Josef Bailer - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Josef Bailer
Individualisierte Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie bei schizophrenen Patienten mit Negativsymptomatik und sozialer Behinderung: II. Responderanalysen und Prädiktoren des Therapieerfolgs
Verhaltenstherapie, 2002
ABSTRACT Summary Individualized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients with Nega... more ABSTRACT Summary Individualized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients with Negative Symptoms and Social Disabilities: II. Responder Analyses and Predictors of Treatment Response Background: In a previous report we have shown that cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) in combination with routine clinical care is a more effective treatment for schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms and social disabilities than routine care alone. This article describes results from our study regarding treatment response and prediction of treatment response. Methods: A total group of 39 outpatients received 24 sessions CBT additional to the their routine treatment. Assessments took place at the beginning and at the end of CBT. Negative and depressive symptoms were continuously rated throughout the course of CBT. Pre-post changes in symptoms and other relevant variables were calculated for the total group and the responder group. Furthermore, responder, process and predictor analyses were conducted. Results: 62% of the patients were treatment responders with large improvements in negative symptoms, social disabilities, and depressive symptoms. Treatment responders could already be identified after the fourth CBTsession according to their early symptom reduction. The strongest predictor of good treatment response was good homework-compliance throughout the CBT. A poor prognosis according to a prognostic scale was associated with poor treatment response. Conclusions: The treatment results of the present study are encouraging. However, randomized and better controlled trials with control groups are required to determine the specific efficacy of CBT in schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms.
[Implementation and evaluation of a telephone hotline for professional mental health first aid during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany]./ Implementierung und Evaluation einer Telefonhotline zur professionellen Ersthilfe bei psychischen Belastungen durch die COVID-19-Pandemie in Baden-Württemberg
Nervenarzt, Mar 16, 2021
Schizotypie. Psychometrische Entwicklungen und biopsychologische Forschungsansätze
Zeitschrift Fur Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Apr 1, 2002
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, Feb 1, 2014
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cyberstalking victimization, characteris... more The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cyberstalking victimization, characteristics of victims and offenders, and the impact of cyberstalking on the victims' well-being and mental health. An online survey of 6,379 participants was carried out, involving users of the German social network StudiVZ. Subjective mental health status was assessed with the WHO-5 well-being index. The prevalence of cyberstalking was estimated at 6.3%. In various aspects, cyberstalking was comparable to offline stalking: cyberstalking occurred most often in the context of ex-partner relationships; most of the victims were female and the majority of the perpetrators were male. Compared to non-victims, victims of cyberstalking scored significantly poorer on the WHO-5 well-being index. The prevalence of cyberstalking is considerable. However, if stringent definition criteria comparable to those of offline stalking are applied, it is not a mass phenomenon. The negative impact of cyberstalking on the victims' well-being appears similar to that of offline stalking. Hence, cyberstalking should be taken as seriously as offline variants of stalking by legal authorities and victim assistance professionals.
Psychologische Korrelate des Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Zeitschrift Fur Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Jul 1, 2007
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Multiple Chemische Sensitivität (MCS) ist ein Syndrom... more Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Multiple Chemische Sensitivität (MCS) ist ein Syndrom mit organisch unerklärbaren Beschwerden, die von den Betroffenen auf niedrig dosierte Umweltschadstoffe attribuiert werden. Eine Risikogruppe für MCS stellen Probanden (Pbn) mit selbstberichteter Chemischer Sensitivität (CS) dar. Fragestellung: Sind eher toxikogene oder eher psychogene Faktoren für den Bericht von MCS-Beschwerden entscheidend? Methode: Fragebogenuntersuchung an 309 Studierenden, die sich in einem mit Polychlorierten Biphenylen (PCB) belasteten Universitätsgebäude aufhielten; Querschnittstudie. Ergebnisse: Während Expositionsdauer und MCS-Syndrom nicht korrelierten, lieferten psychologische Variablen (umweltbezogene Gefährdungskognitionen, Krankheitsangst, habituelle Sorgen und Absorption) hingegen einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Vorhersage des MCS-Syndroms. Nur Pbn mit CS, aber nicht jene ohne CS, berichteten nach Aktivierung eines “Schadstoffbelastungs-Schemas“ vermehrt MCS-Beschwerden. Schlussfolgerungen: Nach den Ergebnissen dieser Querschnittsuntersuchung und anderer Studien scheinen kognitive und andere psychologische Faktoren eine bedeutsame Rolle bei der Entstehung und Aufrechtung dieses Syndroms zu spielen.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, May 1, 1996
Printed in UK ~ ull righthf.y reserved Copyright 10 hlunksgaurrl 1996 ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAV... more Printed in UK ~ ull righthf.y reserved Copyright 10 hlunksgaurrl 1996 ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA JSSN 0001 690X Premorbid outcome in adjustment as schizophrenia prospective study predictor of : results of a Bailer J, Brauer W, Rey E-R. Premorbid adjustment as predictor of outcome in schizophrenia: results of a prospective study.
