Considerable Literature (considerable + literature)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


A systematic review of intervention studies about anxiety in caregivers of people with dementia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2007
Claudia Cooper
Abstract Background There is considerable literature on managing depression, burden and psychological morbidity in caregivers of people with dementia (CG). Anxiety has been a relatively neglected outcome measure but may require specific interventions. Objective To synthesise evidence regarding interventions that reduce anxiety in CGs. Methods Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We rated the methodology of studies, and awarded grades of recommendation (GR) for each type of intervention according to Centre for Evidence Based Medicine guidelines, from A (highest level of evidence) to D. Results Anxiety level was the primary outcome measure in only one study and no studies were predicated on a power calculation for anxiety level. There was little evidence of efficacy for any intervention. The only RCT to report significantly reduced anxiety involved a CBT and relaxation-based intervention specifically devised to treat anxiety, and there was preliminary evidence (no randomised controlled trials) that caregiver groups involving yoga and relaxation without CBT were effective. There was grade B evidence that behavioural management, exercise therapies and respite were ineffective. Limitations Many interventions were heterogeneous, so there is some overlap between groups. Lack of evidence of efficacy is not evidence of lack of efficacy. Conclusions CBT and other therapies developed primarily to target depression did not effectively treat anxiety. Good RCTs are needed to specifically target anxiety which might include relaxation techniques. Some of the interventions focussed on reducing contact with the care recipients but caregivers may want to cope with caring and preliminary evidence suggests strategies to help CGs manage caring demands may be more effective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


A dimensional option for the diagnosis of substance dependence in DSM-V

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue S1 2007
John E. Helzer
Abstract In this paper we discuss the creation of dimensional equivalents for categorically defined substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), which now is being created. We begin with a review of the considerable literature that has accumulated on the dimensional properties of the SUDs. These studies have primarily examined the alcohol use disorders, but work relevant to other substances is reviewed as well. The weight of evidence indicates that SUDs fit well into a unidimensional concept. We next discuss potential advantages, drawbacks, and challenges in developing a dimensional alternative for the SUDs and highlight some issues for an ongoing research agenda to further explore the challenges. Finally we offer a specific proposal for a SUDs dimensional option for DSM-V. The model we propose is based on, and would relate directly back to, the categorical criteria that will be created for the SUDs by the substance use diagnostic workgroup. It is our contention that offering a dimensional equivalent for the DSM-V categories would be of great value, but that the categorical and dimensional definitions should be based on the same symptoms and closely linked. A dimensional scale that does not related directly to the categorical definition would be counterproductive. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Adoption and Abandonment of Organic Farming: An Empirical Investigation of the Irish Drystock Sector

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2010
Doris Läpple
Q12; C41; Q16 Abstract There is a considerable literature about the adoption of organic farming. However, possible abandonment of organic farming has received scant attention. Thus, relatively little is known about the exit decisions of farmers. In addition, most studies are based on a static framework where it is not possible to account for changes in farmer decisions over time. This article attempts to fill this gap in the literature by investigating the determinants that affect both adoption and abandonment of organic drystock farming over time. The use of duration analysis allows for the consideration of cross-sectional and time-varying factors over the study period from 1981 to 2008. Using this dynamic econometric framework revealed a significant time effect on entry and exit decisions. Overall, the results highlight that where no attempt is made to account for exit decisions and time effects, important information about sustainable farmer decisions may not be taken into consideration. [source]


Sex differences in behaviour as an indirect consequence of mating system

JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
A. E. Magurran
A considerable literature has been devoted to documenting differences between the sexes. However, relatively little attention has hitherto been directed towards those differences that arise as an indirect consequence of mating system even though they can have profound implications for the daily lives of the animals involved. In this review we focus on differences in the non-reproductive behaviour of fish and relate these to sexual dimorphism in size and morphology, and to variance in fitness between the sexes. In line with our expectation, differences in distributional ecology, schooling, aggression, predator avoidance and foraging are exaggerated in sexually dimorphic species and polygamous mating systems. Nonetheless, the behaviour of males and females may also differ in sexually monomorphic and monogamous species. We conclude by highlighting promising directions for further research. [source]