Amending the revisionist model of the Capgras delusion. A further argument for the role of patient experience in delusional belief formation

Author(s): Garry Young / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2014

Recent papers on the Capgras delusion have focused on the role played by subpersonal abductive inference in the formation and maintenance of the delusional belief. In these accounts, the delusional belief is posited as the first delusion-related event of which the patient is conscious. As a consequence, an explanatory role for anomalous patient experience is denied. The aim of this paper is to challenge this revisionist position and to integrate subpersonal inference within a model of the Capgras delusion which includes a role for experiential content. I argue that the following revisionist claims are problematic: (a) that a fully-formed belief enters consciousness, and (b) that this is the first conscious delusion-related event. Instead, it is my contention that a delusional thought (arrived at through subpersonal abductive inference) and an anomalous experience co-occur in consciousness prior to the formation of the delusional belief. The co-occurrence of thought and anomalous experience overcomes problems with the revisionist position resulting in an account of the Capgras delusion with greater explanatory efficacy.

Autismus jako společenskovědní téma

Author(s): Michael Geisler / Language(s): Czech / Issue: 1/2016

Knowledge on autism has undergone a rapid development over the past few decades, as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis rates increasing dramatically. These changes emphasize the need for increased services and wider specialised support for people with ASD and their families. Autism is not only a medical, psychological or special pedagogical topic it is also a social issue. There have been several sociological studies on the topic conducted abroad, however the Czech case is specific in several aspects due to the political-cultural context of the country. Apart from a few exceptions, the topic has not been reflected in Czech social science. The present paper will introduce five approaches to autism based on research which has been conducted abroad and will also discuss to which extent they are applicable in the Czech Republic. The ideas presented are a multidisciplinary combination of sociology of knowledge, historical sociology, sociology of health and illness, cultural anthropology and disability studies. The subtopics discussed include: the social construction of autism, the development of knowledge on autism, social movements related to autism, autism across cultures and lastly, causes of the increasing prevalence of autism.

Bayesian inference, predictive coding and delusions

Author(s): Rick A. Adams,Harriet R. Brown,Karl John Friston / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2014

This paper considers psychotic symptoms in terms of false inferences or beliefs. It is based on the notion that the brain is an organ of inference that actively constructs hypotheses to explain or predict its sensations. This perspective provides a normative (Bayes optimal) account of action and perception that emphasises probabilistic representations; in particular, the confidence or precision of beliefs about the world. We consider sensory attenuation deficits, catatonia and delusions as various expressions of the same core pathology: namely, an aberrant encoding of precision in a predictive coding hierarchy. In predictive coding, precision is thought to be encoded by the postsynaptic gain of neurons reporting prediction error. This suggests that both pervasive trait abnormalities and florid failures of inference in the psychotic state can be linked to factors controlling postsynaptic gain—such as NMDA receptor function and (dopaminergic) neuromodulation. We illustrate these points using a biologically plausible simulation of attribution of agency—showing how a reduction in the precision of prior beliefs, relative to sensory evidence, can lead to false inference.

Ból – analiza zagadnienia, przegląd piśmiennictwa

Author(s): Krzysztof Wróbel,Adam Wróbel / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 2/2015

Pain is the most frequent medical problem, not only for diseased people, but doctors as well. It performs a warndefense function. Most often, pain occurs as a result of a damaging stimulus or a disease, through the stimulation of the nociceptive system, which releases proteolytic enzymes out of tissues. International Association for the Study of Pain has attempted to define this phenomenon. To systemize pain, the following categories have been provided: acute, chronic, inflammatory, pathological, located, projected and generalized ones. To determine the strength of pain feeling as well as the effectiveness of the therapy chosen, there have been developed a number of scales and questionnaires such as: McGill Pain Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) and Numeral Rating Scale (NRS). Different studies prove that the perception of pain may be affected, among others, by environmental conditions, genetic predispositions, social factors as well as current life situation. Pain therapy is always difficult due to its complexity. Therefore, it does not always bring the expected results. Except for standard phonological methods of pain treatment, Placebo effect, whose effectiveness reaches 35%, is of great importance.

Case study: identification of areas of success in an aba based intervention implemented by a mother of a child with ASD

Author(s): Sulaj Migen / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2015

Over the past 15 years there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of autism. In 2014 the American Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported estimated prevalence rates for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to be 1 in 68. This group of children and their families have important service needs. The considerable amount of time and cost involved in providing appropriate interventions, suggest the parent training and involvement as a particularly appealing intervention option. The involvement of parents in implementing intervention strategies designed to help their autistic children has long been accepted as helpful. Different kinds of training methods available to parents have provided positive intervention outcomes. The present article is a case study on a mother of a child with autism implemented intervention. This case study shows which are the areas of success and of negative outcomes for the mother implemented intervention and then compares the same areas with the results achieved by the therapist. The goal is to modestly come with new suggestions to be included in parent training methods.