Stability trends and longitudinal correlations of negative and positive syndromes within a three-year follow-up of initially hospitalized schizophrenics
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Dec 1, 1994
Our study investigates whether the distinction between positive and negative symptoms in schizoph... more Our study investigates whether the distinction between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia – as discussed in the literature – can be confirmed by a factor analysis and whether such a distinction proves stability over time. In a further step, symptom factors are correlated to different external variables for the purpose of validation. Processed data cover 36 months obtained from a prospective 5‐year follow‐up study of 163 initially hospitalized schizophrenics. The results permit for dividing the symptoms into a total of five factors – two representing positive and negative symptoms and one representing the general neurotic syndrome. This factor structure proved to be stable over time. Correlations between symptom factors and external variables justify a trait‐interpretation of the negative factor anhedonia.
Einfluß von prämorbider Anpassung, sozialen Netzwerkparametern und sozialer Unterstützung auf die Negativsymptomatik ersterkrankter Schizophrener
Verhaltenstherapie, 1992
ABSTRACT
The prognostic scale by Strauss and Carpenter and its validity
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Jun 1, 1996
The Prognostic Scale by Strauss and Carpenter (1974) is thoroughly analysed and its predictive va... more The Prognostic Scale by Strauss and Carpenter (1974) is thoroughly analysed and its predictive value is compared with other predictors, such as symptomatology, premorbid adjustment and social disability. A sample of 138 first-hospitalized schizophrenic patients serve as database. The total days of stationary treatment, the number of rehospitalizations, a complex criterion regarding the course of illness and the extent of social impairment were selected as outcome criteria. The period of time allowing for predictions was 36 months after index episode. A factor analysis yields results indicating that the Prognostic Scale can be divided into two subscales, namely the "social functioning in the previous twelve months" and the "extent of handicap by psychiatric symptoms". With respect to prognostic aspects it is the first subscale which proves to be especially valuable.
