What do we manipulate when reminding people of (not) having control? In search of construct validity.

The construct of personal control is crucial for understanding a variety of human behaviors. Perceived lack of control affects performance and psychological well-being in diverse contexts - educational, organizational, clinical, and social. Thus, it is important to know to what extent we can rely on the established experimental manipulations of (lack of) control. In this article, we examine the construct validity of recall-based manipulations of control (or lack thereof). Using existing datasets (Study 1a and 1b: N = 627 and N = 454, respectively) we performed content-based analyses of control experiences induced by two different procedures (free recall and positive events recall). The results indicate low comparability between high and low control conditions in terms of the emotionality of a recalled event, the domain and sphere of control, amongst other differences. In an experimental study that included three types of recall-based control manipulations (Study 2: N = 506), we found that the conditions differed not only in emotionality but also in a generalized sense of control. This suggests that different aspects of personal control can be activated, and other constructs evoked, depending on the experimental procedure. We discuss potential sources of variability between control manipulation procedures and propose improvements in practices when using experimental manipulations of sense of control and other psychological constructs.

Walk This Way: Ingroup Norms Determine Voting Intentions for Those Who Lack Sociopolitical Control.

Even though taking part in elections is one of the most direct tools to influence the sociopolitical system, many people choose not to vote. Research shows that this problem is especially prevalent among those citizens who do not believe they have control over social and political issues, but the question remains as to what could encourage their voting behavior. We predicted that individuals who experience low levels of control can be more susceptible to ingroup norms regarding participation in political elections than those with a high sense of sociopolitical control (SPC). Across six studies, we found consistent support for this hypothesis. Specifically, people who experience decreased SPC were more likely to vote when descriptive norms (measured or manipulated) were conducive to voting. The results have important theoretical and applied implications, illuminating the boundary conditions under which people deprived of control can still be motivated to participate in a political sphere.

Political change as group-based control: Threat to personal control reduces the support for traditional political parties.

People desire agentic representations of their personal and collective selves, such as their own nation. When national agency is put into question, this should increase their inclination to restore it, particularly when they simultaneously lack perceptions of personal control. In this article, we test this hypothesis of group-based control in the context of political elections occurring during socio-economic crises. We propose that people who are reminded of low (vs. high) personal control will have an increased tendency to reject traditional political parties that stand for the maintenance of a non-agentic political system. We experimentally manipulated the salience of low vs. high personal control in five studies and measured participants' intentions to support traditional and new political parties. Across four of five studies, in line with the predictions, low personal control reduced support for the main traditional conservative party (e.g., Partido Popular (PP) in Spain, the Republicans in France). These results appeared in contexts of national economic and/or political crisis, and were most pronounced when low (vs. high) national agency was made salient in Studies 4 and 5. The findings support the notion that rejecting the stability of the national political system can serve as a means to maintain a sense of control through the collective self.

[Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) blood levels in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning - a preliminary observations].

Background: Neurotrophins are the family of proteins which stimulate and regulate the process of neurogenesis. Several factors belong to the family, mainly nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT 3), and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5). Acute poisoning with carbon monoxide (CO), which usually is accompanied by neurologic symptoms, can potentially change the secretion profile of neurotrophins. Aim of the study. The main goal of the study is to assess the changes of NGF and BDNF plasma levels during an acute phase of CO poisoning as well as immediately after recovery. Additionally, the relationship among neurotrophin levels and selected aspects of clinical course of CO poisoning were studied. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 18 patients (mean age: 31.8±10.3 years) hospitalized in Toxicology Department of University Hospital in Cracow because of acute CO poisoning. There were 10 women (mean age: 30.2±6.9 years) and 8 men (mean age 33.9±13.7 years) in the group. The levels of NGF and BDNF were evaluated using immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) in plasma samples taken thrice in each patient. The sample 1. was taken during hospital admission, the sample 2. about 12-36 hours after admission, and the sample 3. just before the hospital discharging (usually, on the 3rd-4th day). The clinical data were collected from patients' anamnesis, physical examination and neuropsychological evaluation. The statistical analysis were performed using tools comprised in STATISTICA 12.0 PL (StatSoft Polska, Cracow, Poland) software. Results: The majority of NGF plasma levels were less than 14 pg/mL (values below the limit of quantification), contrary to the sole case of 34.3 pg/mL. BDNF plasma levels ranged from 4.8 ng/mL to above 48 ng/mL, i.e. they were higher than the upper limit of measurement range for the plasma dilution which had been used. The comparison of NGF and BDNF plasma levels in the study group with their analogues in healthy volunteers taken from the literature indicates that NGF level declines and BDNF level rises in patients with CO poisoning. The profile of BDNF concentrations in the majority of patients formed the characteristic pattern: BDNF sample 1. > BDNF sample 2. < BDNF sample 3. Taking all the values of BDNF higher than 48 ng/mL as equal to 48 ng/ mL, the statistically significant difference among 3 sample series was found according to BDNF levels. Maintaining the above mentioned assumption, the statistically significant negative correlation between the number of higher cognitive functions disturbed in one patient at the same time and the BDNF levels in sample series 2 was discovered, as well as the weak correlations between BDNF level in sample series 1 and carboxyhaemoglobin or lactate level. Moreover, weak but statistically significant correlations were present between the duration of CO exposure and BDNF levels in each sample series. Conclusions: The NGF plasma level is probably declined, while the BDNF plasma level is increased in patients with acute CO poisoning. The concentration­time curve for the plasma BDNF may sometimes undergo fluctuations with two peaks on its course. Plasma BDNF level may serve as a biological marker of disturbed higher cognitive functions in acute CO poisoning. Some clinical aspects of CO poisoning (duration of exposure, HbCO and lactate blood levels) may influence BDNF level.