Cechy pacjenta, jego doświadczenia z przebiegu psychoterapii i skuteczność psychoterapii

Author(s): Agnieszka Szymanska,Kamila Dobrenko,Lidia Grzesiuk / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 3/2016

In the presented research, questions were asked concerning the associations (1) between patients’ characteristics and their experiences from psychotherapy as well as (2) between experiences from psychotherapy and the patients’ assessment of its effectiveness. The variables were measured using a catamnestic survey, which was sent to 1,210 former patients of a psychotherapy center. We received answers from 276 people (55% women and 45% men), most of them aged under 30. Data were analyzed by means of structural models and correspondence analysis. The results indicate that: (1) variables group around good and bad psychotherapeutic relationship; two models were built – one for a good relationship and the other for a bad relationship with the psychotherapist; (2) the subgroups of patients reporting improvement, deterioration, and no change differ in terms of characteristics before psychotherapy and in terms of experiences from psychotherapy.

Clinical Decision-Making of Anesthesiology Residents in Emergency Medical Care

Author(s): Tomas Maceina,Andrius Macas,Jevgenija Olševska,Pranas Puidokas / Language(s): English / Issue: 19/2017

Background. The purpose of current work is to clarify characteristics of anesthesiologists’ use of heuristics in emergency medical care. Two separate studies were carried out to evaluate the characteristics of anesthesiologists’ use of heuristics: (a) according to gained experience; (b) and under stressful conditions. Methods. First (longitudinal design) study was comprised of two phases 10-11 months apart. In both phases, participants solved three vignettes that required the provision of emergency medical care. In the second study, participants solved three medical vignettes under stressful conditions (i.e. under the influence of the cold pressor test). Physiological data – participants’ heart rate – was registered using finger plethysmograph before and after the cold pressor test. The adequacy of decisions were evaluated independently by two experts in anesthesiology. Results and conclusions. Results of quantitative content analysis of the first longitudinal design study showed a decrease in the use of availability and an increase in anchoring and adjustment of heuristic as anesthesiology residents become more experienced. Results of both studies indicate that 32-38% of all anesthesiology residents’ thoughts are heuristic in nature and 3-11% of all thoughts are cognitive errors.

COGNITION AND SUICIDE: EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY

Author(s): Lence Miloševa,Vladimir Milosev,Kneginja Rihter / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

The aim of this review paper is to show an overview of the empirical evidence of effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing suicidal cognitions and suicidal behavior. The topic of suicidal cognition and suicidal behavior is of special importance to clinicians and practitioners. Analyses of empirical findings from the oldest, first systematic review and meta-analysis and the newest one shown that there not enough evidence from clinical trials to suggest that CBT focusing on mental illness reduces suicidal cognitions and behaviors. But, from the other hand, CBT focusing on suicidal cognitions and suicidal behaviors was found to be effective. Taking into consideration the effectiveness of this psychotherapy, we can conclude that it is preferable for clinicians to be trained in working with CBT techniques focused on suicidal cognition and behavior that are independent of treatment of mental disorders. In addition, it is necessary to initiate new research that will make it possible to create preventive and interventional programs dedicated to reducing the risk of suicide.

Communication via le Web – Bienfait ou méfait?

Author(s): Robert Grochowski / Language(s): French / Issue: 3/2016

Cyberspace may serve a good purpose, but may also be a serious threat. Navigating cyberspace makes acquiring knowledge and skills superficial. The intensity of the brain’s activity and the readiness to memorize are reduced as memory is relieved on account of using digital media. One of the major threats in the network is cyber-bullying. The Internet quite commonly features aggression, or behavior intended to cause pain and suffering, which takes both verbal and hidden forms. Moreover, the Internet is a tool of sects, which recruit new members through the network. Cyberspace addiction may lead to many psychological consequences as well. At present, protecting our data, which we use to move around in cyberspace turns out to pose a huge threat. Each user of these services is entitled to the “right to oblivion,” which is not respected. The paper addresses a wide range of issues related to the dangers of being in cyberspace.