Cyberstalking
Nervenarzt, Jun 20, 2009
The term cyberstalking appears in the media with increasing frequency. So far epidemiological stu... more The term cyberstalking appears in the media with increasing frequency. So far epidemiological studies are sparse. Since researchers have used different definitions and study samples for cyberstalking, widely varying prevalence rates have been published. We report here a case of cyberstalking and discuss available empirical data. Cyberstalking may cause psychological distress similar to that of real world stalking. The need for a scientific definition of cyberstalking and for future studies is presented. Since it is likely that psychiatrists will encounter victims of cyberstalking they should have knowledge of this phenomenon.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2020
BMC Psychiatry, May 7, 2019
Background: Stigmatization of people with mental illness is still a significant problem even in W... more Background: Stigmatization of people with mental illness is still a significant problem even in Western society. Media is an important vector for public messaging that may lead to stigma (and potentially counteract it). There is an ongoing debate about the impact of news with potentially stigmatizing content on people with depression. This experimental study aimed at investigating the direct effects media reporting could have on people with depression, namely, higher levels of stigma attitudes and negative affect, as well as lower levels of self-esteem and positive affect. Methods: Experimental study; target sample size n = 180 patients; eligibility criteria: clinical diagnosis of depressive episode or dysthymia, aged 18-70 years, sufficient cognitive abilities and German language skills; exclusion criteria: acute psychotic, manic or hypomanic episode, addiction symptoms, or suicidal ideation; parallel assignment to one of three arms (each n = 60): watching a short film about a negative event relating to depression (experimental group), about a negative event without relation to depression (control group 1), or about a neutral event relating to depression (control group 2); primary outcomes: degrees of stigma attitudes (stereotype awareness, stereotype agreement, self-concurrence, and self-stigmatization); secondary outcomes: degrees of self-esteem, positive and negative affect; statistical analyses: general linear models with repeated-measures; one-way ANOVAs of the change in scores, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons; IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Results: Significant group × time interactions in stereotype agreement (medium effect: η = 0.10) and negative affect (large effect: η = 0.26); the level of stereotype agreement increased significantly more in the experimental group than in control groups 1 and 2. The level of negative affect increased significantly more in the experimental group and in control group 1 than in control group 2. All other interaction effects were non-significant. The present study allows statements about the direct effects of potentially stigmatizing media reporting on carriers of the stigmatized attribute, i.e., depression: Even single film presentations of familiar events that contain potentially stigmatizing content have an impact on stereotype agreement and negative affect. The impact of long-term exposure and change in other stigma-measures require a deeper understanding of stigmaprocesses. Potential explanations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Oct 18, 2017
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Complemented with Emotion Regulation Training for Patients with Persistent Physical Symptoms: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2019
Introduction: Persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a major burden for health care.... more Introduction: Persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a major burden for health care. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is efficacious for patients with MUS, with small to medium effects. The current study investigates whether therapy outcomes of a CBT for MUS patients can be improved by complementing it with emotion regulation training. Methods: In a multicentre trial 255 patients with at least three persisting MUS were randomised to 20 sessions of either conventional CBT (n = 128) or CBT complemented with emotion regulation training (ENCERT; n = 127). Somatic symptom severity and secondary outcomes were assessed at pre-treatment, therapy session 8, end of therapy, and 6-month follow-up. Results: Linear mixed-effect models revealed medium to large effects in both study arms for almost all outcomes at the end of therapy and 6-month follow-up. ENCERT and CBT did not differ in their effect on the primary outcome (d = 0.20, 95% CI: –0.04 to 0.44). Significant time × group cross-level interactions suggested ENCERT to be of more benefit than conventional CBT for a few secondary outcomes. Moderator analyses revealed higher effects of ENCERT in patients with co-morbid mental disorders. Discussion/Conclusions: Current findings are based on a representative sample. Results demonstrate that both CBT and ENCERT can achieve strong effects on primary and secondary outcomes in MUS patients. Our results do not indicate that adding a training in emotion regulation skills generally improves the effect of CBT across all patients with MUS. Large effect sizes of both treatments and potential specific benefits of ENCERT for patients with co-morbid mental disorders are discussed.
