Michael E. Faulstich

Psychophysiological analysis of atopic dermatitis

Ten atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with active symptomatology and ten control subjects matched for age, sex and race were administered a stress test. AD subjects had greater EMG and heart rate activity as well as higher anxiety scores on the Symptom Checklist-90R. These results suggest that AD may have a psychophysiological component.

Temporal stability of psychophysiological responding: a comparative analysis of mental and physical stressors.

Although extensive research has been conducted on psychophysiological reactivity, there is a paucity of data concerning the temporal stability of such procedures. Test-retest reliability of experimental stressors from both mental and physical modalities were assessed using a wide range of psychophysiological measures. Absolute baseline and test values demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability for skin temperature, skin resistance, vasomotor response, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while forearm EMG had low reliability. Difference scores, which represent change from baseline to test conditions, did not have adequate reliability. These data represent a necessary step towards standardization of psychophysiological assessment techniques and thus may guide further use of more reliable methods.

An overview of atopic dermatitis: Toward a bio-behavioural integration

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic skin inflammation with suspected pathophysiological and psychological mechanisms. These factors are reviewed along with related treatment approaches. Current medical intervention for AD is palliative and only partially effective. Although encouraging, psychological treatment is not well developed and has not been adequately evaluated. It is concluded that multidisciplinary research is needed so that improved understanding and treatment of AD can be achieved.

Test-retest reliability of psychophysiological assessment

Abstract Thirty subjects participated in a study of the test-retest reliability of five psychophysiological assessment procedures: habituation. Quiz Electrocardiogram, anger imagery, aversive slides and startle. The procedures were presented in identical fashion, 2 weeks apart. Skin conductance level and response, heart rate, vasomotor response, skin temperature, frontalis and forearm electromyogram, respiration rate. and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded continuously. The following analyses were performed on Test-Retest data: correlations, baseline changes, profile similarity, and stability of ranked standardized physiological scores. Significant but modest Test-Retest correlations were found for skin conductance level and response, skin temperature, respiration rate, heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Absolute scores were more often stable than change scores. All baselines were stable from Test to Retest. Four baselines and four test procedures had Test-Retest Profile Similarity Index scores indicating reliability. Chi-square analyses of Retest ranks of standardized physiological scores showed that the two most and least responsive measures accounted for Test-Retest stability. Conclusions were: (a) Psychophysiological response patterns are reliable for baselines and procedures, and single psychophysiological measures (especially absolute scores) are moderately stable; (b) Traditional (correlational) estimates of the reliability of single psychophysiological responses are limited by individual-response stereotypy, but multivariate analysis of response pattern provides a better index of reliability.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome: An overview of central nervous system complications and neuropsychological sequelae

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been associated with a series of central nervous system (CNS) complications, including focal and nonfocal neurological indications. Overall, the most common form of CNS dysfunction is diffuse cerebral atrophy pathologically characterized by neuronal loss, glial nodules, and microfocal demyelination. Consequent neuropsychological deficits present an insidious course initially typified by poor memory and concentration, along with psychomotor retardation and blunted affect which resembles psychological depression. Gradually over several weeks to months, patients exhibit marked global cognitive impairment and can become severely disoriented and delusional. Clinical research relevant to these CNS complications and neuropsychological sequelae are reviewed.

Blepharospasm and meige syndrome: A review of diagnostic, aetiological and treatment approaches

No known pathophysiological mechanism can explain the majority of cases of blepharospasm, i.e. spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle; it may also affect the lower face, neck and jaw--Meige syndrome. Only symptomatic treatment is possible, and surgery should be a last resort for severe cases. Much more clinical research will be required before promising behavioural interventions, including biofeedback, can be considered treatments of choice.

Topography of Human Intelligence Across Race: Factorial Comparison of Black-White Wais-R Profiles for Criminal Offenders

Comparison of intellectual functioning across racial groups is an important scientific issue with broad interdisciplinary implications. A large random sample (N = 275) of Black and White incarcerated individuals were studied to evaluate the topography of intelligence across race. Principal factor analyses yielded the general intelligence-g factor along with specific Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Organization dimensions. All three of these structural components were highly congruent between Whites and Blacks. Theoretical implications of these data include: (1) evidence of qualitatively equivalent intellectual functioning across race, (2) justification of a verbal-performance dichotomy of adult intelligence across racial groups, and (3) support for construct validity of adult intellectual assessment across race.

Effects upon Social Perceptions of the Insanity Plea

Interest and debate have increased over the “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) plea. However, little systematic research regarding societal reactions to this plea is available. Perceptions of the plea were analyzed by having 256 respondents read specially prepared newspaper stories that described the shooting of an individual. The female assailant compared to the male counterpart was: liked more, considered less likely to shoot someone again, held less responsible for the shooting, and perceived to deserve fewer years in prison. These findings were conceptualized under the framework of attribution theory. Moreover, differential reactions were a function of the respondents sex. Finally, the report of a psychiatric history resulted in the NGRI plea being considered more acceptable in a court of law.

BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN HANSEN'S DISEASE

Human sexual behavior is an interactive process including CNS, hormonal, and sex-gland activities. This process can be disrupted in males who have Hansens disease if testicular atrophy occurs. Elevations of centrally mediated leutinizing hormone and deficient testosterone levels were found in a male with Hansens disease whose insufficient erections were secondary to atrophic testes. Quasi-experimental (A-B) analysis provided evidence for the efficacy of testosterone treatment for such a condition.

Blepharospasm: a case study comparison of trihexyphenidyl (artane) versus EMG biofeedback

Blepharospasm is a chronic condition characterized by involuntary spasmodic closure of the eyelid(s). The present investigation empirically evaluated the relative efficacies of a current pharmacological and a psychological approach in the treatment of blepharospasm. An A-B-A-C-A single-case design was used to compare trihexyphenidyl [Artane] with EMG biofeedback. EMG activity in the frontalis muscle and number of eyeblinks were the dependent variables. The results indicated that Artane had no effect on either dependent measure and that biofeedback had a dramatic treatment effect on both dependent variables. Treatment gains were maintained at a 42-week follow-up. These results are discussed in light of the methodological considerations, the efficacy of psychological intervention, and the need for future research.