No abstract

In a previous study, Ahles et al. [1] compared the MMPI results of primary fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and non-pain control participants. The purpose of the present study was to reanalyze the original data using the contemporary norms of Colligan et al. [5]. The reanalysis revealed that the pattern of group differences remained the same; however, the number of primary fibromyalgia patients classified as 'psychologically disturbed' was appreciably reduced. These data have clinical relevance in that the incidence of psychopathology in chronic pain patients may be overestimated because of the use of outdated norms. Additionally the data have theoretical relevance in that a large number of patients who present with pain in the absence of a known organic pathology do not present evidence of psychopathology.

No abstract

This three‐year program evaluation investigated the primary prevention aspects of Youth Assistance (YA), a community‐based program of the Oakland County Probate Court providing casework and prevention services. The activities studied included parent education sessions, supervised teen recreation, summer camp scholarships, skill building activities, and a one‐to‐one mentorship program. The goals of the study were to determine how effectively the program succeeded in mobilizing community volunteers, and to examine whether the incidence of neglect and delinquency had been reduced as a result of children and parents participating in one or more of these primary prevention activities. Ethnographical as well as quasi‐experimental approaches were used. The following results are highlighted: YA primary prevention services do serve “at risk” populations in the community; overall, participation in the YA activities had positive effects on the participants, such as improved communication skills, increased respect for authority, and more use of positive discipline techniques; 92% of the primary prevention program participants had no subsequent contact with YA or the Court; the program is cost‐effective. The study also confirmed that volunteers are an essential part of the success of a community‐based prevention program. The study resulted in a number of specific recommendations which will be implemented over the next few years in order to continuously improve the program.

No abstract

16 female substance abusers were assessed for the presence of personality disorders using two structured interviews and two self-report questionnaires. Although high prevalence of personality disorders was detected by each instrument, there was little agreement among the four methods for assessing these disorders.