Background: The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) is a frequently used and highly relevant ins... more Background: The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) is a frequently used and highly relevant instrument to assess the therapeutic alliance. The questionnaire was translated into German by Bassler and colleagues (1995) and is available for patients (HAQ-P) and therapists (HAQ-T). Whereas the HAQ-P has been tested regarding psychometrics, the HAQ-T has not. This study aimed at further investigating the psychometric properties of both the HAQ-P and HAQ-T. We hypothesized that the instrument is reliable and shows factorial as well as convergent validity. Methods: Within the framework of a multisite, randomized-controlled clinical trial, comparing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Analyses System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) and supportive psychotherapy (SP) in the treatment of early onset persistently depressed outpatients, the HAQ was filled out by patients (n = 255) and therapists (n = 81). 66.0% of patients were female; average age at randomization was 44.9 years (SD = 11.8). Several confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test different structures for the HAQ. In addition, correlations between the HAQ and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) were calculated to test for convergent validity. Results: Goodness of fit indices for both a model with two different but strongly related factors named 'relation to the patient/ therapist ' and 'satisfaction with therapeutic outcome' and a second model with only one global helping alliance factor were comparable: Chi-Square-based indices rejected the models; RMSEA closely approached the threshold of good model fit, and CFI/ TLI and SRMR suggested that both models sufficiently fit the data. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) calculated for the different scales of the HAQ ranges between questionable to good. Finally, the HAQ scores were significantly related to some of the IIP scores. Conclusions: The German versions of the HAQ offer sufficient reliable instruments for the quick assessment of different facets of the therapeutic alliance. The HAQ global scores can be used as indicators for the global impression of the patients and therapists perception of the quality of the therapeutic alliance. However, the small correlations found between the IIP and the HAQ puts the question of external validity into perspective. Trial registration: This study analysed data from a RCT which was registered on ClinicalTrials.com (NCT00970437).
PLOS ONE, Oct 29, 2019
The progressive model of self-stigma describes four stages of internalizing stereotypes of mental... more The progressive model of self-stigma describes four stages of internalizing stereotypes of mental illness: stereotype awareness, personal agreement, self-concurrence, and harm to self (i.e., self-esteem). Successive stages are postulated to be the most highly related. Endorsement is presumed to decrease by stage. The model has been supported in most but not all elements in various studies. The procedural character has not yet been investigated in one integrative model. The aim of this study was to test the progressive model of self-stigma in three respects: I) successive stages have the strongest associations, II) endorsements decrease with each stage, and III) the procedural character can be represented by one serial mediation model. A cross-sectional computer-based survey was conducted in two samples of patients with depression; one online sample (N A = 550; only self-report) and one clinical face-to-face sample (N B = 180; screening by treatment staff). The inclusion criteria were, age of 18-70 years, sufficient cognitive abilities and German language skills. IBM SPSS statistics 24 was used for Cronbach's alphas, descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and Mann-Whitney-U tests. The PROCESS procedure for SPSS Version 3.00 was used for mediation analyses. The results support the progressive model of self-stigma in people with depression in most respects: Endorsements for stereotype awareness were higher than for personal agreement and self-concurrence, and no relevant difference was found between personal agreement and self-concurrence. Successive stages had the strongest associations, with the exception of the association between stereotype awareness and self-esteem, which was higher than the association between stereotype awareness and personal agreement and self-
Configurationally and conformationally homogeneous cyclic n-aryl sulfimides—IV
Tetrahedron, 1980
Abstract 1,3-Dithiane-1-N-p-chlorophenylimides (1,4-9) were prepared and their configuration and ... more Abstract 1,3-Dithiane-1-N-p-chlorophenylimides (1,4-9) were prepared and their configuration and conformation was determined by 1H and 13C NMR. The compounds were rearranged to the corresponding 2-(2'-amino-5'-chlorophenyl)-1, 3-dithianes (1U,4U,9U). The rearrangement reactions took place with ⩾95% stereospecifity. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the aid of analogs specifically deuterated at C-2.
Selective attention, memory bias, and symptom perception in idiopathic environmental intolerance and somatoform disorders
Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Aug 1, 2006
Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) refers to a polysymptomatic condition, similar to soma... more Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) refers to a polysymptomatic condition, similar to somatoform disorders. Various processes seem to contribute to its yet unknown etiology. Attention and memory for somatic symptom and IEI-trigger words was compared among participants with IEI (n = 54), somatoform disorders (SFD; n = 44) and control participants (n = 54). Groups did not differ in a dot-probe task. However, in an emotional Stroop task, attention was biased in IEI and SFD groups toward symptom words but not toward IEI-trigger words. Only the IEI group rated trigger words as more unpleasant and more arousing, and participants remembered them better in a recognition task. These implicit and explicit cognitive abnormalities in IEI and SFD may maintain processes of somatosensory amplification.