Coping Strategies in War Veterans 20 Years After the Exposure to Extreme Stress

Author(s): Dino Krupic,Martina Kneževic,Sandra Šucurovic / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2016

Many soldiers encounter difficulties while transitioning from military to civilian life. Such severe traumatic events may also have long-term effects. Previous studies have shown a strong relationship between coping strategies and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate how veterans who were exposed to war trauma 20 years ago now deal with everyday life stressors, and how their current coping strategies relate to the four-factor model of PTSD. A total of 220 male Croatian Homeland War Veterans between the ages of 38 and 75 participated. Questionnaires included Combat Exposure Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Military Version and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Results showed positive association between dysphoria and escape-avoidance coping strategy and negative association between dysphoria and positive reappraisal coping strategy. Given that dysphoria symptoms are associated with the chronicity of PTSD and poorer response to PTSD therapy treatment in war veterans, our results underscore the importance of treating dysphoria symptoms and promoting engagement coping strategies for this population.

CREATIVITY AND ANXIETY IN ROMA AND SERBIAN ADOLESCENTS

Author(s): Miljana Spasic / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

In this paper, we present a research whose aim was to investigate the relationship between creativity and anxiety during the period of early adolescence. Furthermore, we were interested in discovering potential differences among Roma and Serbian adolescents at the level of creativity, situational and general anxiety. The sample consisted of 60 adolescents aged 12 and 13 years. Members of the Roma nationality accounted for one half, whereas members of the Serbian nationality accounted for the other half. Out of 60 research participants, 26 are male and 34 are female. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and The Alternative User Test for determining creativity were applied in order to collect data. For the data processing we applied Pearson correlation coefficient, t - test for pairedand independent samples and two- way ANOVA. The results have shown that the participants’ level of general and situational anxiety is below the theoretical average. Also, it indicated that there are differences between the students of Roma nationality and Serbian nationality when it comes to the level of situational anxiety (t= 2.73, p=0.008) and creativity (t=-3.72, p=0.001). Serbian female adolescents manifested higher levels of creativity in comparison with their Roma female peers (t=-3.91, p=0.00), but also in comparison with Serbian males (t=-2.07, p=0.047). It indicated that there is a difference in situational anxiety at the level of subsample of male participants between Roma and Serbian adolescents (t= 2.81, p=0.01).Research results are partially consistent with theoretical and empirical assumptions about development of creativity and anxiety during the period of early adolescence.

Czy mówimy tym samym językiem? Analiza języka urojeń

Author(s): Adrianna Smurzynska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 9/2016

The aim of this article is a problem of delusional language. The author cites some statements made by patients, both with monothematic and polithematic delusions. She also indicates main difficulties in understanding and interpreting such statements and hypotheses explaining differences between delusional and non-delusional language. She also proposes further ways of exploring delusional language.

Czy teoria kliniczna jest w psychoterapii potrzebna i czym dla niej jest: rozważania o integracji psychoterapii

Author(s): Krystyna Drat-Ruszczak / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 3/2016

The aim of this article is to reflect on the content, form, and meaning of so-called integrative psychotherapy. I analyze the contemporary shift towards integrative therapy in terms of several aspects: (1) its history: from an “unthinkable” approach to being recognized as almost the standard; (2) its current incarnations and meanings. Is the integrative approach possible without a paradigm to start out from, which is “home” for the therapist? (3) its future – the possible directions in which it is heading.

Delusions in the phenomenological perspective

Author(s): Andrzej Kapusta / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2014

The aim of the article is to present the contemporary concepts of delusions from the phenomenological perspective. The difficulties to define delusions and the examples of delusional disorders, such as delusional mood, Cotard’s syndrome, or Capgras delusions, serve as the point of departure for this analysis. The questions of the phenomenological understanding of delusions are presented in the context of Karl Jaspers' theory of the incomprehensibility of psychotic thinking (primary delusions, delusional mood). The subsequent analysis presents the constraints of contemporary cognitive theories of delusions. The criticism of said theories highlights the need for creating a broader concept of experience and cognition and results in the proposition to use the terms "background" and "embodiment" as theoretical tools for a more complete understanding of the peculiarities of delusional experience.

Difficulties for extending Wegner and colleagues’ model of the sense of agency to deficits in delusions of alien control

Author(s): Glenn Carruthers / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2014

Wegner and colleagues have offered an explanation of the sense of agency over one’s bodily actions. If the orthodox view is correct and there is a sense of agency deficit associated with delusions of alien control, then Wegner and colleagues’ model ought to extend to an explanation of this deficit. Data from intentional binding studies opens up the possibility that an abnormality in representing the timing of mental events leads to a violation of the principle of priority in those suffering from delusions of alien control. However, the model ultimately fails as it is unable to accommodate action monitoring deficits associated with delusions of alien control, in particular the theory of mind deficiencies predicted by such accounts have not materialised. There are theory of mind problems associated with schizophrenia but they are not associated with delusions of alien control. Such accounts thereby fail to adequately explain delusions of alien control.

