This thesis had four main objectives:Predictors of Bipolar disorder (BD): Chapters 2 and 3 explored factors contributing to Bipolar Disorder's development and progression, considering both internal... Show moreThis thesis had four main objectives:Predictors of Bipolar disorder (BD): Chapters 2 and 3 explored factors contributing to Bipolar Disorder's development and progression, considering both internal and external influences.External Stressors: Chapter 4 investigated how external stressors, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted the stability of BD symptoms, highlighting the role of environmental factors.Symptom Interactions: Chapter 5 analyzed the complex interplay of mania and depressive symptoms in BD over time, enhancing our understanding of their evolution.Neurocognition and Brain Functioning: Chapter 6 reviewed long-term cognitive (dys)function and brain activity in BD patients, offering insights into the disorder's neural mechanisms.Overall, the thesis aimed to expand knowledge of BD, encompassing its predictors, the influence of external stressors, symptom dynamics, and neurocognitive aspects. This research contributes to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for individuals affected by BD. Show less
There has been little attention to personality in research on school refusal (SR). This study examined personality traits among 41 adolescents receiving cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) during... Show moreThere has been little attention to personality in research on school refusal (SR). This study examined personality traits among 41 adolescents receiving cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) during participation in a School Refusal Program. Traits were examined via clinical scales and 2-point code types derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent. The influence of personality traits on treatment outcome was examined at post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. At pretreatment, eight of the 10 clinical scales were disproportionately skewed toward the “high to very high” range relative to a norm group. Social introversion and depressive symptomatology were significantly increased relative to the norm group, and nearly one-half of the adolescents were characterized by code type 2-3/3-2 (depression/hysteria) or 2-0/0-2 (depression/social introversion). Adolescents characterized by a 2-0/0-2 code type were almost twice as likely (odds ratio = 1.78) to be treatment responders at post-treatment. There was no relation between personality traits and treatment outcome at follow-up. The small sample size limits generalization of the study’s findings. If the results are replicated, personality traits may provide useful indications for personalizing treatment when employing interventions recommended in CBT manuals for SR. Show less
Collective violence offenders usually do not have a criminal record. In earlier research, the emphasis in explaining collective violence has been on the relationships between the groups involved in... Show moreCollective violence offenders usually do not have a criminal record. In earlier research, the emphasis in explaining collective violence has been on the relationships between the groups involved in collective. This thesis argues that individual characteristics cannot be ignored. A part of collective violence offenders (approximately 10 percent) appear to have come into contact with the police from an early age on due to violence, committed both alone and in groups. Moreover, certain psychological characteristics - such as problems with impulse control, ADHD and aggression regulation problems - are more common in this group than among other collective violence offenders. In short: for some of involved in collective violence, taking part seems to be prompted not only by the situation but also by individual characteristics which manifest themselves in such situations. To date, the role of individual characteristics has only been examined to a limited extent, based on the idea that this does not do justice to the context in which collective violence manifests itself. The findings of this research argue for nuance in the scientific debate. When explaining collective violence, attention should be paid to the mutual relationships between the groups involved, the applicable "values" within specific offender groups (such as hooligans) and individual characteristics. Show less
Nowadays, pituitary adenomas can be appropriately treated, but patients continue to report impaired quality of life (QoL) despite long-term remission or cure. In patients with Cushing__s disease,... Show moreNowadays, pituitary adenomas can be appropriately treated, but patients continue to report impaired quality of life (QoL) despite long-term remission or cure. In patients with Cushing__s disease, Cushing__s syndrome or acromegaly, doctors should be aware of subtle cognitive impairments and the increased prevalence of psychopathology and maladaptive personality traits after long-term remission. In addition, these patients use ineffective coping strategies and have negative illness perceptions that are not always correct. Patients are labeled __cured__, but still experience chronic and persisting impairments due to their pituitary disease. Doctors should consider informing patients better about the long-term consequences and act as a guide in this __acceptance process__ of the patient. In addition, a multi-disciplinary team of endocrinologists, psychologists, and community health workers might also help patients in accepting and dealing with the consequences of their pituitary disease. Show less