[Differences in sense of coherence in difficult and aspirin-induced asthma and it's links with severity of panic and depressive symptoms in subgroups of women and men]. / Róznice w poczuciu koherencji w astmie ciezkiej, trudnej i w astmie z nadwrazliwoscia na aspiryne (aspirynowej) oraz jej zwiazki z nasileniem objawów zespolu leku napadowego i depresji w podgrupach kobiet i mezczyzn.

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 106 patients with difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma. The special interest of the study were differences in sense of coherence in both groups and it's links with severity of panic and depressive symptoms in subgroups of asthmatic women and men. METHODS: 106 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma underwent psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) and Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. In the difficult asthma group, there were 78 women (74%) and 28 men (26%). The average age was 51.3 (SD = 14.5) for women and 47.5 (SD = 12.7) for men. In aspirin induced asthma group there were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: In both groups of asthmatic patients women were the majority (74% with difficult asthma and 66% with aspirin-induced asthma) with a much higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms than men. General coherence and coherence measured in all three sub-scales were lower in the difficult asthma group, especially in women with severe panic and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that differences of coherence affect the development, course and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in asthmatic women and men. It may play a special role in development of difficult asthma especially among women.

Covariation of EEG synchronization and emotional state as modified by anxiolytics.

The relationships between subjective estimation of emotional state and synchronization patterns in cortical emotional systems were investigated. The emotional state varied between groups using diazepam, buspirone, and placebo. The University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology Mood Adjective Checklist was used for the assessment of emotional state in the drug condition, yielding three estimates of emotional state: Energetic Arousal, Tension Arousal, and Hedonic Tone. These measures were correlated with the Synchronization Likelihood index of the resting EEG. Increased affective valence and arousal were related to an increased level of synchronization between frontal and right temporoparietal emotional areas. Two identified centers of synchronization, localized in the temporal and centroparietal regions, appeared to be functionally distinct. Stable relationships between subjective emotional state measures and cortical EEG synchronization patterns were confirmed, especially for the valence and energetic arousal estimation. A higher synchronization is associated with increased emotional valence and arousal, and this can thus be seen as a neural correlate of emotional experiences.

[Links between defence mechanisms and severity of symptoms of panic disorder and depression in women and men with difficult and aspirin-induced asthma]. / Zwiazek mechanizmów obronnych osobowosci z nasileniem objawów zespolu leku napadowego i depresji u kobiet i mezczyzn z astma ciezka i trudna oraz-astma aspirynowa.

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 106 patients with difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma. The special interest of the study were links between defence mechanisms used by women and men from both groups and severity of their panic and depressive symptoms. METHODS: 106 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma underwent the psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) and the Defence Style Questionnaire. Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. In the difficult asthma group there were 78 women (74%) and 28 men (26%). The average age was 51.3 (SD = 14.5) for women and 47.5 (SD = 12.7) for men. In the aspirin induced asthma group there were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: In both groups of asthmatic patients women were majority (74% with difficult asthma and 66% with aspirin-induced asthma) with higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms than men. Generally in difficult asthma group significantly more often than in aspirin-induced asthma neurotic and immature defence mechanisms were used. In both groups, either in women and in men there was a strong tendency to decrease the use of mature defence mechanisms and increase the use of neurotic and immature defence mechanisms in association with an increase of severity of panic and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that differences in defence mechanisms used by women and men with difficult asthma affect the development, course and severity of their anxiety and depressive symptoms. This may play a special role in the development of difficult asthma phenomenon.

