Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Thomas R. Kwapil; submitted to the Dept. of Psychology. Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-55).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Oct. 22, 2007). Directed by Arthur D. Anastopoulos; submitted to the Dept. of Psychology. Includes bibliographical references (p. 84-102).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1987. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-113).

No description available.

The primary purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the typology and etiology of physical overactivity (hyperactivity) in ADHD. ADHD is uniquely characterized by inappropriate/excessive motor activity, yet motoric aspects of ADHD have been neglected in the research literature. Given high levels of intrusive/inappropriate motor behaviors and evidence that the neuropathology of ADHD involves frontal-striatal dysfunction, this study investigated the possibility that aspects of physical overactivity in ADHD could be a result of a “utilization behavior syndrome”. Theories of this utilization behavior that claim the syndrome results from an imbalance between medial (frontal; voluntary, goal-directed) and lateral (parietal/visual; automatic, reactive) motor systems were also addressed. Results revealed high levels of utilization behavior specifically characterize hyperactivity in ADHD, and that motor overactivity in ADHD is not simply a result of generally heightened activity levels. Levels of utilization behavior were statistically associated with severity of hyperactive symptomatology as reported by parents of children with ADHD. Furthermore, utilization behavior was significantly related to difficulties on tasks thought to be dependent on the functioning of the medial but not the lateral, motor system. This supports theories that utilization behavior, at least in ADHD, could be a result of disinhibition of the lateral motor system due to dysfunction within the medial motor system. / Graduate

The present scoping review of the literature was conducted to analyze all studies of assessment and treatment approaches for individuals diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). Search terms were used to identify articles published in behavioral journals. The criteria for the articles reviewed included articles that were peer-reviewed and empirical articles. Online search engines used contained information from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Journal of Experimental Analysis, The Psychological Record, Behavior Analysis in Practice, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, and The Behavior Analysis. Key words used in the procedural method of searching for information included obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, obsessions, compulsions, obsessive hand washing, ordering, checking, praying, counting, repetition, delusional beliefs, grandiose thoughts, controlled thoughts, hoarding, anxiety, panic, fears, germs, look feel sound just right, contamination, and excessive worries. The findings included total of 13,785 articles. After screening for duplication and relevant citations, 13 scoping reviews were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. The present paper reviewed what articles were available with respect to assessments and treatments among individuals with obsessive compulsive disorders and individuals with intellectual disabilities. The result of this study was that one article was found meeting the criteria of assessments and treatments among individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder and intellectual disabilities. The indication, as a result of this study, is that the current literature for assessments and treatments of the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorders and intellectual disabilities is lacking, and future research is indicated.

Studies indicate a high prevalence of traumatic life experiences in the life histories of people with severe mental illnesses such as psychosis. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have also been found within these groups. Conversely, psychotic symptoms such as auditory hallucinations have been identified in cases of chronic PTSD suggesting a significant overlap between psychotic spectrum disorders and trauma disorders. To date however, few studies exist investigating the specific link between the onset and content of auditory hallucinations and traumatic life events. A dominant cognitive model within the clinical literature suggests that voices are intrusive thoughts that are misattributed to an external source because they are ego-dystonic. The content of intrusive voices may originate from traumatic life experiences that result in the formation of dysfunctional core beliefs. Examination of the compatibility of this account with cognitive models of PTSD, suggests the conceptualisation of a second account of voices where voices occur as flashbacks resulting from unresolved trauma. The current study aimed to investigate the link between trauma and voices by developing a method to collect in-depth qualitative data from a clinical sample of voice hearers diagnosed with psychotic spectrum disorders. A combined narrative and IPA approach was employed to guide data collection and analysis of five subjective accounts of voice and trauma experiences. Case vignettes were constructed based on clinical history, trauma history and voice content of participants and the data investigated for evidence of the two models of voices across accounts. Findings support both conceptual models, identifying a clear link between the onset and thematic content of voices and trauma. They also highlight the importance of taking a dual approach to treatment of psychotic symptoms and PTSD. The study also emphasises the need to collect data within a iii. therapeutic relationship in order to address the ethical and professional issues inherent in this area of research.

No description available.

Dysfunction in interpersonal relationships is central to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and provides the context in which self-harming behaviour, impulsivity and affective liability manifest (Lazarus et al., 2014). A growing evidence base exists for Mentalisation Based Treatment (MBT) in regard to symptom burden and extent of personality disturbance in BPD (Choi-Kain, Albert, & Gunderson, 2016). Less is known about patients’ experience of MBT, potential moderators or the utility of group only MBT. Method: First, a meta-analysis examining the relationship between attachment organisation and BPD diagnosis was conducted. Second, a mixed method design was employed to assess change in interpersonal problems and symptomatic distress following a group only MBT intervention. Potential moderators were examined and patient narratives were elicited and qualitatively analysed. Results: Across 20 studies including 1,948 participants, we found significant, medium to large effect sizes linking BPD to insecure attachment organisation. The largest effect sizes were found for a negative relationship between BPD diagnosis and attachment security, and a positive relationship between BPD and unresolved, anxious and avoidant attachment. The results of the empirical study revealed a significant reduction in interpersonal problems and psychological distress over the course of the intervention. Pre-treatment level of interpersonal problems did not function as a moderator. Patients found the group to be a challenging but rewarding experience. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between BPD and insecure and disorganised attachment. Less intensive, group only MBT interventions may be effective in reducing levels of interpersonal problems and psychological distress in adults with a diagnosis of BPD.