Individualisierte Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie bei schizophrenen Patienten mit Negativsymptomatik und sozialer Behinderung: II. Responderanalysen und Prädiktoren des Therapieerfolgs
Verhaltenstherapie, 2002
ABSTRACT Summary Individualized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients with Nega... more ABSTRACT Summary Individualized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients with Negative Symptoms and Social Disabilities: II. Responder Analyses and Predictors of Treatment Response Background: In a previous report we have shown that cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) in combination with routine clinical care is a more effective treatment for schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms and social disabilities than routine care alone. This article describes results from our study regarding treatment response and prediction of treatment response. Methods: A total group of 39 outpatients received 24 sessions CBT additional to the their routine treatment. Assessments took place at the beginning and at the end of CBT. Negative and depressive symptoms were continuously rated throughout the course of CBT. Pre-post changes in symptoms and other relevant variables were calculated for the total group and the responder group. Furthermore, responder, process and predictor analyses were conducted. Results: 62% of the patients were treatment responders with large improvements in negative symptoms, social disabilities, and depressive symptoms. Treatment responders could already be identified after the fourth CBTsession according to their early symptom reduction. The strongest predictor of good treatment response was good homework-compliance throughout the CBT. A poor prognosis according to a prognostic scale was associated with poor treatment response. Conclusions: The treatment results of the present study are encouraging. However, randomized and better controlled trials with control groups are required to determine the specific efficacy of CBT in schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms.
[Implementation and evaluation of a telephone hotline for professional mental health first aid during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany]./ Implementierung und Evaluation einer Telefonhotline zur professionellen Ersthilfe bei psychischen Belastungen durch die COVID-19-Pandemie in Baden-Württemberg
Nervenarzt, Mar 16, 2021
Schizotypie. Psychometrische Entwicklungen und biopsychologische Forschungsansätze
Zeitschrift Fur Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Apr 1, 2002
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, Feb 1, 2014
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cyberstalking victimization, characteris... more The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cyberstalking victimization, characteristics of victims and offenders, and the impact of cyberstalking on the victims' well-being and mental health. An online survey of 6,379 participants was carried out, involving users of the German social network StudiVZ. Subjective mental health status was assessed with the WHO-5 well-being index. The prevalence of cyberstalking was estimated at 6.3%. In various aspects, cyberstalking was comparable to offline stalking: cyberstalking occurred most often in the context of ex-partner relationships; most of the victims were female and the majority of the perpetrators were male. Compared to non-victims, victims of cyberstalking scored significantly poorer on the WHO-5 well-being index. The prevalence of cyberstalking is considerable. However, if stringent definition criteria comparable to those of offline stalking are applied, it is not a mass phenomenon. The negative impact of cyberstalking on the victims' well-being appears similar to that of offline stalking. Hence, cyberstalking should be taken as seriously as offline variants of stalking by legal authorities and victim assistance professionals.
Psychologische Korrelate des Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Zeitschrift Fur Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Jul 1, 2007
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Multiple Chemische Sensitivität (MCS) ist ein Syndrom... more Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Multiple Chemische Sensitivität (MCS) ist ein Syndrom mit organisch unerklärbaren Beschwerden, die von den Betroffenen auf niedrig dosierte Umweltschadstoffe attribuiert werden. Eine Risikogruppe für MCS stellen Probanden (Pbn) mit selbstberichteter Chemischer Sensitivität (CS) dar. Fragestellung: Sind eher toxikogene oder eher psychogene Faktoren für den Bericht von MCS-Beschwerden entscheidend? Methode: Fragebogenuntersuchung an 309 Studierenden, die sich in einem mit Polychlorierten Biphenylen (PCB) belasteten Universitätsgebäude aufhielten; Querschnittstudie. Ergebnisse: Während Expositionsdauer und MCS-Syndrom nicht korrelierten, lieferten psychologische Variablen (umweltbezogene Gefährdungskognitionen, Krankheitsangst, habituelle Sorgen und Absorption) hingegen einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Vorhersage des MCS-Syndroms. Nur Pbn mit CS, aber nicht jene ohne CS, berichteten nach Aktivierung eines “Schadstoffbelastungs-Schemas“ vermehrt MCS-Beschwerden. Schlussfolgerungen: Nach den Ergebnissen dieser Querschnittsuntersuchung und anderer Studien scheinen kognitive und andere psychologische Faktoren eine bedeutsame Rolle bei der Entstehung und Aufrechtung dieses Syndroms zu spielen.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, May 1, 1996
Printed in UK ~ ull righthf.y reserved Copyright 10 hlunksgaurrl 1996 ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAV... more Printed in UK ~ ull righthf.y reserved Copyright 10 hlunksgaurrl 1996 ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA JSSN 0001 690X Premorbid outcome in adjustment as schizophrenia prospective study predictor of : results of a Bailer J, Brauer W, Rey E-R. Premorbid adjustment as predictor of outcome in schizophrenia: results of a prospective study.
