Previous studies have found that both ASC and MMPI Panic-Fear scale scores are related to the maintenance of the medical intractability of asthma. Despite the large overlap of these two scales, they measure somewhat diff...Previous studies have found that both ASC and MMPI Panic-Fear scale scores are related to the maintenance of the medical intractability of asthma. Despite the large overlap of these two scales, they measure somewhat different aspects of "Panic-Fear". The ASC measures a situational response (state variable) to breathing difficulties, while the MMPI measures a more stable, diffuse, and global personality characteristic (trait variable). The present study analyzes the relationship between these state and trait variables as they relate to the intensity of prescribed discharge medication. The results indicate that it is the trait variable which is more important in the maintenance of the medical intractability of asthma. The state variable is implicated in maintaining the illness only to the extent that it is a specific manifestation of the trait variable.
A two-year experience with cromolyn sodium in children with asthma drawn from inner city population, is presented. Though the initial response to the drug at six weeks was excellent, the response over a two-year period w...A two-year experience with cromolyn sodium in children with asthma drawn from inner city population, is presented. Though the initial response to the drug at six weeks was excellent, the response over a two-year period was only very moderate. The possible reasons for this are discussed.
Triiodothyronine (T3) administration to patients suffering from chronic bronchial asthma or patients suffering from nasopharyngeal allergy was reported to ameliorate the attacks. Twelve patients aged less than 35 years s...Triiodothyronine (T3) administration to patients suffering from chronic bronchial asthma or patients suffering from nasopharyngeal allergy was reported to ameliorate the attacks. Twelve patients aged less than 35 years suffering from chronic bronchial asthma for more than 5 years, who were maintained on usual anti-asthmatic drugs with the exception of steroids and chromoglycate and who were not the subject of repeated attacks of bronchitis were chosen for the study. Each patient was given T3 orally as 40 micron/day divided into two doses, for a period of 60 days. The drug increased the peak flow in all cases. The increase averaged 24.6% +/- 8.48 (P less than 0.001). Three cases reported marked improvement and four were able to reduce the dose of anti-asthmatic drugs. There was no significant change in the pulse rate, ECG, body weight, blood pressure, or appetite. One patient complained of insomnia and another of increased anxiety. It is possible that T3 exerts its beneficial effect through correcting the level of C-AMP, which is known to be low in asthmatics, through improvement of body mechanism for antibody formation, or through other unidentified mechanisms.
An outdoor airborne mold survey was recently carried out in the Edmonton area revealing some previously unrecognized molds, especially Rhodotorula. Hormodendrum was by far the commonest mold identified and was present al...An outdoor airborne mold survey was recently carried out in the Edmonton area revealing some previously unrecognized molds, especially Rhodotorula. Hormodendrum was by far the commonest mold identified and was present all year round. It was also revealing that outdoor molds were quite prevalent in the Edmonton area throughout all seasons of the year but certainly more prevalent in the spring and early summer months. It would seem wise to have outdoor mold surveys done periodically in one's own area of practice when one is using immunotherapy with them.
Twenty subject (including patients with atopic eczema and normal matched controls) were subjected to extensive psychiatric interviewing and psychological testing. The atopic eczema patients were found to differ from the...Twenty subject (including patients with atopic eczema and normal matched controls) were subjected to extensive psychiatric interviewing and psychological testing. The atopic eczema patients were found to differ from the controls in early childhood experiences, in adaptation to aggressive conflicts, in themes of dreams and first memories as well as in conflicts and relationships to their extended families. A precipitant stress could be identified at the time of onset and exacerbation of the eczema. Significant psychiatric pathology was found in 60% of the atopic eczema patients. Psychological test results also indicated differences between the two groups with the MMPI being the most discriminating test of those used.
Agō Y, Ikemi Y, Sugita M
… +2 more, Takahashi N, Teshima H
J Asthma Res
· 1976 Oct · PMID 1030701
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Asthmatic patients who were treated at our hospital for at least 3 months and for whom a follow-up was conducted were divided into 2 groups according to their attitudes toward psychotherapy: Group I who accepted psychoth...Asthmatic patients who were treated at our hospital for at least 3 months and for whom a follow-up was conducted were divided into 2 groups according to their attitudes toward psychotherapy: Group I who accepted psychotherapy and Group II who did not accept it as part of our comprehensive approach. We examined the differences in therapeutic results in these two groups obtaining the following information: (1) No significant differences was found between Groups I and II as to the onset age, family history, type, severity, laboratory findings, etc. (2) In Group I, no significant difference was found in therapeutic results as to the onset age, type of asthma, its severity, etc. (3) In Group II, a significant difference was observed in the therapeutic results as to the onset age, type of asthma and its severity. These findings were almost identical to the literature of the internal medicine field. (4) The difference in therapeutic results of Groups I and II was assumed to be related to the use of psychotherapy when psychological factors were present. (5) Although psychotherapy was shown to be effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma, we need to be aware that there is often initial resistance to the process and a tendency for patients to terminate prematurely.