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We examined depressive symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), in a group of 50 alcoholic patients, diagnosed according to DSM III criteria during active drinking, withdrawal (4 days after their last drink), and abstinence (24 days after their last drink). DSM III diagnoses of major depression were made in 16 (32%) of the patients. The diagnoses were made using the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) between the 10th and 24th day after the patients' last drink. Depressive symptoms decreased markedly as the patients progressed from active drinking to abstinence. Alcoholic patients having a diagnosis of major depression had higher BDI scores than those not having a diagnosis of major depression. Analysis of BDI items using a two-parameter logistic item response model confirmed that the BDI measured depressive symptoms in these alcoholics. We conclude that the BDI is valid for screening for depression in alcoholic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on several papers discussed at the 16th Annual TESOL Arabia Conference (TACON), which was held at Zayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 11-13, 2010, is presented. Topics include two professional development courses and an online virtual initiative that offers more interaction channels among the delegates and organizers. The conference featured several speakers including Minister of Education Humaid Al-Qitani, David Nunan, and Jeremy Harmer.

The article offers information about the 16th Annual TESOL Arabia International Conference and Exhibition 2010 to be held in Dubai Academy City in United Arab Emirates from March 11-13.

The article offers information on the Franklin Global SpellEvent on April 24, 2010 at the Dubai Men's College in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It states that the event is a spelling competition for English words which school participants include Al Ain's Al Murijieb Secondary School. It says that winners of the event received a free trip to New York City for the international competition. It adds that the event is held to promote the learning of English language among students in UAE.

The article presents the editorial changes for the journal "Perspectives" which cater on the concerns related to the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Inc. (TESOL).

The article presents the message of the TESOL Arabia president for its 2009-2010 academic year in United Arab Emirates (UAE). She notes that the chapters and the special interest groups (SIGs) of the organization planned several events for the year allowing its members to attend free of charge. She notes that TESOL has many vital success areas including communication improvement, maintenance of financial stability, and the provision of various professional development.