Processing of Positive Memories Technique among Clients Reporting Traumatic Experiences: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
pp. 153465012110358
Author(s):  
Alana H. Fondren ◽  
Anne N. Banducci ◽  
Randall Cox ◽  
Ateka A. Contractor

Many current treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emphasize processing and engaging with trauma memories as the key mechanism of therapeutic change. However, promising emerging research indicates links between PTSD symptoms and positive memories. Processing positive memories, to therapeutically impact health outcomes for trauma-exposed individuals, may have several benefits, including (a) increasing access to positive coping mechanisms via activating positive affect and thoughts; (b) addressing avoidance of positive affect and thoughts; and (c) honing skills that will aid in the eventual processing of trauma memories. The present article demonstrates the utility and effects of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) with three clients who reported a history of traumatic experiences. We outline the procedures of a 5-session PPMT, that incorporates symptom assessment, detailed imaginal experiencing of positive memories, and processing of associated positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts. We utilize longitudinal assessment data to demonstrate the clinical benefits of PPMT, such as less PTSD severity, improved mood (e.g., less negative affect), and greater self-esteem. Finally, we discuss treatment considerations based on unique client factors and treatment modalities (i.e., in-person vs. video telehealth).

Author(s):  
Robert Power ◽  
Philip Smyth ◽  
Noel E Donlon ◽  
Timothy Nugent ◽  
Claire L Donohoe ◽  
...  

Summary Background Chyle leakage is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication following esophageal resections. The optimal management strategy is not clear, with a limited evidence base. Methods Searches were conducted up to 31 December 2020 on MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized trials or retrospective studies that evaluated the management of chyle leakage following esophageal resection. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed for bias. The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD: 42021224895) and reported in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Results A total of 530 citations were reviewed. Twenty-five studies, totaling 1016 patients met the inclusion criteria, including two low-quality clinical trials and 23 retrospective case series. Heterogeneity of study design and outcomes prevented meta-analysis. The overall incidence of chyle leak/fistula was 3.2%. Eighteen studies describe management of chyle leaks conservatively, 17 by surgical ligation of the thoracic duct, 5 by pleurodesis, and 6 described percutaneous lymphangiography with thoracic duct embolization or disruption. Conclusions The evidence base for optimal management of chyle leakage postesophagectomy is lacking, which may be related to its low incidence. There is a paucity of high-quality prospective studies directly comparing treatment modalities, but there is some low-certainty evidence that percutaneous approaches have reduced morbidity but lower efficacy compared with surgery. Further high-quality, prospective studies that compare interventions at different levels of severity are needed to determine the optimal approach to treatment.


2020 ◽  
pp. 135910452097869
Author(s):  
Anne Steenbakkers ◽  
Steffie van der Steen ◽  
Hans Grietens

This study explored what contributes to successful family foster care from the perspective of young people by asking them about their most positive memory of family foster care. Forty-four Dutch adolescents and young adults (aged 16–28) participated in this study and shared their most positive memory in a short interview. Their answers were qualitatively analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, supplemented with an analysis of the structure of their memories. The thematic analysis resulted in the themes Belongingness, Receiving support, Normal family life, It is better than before, and Seeing yourself grow. The structural analysis showed that young people both shared memories related to specific events, as well as memories that portrayed how they felt for a prolonged period of time. In addition, young people were inclined to share negative memories alongside the positive memories. These results highlight that, in order to build a sense of belonging, it is important that of foster parents create a normal family environment for foster children and provide continuous support. Moreover, the negative memories shared by participants are discussed in light of a bias resulting from earlier traumatic experiences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
Andrea Cunningham ◽  
Dipali Patel ◽  
Zahra Sheriteh

This case series describes a number of different treatment modalities used in the management of impacted mandibular second molars (MM2s). A variety of cases is used to illustrate a number of ways in which these teeth can be managed, and to demonstrate that each case should be managed on an individual basis, taking into account the overall malocclusion. The importance of early diagnosis and management is highlighted throughout. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case series highlights the difficulties and challenges in managing patients who present with impacted lower second molars (MM2s), and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.


Author(s):  
Pooja Gupta ◽  
Renuka Malik

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a pregnancy discomfort that causes pain and limitation of mobility and functioning in any of the three pelvic joints. The patient usually presents antenatally with persistent suprapubic pain which is exaggerated during moving, walking or climbing stairs. Intrapartum, this could be associated with disruption of sacroiliac joint, hematuria and bladder dysfunction in severe cases. Pelvic X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging aid in confirmation of diagnosis by measuring the degree of separation of symphysis. Treatment modalities range from conservative management to orthopedic interventions in form of pelvic strapping, open reduction and internal fixation. Postpartum pain often masks clinicians to make the diagnosis of pubic symphysis diastasis. A case series of three cases which were diagnosed and confirmed with ultrasound and managed with orthopedic consultation. till their delivery and in post-partum period till recovery. Although there is still no specific consensus on treatment guideline, management generally of conservative management to surgical in the form of pelvic bracing or strapping. Awareness of this rare condition can help in management of pain and associated disability which improves post-delivery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuhua Yu ◽  
Jiaoyang Wei ◽  
Yanchun Li ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Hongming Che ◽  
...  

