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Haanes JV, Nordin S, Hillert L, Witthöft M, van Kamp I, van Thriel C, Van den Bergh O. "Symptoms associated with environmental factors" (SAEF) - Towards a paradigm shift regarding "idiopathic environmental intolerance" and related phenomena. J Psychosom Res 2020; 131:109955. [PMID: 32058864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Health conditions characterized by symptoms associated with chemical, physical and biological environmental factors unrelated to objectifiable pathophysiological mechanisms are often labelled by the general term "idiopathic environmental intolerances". More specific, exposure-related terms are also used, e.g. "multiple chemical sensitivities", "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" and "candidiasis hypersensitivity". The prevalence of the conditions varies from a few up to more than 50%, depending on definitions and populations. Based on evolving knowledge within this field, we provide arguments for a paradigm shift from terms focusing on exposure and intolerance/(hyper-)sensitivity towards a term more in line with the perceptual elements that seem to underlie these phenomena. Symptoms caused by established pathophysiologic mechanisms should not be included, e.g. allergic or toxicological conditions, lactose intolerance or infections. We discuss different alternatives for a new term/concept and end up proposing an open and descriptive term, "symptoms associated with environmental factors" (SAEF), including a definition. "Symptoms associated with environmental factors" both is in line with the current knowledge and acknowledge the experiences of the afflicted persons. Thus, the proposed concept is likely to facilitate therapy and communication between health professionals and afflicted persons, and to provide a base for better understanding of such phenomena in healthcare, society and science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vilis Haanes
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, NO-9038 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Lena Hillert
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg University, DE-55122 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Irene van Kamp
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, TU Dort-mund University, DE-44139 Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Omer Van den Bergh
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, BE-3000, Belgium.
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Moguel-Cobos G, Maroney Z, Erickson JM, Tröster AI, Quinn DK. Psychogenic Movement Disorders and Dopamine Transporter Scans: Still a Clinical Diagnosis? PSYCHOSOMATICS 2016; 58:83-89. [PMID: 27889083 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Moguel-Cobos
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ.
| | - Zane Maroney
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | | | - Alexander I Tröster
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ; Center for Neuromodulation, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Davin K Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico Psychiatric Center, Albuquerque, NM
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Günther MP, Winker P, Wudy SA, Brosig B. New Methods in Exploring Old Topics: Case Studying Brittle Diabetes in the Family Context. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:6437452. [PMID: 26634215 PMCID: PMC4655046 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6437452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In questing for a more refined quantitative research approach, we revisited vector autoregressive (VAR) modeling for the analysis of time series data in the context of the so far poorly explored concept of family dynamics surrounding instable diabetes type 1 (or brittle diabetes). METHOD We adopted a new approach to VAR analysis from econometrics referred to as the optimized multivariate lag selection process and applied it to a set of raw data previously analyzed through standard approaches. RESULTS We illustrated recurring psychosomatic circles of cause and effect relationships between emotional and somatic parameters surrounding glycemic control of the child's diabetes and the affective states of all family members. CONCLUSION The optimized multivariate lag selection process allowed for more specific, dynamic, and statistically reliable results (increasing R(2) tenfold in explaining glycemic variability), which were derived from a larger window of past explanatory variables (lags). Such highly quantitative versus historic more qualitative approaches to case study analysis of psychosomatics surrounding diabetes in adolescents were reflected critically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Philipp Günther
- Psychoanalytic Family Therapy, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstraße 10-12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- *Moritz Philipp Günther:
| | - Peter Winker
- Department of Economics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Licher Straße 64, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A. Wudy
- Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstraße 10-12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Brosig
- Psychoanalytic Family Therapy, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstraße 10-12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Challenor J. The Topic of Cancer: new perspectives on the emotional experience of cancer. PSYCHODYNAMIC PRACTICE 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14753634.2015.1025096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Robinson S, Kissane DW, Brooker J, Burney S. A Review of the Construct of Demoralization. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2014; 33:93-101. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909114553461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Demoralization has been the subject of discussion in relation to end-of-life care. It is characterized by hopelessness and helplessness due to a loss of purpose and meaning. The purpose of this review was to consolidate the conceptual understanding of demoralization and argue for its existence as a psychiatric syndrome. The history of the construct is explored, including the nature of existential distress and related psychological conditions that precipitate demoralization. Recent definitions of demoralization are described and differentiated from similar constructs. Future directions are highlighted, specifically in relation to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of demoralization in palliative care. Overall, demoralization is a clinically useful construct for those facing existential threat, guiding the clinician toward efforts to restore morale, meaning, and purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Robinson