[General differences in the intensity of catastrophic interpretation of body sensations and it's specific links with severity of symptoms of panic disorder and depression in women and men with difficult and aspirin-induced asthma]. / Ogólne róznice w nasileniu katastroficznej interpretacji doznan somatycznych oraz jej szczególowy zwiazek z nasileniem objawów zespolu leku napadowego i depresji u kobiet i mezczyzn z astma ciezka i trudna oraz astma aspirynowa.

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 106 patients with difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma. The special interest of the study were differences in the intensity of catastrophic interpretation of body sensations and it's specific links with severity of symptoms of panic disorder and depression in women and men from both groups. METHOD: 106 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma underwent a psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) and Body Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire (BSIQ). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. In the difficult asthma group there were 78 women (74%) and 28 men (26%). The average age was 51.3 (SD = 14.5) for women and 47.5 (SD = 12.7) for men. In aspirin induced asthma group, there were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: General intensity of catastrophic interpretation ofbody sensations was much higher in the difficult asthma group. In both groups of asthmatic patients women were the majority, with more frequent severe panic and depressive symptoms than men. Nevertheless there was a very similar and strong tendency to increased intensity of catastrophic interpretation due to severity of both panic and depressive symptoms in subgroups of women and men with difficult and aspirin-induced asthma. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that differences in the intensity of catastrophic interpretation of body sensations used by women and men with difficult asthma affect the development, course and severity of their panic and depressive symptoms. This may play a special role in development of difficult asthma phenomenon.

[Differences in severity and comorbidity of panic and depressive symptoms in difficult and aspirin-induced asthma]. / Róznice w nasileniu i wspólwystepowaniu objawów zespolu leku napadowego i depresji w astmie ciezkiej i trudnej oraz w astmie z nadwrazliwoscia na aspiryne (aspirynowej).

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 106 patients with difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma. METHOD: 106 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma underwent a psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. In the difficult asthma group there were 78 women (74%) and 28 men (26%). The average age was 51.3 (SD = 14.5) for women and 47.5 (SD = 12.7) for men. In aspirin induced asthma group there were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: In difficult asthma both panic and depressive symptoms were statistically much more severe than in aspirin-induced asthma. Comorbidity between panic and depressive symptoms was almost equal in women and men with difficult asthma, but in aspirin-induced asthma, comorbidity was more common among women than men. Panic-depression comorbidity is regarded as a predictor of especially severe course and outcome of psychiatric disorder. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that especially severe panic and depressive symptoms both with panic-depression comorbidity in women and men with difficult asthma have an impact on aethiology of this near-fatal and treatment resistant subtype of asthma.

[Comorbidity of aspirin-induced asthma, panic disorder and depression versus gender and presence of profound psychological traumas]. / Wspólwystepowanie astmy aspirynowej, zespolu leku napadowego i depresji a plec chorych i doznane urazy psychiczne.

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 100 ambulatory patients with asthma. The special interest of the study was the careful analysis of the time, context and content of different psychological traumas that the patients had throughout their lives. METHODS: 100 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed aspirin-induced asthma underwent psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. There were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: In the group of 100 patients with asthma, women were a majority (66%) with higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms than men. It may be due to specific trauma of suffering and/or death of an emotionally close person, which occurred in adulthood. This kind of trauma may have an impact on the aetiology of both panic disorder and depression. Women are more exposed to this sort of trauma due to their social role. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible, that psychological trauma affects the development, course and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in asthmatic patients.

[Panic disorder and depression influence on the severity of aspirin-induced asthma]. / Zwiazki pomiedzy ciezkoscia astmy aspirynowej a wspólwystepujacym z nia zespolem leku napadowego i depresja.

AIM: Studies have reported a high rate of depression (DD) and panic disorder (PD) among asthma patients, though the impact of these disorders on asthma severity remains unclear. This study evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma and association between psychiatric status and levels of asthma severity. METHODS: 100 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed aspirin-induced asthma underwent psychiatric interviews and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. Asthma severity was assessed according to NHLBI/NAEPP 2007. There were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 49.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: 41% patients met the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder, and 30% of them met depression criteria. Analyses revealed that there is correlation between asthma severity and presence and intensity of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that psychiatric disorders are prevalent among patients with aspirin-induced asthma and are associated with worse asthma severity. Physicians should consider the impact of these conditions when planning optimal treatment.

