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Biomedical subjects

G L Iverson

Publications and source records attributed to G L Iverson.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Assessing intellectual functioning in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders using a seven subtest short form of the WAIS-R.

The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of a Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) seven subtest short form. Researchers have shown that the IQ scores estimated by this short form correlate highly with full-form IQ scores in several patient populations. We compared the full WAIS-R scores with the seven subtest short form estimated IQs in a sample of patients with psychotic disorders (n = 190). The VIQs, PIQs, and FSIQs estimated by the short form were highly correlated with the full form IQs (rs ranging from 0.95 to 0.98). Similar to previous research, the mean difference scores were small (ranging from one point to virtually no difference). In general, the seven subtest short from has adequate concurrent validity and is suitable for assessing intellectual functioning in persons with psychotic disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Detecting malingered memory deficits with the Recognition Memory Test.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of using the Recognition Memory Test (RMT) as a marker for malingered memory deficits. Data from 60 subjects, including 40 patients seen for neuropsychological evaluation and 20 university undergraduates, are reported. The university students were given experimental instructions to malinger. Students were compared to 20 memory-impaired and 20 memory-nonimpaired patients. The students who were instructed to malinger memory impairment performed more poorly than both groups of patients. Discriminant function analyses using the two scores derived from the RMT as predictors of group membership resulted in a 100% initial correct classification rate and a 96.7% correct classification rate on cross-validation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Using single-subject methodology to investigate psychiatric treatments in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Psychiatric problems are frequently experienced by persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some researchers and clinicians presume that these psychiatric problems are a direct manifestation of the disease, while others suggest that psychosocial and environmental factors have greater etiological significance. Our lack of knowledge regarding the etiology of psychiatric problems in this population is a serious limitation to selecting treatment approaches or to understanding treatment efficacy. Studies that employ group research designs to investigate the etiology or treatment of psychiatric problems in patients with SLE are inherently limited. Therefore, this article provides a general introduction to single-subject methodology and illustrates some potential applications to investigating psychiatric treatments in persons with SLE.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of two computational formulas for a WAIS-R seven subtest short form.

Several validity studies for a seven subtest WAIS-R short form have been conducted with patients from different populations as participants. All of these studies demonstrated high correlations between the short form IQ estimates and the actual VIQs, PIQs, and FSIQs (i.e., .90 to .98). In general, there also were small mean differences in the short form versus actual IQs across samples. There currently are two computational formulas for the seven subtest short form. The original weighted formula and a revised proration formula. This study investigated the accuracy of the two short form computational formulas in samples of patients with brain impairment. It was found that the two formulas produced nearly identical results from both statistical and clinical perspectives. Given that the formulas produce nearly identical results and the majority of published studies with this short form have used the weighted formula, we recommend that future investigators use the original weighted formula to maintain clinical and scientific consistency.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1997

Analysis of risk to children participating in a sociometric task.

Fourth and 5th graders (N = 119) were individually interviewed regarding their reactions to completing group-administered, positive and negative peer nomination techniques. Results were consistent with previous findings of no obvious harm; but, additional, unique information regarding children's discussions was identified. For example, 7 children reported that 6 low-status peers were talked about behind their backs. However, these 7 children further reported that, to the best of their knowledge, none of the 6 low-status peers found out about the negative comments. No child reported having hurt feelings or having knowledge of anyone else having hurt feelings. Overall, 17% of the children (n = 20) reported that they were complimented by others; high-status peers were significantly more likely to be complimented. It was determined that the condition of minimal risk of harm, harm not greater than children might encounter in daily life, was not breached Directions for further research are discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1997

'Postconcussive' symptoms in persons with chronic pain.

The purpose of this study was to examine the base rate of cognitive and neurobehavioural complaints in patients with chronic pain (N = 170) who had not sustained a head injury. The patients completed a packet of questionnaires that contained numerous questions regarding physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms. The 'postconcussive-like' symptoms were selected and analysed. Specific symptom endorsement rates ranged from 5% to 76.5%. Disturbed sleep, fatigue, and irritability were reported by the majority of chronic pain patients. Cognitive complaints relating to forgetfulness (29%), difficulty maintaining attention (18%), and difficulty with concentration or thinking (16.5%) were endorsed by a significant minority of patients. Most patients (80.6%) endorsed three or more symptoms from Category C of the DSM-IV Postconcussional Disorder research criteria. This study further illustrates that postconcussive-like symptoms are not unique sequelae of mild head injury, and the presence of chronic pain should be considered when interpreting patients' physical, cognitive, and psychological complaints following closed head injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Screening for visual-perceptual deficits following closed head injury: a short form of the Visual Form Discrimination Test.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity and clinical utility of a short form of the Visual Form Discrimination Test in persons with closed head injuries (n = 62). Given the homogeneity of the items, and patients' apparent consistency in responding, we hypothesized that scores from an eight-item short form would be highly similar to the scores from the full version of the test (i.e. 16 items). The mean difference between the short form and full version was less than one point, and the correlation between the two forms was 0.86. Applying a clinical decision rule resulted in a 'normal/impaired' overall correct classification rate of 98.4%. The short form shows considerable promise as a brief test of visual discrimination in persons with closed head injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Using multiple objective memory procedures to detect simulated malingering.

