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This paper shows that an optimistic explanatory style consisting of taking positive situations as permanent and global attributions and negative situations as temporary and specific attributions is related significantly to lower depressive symptoms. Implications of these results are discussed in the light of the reformulated model of learned helplessness (Abramson, Seligman y Teasdale, 1978) and the hopelessness theory (Abramson, Metalsky and Alloy, 1989). The paper also suggests taking into account new constructs that can be influential, such as explanatory flexibility, self-perceived control over stressful situations and the importance given to them. Girls show a more optimistic explanatory style in preadolescence and participants older than 10 score higher in depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the results of randomized clinical trials of psychological and/or pharmacological treatments for smokers. Special attention has been devoted to subjects with or without a history of depressive disorder. A 6 to 12 months biochemically validated abstinence was used as main criterion for success. Relevant earlier reviews, meta-analyses, original articles in PsycInfo and MEDLINE databases, along with papers from Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group were checked. Current data suggest that cognitive behavioural therapies involving mood-handling components, antidepressants bupropion and nortriptiline, and nicotine-substitution therapy can help these smokers give up smoking. Choosing the most appropriate treatment will depend on the clinical profile and needs of the individual patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among adults and adolescents. Over the past 12 years, a significant progress in depression prevention research has taking place although many studies in this field still exhibit serious flaws. This paper discusses issues such as the choice of prevention objectives, theoretical considerations, the identification of high-risk groups, and the design of both preventive programs and their evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]