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This article reports the results of two experiments, each investigating a different eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and each with two young adult male participants with long-standing unremitting OCD. Two adaptations of Shapiro’s (2001) phobia protocol were developed, based on the theoretical view that OCD is a self-perpetuating disorder, with OCD compulsions and obsessions and current triggers reinforcing and maintaining the disorder. Both adaptations begin by addressing current obsessions and compulsions, instead of working on past memories; one strategy delays the cognitive installation phase; the other uses mental video playback in the desensitization of triggers. The four participants received 14–16 one-hour sessions, with no assigned homework. They were assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), with scores at pretreatment in the extreme range (mean = 35.3). Symptom improvement was reported by participants after 2 or 3 sessions. Scores at posttreatment were in the subclinical/mild range for all participants (mean = 8.5). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 4–6 months, indicating maintenance of treatment effects (mean = 7.5). Symptom reduction was 70.4% at posttreatment and 76.1% at follow-up for the Adapted EMDR Phobia Protocol and 81.4% at posttreatment and at follow-up for the Adapted EMDR Phobia Protocol with Video Playback. Theoretical implications are discussed, and future research is recommended.

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The odor of rat litter-mates was experimentally modified from 3-10, 11-18, or 22-29 days of age. Acetophenone or ethyl benzoate were used during the experimental period and the natural odor was present during the other two periods. After living in the natural odor colony for another 2 weeks, Ss were compared on duration of time near each olfactory stimulus animal in an eight hour test. Ss preferred the stimulus animal characterized by the experimental odor with which they were reared. Age of exposure was not a significant factor. These results indicate that the odor of the species is learned, that the intensity of the odor is important, but that age is not a critical variable in the early learning of the species odor in the rat.

Depression is a chronic, recurrent illness carrying a heavy burden for the health service and the community. Current evidence suggests that the majority of patients with depression will experience recurrent episodes of illness, although there is extensive evidence that continuation therapy with antidepressant drugs will prevent relapse. Two surveys were designed and distributed in the UK in 2002 to compare the expectations of patients and GPs in the management of relapse in depression. For the patient survey, 1010 completed questionnaires of the 7000 distributed (through the charity Depression Alliance), were returned for analysis and feedback. For the GP survey (endorsed by the charity Primary care Mental Health Education (PriMHE), 200 responses were received from the 400 GPs contacted. A majority of patients in the survey (85%) who experience depression expressed concern about recurrent episodes and 88% of respondents had suffered at least one repeat episode. The survey found that 65% of respondents had stopped taking their medication at some stage: reasons cited include unacceptable side-effects and lack of efficacy. The findings suggest that discontinuation and non-compliance of therapies is associated with recurrent depression. Continuation therapy is now standard treatment to avoid recurrent depression; however, the majority of GPs questioned, continued therapy for less than the 6 months after acute treatment response as advised by the British Associated of Psychopharmacologists. Although depression is generally managed well at primary care level, this survey highlights the major worries of depression sufferers concerning further episodes of depression and the need to prevent relapse and recurrence through safe and effective therapies with which these patients are happy to comply.