DORASTANIE OSÓB Z NIEPEŁNOSPRAWNOŚCIĄ INTELEKTUALNĄ

Author(s): Zaneta Stelter / Language(s): Polish / Publication Year: 2010

Autorka przedstawia problemy związane z dojrzewaniem dziewcząt i chłopców niepełnosprawnych intelektualnie. Omawia zmiany biologiczne, intelektualne, emocjonalne i społeczne pojawiające się w okresie dojrzewania, wyraziście ukazując spiętrzenie trudności w przypadku tej grupy młodzieży. Ukazuje specyfikę dorastania dziewcząt i chłopców, którzy zmagają się z trudnościami wynikającymi nie tylko z ich możliwości umysłowych, ale nierzadko również z tego, jak są odbierani przez społeczeństwo. Zwraca uwagę na negatywne zjawiska społeczne, takie jak stygmatyzacja, piętnowanie czy wykluczenie. Obok problemów dotykających samych niepełnosprawnych Autorka stara się przybliżyć Czytelnikowi również trudności ich najbliższych, którzy stają przed trudnym zadaniem opieki i wychowywania dziecka upośledzonego umysłowo. Żaneta Stelter obala także mity dotyczące zachowania niepełnosprawnych, m.in. mit „wiecznego dziecka” i mit „bezczynności”.

Doznawanie traumy symbiotycznej przez młodzież wychowującą się w rodzinach emigrantów zarobkowych. Studium przypadku

Author(s): Iryna Durkavlevych / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 22/2013

The issues of children growing up in today’s labour- migrant family, in Ukraine and the risks flowing from the fact of the presence of such families have been represented in the article. Sustained labour migrant makes the role of parents as a difficult and traumatic phenomenon for the whole family, particularly for the adolescents. The results of my research are concentrated on the case study of a girl from the transnational family. Analysis and clarification of the case have been based on the theory of symbiotically trauma by F. Ruppert. The results suggest the disruption in the operation of this type of family system, destroy relations between parents and children, and indicate the negative effects of long- term migration as the form of psychological traumas.

DROGI DO MACIERZYŃSTWA

REPREZENTACJA SIEBIE I REPREZENTACJA DZIECKA W UMYŚLE KOBIETY JAKO PODSTAWA MACIERZYŃSTWA

Author(s): Milena Gracka-Tomaszewska,Monika Gracka / Language(s): Polish / Publication Year: 2014

Książka dotyczy psychicznych determinant macierzyństwa. Autorka jest psychologiem klinicznym i to przesądza o charakterze tej pracy. Mamy tu próby wniknięcia w istotę i mechanizmy psychologiczne omawianych zagadnień (a nie tylko ich wyodrębnienie lub ocenę) oraz metodę badań charakterystyczną dla psychologii klinicznej – wyniki badań empirycznych z ich analizą ilościową i jakościową oraz dane uzyskane z sesji terapeutycznych. Ponadto, nie tylko przyjęta perspektywa psychologii klinicznej, lecz także w jej ramach doświadczającej siebie kobiety, która decyduje się na macierzyństwo lub brak potomstwa wyróżniają tę książkę spośród istniejących monografii na temat macierzyństwa i stanowią o jej unikatowości.

EFFECTS OF THE “ONE-CHILD” POLICY AND THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN FAMILIES ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN IN CHINA

Author(s): Minjie Fan / Language(s): English / Issue: 52/2016

For over three decades (1979 to 2015), China has comprehensively implemented the “one-child” policy, consequently the number of “one-child” families has increased. Due to being spoiled by their parents and the lack of companionship from siblings, the “one-child” policy has exerted adverse effects on the mental health development of only children. Using the survey data of the Rural–Urban Migration in China from 2008 to 2009, self-esteem, mental stress, and depression were employed in the study as indicators to measure mental health. An empirical analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the “one-child” policy on the mental health of the first generation of only children. Results demonstrate that compared with non-only children, only children born under the “one-child” policy are inclined to avoid difficulties and problems. In addition, they have low confidence, suffer from mental stress, exhibit a high depression trend, and have low happiness and sense of security. However, after further controlling the quantity of children in each family, we find that under conditions with limited resources, the case that larger families are better than one-child families is not true. As the number of sibling increases, the mental health indicators of children initially increase and then decline.