Stability trends and longitudinal correlations of negative and positive syndromes within a three-year follow-up of initially hospitalized schizophrenics
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Dec 1, 1994
Our study investigates whether the distinction between positive and negative symptoms in schizoph... more Our study investigates whether the distinction between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia – as discussed in the literature – can be confirmed by a factor analysis and whether such a distinction proves stability over time. In a further step, symptom factors are correlated to different external variables for the purpose of validation. Processed data cover 36 months obtained from a prospective 5‐year follow‐up study of 163 initially hospitalized schizophrenics. The results permit for dividing the symptoms into a total of five factors – two representing positive and negative symptoms and one representing the general neurotic syndrome. This factor structure proved to be stable over time. Correlations between symptom factors and external variables justify a trait‐interpretation of the negative factor anhedonia.
Einfluß von prämorbider Anpassung, sozialen Netzwerkparametern und sozialer Unterstützung auf die Negativsymptomatik ersterkrankter Schizophrener
Verhaltenstherapie, 1992
ABSTRACT
The prognostic scale by Strauss and Carpenter and its validity
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Jun 1, 1996
The Prognostic Scale by Strauss and Carpenter (1974) is thoroughly analysed and its predictive va... more The Prognostic Scale by Strauss and Carpenter (1974) is thoroughly analysed and its predictive value is compared with other predictors, such as symptomatology, premorbid adjustment and social disability. A sample of 138 first-hospitalized schizophrenic patients serve as database. The total days of stationary treatment, the number of rehospitalizations, a complex criterion regarding the course of illness and the extent of social impairment were selected as outcome criteria. The period of time allowing for predictions was 36 months after index episode. A factor analysis yields results indicating that the Prognostic Scale can be divided into two subscales, namely the "social functioning in the previous twelve months" and the "extent of handicap by psychiatric symptoms". With respect to prognostic aspects it is the first subscale which proves to be especially valuable.
