Prevention of feeding tube dislodgement with the Wiesbaden rein: a case series

We describe initial experience with the use of a new fixation method (Wiesbaden rein), which has been developed to prevent dislodgement of feeding tubes in the gastrointestinal tract. The Wiesbaden rein has been used in three patients without complication. In none of the patients was dislodgement or malfunction of the feeding tube observed. Therefore, the use of the Wiesbaden rein might prevent dislodgement of feeding tubes. Clinical trials are required before this new method can be recommended for general use.

The 'European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD)': a multifaceted, community-based action programme against depression and suicidality

Action programmes fostering partnerships and bringing together regional and national authorities to promote the care of depressed patients are urgently needed. In 2001 the 'Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression' was initiated as a community-based model project within the large-scale 'German Research Network on Depression and Suicidality' (Kompetenznetz 'Depression, Suizidalität'). The 'Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression' was an action programme, conducted in the city of Nuremberg (500,000 inhabitants) in 2001/2002, addressing four intervention levels (Hegerl et al. Psychol Med 2006;36:1225). Based on the positive results of the Nuremberg project (a significant reduction of suicidal behaviour by more than 20%) 18 international partners representing 16 different European countries established the 'European Alliance Against Depression' (EAAD) in 2004. Based on the four-level approach of the Nuremberg project, all regional partners initiated respective regional intervention programmes addressing depression and suicidality. Evaluation of the activities takes place on regional and international levels. This paper gives a brief overview of the background for and experiences with the EAAD. It describes the components of the programme, provides the rationale for the intervention and outlines the current status of the project. The aim of the paper is to disseminate information about the programme's potential to reduce suicidal behaviour and to provide examples of how European community-based 'best practice' models for improving the care of depressed patients and suicidal persons can be implemented using a bottom-up approach. EAAD is mentioned by the European commission as a best practice example within the Green Paper 'Improving the mental health of the population: Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union' (European Commission 2005).

Zum Zusammenhang von Partnerschaftsqualität und Therapieerfolg bei agoraphobischen Patienen

Zusammenfassung. Interpersonelle Faktoren spielen in Bezug auf den Verlauf und die Therapie psychischer Störungen eine erhebliche Rolle. Bei Angststörungen ist die Befundlage bisher widersprüchlich. An N = 23 agoraphobischen Patienten mit ihren Partnern wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen Partnerschaftsqualität und Therapieerfolg 1 Jahr nach Beendigung intensiver Konfrontationstherapie untersucht. Die Partnerschaftsqualität der Patienten erwies sich für die Vorhersage als bedeutsamer als die der Partner. Für die Merkmale positiver Partnerschaftsqualität zeigten sich positive Zusammenhänge mit dem Therapieerfolg, für die Merkmale negativer Partnerschaftsqualität zeigten sich sowohl positive wie auch negative Zusammenhänge. Die Ergebnisse legen die Berücksichtigung der Partnerschaftsqualität und die Einbindung des Partners bei den in der Regel individuell angelegten Konfrontationstherapien nahe.