Predicting memory problems in older depressed patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is difficult. In this study, hippocampal volume and acute memory outcomes were examined in 15 patients following an index course of ECT. Smaller hippocampal volume was associated with poorer ECT-related memory outcomes. These results add to a growing literature on memory, ECT, and the hippocampus. Although the findings are significant, the sample size in the study is small, so future studies with more complex modeling of key variables that may influence memory are warranted.

No abstract

For the nearly 3 million children in the United States at risk of child abuse and neglect each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2010), the consequences are extraordinarily complex. Some youths will exhibit considerable psychological, behavioral, or physical problems, whereas others will emerge relatively unscathed. These outcomes are further complicated by the economic costs of abuse, neglect, and other adversities. This chapter examines myriad psychological, behavioral, health, and economic consequences associated with child abuse and neglect. To fully understand these outcomes associated with child abuse and neglect, it is imperative that we also explore the variations in definition and assessment, the larger context in which they occur, and alternative explanations for the links that we have identified. DEFINITION AND ASSESSMENT OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECTA major barrier to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and neglect or child maltreatment is the lack of clear definitions. Definitions and classifications of child maltreatment vary across time, cultures,

These results are the converse of those obtained in a study assessing the relationship between hippocampal volume and pharmacotherapy. The findings suggest a need for further study in this area.

No abstract

Objectives The association between religiosity and secular mental health utilization is unclear. Evidence suggests that religious and spiritual leaders (R/S leaders) may be more trusted than secular mental health therapists (SMHTs) and are often the first point of contact for individuals with mental health problems who identify as religious. Methods A generalized equation estimate (GEE) analysis was performed to examine the association between religiosity and mental health seeking behaviors in 2107 participants using the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) data from 1995 to 2014. Results Results from the final model indicated that after adjusting for covariates, higher levels of baseline religious identification and baseline spirituality (assessed in 1995) predicted an increase in visits to R/S leaders from 1995-2014 by a factor of 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01, 1.16] and 1.89 [95% CI, 1.56, 2.28], respectively. Higher levels of baseline religious identification reduced SMHTs visits by a factor of .94 [.90, .98], whereas higher levels of baseline spirituality increased SMHTs visits by a factor of 1.13 [95% CI, 1.00, 1.27] during the same timeframe. Conclusion Higher levels of spirituality and religious identification increased the frequency over time of seeking mental health support from R/S leaders relative to SMHTs. Individuals with mental illness may seek support from religious resources, mental health professionals, or both, underscoring the importance of collaboration between R/S leaders and SMHTs. Mental health training for R/S leaders and collaboration with SMHTs may help alleviate mental health burden, especially among those who highly value their religious and spiritual beliefs.

No abstract

No abstract