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Cabrini Monash Psycho-oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
| | - David W. Kissane
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Cabrini Monash Psycho-oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
| | - Joanne Brooker
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Cabrini Monash Psycho-oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
| | - Susan Burney
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Cabrini Monash Psycho-oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
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Jung YH, Kang DH, Jang JH, Park HY, Byun MS, Kwon SJ, Jang GE, Lee US, An SC, Kwon JS. The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines. Neurosci Lett 2010; 479:138-42. [PMID: 20546836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind-body training of "Brain-Wave Vibration" and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect (p=.019) and lower scores on stress (p<.001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation (p=.031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects (r=-.408, p=.002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E (r=.267, p=.045) and DA/E (r=.271, p=.042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind-body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind-body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Neuroscience Institute, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Tychey C, Garnier S, Lighezzolo-Alnot J, Claudon P, Rebourg-Roesler C. An accumulation of negative life events and the construction of alexithymia: a longitudinal and clinical approach. J Pers Assess 2010; 92:189-206. [PMID: 20408019 DOI: 10.1080/00223891003670125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We began the study with a theoretical comparison of the concepts of alexithymia and operative thought in terms of etiology as well as with a specific approach to comparing the concepts using the Rorschach Inkblot Method (Rorschach, 1921) with both Exner's (1986) Comprehensive System and the Parisian School (Chabert, 1983, 1987; Rausch de Traubenburg, 2000) methods of coding and interpretation. We then present a longitudinal clinical study of a woman suffering perinatal depression starting at 8 months gestation until 34 months postpartum. The case shows how an accumulation of stressful and traumatic life events in the early perinatal period generates a reactive, structured alexithymia. This psychic process transforms an initial acceptance of therapy into a refusal to engage in a therapeutic alliance along with persistent depressive symptoms, impaired quality of life, and maladaptive coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude de Tychey
- Groupe de Recherches en Psychologie clinique et pathologique de la Sante-Laboratoire de Psychologie de l'interaction et des relations intersubjectives, University Nancy 2, Nancy cedex, Lorraine, France.
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Abstract
This essay explores the possibility of an alternative hypothesis to the prevailing psychoanalytic instinctual drive theory whose theoretical and clinical validity has been variously critiqued and challenged. Arguments are suggested in support of the concept of motive as a viable alternative theory to the drive theory and as a replacement for the traditional instinctual drive model. Issues discussed include the understanding of the mind-body relation, the meaning of psychic determinism and overdetermination, the opposition of drive vs. motive (and the related distinction of cause vs. motive), the meaning of psychic energy, and the difference between the concept of drives as the source of all mental energy and the concept of personal agency. The discussion concludes with some observations on the clinical implications of these concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Meissner
- Psychoanalytic Institute of New England East, USA.
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Abstract
Understanding how the brain produces conscious mentation is vital to the prospective integration of psychoanalytic and neuroscientific study of the mind-brain relation. This essay explores some of the current opinions, based on recent neuroscientific research, regarding origins of consciousness in the brain. Areas explored include levels of consciousness, waking versus dream consciousness, and issues of consciousness and self-organization in split-brain studies. Some tentative suggestions are made regarding clinical implications of this perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Meissner
- Psychoanalytic Institute of New England East, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
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Meissner WW. A Note on the Use of the Concept of the Soul in Psychoanalytic Discourse. THE PSYCHOANALYTIC QUARTERLY 2008; 77:327-40. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2167-4086.2008.tb00343.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Meissner WW. Self and time. THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHOANALYSIS AND DYNAMIC PSYCHIATRY 2008; 36:707-736. [PMID: 19113962 DOI: 10.1521/jaap.2008.36.4.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the meaning of subjective time and its implications for the understanding of the nature of the self in psychoanalytic terms. Subjective time, the time experience of intrapsychic life, is distinguished from objective time. Its development and evolution in the course of the life cycle are examined, and various aspects of its phenomenology explored. Implications for the understanding of the structure and functioning of the self, especially the combined influence of physiological and environmental processes reflecting the integration of body-mind in the time experience and self-organization are discussed. Some implications for the engagement of the self in the analytic process are suggested, particularly the focusing of therapeutic interaction in the present moment and the implications of the meaning of structural change in reference to the modification of the self-concept through the revision and integration of memory systems in the present interaction between analyst and analysand.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Meissner
- Psychoanalytic Institute of New England East, MA, USA
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