Doil D. Montgomery

Computerized Cognitive Training for Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children with ADHD.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of Captains Log (a computerized cognitive-training system) on the behaviors and performance capabilities of 4 severely emotionally disturbed children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ages 7 to 11. Behavioral scales, spectral electroencephalograms, and intelligence and performance tests were assessed pre-and posttreatment. A behavioral point system and monitoring of progress on computer tasks were used throughout treatment to evaluate ongoing improvements. There were 64 training sessions administered over a 16-week period. Outcome of treatment was determined by computer advancement, changes in behavioral points, and pre-and postmeasures. Results support the expectation that children who were most successful in the training would demonstrate the highest levels of generalization of those skills that were the focus of treatnent.

Computer-Assisted Cognitive Training for ADHD: A Case Study

A computer-assisted cognitive training program was used to treat a 13-year-old Caucasian male with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The subject was administered a cognitive training computer program, Captains Log, for 35 sessions. Pre/post differences on the Conners Parent Rating Scale revealed a decrease on all subscales. The scores on the Conners Teacher Rating Scale were less conclusive. Electrophysiological testing on the A620 EEG/Neurofeedback revealed a reduction in EMG, theta, and beta wave amplitudes. However, the theta/beta ratio increased. A 7-month follow-up revealed that most of the acquired gains were maintained, but at a slightly lower level.

Tripartite assessment of the efficacy of eye-movement desensitization in a multi-phobic patient.

Abstract The relative efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization (EMD) and Eye- Focus Desensitization (i.e., a treatment procedure designed to control for the effects of eye movement) in treating multiple phobias was assessed along behavioral, cognitive, and physiological response channels in a single-subject, multiple-baseline design across fear areas. Continuous physiological measurements, rather than presession/post- session change scores, were employed to permit accurate, fine-grained analysis of each interventions effects. Results indicated that EMD failed to produce clinically significant intra- and intersession improvements beyond those produced by the control procedure on all dependent measures. A second multiple-baseline design across fear areas was implemented with the same subject and employed in vivo exposure/reinforced practice in order to demonstrate the patients potential responsiveness to treatment. This procedure produced dramatic improvement on behavioral and subjective measures, but not on physiological indices. Results from this single-case experiment did not support the effectiveness of EMD.

A Cognitive-Behavioral, Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Treatment for Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia:

A 39-year-old man diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia, comorbid with depression, was treated successfully with cognitive-behavioral, biofeedback-assisted relaxation therapy. Treatment consisted of 22 individual sessions over the course of 10 months. Of those, 18 sessions included biofeedback with electrodermal response as the primarymodality and finger temperature monitored as a general index of relaxation. The core interventions utilized during treatment included psychophysiological monitoring, relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and exposure to feared cues. Results were cessation of panic attacks, full remission of agoraphobia, and alleviation of depressive symptoms. Assessments used during the course of treatment included the Beck Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-2, Agoraphobic Cognitions and Body Sensations Questionnaires, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. A treatment formulation that combined the most effective interventions with cognitive-behavioral underpinnings is discussed along with recommendations for practice.

Relationship Between QEEG Relative Power and Hypnotic Susceptibility

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative electroencephalograph relative amplitude, relative power and hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnotic susceptibility, measured by the Wickramasekera Experience Inventory, was found to be positively correlated with QEEG theta relative amplitude (r = 0.260, p < .10). In addition, hypnotic susceptibility was found to be negatively correlated with QEEG alpha relative amplitude (r = − .323, p < .05) and alpha relative power (r = −0.322, p < .05). These findings suggest that QEEG relative amplitude and QEEG relative power, as correlates of hypnotic susceptibility, may be a promising avenue for future research.

Change: detection and modification.

Because human physiology is always changing, one of the challenges for those interested in biofeedback applications is how to establish techniques to determine if the biofeedback has altered the physiology. This paper explores some of the areas of concern and some solutions that have been reported.

RELATIONSHIP OF SENSATION SEEKING AND ANXIETY

Zuckerrnan, Kolin, Price, and Zoob (1964) devised the Sensation-seeking Scale to measure the construct of optimal level of stimulation. Presumably high scorers enjoy tension-raising situations and should therefore be low in anxiety, however, equivocal results have been reported (Zuckerman & Link, 1968). The purpose of this study was to investigate sensation-seeking-anxiety correlates. In the first study the Sensation-seeking Scale (Zuckerman, et al., 1964) was administered to 40 female and 74 male general psychology students. Correlations were obtained with a battery of anxiety tests given 2 wk. earlier. Pearsonian values were -.010 with Mandler and Sarasons (1962) Test Anxiety Questionnaire, -.I81 with Taylors (1953) Manifest Anxiety Scale, -.067 and -.078 with Cattell and Scheiers (1963) overt and covert scales of the IPAT Anxiety Scale, and ,015 and -.232 ( p < .05) with Spielberger and Gorsuchs (1966) State and Trait Anxiety Inventory scales respectively. In a second study, Zuckermans (1971) Form IV of the Sensation-seeking Scale and the Mandler, et a1. (1952) Test Anxiety Questionnaire were given to 52 female and 52 male general psychology students. Pearsonian correlations of -.068, ,009, .038, -.I08 and -.025 were obtained for General Sensation-seeking, Thrill and Adventure Seeking, Boredom Susceptibility, Disinhibition and Experience Seeking. No sex differences were present in either sample. Even with a lone significant correlation it appears that sensation seeking is not substantially related to anxiety, at least of the questionnaire variety. It may be, however, that a relationship does exist with situation-specific anxiety (Zuckerman, ec al., 1968).

Physiological Monitoring and Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training for Panic Disorder in a Case of Complex Developmental Trauma

This article describes the effective use of physiological monitoring and biofeedback-assisted relaxation training as primary interventions for the treatment of panic disorder in a 31-year-old woman with a history of complex developmental trauma. A biopsychosocial perspective of panic disorder grounded in learning theory and informed by trauma practice was used to examine the role of multiple causational factors in the development of panic disorder and to discuss intervention strategies addressing the interconnected nature of the biological and psychosocial realms of the human experience. The client participated in 2 pretreatment (intake interview and formal testing) and 14 outpatient therapy sessions at a biofeedback clinic over a period of 6 months. Treatment-outcome data indicated a marked decrease in acute symptoms as measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Second Edition (MMPI-2).