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One hundred younger, middle-aged, and older psychiatric inpatients were compared on the basic 13 MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) scales and 77 MMPI Subscales. Older patients tended to respond more conservatively to these scales, to show less pathology, and to endorse fewer subtle/obvious items than the other age groups. (Author/ABB)

Assessed relationship between age and treatment expectation (TE) among psychiatric patients. Results showed TE rises with age. Higher TE lead to better adjustment, however, older age and higher TE in combination, did not translate into better community adjustment. Differences were most pronounced in psychotics and in older patients not fully employed. (Author/BL)

The new MCMI-III Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) scale was validated on 104 combat veterans who were divided into two groups, PTSD Treatment Group and Non-PTSD Treatment Group. PTSD status was carefully determined by clinical interview and therapists' reports. The Combat Exposure Scale, the Mississippi Scale for Combat-related PTSD, and the Impact of Events Scale were also given. Analysis showed that the MCMI-III PTSD scale had a low internal consistency, but that it significantly differentiated the two groups and significantly correlated to those on other PTSD self-report scales. This scale appeared to be influenced by an acquiescent response style. Further validation studies are needed.

The sparse literature on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among older combat veterans has not explored individual personality styles. 120 older combat veterans who were treatment-seeking in medical and psychiatric outpatient clinics, were assessed whether two personality styles (identified in other research as potentially reflective of PTSD) added to the problems of PTSD beyond the information associated with the stressors of combat and aging. Analyses indicated that the personality style, Sensitivity, was significantly related to PTSD beyond these other factors.

The F-K index of the MMPI has been used as a marker of symptom over-reporting. One population for which previous research has shown this pattern is Vietnam in-country veterans with PTSD. This study assessed the F-K index on 515 inpatients: 329 Vietnam in-country and 186 Vietnam-era patients. Normative data on psychiatric inpatients were presented. Also, a special MMPI subscale (MMPI-PTSD), a measure to identify PTSD among these veterans, was used. Results showed that all Vietnam veterans, especially in-country veterans, overreport symptoms to a high degree. The overall mean for in-country vets was 7.3. Also, when the special MMPI-PTSD subscale was used, a vast majority of in-country veterans who were in the PTSD range had high F-K index scores. Dissimulation as a symptom of PTSD was discussed.

Older patients with chronic psychiatric problems who are being treated psychotherapeutically constitute a particularly difficult group for therapists. An approach to working effectively with older chronic patients using a systems approach is discussed. Recursive sequences of interaction are considered, and a strategic method is identified consisting of a 'one-down' therapeutic approach and a reframe labeling the 'problem' to be one between the patient, the therapist and the clinic. A case example illustrating the use of this theoretical model is examined in detail.

This study investigated the interaction of PTSD and major depressive disorder with common aging-related variables for a community sample of older World War II and Korean War veterans. Older veterans (N=139) were divided into PTSD and depressed groups on the basis of interviewers' measures and compared on overall adjustment, social support, and health status. Only PTSD affected adjustment and health status.

Objectives: Deficits in working memory (WM) are associated with age-related decline. We report findings from a clinical trial that examined the effectiveness of Cogmed, a computerized program that trains WM. We compare this program to a Sham condition in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods: Older adults (N = 68) living in the community were assessed. Participants reported memory impairment and met criteria for MCI, either by poor delayed memory or poor performance in other cognitive areas. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS, Delayed Memory Index) and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR) were utilized. All presented with normal Mini Mental State Exams (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADLs). Participants were randomized to Cogmed or a Sham computer program. Twenty-five sessions were completed over five to seven weeks. Pre, post, and follow-up measures included a battery of cognitive measures (three WM tests), a subjective memory scale, and a functional measure.Results: Both intervention groups improved over time. Cogmed significantly outperformed Sham on Span Board and exceeded in subjective memory reports at follow-up as assessed by the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). The Cogmed group demonstrated better performance on the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), a measure of adjustment and far transfer, at follow-up. Both groups, especially Cogmed, enjoyed the intervention.Conclusions: Results suggest that WM was enhanced in both groups of older adults with MCI. Cogmed was better on one core WM measure and had higher ratings of satisfaction. The Sham condition declined on adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability and increasing popularity of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for the presence of an APOE4 allelle led the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board to identify three critical areas for attention: 1) ensure consumer understanding of test results; 2) address and limit potential negative consequences of acquiring this information; and 3) support linking results with positive health behaviors, including potential clinical trial participation. Improving access to appropriate sources of genetic counseling as part of the testing process is critical and requires action from clinicians and the genetic testing industry. Standardizing information and resources across the industry should start now, with the input of consumers and experts in genetic risk and health information disclosure. Direct-to-consumer testing companies and clinicians should assist consumers by facilitating consultation with genetic counselors and facilitating pursuit of accurate information about testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nation’s older adult population is steadily increasing in numbers as the Baby Boomer generation ages over time. Mental health providers are encountering older adults who are presenting to therapy with problems related to depression and anxiety. The authors demonstrate how empirically-supported treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy are effective in treating older adults within the individual and group counseling setting. Humor as a therapeutic tool is introduced as an easily integrated instrument of positive change through several case studies as depicted by the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:Increasingly, cognitive training appears an asset in improving attention and working memory for older adults. We conducted a study involving a ‘holistic’ training program for several cohorts of older adults (N= 112), targeting community residents with a spectrum of memory complaints ranging from Age Associated Memory Impairment to mild dementia. Method:We developed a 7-session, manualized program targeting concentration, as well as mindfulness, exercise, stress reduction, socialization, diet, and values/identity techniques. We applied this model to 11 cohorts and conducted pre- and post-testing on memory (List Learning, Story Memory, Coding, Digit Span, Recall, and Recognition) and function (Functional Assessment Questionnaire). We also divided the Memory Group by Risk Status – Low, Medium, and High. Results:Results showed that the Memory Clinic Group as a whole improved on this training on most scales. When broken down by risk status, the Low and Medium Risk Groups were statistically superior to the High Risk Group on cognitive measures. Conclusion:There were differences also on adjustment, this time favoring only the Low Risk Groups. Holistic memory training seems to be impactful for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]