.

Scattered reports, both clinical and experimental, have been accumulating in the past 20 years indicating that true seizures may, indeed, originate from the brain stem and its immediate connections. Four cases are reported that give further strong presumptive evidence that this is so. All the seizures were confined to axial structures (face, tongue, palate, pharynx, diaphragm, and abdomen), and in one case each seizure had an identical "Jacksonian march." The phenomena were documented by 16-mm motion pictures, brain stem signs, and electroencephalography. The EEG consisted of periods of burst activity followed by relative interictal electrocerebral silence.

Abdominal Muscles↗