Biofeedback: Is it for You?

"The Diagnostic Challenge of Nonburrowing Mite Bites: Cheyletiella yasguri," E. Dorinda Shelley, et al. Endemic pruritus in a family of four proved to be caused by the "bite and run" habits of the Cheyletiella yasguri mites that lived on the family dog. The mystery was solved only after the 6-year-old daughter experienced an explosive attack of pruritic papules after taking a nap in the dog's sleeping box. Virtually invisible ectoparasites remain a common cause of endemic pruritus within families. Since these patients show no acarologic, clinical, or laboratory evidence for the cause of their itch, a good rule remains, cherchez le chien. (Journal of the American Medical Association 1984;251:2690–2691.) "The Clinical Utility of the Dexamethasone Suppression Test in Psychiatry: Summary of a National Institute of Mental Health Workshop," Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, et al. The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) is being increasingly used in psychiatry, especially in the differential diagnosis of affective disorders. In light of this, the National Institute of Mental Health convened a workshop of clinical scientists drawn from neuroendocrinology, psychopathology, and general clinical psychiatry to review the evidence for the efficacy of the use of the DST in psychiatry. Specifically considered were DST's relevance to differential diagnosis, its use as a predictor of response to treatment, its relationship with other biologic variables, and technical issues. The panelists concluded that at this time there are no clear indications for routine use of the DST in diagnosis or clinical management of depression, although it is a useful research tool. Areas of potential utility include prediction of suicidal activity, prediction of relapse, and differential diagnosis. (Journal of the American Medical Association 1983;250:2172–2174.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]