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An empirical study of the structure of the patrol/marking motivational system in the rat.

The existence and structure of an hypothesized motivational system of patrol/marking was supported and elucidated by a behavioral study on untrained highly inbred laboratory rats. One rat (the "runner") was placed into a test chamber containing a wire-mesh running wheel flanked by two chambers, one of which contained another rat (the "target"). Four conditions of runners (socially-isolated males, socially-housed males, non-estrous females, and estrous females) were exposed to four types of targets (socially-housed males, non-estrous females, estrous females, and blank targets consisting of any empty target chamber). Also placed in the chamber was a Petri dish containing scent-markings of the target rat. The experiment was designed in a counterbalanced way with 10 replications and repeated two times in two separate years. As predicted from the hypothesis, scent-marking, sniffing the dish, locomotion (number of wheel revolutions), and approach (differential running towards the target) were all correlated with each other and varied in the same way as a function of the hormonal and experiential condition of the runner and the type of target. They were interpreted to reflect motor patterns of a single unitary patrol/marking motivational system. Grooming, on the other hand, did not correlate with the other behaviors and facial gland secretion was, therefore, rejected as a motor pattern of patrol/marking.

Animals↗

Low central nervous system serotonergic activity is traitlike and correlates with impulsive behavior. A nonhuman primate model investigating genetic and environmental influences on neurotransmission.

We have used nonhuman primates to examine developmental and behavioral correlates of CNS serotonergic activity, as measured by concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These studies show that interindividual differences in CNS serotonin turnover rate exhibit traitlike qualities and are stable across time and settings, with interindividual differences in CSF 5-HIAA concentrations showing positive correlations across repeated sampling. Primates with low CNS serotonergic activity exhibit behaviors indicative of impaired impulse control, unrestrained aggression, social isolation, and low social dominance. Maternal and paternal genetic influences play major roles in producing low CNS serotonin functioning, beginning early in life. These genetic influences on serotonin functioning are further influenced by early rearing experiences, particularly parental deprivation.

Animals↗

Gender differences among clients of a case management program for the homeless.

Differences between 24 female and 35 male clients were assessed at entry into an intensive case management program serving homeless shelter residents and again nine months later. Both men and women were socially isolated, with small social networks and severe deficits in social functioning. Histories of homelessness were similar for both genders, and there were no gender differences in psychopathology at baseline or follow-up. At entry into the program women had higher levels of social skills, larger and more supportive networks, and better housing conditions than men, but these differences disappeared after the subjects spent nine months in the program. Inadequate living conditions may have contributed to the more negative initial picture for men. Although there were more similarities than differences between the men and women in this sample, more research on gender differences is needed to design and evaluate programs for homeless mentally ill persons.

Adult↗

Trust and transparency in human encounters in tuberculosis control: lessons learned from Vietnam.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate understanding of mechanisms of the tuberculosis sickness trajectory in Vietnam. In-depth interviews with 24 TB patients and 16 health care providers involved in TB care were concurrently conducted, coded, and analyzed according to the grounded theory method. A need for quality interaction based on transparency and trust among patient, family, society, and provider was observed. Providers lacked an awareness of differences between male and female patients with regard to social situation and support. In particular, female patients needed social support, as they received less support from their families than men did. A need for active intervention to decrease social isolation and increase social support was more pronounced in families with a female TB patient.

Antitubercular Agents↗

Evaluating an Interpersonal Model of Depression among adults with Down syndrome.

The Interpersonal Model of Depression (IMD) based on the Theory of Human Relatedness (Hagerty, Lynch-Sauer, Patusky, & Bouwsema, 1993) is evaluated among adults with Down syndrome. One hundred subjects participated, with 32% having elevated depression scores and 40% stating they felt lonely. The relationship between depression, perceived social support, loneliness, and life satisfaction is statistically significant, F(6, 172) = 4.36, p < .001. Loneliness, social isolation, loss of sense of well-being, self-hate, and social withdrawal are important interpersonal manifestations and represent increasing levels of depression. Social and emotional loneliness are two dimensions of loneliness. The IMD provides a framework to assess depression in this population. Research on the efficacy of depression treatment based on the IMD is needed.

Adult↗

Smoked marijuana effects on tobacco cigarette smoking behavior.