[Links between duration and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms with defence mechanisms, coherence and family functioning in patients suffering from severe panic disorder]. / Zwiazki pomiedzy przewlekloscia choroby, nasileniem objawów lekowych i depresyjnych a mechanizmami obronnymi, koherencja i funkcjonowaniem rodzinnym u pacjentów z rozpoznaniem zespolu leku napadowego.

BACKGROUND: Panic disorder often has a chronic course and is comorbid with depression. Many different psychological factors may have impact on both chronicity and comorbidity. AIM: The purpose of the study was to access the prevalence of depression among panic patients. Defence style, sense of coherence and family functioning of patients were analysed in a link with anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS: The author examined 75 patients suffering from severe PD. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Functioning Questionnaire (KOR), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: The study revealed that depressive symptoms are often comorbid with PD, but only 17.3% of the group suffered from severe depression. Duration of PD was linked with many psychological factors. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were linked with catastrophic interpretation of bodily sensations, coherence and defence mechanisms, but not with family functioning. CONCLUSION: It is possible that psychological problems affect duration and severity of PD.

[Gender and presence of profound psychological traumas versus comorbidity of panic disorder and depression in difficult and aspirin-induced asthma]. / Plec i obecnosc doznanych urazów psychicznych a wspólwystepowanie zespolu leku napadowego i depresji w astmie ciezkiej i trudnej oraz w astmie aspirynowej.

AIM: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 106 patients with difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma. The special interest of the study was the careful analysis of the time, context and content of different psychological traumas that the patients from both groups had throughout their lives. METHODS: 106 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed difficult asthma and 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma underwent psychiatric interview and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. In the difficult asthma group, there were 78 women (74%) and 28 men (26%). The average age was 51.3 (SD = 14.5) for women and 47.5 (SD = 12.7) for men. In the aspirin induced asthma group, there were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD = 12.3) for women and 48.8 (SD = 13.0) for men. RESULTS: In both groups of asthmatic patients women were majority (74% with difficult asthma and 66% with aspirin-induced asthma) with a higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms than men. It may be due to specific trauma of suffering and/or death of an emotionally close person, which occurred in adulthood. This kind of trauma may have impact on the aetiology of both panic disorder and depression. Women are more exposed to this sort of trauma due to their social role. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible, that psychological trauma affects the development, course and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in asthmatic patients. It may play a special role in development of difficult asthma.

[Analysis of severe and threefold atypical and serious course of catatonic-paranoid psychosis]. / Analiza ciezkiego i potrójnie nietypowego przebiegu psychozy katatoniczno-paranoidalnej.

The paper describes the difficult course of catatonic-paranoid psychosis which began with symptoms similar to the myasthenia. The growing symptoms of catatonia (in this oral mechanisms with the compulsion of mastication, injuring with teeth of the mouth, tongue biting and damage, such as lockjaw) brought about choking which was followed by aspiration pneumonia. The patient had to have pharmacological coma induced, along with muscle relaxation and artificial ventilation in the conditions of the intensive care department. Despite treatment with high doses of neuroleptics, the repeated trials of bringing the patient out from the coma caused recurrence of the catatonic symptoms. A decision was made to go along with electroconvulsive therapy. During one of the ECT treatments there were complications in the form of circulation cessation which required defibrillation. The paper contains basic information about the serious complications of the electroconvulsive therapy. It moreover carries out the critical analysis of the whole treatment period.

[Panic disorder and gender of patients versus the presence of profound psychological trauma]. / Zespól leku napadowego i plec chorych a obecnosc doznanych urazów psychicznych.

BACKGROUND: The author examined psychiatrically a group of 75 patients suffering from severe panic disorder. The special interest of the study was the careful analysis of the time, context and content of different psychological traumas that the patients had throughout their lives. METHODS: The author examined 75 patients suffering from panic disorder during ambulatory treatment. There were 53 women (71%) and 22 men (29%). The average age was M=44.68 years (SD=12.68), and average duration of illness was M=5.19 years (SD=6.22). Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: In the group of 75 patients with severe panic disorder, women were majority (71%). It may be due to specific trauma of suffering and/or death of an emotionally close person, which occurred in adulthood. This trauma may have impact on the aetiology of panic disorder. Women are more exposed to this sort of trauma due to their social role. CONCLUSION: It is possible, that psychological trauma affects the development, course and severity of panic disorder.

[Severe COPD and gender of patients versus the presence of profound psychological trauma]. / Ciezka POChP i plec chorych a obecnosc doznanych urazów psychicznych.

