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PubMed1986

A psychiatric profile before and after reconstructive surgery in children with Apert's syndrome.

Twenty-five children with Apert's syndrome, characterised by craniosynostosis and symmetrical syndactyly of hands and feet, were seen by a psychosocial team. The patients ranged in age from 1 month to 15 years. All had undergone synostosis release in the first year of life and were being assessed for craniofacial reconstructive surgery. Psychosocial adjustment was evaluated using a semistructured interview, psychometric testing. Piers-Harris Self-concept Inventory and Hay's Appearance Rating Scale administered by a team consisting of a child psychiatrist, psychologist and social worker, 6 months before surgery and 1, 2 and 4 years after surgery.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Can an electronic device improve mood and well-being, and decrease anxiety?

This study used a double-blind crossover design to investigate the effect of a small electronic device, the Quantum Companion, on mood, quality of life and anxiety levels. Thirty-four subjects were stratified on age, sex, and current stress levels and randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a Quantum Companion, and then after a two week "recovery period," the other instrument. Standardized tests were administered before and after each two-week experimental period, along with an open ended questionnaire of other life-events during the past two weeks. The two weeks with the placebo were marked by (1) more immediate positive and fewer immediate negative effects, (2) greater reductions in anxiety, and (3) nonsignificant improvement in mood and quality of life, compared to the two-week Quantum Companion periods. This study brings out the power of a placebo for changing mood, and the importance of using rigorous designs to test claims.

Adult↗