The effects of marijuana smoke exposure on several measures of tobacco cigarette smoking behavior were examined. Eight healthy adult male volunteers, who smoked both tobacco and marijuana cigarettes, participated in residential studies, lasting 10 to 15 days, designed to measure the effects of marijuana smoke exposure on a range of behavioral variables. Tobacco cigarettes were available throughout the day (9:00 A.M. until midnight). Each day was divided into a private period (9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.), during which subjects were socially isolated, and a social period (5:00 P.M. to midnight), during which subjects could interact. Under blind conditions, subjects smoked placebo and active marijuana cigarettes (0%, 1.3%, 2.3%, or 2.7% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) four times daily (9:45 A.M., 1:30 P.M., 5:00 P.M. and 8:30 P.M.). Each subject was exposed to both placebo and one active dose over 2- to 5-consecutive-day intervals, and dose conditions (i.e., placebo or active) alternated throughout the study. Active marijuana smoking significantly decreased the number of daily tobacco smoking bouts, increased inter-bout intervals and decreased inter-puff intervals. Marijuana decreased the number of tobacco smoking bouts by delaying the initiation of tobacco cigarette smoking immediately after marijuana smoking, whereas decreases in inter-puff intervals were unrelated to the time of marijuana smoking. No consistent interactions between marijuana effects and social or private periods (i.e., time of day) were observed.

Adult↗

Childhood origins of teenage antisocial behaviour and adult social dysfunction.

The main aim of this research was to investigate the childhood predictors (age 8-10 years) of teenage antisocial behaviour (age 18 years) and adult social dysfunction (age 32 years). A sample of 411 London males was followed up from age 8 years to age 32 years. The most important childhood predictors of both outcomes (and of convictions) were measures of economic deprivation, poor parenting, an antisocial family and hyperactivity-impulsivity-attention deficit. However, childhood nervousness and social isolation were negatively related to teenage antisocial behaviour but positively related to adult social dysfunction. It was concluded that the development of adult social dysfunction depended not only on established causes of antisocial behaviour such as economic deprivation and poor parenting but also on causes of internalizing disorders such as childhood nervousness and social isolation.

Adolescent↗

Client-centered case consultation and single-case research design: application to case management.

Tim is a 17-year-old white, male adolescent who exhibited extreme social isolation and was unresponsive to multiple forms of treatment. Staff members had conflicting views about the nature of Tim's difficulties; these conflicting views indicated their loss of objectivity. Using client-centered case consultation and single-case research design, the consultant helped staff members regain their objectivity so they might intervene to reduce Tim's social isolation.

Adolescent↗

Why patients with ESRD do not select self-care dialysis as a treatment option.

BACKGROUND: In-center hemodialysis is the most prevalent (and resource-intense) form of dialysis in North America despite many patients being capable of performing dialysis themselves. The purpose of this study is to describe reasons in-center hemodialysis patients choose not to perform self-care dialysis and identify variables associated with a negative attitude toward self-care dialysis. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (return rate, 83%) of prevalent in-center hemodialysis patients and combined this with demographic and comorbidity data obtained from our prospectively maintained database. We also performed multiple logistic regression to determine factors associated with the attitude, "patients should not perform dialysis without being supervised by a nurse." RESULTS: The most prevalent knowledge barrier was lack of a satisfactory explanation of the various techniques. The most prevalent attitude barriers were that patients should not dialyze without direct supervision, fear of failure to perform self-care dialysis adequately, and fear of social isolation. The most prevalent skill barriers were needle phobia and lack of space at home. Variables significantly associated with a negative attitude toward self-care dialysis were age/fear of substandard care (interaction), needle phobia, fear of change, fear of social isolation, and unwillingness to remain awake during dialysis. CONCLUSION: This study identified a variety of barriers to self-care dialysis, and these results are being used to direct changes to our program aimed at increasing the uptake of self-care hemodialysis, which we believe will benefit both patients and health care providers and may offer a solution to nursing and resource shortages.

Attitude↗

Acculturation and psychological distress in three groups of elderly Hispanics.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acculturation and psychological distress in three groups of older adults who have immigrated from Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Financial strain and social isolation are specified as intervening mechanisms that are thought to link acculturation with well-being in late life. Data from a recent nationwide survey of older Hispanics suggest that levels of psychological distress tend to vary across Hispanic groups and that these differences may be attributed in part to the complex interplay between educational attainment, language acculturation, financial strain, and social isolation.

Acculturation↗

Perceived alienation in individuals with residual-type schizophrenia.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experience of alienation from the perspective of a convenience sample of 20 individuals with residual-type schizophrenia. Semistructured interviews focused on general relationships with people and society, feelings of closeness and separation at specified age groups, and experiences of loneliness, social isolation, and lack of solidarity or sense of belonging. Content analysis was performed to categorize qualitative data into concepts from the theoretical framework. Other concepts that increased alienation were stigmas associated with medication and psychiatric treatment, connection to the mental health system, victimization, and abuse. Aspects of alienation-social isolation, loneliness, and lack of solidarity increased for respondents during their lifetime, and positive connections with other people decreased.

Adult↗

Interaction of NaCl and behavioral stress on endogenous sodium pump ligands in rats.

