Scientists at Rhode Island Hospital publish research in abnormal psychology
2007 NOV 15 -- "The current study replicated, in a sample of 2,300 outpatients seeking psychiatric treatment, a previous study (R. F. Krueger & M. S. Finger, 2001) that implemented an item response theory approach for modeling the comorbidity of common mood and anxiety disorders as indicators along the continuum of a shared latent factor (internalizing). The 5 disorders examined were major depressive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder/agoraphobia, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder," scientists writing in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology report. "The findings were consistent with the prior research. First, a confirmatory factor analysis yielded sufficient evidence for a nonspecific factor underlying the 5 diagnostic indicators. Second, a 2-parameter logistic item response model showed that the diagnoses were represented in the upper half of the internalizing continuum, and each was a strongly discriminating indicator of the factor. Third, the internalizing factor was significantly associated with 3 indexes of social burden: poorer social functioning, time missed from work, and lifetime hospitalizations," wrote J.B. Mcglinchey and colleagues, Rhode Island Hospital. The researchers concluded: "Rather than the categorical system of presumably discrete disorders presented in DSM-IV, these 5 mood and anxiety disorders may be alternatively viewed as higher end indicators of a common factor associated with social cost." Mcglinchey and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (Examining a dimensional representation of depression and anxiety disorders' comorbidity in psychiatric outpatients, with item response modeling. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2007;116(3):464-474). Additional information can be obtained by contacting J.B. Mcglinchey, Rhode Island Hospital, Bayside Med Bldg, 235 Plain St., Suite 501, Providence, RI 02864, USA. The publisher of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology can be contacted at: American Psychological Association, Educational Publishing Foundation, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, USA. Keywords: United States, Providence, Abnormal Psychology, Rhode Island Hospital. This article was prepared by Hospital Law Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hospital Law Week via NewsRx.com.
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