Masuda, Akihiko; Hayes, S. C.; Lillis, J.; Washio, Y.; Twohig, M. P.; and Drossel, C., "A parametric study of cognitive defusion and the believability and discomfort of negative self-relevant thoughts" (2009). Psychology Faculty Publications. Paper 87.

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Dementia is a life-altering diagnosis for patients and loved-ones alike. Th e progressive disease causes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that can frustrate the eff orts of even the most dedicated caregivers. Given the uniquely personal nature of dementia symptoms, treatment can be a supremely challenging experience, even for seasoned health care professionals.In this book, authors Susan M. McCurry and Claudia Drossel present a clear and practical blueprint for psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals who work with dementia patients and their families. Th eir evidence-based contextual model of dementia care lays out broad intervention strategies, and encourages readers to use their own creativity and inner resources to develop appropriate solutions for each unique situation and individual.Th e chapters present a rich variety of vignettes that illustrate common quality-of-life concerns in dementia patients, including medical co-morbidities, patient/caregiver relationships, caregiver burnout, and interactions with health care professionals. Th roughout, the authors combine a comprehensive knowledge of the literature with their own extensive clinical experience in advocating a compassionate and open-minded stance that respects the individuality, preferences, and dignity of dementia patients.Health care professionals at all levels of experience, from outpatient to assisted living to residential care settings, will fi nd Treating Dementia in Context an inspirational resource for clinical practice. 2011. 200 pages. Hardcover.

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are accessing cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP), the use of which has been legalized in more than 20 states. In the past, illicit marijuana use had positive correlations with other health risk behaviors. It is not known whether access to CTP has shifted patterns of use and altered health outcomes. To describe the self-reported patterns of CTP use among individuals with SCI and correlations with health behaviors and health indicators. Secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study involving community-dwelling individuals with chronic SCI and neurogenic bladder and bowel, at least 5 years post injury. Data were collected via structured interviews. 92.2% of the current sample ( = 244) lived in states that, at the time of the study, permitted the use of CTP. 22.5% reported using CTP at least monthly to relieve pain (70.4%) and spasticity (46.3%). Of those 54 participants, 52.7% were daily users. Whereas 23.0% of non-CTP users endorsed having prescriptions for at least one opioid-based medication, 38.1% of CTP users did so, suggesting that CTP use does not mitigate opioid use. Users were more likely to be single and live alone, report more bladder complications, and perceive their psychosocial functioning as more compromised than non-users. A relatively large percentage of individuals with chronic SCI appear to use CTP on a regular basis. Results suggest that they may be more vulnerable to complications and to risk factors for substance use disorders in SCI, such as social isolation. Although the generalizability of these findings is limited by the sampling strategies and the eligibility criteria of the larger study, CTP use should be assessed and considered when planning health interventions.

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