The present study evaluated five objective assessment procedures used to detect malingered memory deficits. Twenty students and 20 psychiatric subjects completed the procedures under instructions to malinger and/or try their best. These groups were compared to 20 memory-impaired subjects who completed the procedures under instructions to try their best. While each test was able to correctly classify all of the subjects performing their best and the actual memory-impaired patients, the correct classification rates for experimental-malingerers varied from 5%-85% on the 10 scores derived from the five tests. Combining all of the cutting scores, and using deficient performance on one procedure as the criteria for classification, resulted in a 92.5% hit rate for subjects who were instructed to malinger and a 100% hit rate for the control and memory-impaired subjects who were instructed to try their best.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Research methods for investigating causal relations between SLE disease variables and psychiatric symptomatology.

People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently experience psychiatric problems. Some researchers and clinicians presume that these psychiatric problems are a direct manifestation of the disease, while others suggest that psychosocial and environmental factors have greater etiological significance. The majority of the studies addressing these issues in patients with SLE are too methodologically limited to make confident conclusions regarding etiology. More methodologically sound research in this area is needed. This article describes some of the limitations in past research in the areas of sampling, measurement, research design, data analyses and data presentation. Suggestions for improved methodology in future research are offered.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Qualitative aspects of malingered memory deficits.

Much has been written in recent years on methods for detecting malingered memory deficits. However, previous research has focused exclusively on quantitative analyses of the data. The purpose of this study was to investigate more qualitative aspects of malingering. Undergraduates, community volunteers, psychiatric inpatients, and federal inmates who participated in analogue malingering studies were interviewed to elicit their self-reported strategies for faking memory impairment. Some of these subjects indicated that if they were to malinger they may show poor cooperation, aggravation and frustration, slow response times and frequent hesitations, and general confusion during the testing process. The strategy reported with the greatest frequency was to fake total amnesia (i.e. for personal identity, past knowledge, family and friends, and all aspects of the accident.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The etiology of psychiatric symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The purpose of this review was to explore the probable etiologies of psychiatric problems in patients with SLE. Although instances of psychosis generally are attributed to disease pathophysiology, the precise mechanism for this problem remains speculative. The etiology of non-psychotic psychiatric complaints is even less clear. Overall, it is likely that psychiatric complaints in patients with SLE are attributable to numerous factors including acquired brain dysfunction, organ system dysfunction, iatrogenic effects of corticosteroid treatment, learning history, psychosocial stressors, and current coping strategies. Additional research is needed to explore the bi-directional, synergistic, and dynamic interactions among diverse physiological and psychological variables as they impact an individual's psychiatric status.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1993

Cognitive-behavioral approaches to pain management in rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the topic of cognitive-behavioral approaches to pain management for persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Existing studies offer support for the usefulness of cognitive-behavioral techniques, but methodologic limitations were identified. Although the core element in rheumatoid arthritis pain management is optimal rheumatologic care, an important role also exists for strategies that seek to reduce the cognitive-evaluative aspects of arthritis pain.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1993

Psychopathology associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: a methodological review.

Psychiatric dysfunction is believed to be a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, psychosis is 1 of 11 criteria the American Rheumatism Association used to provide a classification scheme for the disease. Nonpsychotic symptomatology also is frequently attributed to SLE disease pathophysiology. This article is a methodological review of the literature relating to the prevalence of psychiatric dysfunction and whether these problems can be attributed to disease activity. Given the serious methodological limitations in the available literature, definitive point prevalence or lifetime prevalence estimates for psychopathology in patients with SLE are not available. In addition, there is no conclusive evidence that the disease causes nonpsychotic psychiatric dysfunction in these patients.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1990

The detection of malingering in neuropsychological assessment.

Although malingering, or the manipulation of data by the patient, is a problem commonly faced by neuropsychologists, there has been little systematic investigation of this problem. This paper reviews the literature on the detection of malingering in assessment instruments commonly used by clinical neuropsychologists. Criticism of previous research is discussed, and suggestions are made both for future research and for clinical practice.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Children's Orientation and Amnesia Test: educational status is a moderator variable in tracking recovery from TBI.

The Children's Orientation and Amnesia Test (COAT) is an objective, standardized means of assessing cognitive functioning in children and adolescents who are in the early stages of recovery from traumatic brain injury. The COAT is composed of 16 items that assess general orientation, temporal orientation, and memory. This study was designed to determine if children who are receiving special education services perform more poorly on the COAT than children who are in the regular classroom. It was found that children receiving special services performed significantly more poorly, and 13% of them were classified in the impaired range, as compared to 3% of the students in the regular classroom. The results provide important reference data for interpreting COAT scores of children with traumatic brain injuries who have either premorbid learning disabilities or other special service needs.

Adolescent↗