Do life events or depression exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease? A prospective study

Article Abstract:

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, often have periods of remission during which symptoms are mild, and periods of exacerbation during which symptoms flare-up or become severe. Although the exact cause of these remissions and exacerbations is unknown, many patients tend to blame themselves when their symptoms worsen. Since intestinal symptoms can increase during periods of stress, many physicians may be quick to attribute flare-ups to recent events in the patients' lives. Recent studies have suggested that serious life events or psychiatric disorders, such as depression, can cause exacerbations of the symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease. However, the results of other studies do not support this notion, and assert that life events and psychiatric disorders do no affect inflammatory bowel disease. In an attempt to resolve this issue, 32 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were studied for a two-year-period during which they were evaluated on a monthly basis for changes in life events (measured by the Social Readjustment Rating Scale), depressed mood (measured by the Beck Depression Inventory), and the status of their symptoms. The results revealed that changes in mood occurred during exacerbations, but there was no evidence to indicate that these flare-ups were caused by life events or depressed mood. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Development and progression, Ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, Life change events, Beck Depression Inventory, Social Readjustment Rating Scale

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Risk factors for a positive tuberculin skin test among employees of an urban, midwestern teaching hospital

Article Abstract:

The risk of a positive tuberculin skin test among urban hospital employees may be greatest for those who are older, members of a racial or ethnic minority, or residents of primarily low-income areas. A positive tuberculin skin test indicates that a person has been exposed to tuberculosis. A total of 6,070 employees of a St. Louis, MO, hospital were screened for tuberculosis exposure, and 684 tested positive. Seventy-four percent of employees with positive results were older than age 35. The rates of positive tests among minorities were 52% among Asians, 43% among Hispanics and 16% among blacks. The positive rate among white employees was 7.4%. Analysis of residence zip codes showed that employees who lived in areas with high rates of poverty and unemployment were also more likely to test positive. Amount of patient contact did not appear to be significant, suggesting that exposure to tuberculosis was more likely to occur in the community rather than in the hospital.

Officials and employees, Risk factors, Hospitals, Tuberculosis, Tuberculin test

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Cognitive behavior therapy for depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively treat depression in diabetic patients, and may improve their glycemic control. Researchers compared 51 patients treated with 10 weeks of cognitive therapy, or given no specific depression treatment. Eighty-five percent of patients who received therapy reported remission of their depression, compared to only 27% of untreated patients. Control of blood glucose levels was also better in patients treated for depression.

Care and treatment, Diabetics, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Cognitive therapy, Comorbidity

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