Backgroud: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a rare respiratory disease. In recent years, the disease has been recognized and diagnosed increasingly in children. Pulmonary function is important for diagnosis, identifying the severity of the PIBO and monitoring progression. But there have been only a few studies that followed the evolution of PIBO on the basis of pulmonary function tests (PFTs).Objective: The study targeted the evolution of pulmonary function and bronchodilator response in a case series of Chinese children with PIBO.Methods: Twelve children between the ages of 6–99 months with PIBO were studied retrospectively from 2009 to 2019. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, and maximal midexpiratory flow velocity 25–75% (MMEF25−75%) were collected at each PFT, and bronchodilator responses were evaluated. Spirometric parameters were monitored over time, and generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze longitudinal panel data.Results: The median baseline PFT values for FVC, FEV1, the FEV1/FVC ratio, and MMEF25−75% were 41.6, 39.75, 90.7, and 22.2%, respectively. At the initial PFTs, 10 (83.3%) patients demonstrated a significant bronchodilator response. FVC and FEV1 increased by 8.212%/year and 5.007%/year, respectively, and the FEV1/FVC ratio decreased by an average of 3.537%/year. MMEF25−75% showed improvement at an average rate of 1.583% every year. Overall, FEV1 and MMEF25−75% showed different degrees of improvement after the use of inhaled bronchodilators at each PFT session for 10 patients, and FEV1 measures demonstrated significant (>12%) β2-bronchodilation in 56% of PFT sessions.Conclusions: Pediatric patients with PIBO showed an obstructive defect in pulmonary function. The FVC, FEV1, and MMEF25−75% improved as they grew older, while the FEV1/FVC ratio decreased. This may be due to the development of lung parenchyma more than airway growth. Airway obstruction in some patients improved with the use of β2 agonists.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Cloninger ◽  
Alexandre Granjard ◽  
Nigel Lester ◽  
Erik Lindskär ◽  
Patricia Rosenberg ◽  
...  

Background: Migration is one of the major challenges of the 21st century with many refugees being victims of torture and experiencing war and the collapse of their society. Sweden, for example, received about 169,520 refugees during 2015 and 20–30% of them were estimated to suffer from mental illness. Nevertheless, research shows that about 66.40% of refugees never reveal their traumatic experiences to a doctor and a majority refuse psychiatric help. Hence, we need innovative methods to promote the physical, mental, and social health of refugees. Objective: We examined the effects of Anthropedia’s Well-Being Coaching (i.e., a biopsychosocial approach to coaching) and Well-Being Spa (i.e., modern version of age-old Spa interventions) on the personality and health of a sample of refugees living in Sweden. Methodology: Participants were recruited as part of a health and employment project in Blekinge, Sweden. A total of 70 Syrian refugees were randomly assigned to a six-month intervention comprising either Well-Being Coaching, or Well-Being Spa, or both (i.e., Mind–Body). The participants reported personality (temperament and character), well-being (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, and harmony in life), and ill-being (defeat and entrapment, and anxiety and depression) at the beginning and at the end of the six-month intervention period. Results: Participants assigned to the Well-Being Coaching intervention showed increases in self-directedness (Cohen’s d = 0.84), cooperativeness (Cohen’s d = 0.36), positive affect (Cohen’s d = 0.43), and life satisfaction (Cohen’s d = 0.56), and decreases in both negative affect (Cohen’s d = 0.38) and defeat (Cohen’s d = 0.89). Participants assigned to the Well-Being Spa intervention showed decreases in harm avoidance (Cohen’s d = 0.55), reward dependence (Cohen’s d = 0.69), negative affect (Cohen’s d = 0.82), anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.53), defeat (Cohen’s d = 0.34), and external entrapment (Cohen’s d = 0.42). Participants assigned to the Mind–Body intervention showed significant decreases in harm avoidance (Cohen’s d = 0.47), anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.61), depression (Cohen’s d = 0.34), defeat (Cohen’s d = 0.56), external entrapment (Cohen’s d = 0.44), and internal entrapment (Cohen’s d = 0.79) and increases in persistence (Cohen’s d = 0.27), self-directedness (Cohen’s d = 0.28), cooperativeness (Cohen’s d = 0.43), self-transcendence (Cohen’s d = 0.51), positive affect (Cohen’s d = 0.42), and harmony in life (Cohen’s d = 0.36). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that Well-Being Coaching strengthens refugees’ character, while the Well-Being Spa treatments reduced participants’ tendency to worry and anxiety. Finally, the combination of these two interventions seems to promote the development of health-related traits, reduce ill-health, and stress, and increase well-being in a wider biopsychosocial perspective.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafeek Ahmed Sadek ◽  
Ashraf Mohamed El Seddawy ◽  
Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Gomaa