Our study investigated the hypothesis that the combination of a high NaCl diet and social isolation stress would increase systolic blood pressure (SBP) and endogenous sodium pump ligands (SPL), ouabainlike compound (OLC), and marinobufagenin (MBG). Excretion of MBG and OLC, SBP, and organ weights were studied in four groups (n = 8) of male Fisher 344 x Norwegian brown rats: controls, socially isolated (Iso), 4% NaCl diet (Salt), and the combination of Salt and Iso (Iso+Salt). In Salt, MBG excretion increased by 78% (P < 0.01), whereas SBP and OLC remained unchanged. In Iso, SBP and MBG did not change, but OLC peaked on day 1. In the Iso+Salt, SBP increased by 9 mmHg, MBG excretion increased (42.0 +/- 7.6 vs. 10.0 +/- 1.5 pmol/24 h, P < 0.01), whereas OLC peaked at day 1 (25.0 +/- 2.5 vs. 10.0 +/- 2.0 pmol/24 h, P < 0.01) and remained elevated. Heart and kidney weights were increased in Salt and Iso+Salt. Aortic weights were increased in Iso and Iso+Salt. Thus a high NaCl intake stimulates MBG excretion, whereas isolation stress stimulates OLC. The combination of Salt and Iso is accompanied by marked stimulation of both SPL.

Animals↗

Patients' experiences of long-term oxygen therapy.

The aim of this study, which was undertaken in patients' homes in Sweden, was to describe patients' experiences in the self-management of continuous oxygen therapy and their view of managing their chronic disease. A phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected in interviews and analysis produced four categories. The findings show that the patients need help with relief for different physiological and psychological difficulties and from social isolation. The patients had insufficient resources for daily life. They were restricted to their homes, had mobility problems and were dependent upon a continuous life rhythm. Dependence upon another family member is therefore an important factor. But even with the presence of a significant other, social isolation is prevalent.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Psychologic symptoms in asthma and chronic urticaria.

Psychologic symptoms of 102 adult patients with asthma and 74 adult patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, plus 252 normal nonclinical controls and 383 psychologically distressed ('socially isolated') but medically healthy adults were assessed by means of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). On average, both asthma and urticaria patients had more psychopathology-evident in most symptom dimensions of the BSI-than healthy controls but much less than 'socially isolated' adults. Nevertheless, only about 40% of the subjects in both patient groups had above-normal BSI scores. Both men and women with asthma and women with urticaria had BSI scores greater than the normal controls, whereas the scores of men with urticaria were not different from those of healthy men. Thus, about half the women with either disease but less than one man in three with asthma and only about one man in ten with urticaria had significant psychologic distress. Recognition of patients' psychologic symptoms should be useful in planning and managing their medical therapy.

Adult↗

[The "Medical-Psychologic Questionnaire for Heart Patients": a study of the assessment of the validity of a study instrument for psychological health of patients following myocardial infarct].

Correlations between scales and items of the "MPFH", and physical performance of MI-patients, lead us to conclude that the self-perception of decreased physical performance after MI is often generalized and thus leads to a decrease in self-esteem, often connected with feelings of social isolation. This pattern of reaction can in itself be a new risk factor during rehabilitation. Psychological rehabilitation must therefore focus on both: 1. trying to find a meaningful balance between moderate increase in physical performance and psychological adaptation to the reduction in performance, and 2. trying to reduce the feeling of social isolation which comes along with decreased physical performance.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

The effects of sensory deprivation on cigarette craving and smoking behaviour.

Seventy two heavy smokers were treated by means of either 6, 12 or 24 hours of sensory deprivation, or by 24 hours of social isolation. There was a significant linear trend relating time in confinement to reduction in mean post-treatment smoking rate. A measure of cigarette craving while confined did not predict treatment outcome. Craving while confined for 24 hours exhibited a cubic trend, indicating a diurnal rhythm. Differences between the two 24 hour conditions were nonsignificant, but suggested that social isolation may be therapeutically preferable to sensory deprivation.

Cues↗

Social functioning and self-care in hospitalized psychogeriatric patients.

Evaluations of social disability have been found useful in determining factors of diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic significance in the management of psychogeriatric patients. A random sample of 100 psychogeriatric patients aged 65 or over admitted to three Toronto hospitals were studied prospectively. Standardized clinical and social interview schedules were used to assess patients' mental state, self-care capacity, social isolation, burden on the family and household contribution before admission. These assessments were carried out to determine their significance with respect to diagnosis and outcome. Self-care capacity, as measured by the Activities of Daily Living Performance Test or by informant report, was related to diagnosis and outcome measures in this sample. Social isolation was significantly correlated with length of hospital stay. Burden on the family was not found to be significantly associated with diagnosis or outcome although there was a tendency for patients with organic disorders to present more difficulties for their families. The severe burden imposed on relatives suggests the need for utilization of community social and medical services to provide relief for families of psychogeriatric patients. The implications for management are considered in the light of the above findings.

Activities of Daily Living↗