UNLABELLED: The authors examined psychiatrically a group of 45 patients suffering from severe COPD. The special interest of the study was the careful analysis of the time, context and content of different psychological traumas that the patients had experienced throughout their lives. METHODS: The authors examined 45 patients suffering from severe COPD (according to GOLD classification) during the present hospitalisation. There were 19 women (42%) and 26 men (58%). The average age was M = 64.56 years (SD = 10.64), and average duration of illness was M = 10.53 years (SD = 10.18). Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Functioning Questionnaire (KOR), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: Although the proportion of women in the group of 45 patients with severe COPD was 42%, they seem to be more prone to depression and panic than men. It may be due to specific trauma of suffering and/or death of an emotionally close person, which occurred in 64.4% of the study group. This trauma may have an impact on the intensity of anxious and depressive symptoms, catastrophic interpretation of bodily symptoms and also the sense of coherence of patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible, that strictly psychological and psychiatric problems affect the course and severity of COPD in women.

[Links between panic disorder, depression, defence mechanisms, coherence and family functioning in patients suffering from severe COPD]. / Zwiazki pomiedzy zespolem leku napadowego i depresja a mechanizmami obronnymi, koherencja i funkcjonowaniem rodzinnym u pacjentów z rozpoznaniem ciezkiej PoChP.

UNLABELLED: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive lung disorder characterised by airflow obstruction. It is one of the major causes of morbidity, disability and mortality in the older population. Comorbid psychiatric and psychological impairments (depression and anxiety, most often panic disorder) are common in COPD. They impair the quality of life in COPD severely and are often not fully explored in the clinical management of COPD patients. AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety (especially panic disorder) and depression among patients with COPD. A secondary objective was to find out a correlation between the psychological aspects (defence style, sense of coherence and family functioning) and psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: The authors examined 45 patients suffering from severe COPD (according to GOLD classification) during their present hospitalisation. There were 19 women (42%) and 26 men (58%). The average age was M = 64.56 years (SD = 10.64), and the average duration of illness was M = 10.53 years (SD = 10.18). Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Functioning Questionnaire (KOR), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: The study revealed that 44.4% of the group with severe COPD were patients who suffered also from panic disorder and 40% from depression. Depression was linked with more severe panic symptoms. All psychiatric symptoms were associated with a psychological problems. CONCLUSION: It is highly possible, that psychiatric and psychological problems affect the quality of life, self-management and treatment outcome in patients with COPD.

[Difficult asthma and gender of patients versus the presence of profound psychological trauma]. / Astma ciezka i plec chorych a obecnosc doznanych urazów psychicznych.

BACKGROUND: The authors examined psychiatrically a group of 97 patients suffering from severe asthma (classified according to GINA 2002). The special interest of the study was the careful analyse the time, context and content of different psychological traumas that the patients had throughout their lives. METHODS: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0., Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, The Body Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Functioning Questionnaire (KOR), Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Bond's Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: The proportion of women in the group of 97 severe asthmatics was 75%, which is in compliance with literature. This fact is probably due to specific trauma of suffering and/or death of an emotionally close person, which occurred in 80% of the study group. This trauma may have direct impact on the intensity of anxious and depressive symptoms, catastrophic interpretation of bodily sensations, coherence, a more frequent use of immature defence style and impaired family functioning. CONCLUSION: It is highly possible, that strictly psychological and psychiatric problems affect the severity of asthma more, than it was realised before.

[Links between panic disorder, depression, defence mechanisms, coherence and family functioning in patients suffering from severe asthma]. / Zwiazki pomiedzy zespolem leku napadowego, depresja, mechanizmami obronnymi, koherencja i funkcjonowaniem rodzinnym u pacjentów z rozpoznaniem astmy ciezkiej.

BACKGROUND: Severe asthma, a dangerous, life-threatening lung disease is often comorbid with psychiatric problems. They in turn, could be a cause of bad asthma treatment outcome. AIM: The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of panic disorder and depression among patients with severe asthma. Defence style, sense of coherence and family functioning of patients were analysed in a link with psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: The authors examined 97 patients suffering from severe asthma. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Polish version 5.0.0., Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Functioning Questionnaire (KOR), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Life Inventory were used. RESULTS: The study revealed that 70 % of the group with severe asthma suffered also from panic disorder and 35% from depression (6% with severe depression). Depression was linked with severe panic symptoms and poor asthma treatment outcome. The more severe the course of panic disorder, the more severe depression, the more frequent use of an immature defence style, lower sense of coherence and impaired family functioning. CONCLUSION. It is highly possible, that psychiatric problems affect the severity of asthma.

[Social phobia--outline of concepts of the disorder]. / Fobia spoleczna--zarys koncepcji zaburzenia.

The author describes main diagnostic problems and etiological concepts concerned with social phobia, underlying their complex, genetic, neurobiological, psychological and family character.