Abstract Background Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs), were first described by Drs. Jaffe and Lichenstein in 1942 when they described pelvic and spine lesions that when exposing the lesion and opening in to its thin wall, the surgeon was immediately confronted by a large hole containing much fluid blood. Aim of the Work To describe the efficacy of new line treatment modalities of (Aneurysmal Bone Cysts) compared to conventional lines of management regarding the: • Long term outcomes and healing rate. • Recurrence rates. • Complications after therapy. Patients and Methods Criteria for considering studies for this review: • Types of the studies: published observational analytical studies (case-control_ case-series _ RCT or cohort studies) which studied the efficiency of new lines in the management of aneurysmal bone cyst. • Types of participants: participants were children and young age (below the age of 50 yrs) with a diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. • Types of interventions: drugs like (Bisphosphonate or denosumab) were administered for a time determined by the case improvement, or minimally invasive techniques like (cryosurgery or curopsy) was done. Results Through the results of our study that compared between these recent modalities according to healing, recurrence, and complications rate; we are able to say that recent strategies have a high rate of healing ranges from 78.57% with bisphosphonate to 100% with doxycycline and cryotherapy. Conclusion There are recent evolving trends in the management of ABC other than the classic ways of management, they are less invasive, have less recurrence rate reaches to 0 % like with bisphosphonate, less complications rate as well reaches to 0 % like with doxycycline and bisphosphonate, high healing rate reaches to 100 % like with doxycycline and taking in consideration how to handle cases of ABC that classic way of management can’t handle like spinal ABC.


Author(s):  
Navil F. Sethna ◽  
Pradeep Dinakar ◽  
Karen R. Boretsky

As part of multidisciplinary management of paediatric chronic pain, interventional pain management techniques can play an important role when pain is unrelieved by conventional treatment modalities. Many procedures and indications are extrapolated from adult studies, and evidence for long-term efficacy in paediatric populations is limited. Interventions range from injection techniques with local anaesthetic and/or corticosteroids to neuraxial blockade with implanted catheters. Paediatric case series have reported benefit in selected patients with complex regional pain syndrome and cancer-related pain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3441
Author(s):  
Ramy Abou Ghayda ◽  
Han Li ◽  
Keum Hwa Lee ◽  
Hee Won Lee ◽  
Sung Hwi Hong ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Until now, several reports about pregnant women with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been published. However, there are no comprehensive systematic reviews collecting all case series studies on data regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially association with treatment modalities. (2) Objective: We aimed to synthesize the most up-to-date and relevant available evidence on the outcomes of pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed infection with COVID-19. (3) Methods: PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Google scholar, and Embase were explored for studies and papers regarding pregnant women with COVID-19, including obstetrical, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes and complications published from 1 January 2020 to 4 May 2020. Systematic review and search of the published literature was done using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). (4) Results: In total, 11 case series studies comprising 104 pregnant women with COVID-19 were included in our review. Fever (58.6%) and cough (30.7%) were the most common symptoms. Other symptoms included dyspnea (14.4%), chest discomfort (3.9%), sputum production (1.0%), sore throat (2.9%), and nasal obstruction (1.0%). Fifty-two patients (50.0%) eventually demonstrated abnormal chest CT, and of those with ground glass opacity (GGO), 23 (22.1%) were bilateral and 10 (9.6%) were unilateral. The most common treatment for COVID-19 was administration of antibiotics (25.9%) followed by antivirals (17.3%). Cesarean section was the mode of delivery for half of the women (50.0%), although no information was available for 28.8% of the cases. Regarding obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, fetal distress (13.5%), pre-labor rupture of membranes (9.6%), prematurity (8.7%), fetal death (4.8%), and abortion (2.9%) were reported. There are no positive results of neonatal infection by RT-PCR. (5) Conclusions: Although we have found that pregnancy with COVID-19 has significantly higher maternal mortality ratio compared to that of pregnancy without the disease, the evidence is too weak to state that COVID-19 results in poorer maternal outcome due to multiple factors. The number of COVID-19 pregnancy outcomes was not large enough to draw a conclusion and long-term outcomes are yet to be determined as the pandemic is still unfolding. Active and intensive follow-up is needed in order to provide robust data for future studies.


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