Neurofeedback – A Method Which Trains the Brain to Obtain Changes in Behaviour

EEG can determine changes in brain activity that might be useful in diagnosing different brain disorders as well as some mental states. Many advantages of this record have been the reason for resurrect the EEG in current clinical practice and research. More sophisticated form, the Q-EEG comprises a procedure that processes the recorded EEG activity from a multi-electrode recording using a computer, where data is processed with various algorithms, such as the Fourier or Wavelet analysis. Q-EEG data are important as a marker for many psychophysiological disorders.Neurofeedback (NF) is a form of behavioural training aimed at developing skills for self-regulation of brain activity. It is a treatment method for altering brain functioning by the use of signals provided to a patient that reflect the moment-to-moment changes in the patient’s electroencephalogram.This article summarizes some of our large experience with neurofeedback training in different groups of disorders in children and adolescents. Positive outcome is promising for more expansive use of this non-pharmacological, cost-benefit methodology in paediatric and general population.

Health and Safety at Work in the Transport Industry (TRANS-12): Factorial Structure, Reliability and Validity

Background: This study sets out the psychometric properties of the TRANS-18 scale and of a shorter version, the TRANS-12, both designed to detect safe behaviors (personal and vehicle-related) and psychophysiological disorders among professional drivers. Method: The investigation was divided into Study 1, into the factorial structure, reliability and validity of the TRANS-18, and Study 2, looking into the same aspects of the TRANS-12. The participants in both studies were resident in Spain. 272 professional drivers took part in Study 1, while Study 2 had 326 participants. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out for both studies. The results for Study 1 confirm an internal structure of three factors related to psychophysiological disorders and personal and vehicle-related safety behaviors, but the original TRANS-18 is discarded because it does not fit the model. With regard to Study 2, the results show a good fit of the three-factor model, appropriate reliability and evidence of validity. Conclusions: We conclude by considering the suitability of the psychometric properties of the TRANS-12 and its utility for identifying safe behaviors in work in the transport industry.

A study of skin manifestations in patients with psychiatric disorders

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The interaction between psychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Considerations of psychiatry and psychosocial factors are important for better management of dermatological disorders as coexistence of psychiatric and dermatological disorders are mostly seen. The aim of the study was to identify skin manifestations in individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 100 patients attending dermatology OPD were screened for history of any psychiatric illness and patients with a positive history of psychiatric illness were recruited into study. The skin lesions were categorised as per the classification of psychodermatology and results were analysed accordingly.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The patients recruited belonged to age groups ranging from 12 to 70 with a higher female to male ratio (54% females and 46% males). The psychophysiological disorders constituted 29 %, among them chronic urticaria (34.4%) followed by psoriasis (27.58%) constituted the majority. 18% had primary psychiatric disorders, of which pruritis (61.1%) and delusions of parasitosis (22.2%) were commonly observed. Secondary psychiatric disorders constituted 21%, among them vitiligo comprised (33.33%), and acne (28.57%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The study shows a positive association of skin diseases with psychiatric illnesses. Dermatologists should be able to treat the patients holistically, and must know the ideal time to refer the patients to psychiatrists for better management.</p>

Food Consumption Pattern and Lifestyle Modification Traits in Relation to the Level of Stress among Individuals of Uttarakhand, India

The increase in the stress generated psychophysiological disorders promotes a probe into the influence of lifestyle modification factors and food consumption on stress .Hence, the present study aims to study, firstly, the impact of lifestyle modification factors on stress in reference to sex and secondly, the frequency of the consumption of major food groups by individuals experiencing various levels of stress in reference to sex. An exploratory study comprising a sample of 117 individuals (62females and 55 males) of age range 22-55years was conducted in Uttarakhand, India. PSSI was administered for assessing the levels of stress. Questionnaires were developed for identifying lifestyle modification factors and food consumption pattern. Mean scores and percentages were employed to describe the data. t-test and χ² were deployed for the assessment of significant difference. Non vegetarian females, male smokers and alcoholics of both the sexes revealed higher stress than their counterparts. Females consuming junk and market food had lower stress than those females who were not consuming the same. Contrary to the females, males consuming junk and market food had higher stress levels than the males who were not consuming junk and market food. Significant differences were found in the stress levels of males who consumed roots and tubers, milk based products and saturated fats. Further studies with larger sample size are required.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 239-245

Protocol for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training

This paper describes a five-visit heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback protocol we have used both clinically and in research. This protocol was refined in a study of biofeedback therapy for treating asthma. Similar, longer methods have been used for treating various conditions involving pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychophysiological disorders.

Health and Safety at Work in the Transport Industry (TRANS-18): Factorial Structure, Reliability and Validity

In this article, we study the psychometric properties of a short scale (TRANS-18) which was designed to detect safe behaviors (personal and vehicle-related) and psychophysiological disorders. 244 drivers participated in the study, including drivers of freight transport vehicles (regular, dangerous and special), cranes, and passenger transport (regular transport and chartered coaches), ambulances and taxis. After carrying out an exploratory factor analysis of the scale, the findings show a structure comprised of three factors related to psychophysiological disorders, and to both personal and vehicle-related safety behaviors. Furthermore, these three factors had adequate reliability and all three also showed validity with regard to burnout, fatigue and job tension. In short, this scale may be ideally suited for adequately identifying the safety behaviors and safety problems of transport drivers. Future research could use the TRANS-18 as a screening tool in combination with other instruments.