Cyberstalking
Nervenarzt, Jun 20, 2009
The term cyberstalking appears in the media with increasing frequency. So far epidemiological stu... more The term cyberstalking appears in the media with increasing frequency. So far epidemiological studies are sparse. Since researchers have used different definitions and study samples for cyberstalking, widely varying prevalence rates have been published. We report here a case of cyberstalking and discuss available empirical data. Cyberstalking may cause psychological distress similar to that of real world stalking. The need for a scientific definition of cyberstalking and for future studies is presented. Since it is likely that psychiatrists will encounter victims of cyberstalking they should have knowledge of this phenomenon.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2020
BMC Psychiatry, May 7, 2019
Background: Stigmatization of people with mental illness is still a significant problem even in W... more Background: Stigmatization of people with mental illness is still a significant problem even in Western society. Media is an important vector for public messaging that may lead to stigma (and potentially counteract it). There is an ongoing debate about the impact of news with potentially stigmatizing content on people with depression. This experimental study aimed at investigating the direct effects media reporting could have on people with depression, namely, higher levels of stigma attitudes and negative affect, as well as lower levels of self-esteem and positive affect. Methods: Experimental study; target sample size n = 180 patients; eligibility criteria: clinical diagnosis of depressive episode or dysthymia, aged 18-70 years, sufficient cognitive abilities and German language skills; exclusion criteria: acute psychotic, manic or hypomanic episode, addiction symptoms, or suicidal ideation; parallel assignment to one of three arms (each n = 60): watching a short film about a negative event relating to depression (experimental group), about a negative event without relation to depression (control group 1), or about a neutral event relating to depression (control group 2); primary outcomes: degrees of stigma attitudes (stereotype awareness, stereotype agreement, self-concurrence, and self-stigmatization); secondary outcomes: degrees of self-esteem, positive and negative affect; statistical analyses: general linear models with repeated-measures; one-way ANOVAs of the change in scores, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons; IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Results: Significant group × time interactions in stereotype agreement (medium effect: η = 0.10) and negative affect (large effect: η = 0.26); the level of stereotype agreement increased significantly more in the experimental group than in control groups 1 and 2. The level of negative affect increased significantly more in the experimental group and in control group 1 than in control group 2. All other interaction effects were non-significant. The present study allows statements about the direct effects of potentially stigmatizing media reporting on carriers of the stigmatized attribute, i.e., depression: Even single film presentations of familiar events that contain potentially stigmatizing content have an impact on stereotype agreement and negative affect. The impact of long-term exposure and change in other stigma-measures require a deeper understanding of stigmaprocesses. Potential explanations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Oct 18, 2017
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Complemented with Emotion Regulation Training for Patients with Persistent Physical Symptoms: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2019
Introduction: Persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a major burden for health care.... more Introduction: Persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a major burden for health care. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is efficacious for patients with MUS, with small to medium effects. The current study investigates whether therapy outcomes of a CBT for MUS patients can be improved by complementing it with emotion regulation training. Methods: In a multicentre trial 255 patients with at least three persisting MUS were randomised to 20 sessions of either conventional CBT (n = 128) or CBT complemented with emotion regulation training (ENCERT; n = 127). Somatic symptom severity and secondary outcomes were assessed at pre-treatment, therapy session 8, end of therapy, and 6-month follow-up. Results: Linear mixed-effect models revealed medium to large effects in both study arms for almost all outcomes at the end of therapy and 6-month follow-up. ENCERT and CBT did not differ in their effect on the primary outcome (d = 0.20, 95% CI: –0.04 to 0.44). Significant time × group cross-level interactions suggested ENCERT to be of more benefit than conventional CBT for a few secondary outcomes. Moderator analyses revealed higher effects of ENCERT in patients with co-morbid mental disorders. Discussion/Conclusions: Current findings are based on a representative sample. Results demonstrate that both CBT and ENCERT can achieve strong effects on primary and secondary outcomes in MUS patients. Our results do not indicate that adding a training in emotion regulation skills generally improves the effect of CBT across all patients with MUS. Large effect sizes of both treatments and potential specific benefits of ENCERT for patients with co-morbid mental disorders are discussed.
