No abstract

The brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) is a relatively uncomplicated, time-efficient, and cost-effective method for treating depression. Because of these features, BATD may represent a practical intervention within managed care-driven, inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Based on basic behavioral theory and empirical evidence supporting activation strategies, we designed a treatment to increase systematically exposure to positive activities and thereby help to alleviate depressive affect. This study represents a pilot study that extends research on this treatment into the context of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Results demonstrate effectiveness and superiority of BATD as compared with the standard supportive treatment provided within the hospital. A large effect size was demonstrated, despite a limited sample size. The authors discuss the limitations of the study and future directions.

We examined the psychometric properties of the Assessment of Depression Inventory (ADI). This instrument assesses depression and also has validity scales that address response honesty. Three studies were conducted. The first describes the development of the ADI. The second compared the concurrent validity of the ADI Depression (Dep) scale with the BDI-II, and the ADI Feigning (Fg) scale responses of psychiatric inpatients with those of a sample of community volunteers asked to feign depression. The third study was used to cross-validate the results with a separate sample of participants. The ADI Dep scale correlated highly with the BDI-II. Significant differences were also found between the honest patient responders and the non-patient feigners on the Fg scale. The data supports the ADI validity scales as measures of response style and the Dep scale as a measure of depression.

No abstract

Incorporating many of the principles and techniques of IPS into an existing vocational program was associated with improved employment outcomes over the six-month follow-up period and should be considered a viable rehabilitation option when working with this vulnerable population.

No abstract

Abstract-With the high number of incarcerated veterans with mental illness and substance dependence returning to the community annually, a significant need exists for technologies that will help them return to employment. This study evaluates three methods of assistance: (1) basic vocational services, (2) selfstudy of a vocational manual designed for formerly incarcerated veterans, and (3) a group led by vocational staff using the vocational manual. We evaluated 69 veterans to determine the number finding employment within 3 months after enrollment in the study. The group format was expected to be superior to self-study, and self-study was expected to be superior to basic services. Though the group format was found to be superior to both self-study and basic services, the results for self-study and basic services were statistically similar. Limitations and directions for future refinement are discussed.

These findings reveal relationships between diagnostic profiles and future psychiatric hospitalization and mortality rates. This information could focus psychiatric and medical interventions for high-risk patients.