International journal of psychosomatics : official publication of the International Psychosomatics Institute最新文献

This manuscript presents a novel model of psychophysiologic markers for the stress response. The hypothesis describes what we believe is a human analogue of the physiologic changes described in animal models of inescapable shock. This is bolstered by laboratory and clinical data derived from patients with stress-related functional gastrointestinal disorders. The idea explains the clinical findings of simultaneous analgesia and somatization in alexithymics. The implications for understanding the physiologic relationship between panic disorder and functional bowel disorders in the context of the stress response is discussed along with novel treatment strategies for these disabling conditions.

Hatha-Yoga has become increasingly popular in western countries as a method for coping with stress. However, little is known about the physiological and psychological effects of yoga practice. We measured heart rate, blood pressure, the hormones cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone and certain psychological parameters in a yoga practicing group and a control group of young female volunteers reading in a comfortable position during the experimental period. There were no substantial differences between the groups concerning endocrine parameters and blood pressure. The course of heart rate was significantly different, the yoga group had a decrease during the yoga practice. Significant differences between both groups were found in psychological parameters. In the personality inventory the yoga group showed markedly higher scores in life satisfaction and lower scores in excitability, aggressiveness, openness, emotionality and somatic complaints. Significant differences could also be observed concerning coping with stress and the mood at the end of the experiment. The yoga group had significant higher scores in high spirits and extravertedness.

This study was a replication and extension of previous research which indicated that Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch had a significant effect in normalizing the activity of the "end organ" for the central nervous system (CNS). The study utilized a randomized double-blind within subject crossover methodological design to examine the effect of nontraditional distant prayer upon autonomic and CNS parameters. The impact of complementary healing was assessed utilizing multi-site surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings located at the frontalis, Cervical 4 paraspinals, Thoracic 6 paraspinals, and Lumbosacral 3 paraspinals. The autonomic indicators of physiological activity included hand temperature, heart rate, skin conductance levels (SCL), and blood volume pulse (BVP). Twenty-one subjects were randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions for two thirty minute evaluation sessions for a total of forty-two psychophysiological monitoring periods. All participants were blinded to the true nature of the experimental protocol as well as the fact that a healing study was being conducted in order to control for suggestion, expectation of healing, and the placebo effect. The analysis of autonomic indicators demonstrated a slight decrease in BVP and heart rate, coupled with a minor increase in SCL suggesting a mild "anticipatory effect" arousal trend. The data also showed that two of the four muscle regions monitored-T6 and L3 paraspinals-indicated a significant reduction in electromagnetic energy during and following the distant healing treatment intervention for a majority of the subjects. For example, the T6 SEMG showed significance at the p < .0002 level, while the L3 SEMG indicated significance at the p < .001 level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Robbins' Neuro-Associative Conditioning (NAC) model is described and its value in providing a structure for therapeutic work outlined. The applicability of the model is illustrated through a single-session treatment of dental phobia which makes use of: (i) case taking by means of a problem solving model to identify patient needs, (ii) interruption of an old behavior/emotional pattern through use of Bandler's (1) Theatre technique, and (iii) installation of new behavior through success imagery.

In this case study, hypnosis incorporating images of competence and efficacy was utilized to assist a young woman to overcome feelings of powerlessness that were engendered by childhood sexual abuse. This treatment was highly effective in assisting this patient to resolve her traumatic memories of these episodes of molestation and abuse.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate salivary composition as an indicator of psychological stress. A group of 26 new Israeli patients in a stress management clinic was studied in an attempt to assess both the effects of long standing trait-related stress as well as that of situational state related stress. Significantly higher state anxiety scores, blood pressure, pulse rate, and lower salivary flow rates were found in the patients before as compared to after the initial psychodiagnostic interview, illustrating the effect of a situational stress. Significantly lower salivary flow rates and elevated total protein concentrations were found in the patients after the interview as compared to healthy controls, illustrating the effect of sympathetic enhancement associated with more stable trait-related psychological stress. Salivary electrolytes (Na and K) and IgA did not differ significantly when the clinical sample was compared to the control group. Although male patients reported lower state anxiety than female patients did, their hemodynamic and salivary composition measures indicated a higher sympathetic arousal, possibly reflecting Israeli male patient difficulties in adapting their distress.

Therapeutic Touch (TT) has been an active change agent within the field of medicine since its introduction as a nursing intervention in 1975. A critical factor which has been missing from the research conducted in this area, however, is definitive scientific evidence or documentation that TT has an objective quantifiable impact upon the physiology of the subject. This study utilized a randomized ABAC methodological design to investigate the effect of TT without contact (NCTT) upon autonomic and CNS parameters. The subjects were blinded to the true nature of the experimental protocol as well as the fact that a healing study was being conducted in order to control for placebo and expectation effects. The impact of NCTT was assessed by multi-site surface EMG recordings located at the Frontalis, Cervical 4 paraspinals, Thoracic 6 paraspinals, and Lumbosacral 3 paraspinals. Autonomic indicators of physiological activity were also monitored and included hand and head temperature, heart rate, and end tidal CO2 levels. The results demonstrated that all of the autonomic indicators showed a general trend towards lower levels of arousal over time. The data also showed that three of the four muscle regions monitored--C4, T6, and L3 paraspinals--indicated a significant reduction in energy during and following the NCTT treatment sessions for a majority of the subjects. For example, the C4 EMG showed a significant NCTT treatment effect (F = 10.31; df = 1; p < .009 level), while the T6 EMG (F = 13.49; df = 1; p < .004) and L3 EMG (F = 4.74; df = 1; p < .05) also demonstrated significance. In addition to the habituation effects seen in the autonomic variables, the implications of neutralization of postural homeostasis and lowering of emotional arousal are discussed along with consideration of the Eastern concept of "nadis."

In this study the detrimental impact of high level noise on temporary threshold shift (TTS) (i.e., hearing loss), was reduced when subjects were given suggestions of imaginary ear muffs attenuating the amplitude and aversive aspects of the noise. This effect was small, however, and only apparent when subjects' responses to noise under a relaxation/imagery (self-regulation) condition was compared to exposure while working on crossword puzzles. The subject's level of hypnotic susceptibility was not related to the outcome. Implications of these findings were discussed.