International Journal of Psychopathology and Psychiatric Diagnosis

Sequentially Administered WAIS-IV Short Forms in Traumatic Brain Injury: Screening for Subnormal IQ and Intellectual Deterioration

Samuel Gontkovsky — 2022-02-16

This investigation examines the utility of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition short form (SF) IQs and abbreviated General Ability Indexes (GAIs) to discriminate normal from subnormal intellectual functioning and detect possible cognitive deterioration. Participants were 60 individuals with traumatic brain injury. Following the standard order of subtest administration and depending on performance, assessment may be terminated after two, three, four, or five subtests. Classification accuracy statistics indicated that all SF predictions exceeded the subnormal base rate (i.e., IQ = 35%; GAI = 28%), with hit rates from .83 to .93. Two-subtest SFs for the IQ and estimated GAI were not recommended. A three-subtest SF prediction exceeded the base rate for intellectual deterioration (BR = 45%, HR = .80). A four-subtest SF was recommended for estimating FSIQs; three- and four-subtest SFs were good predictors of the GAI, and a three-subtest SF was useful for identifying intellectual deterioration.

Longitudinal Changes in Depression Among Patients at an Integrated Primary Care Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Brian George Collin — 2022-02-24

Introduction: The current study assessed trajectory of within subject change in depressive symptoms before and after the COVID-19 related lockdowns were implemented in the United States in 2019-2020.

Method: A General Estimating Equations model was conducted with electronic medical records data of 36,868 adult patients at a chain of federally funded integrated primary care clinics. Changes in Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) scores were included in the model as the dependent variable.

Results: April 2020 was the only month when PHQ-2 scores increased with 95% confidence. April and December 2020 had greater likelihood than April and December 2019 to show a mean increase in depressive symptoms.

Discussion: Depression rates increased substantially at the start of the pandemic (i.e., April 2020) and subsequently returned to pre-pandemic expectations. However, depression rates were less likely to decline in December 2019, which may be due to social distancing and cancellation of holiday gatherings.

Issues in Mental Health: Substance Use

Lisa Daniel — 2022-03-08

Many mental health issues are of concern to individuals, groups, therapists, evaluators, researchers and society in general. Substance use is one main concern that is growing in the population and is alarming healthcare workers, practitioners, and society at large. Data from SAMHSA, CDC, and other sources are discussed which note recent findings about substance use. Specific suggestions are recommended to increase likelihood of awareness and prevention of substance use disorder.

Effects of Preferred and Non-preferred Concurrent Activities during Self-Control Training in a School for Autism

Seth Whiting — 2022-03-08

Objectives. Self-control training is comprised of a progressively lengthened delay to reinforcement, during which the individual can engage in some activity until the temporally distant reinforcer is provided. Though availability of an activity concurrent to the delay has been shown to increase self-control, little is known about relative effects of differing qualities of activities. The purpose of the study was to examine differential effects of preferred and non-preferred activities during delays in self-control training.

Methods. Using a multiple baseline design, three students with autism consistently demonstrated impulsive choices and low engagement in tasks. During self-control training, participants chose between a smaller, immediate reinforcer and a larger reinforcer following a short delay with an alternating preferred and non-preferred response requirement. After success was observed in either preferred or non-preferred conditions, the delay associated with that condition was progressively lengthened. Last, participants chose which activity was available during the delay, and choices were monitored as delays associated with chosen conditions were extended.

Results. During training, two participants demonstrated near exclusive self-control choices. All three increased delay tolerance at similar rates regardless of activity preference, and more frequently chose the progressive/preferred alternative than the progressive/non-preferred alternative though delay requirements were greater.

Conclusions. Self-control can be established by starting with minimal delays to reinforcement and progressively extending the delay after success is observed, regardless of whether a work- or preferred-activity is available during the delay. However, providing an option for a preferred activity may help to “bridge the gap” to more temporally distant reinforcers.

Ageing and Cognitive Health: A Preventive Approach

Sampurna Chakraborty — 2022-04-13

Ageing often leads to a decline in cognitive abilities. Significant cognitive impairment leads to functional impairment, loss of independence and need for long term care. A cognitive reserve is a functional ability that helps to prevent cognitive decline. Identifying the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline with advancing age is crucial. Research has shown that cognitive exercise and cognitive training in older adults can slow down or resist cognitive decline. Continuous cognitive engagement, adequate and rich cognitive stimulation and complex mental activity can foster neuroplasticity in the brain and, therefore, may be utilized to mitigate age-related changes in cognition. Therefore, adopting a preventive approach to healthy ageing will benefit the ageing population and the community.