Background: The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) is a frequently used and highly relevant ins... more Background: The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) is a frequently used and highly relevant instrument to assess the therapeutic alliance. The questionnaire was translated into German by Bassler and colleagues (1995) and is available for patients (HAQ-P) and therapists (HAQ-T). Whereas the HAQ-P has been tested regarding psychometrics, the HAQ-T has not. This study aimed at further investigating the psychometric properties of both the HAQ-P and HAQ-T. We hypothesized that the instrument is reliable and shows factorial as well as convergent validity. Methods: Within the framework of a multisite, randomized-controlled clinical trial, comparing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Analyses System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) and supportive psychotherapy (SP) in the treatment of early onset persistently depressed outpatients, the HAQ was filled out by patients (n = 255) and therapists (n = 81). 66.0% of patients were female; average age at randomization was 44.9 years (SD = 11.8). Several confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test different structures for the HAQ. In addition, correlations between the HAQ and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) were calculated to test for convergent validity. Results: Goodness of fit indices for both a model with two different but strongly related factors named 'relation to the patient/ therapist ' and 'satisfaction with therapeutic outcome' and a second model with only one global helping alliance factor were comparable: Chi-Square-based indices rejected the models; RMSEA closely approached the threshold of good model fit, and CFI/ TLI and SRMR suggested that both models sufficiently fit the data. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) calculated for the different scales of the HAQ ranges between questionable to good. Finally, the HAQ scores were significantly related to some of the IIP scores. Conclusions: The German versions of the HAQ offer sufficient reliable instruments for the quick assessment of different facets of the therapeutic alliance. The HAQ global scores can be used as indicators for the global impression of the patients and therapists perception of the quality of the therapeutic alliance. However, the small correlations found between the IIP and the HAQ puts the question of external validity into perspective. Trial registration: This study analysed data from a RCT which was registered on ClinicalTrials.com (NCT00970437).
PLOS ONE, Oct 29, 2019
The progressive model of self-stigma describes four stages of internalizing stereotypes of mental... more The progressive model of self-stigma describes four stages of internalizing stereotypes of mental illness: stereotype awareness, personal agreement, self-concurrence, and harm to self (i.e., self-esteem). Successive stages are postulated to be the most highly related. Endorsement is presumed to decrease by stage. The model has been supported in most but not all elements in various studies. The procedural character has not yet been investigated in one integrative model. The aim of this study was to test the progressive model of self-stigma in three respects: I) successive stages have the strongest associations, II) endorsements decrease with each stage, and III) the procedural character can be represented by one serial mediation model. A cross-sectional computer-based survey was conducted in two samples of patients with depression; one online sample (N A = 550; only self-report) and one clinical face-to-face sample (N B = 180; screening by treatment staff). The inclusion criteria were, age of 18-70 years, sufficient cognitive abilities and German language skills. IBM SPSS statistics 24 was used for Cronbach's alphas, descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and Mann-Whitney-U tests. The PROCESS procedure for SPSS Version 3.00 was used for mediation analyses. The results support the progressive model of self-stigma in people with depression in most respects: Endorsements for stereotype awareness were higher than for personal agreement and self-concurrence, and no relevant difference was found between personal agreement and self-concurrence. Successive stages had the strongest associations, with the exception of the association between stereotype awareness and self-esteem, which was higher than the association between stereotype awareness and personal agreement and self-
Configurationally and conformationally homogeneous cyclic n-aryl sulfimides—IV
Tetrahedron, 1980
Abstract 1,3-Dithiane-1-N-p-chlorophenylimides (1,4-9) were prepared and their configuration and ... more Abstract 1,3-Dithiane-1-N-p-chlorophenylimides (1,4-9) were prepared and their configuration and conformation was determined by 1H and 13C NMR. The compounds were rearranged to the corresponding 2-(2'-amino-5'-chlorophenyl)-1, 3-dithianes (1U,4U,9U). The rearrangement reactions took place with ⩾95% stereospecifity. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the aid of analogs specifically deuterated at C-2.
Selective attention, memory bias, and symptom perception in idiopathic environmental intolerance and somatoform disorders
Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Aug 1, 2006
Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) refers to a polysymptomatic condition, similar to soma... more Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) refers to a polysymptomatic condition, similar to somatoform disorders. Various processes seem to contribute to its yet unknown etiology. Attention and memory for somatic symptom and IEI-trigger words was compared among participants with IEI (n = 54), somatoform disorders (SFD; n = 44) and control participants (n = 54). Groups did not differ in a dot-probe task. However, in an emotional Stroop task, attention was biased in IEI and SFD groups toward symptom words but not toward IEI-trigger words. Only the IEI group rated trigger words as more unpleasant and more arousing, and participants remembered them better in a recognition task. These implicit and explicit cognitive abnormalities in IEI and SFD may maintain processes of somatosensory amplification.