Psychological aspects of the Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

This article discusses a Dutch questionnaire survey of 60 adult patients and 37 children with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KT), a triad of congenital anomalies characterized by a vascular nevus, varicose veins and bony and soft-tissue hypertrophy. This is the first study known that focuses on the psychological impact of KT. Slow deterioration was found in 40% of adult patients. About 70% report slightly moderate to serious limitations in their daily functioning. Problems in the doctor-patient relationship, as well as psychological problems related to KT, are described. Of the children with KT 75% of the parents report that the condition is stable; 58% of the parents do not report any daily limitations. It is concluded that patients in worse health are suffering from the negative impact and psychological influences of KT. At present an optimal, caring doctor-patient relationship is suggested as the best treatment in some cases for KT.

Behavioral group treatment of test anxiety: an evaluation study.

A report is given of a behavioral group training of test anxiety with secondary school students. The selection of the students, the methods of evaluation, and the treatment program are described. The training takes eight sessions plus homework assignments. The results were established by repeated administration of (test) anxiety inventories. After treatment, scores on test anxiety decreased significantly. Comparison of the test scores of the waiting-list control group with those of the trained group shows improvement at retesting. At follow-up after 12 weeks, decrease in anxiety in the trained group was even greater and performance improvement became evident.