Papers by veronica cardenas
Schizophrenia Research, 2009
Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progre... more Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progressive deterioration in functioning. An important aspect of functioning is both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of age to both mental and physical aspects of HRQoL in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to normal comparison subjects (NCs).
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2009
The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare profess... more The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare professionals. Indeed, increasing one's accuracy in predicting one's ability to self-maintain would be of great value for determining if functional recovery has or is occurring. The purpose of this review is to examine existing measures for assessing remission/normalization of functional status among people with psychosis. Our review evaluates 8 measures offunctionalabilityencompassingself-report,clinical,andperformance-based measures. We elected to utilize a grading systemtoaid readers inunderstandingthe merit of ascale foruse in assessing functional recovery. In this approach, a letter grade (A, B, or C) was assigned to each of 4 domains we deemed important to professionals in electing to use specific assessments:
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2010
The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the e... more The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the effects of homework compliance on treatment outcome. A total of 23 studies encompassing 2,183 subjects were included. Results indicated a significant relationship between homework compliance and treatment outcome suggesting a small to medium effect (r = .26; 95% CI = .19–.33). Moderator analyses were conducted to determine the differential effect size of homework on treatment outcome by target symptoms (e.g., depression; anxiety), source of homework rating (e.g., client; therapist), timing of homework rating (e.g., retroactive vs. contemporaneous), and type of homework rating (e.g., Likert; total homeworks completed). Results indicated that effect sizes were robust across target symptoms, but differed by source of homework rating, timing of homework rating, and type of homework rating. Specifically, studies utilizing combined client and therapist ratings of compliance had significantly higher mean effect size relative to those using therapist only assessments and those using objective assessments. Further, studies that rated the percentage of homeworks completed had a significantly lower mean effect size compared to studies using Likert ratings, and retroactive assessments had higher effect size than contemporaneous assessments.
Schizophrenia Research, 2009
Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progre... more Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progressive deterioration in functioning. An important aspect of functioning is both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of age to both mental and physical aspects of HRQoL in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to normal comparison subjects (NCs).
Clinical Psychologist, 2003
... Colin Depp Older Adult and Family Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA Erica K... more ... Colin Depp Older Adult and Family Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA Erica Krisztal, Veronica Cardenas, Miguel Oportot, Brent ... than female care-givers and may therefore need less emphasis on skills to alleviate depression (Lauderdale, D'Andrea, & Coon ...
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2009
The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare profess... more The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare professionals. Indeed, increasing one's accuracy in predicting one's ability to self-maintain would be of great value for determining if functional recovery has or is occurring. The purpose of this review is to examine existing measures for assessing remission/normalization of functional status among people with psychosis. Our review evaluates 8 measures offunctionalabilityencompassingself-report,clinical,andperformance-based measures. We elected to utilize a grading systemtoaid readers inunderstandingthe merit of ascale foruse in assessing functional recovery. In this approach, a letter grade (A, B, or C) was assigned to each of 4 domains we deemed important to professionals in electing to use specific assessments:
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia have disproportionately high rates of emergency medical service use, ... more Patients with schizophrenia have disproportionately high rates of emergency medical service use, likely contributing to the high cost this illness places on society. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a theory-based, behavioral intervention on immediate and long-term use of emergency medical services. Older patients with schizophrenia (N=240) were randomized to receive either a behavioral, skills-building intervention known as Functional Adaptation and Skills Training (FAST) or to a time equivalent attention-control condition (AC). Logistic regression analyses indicated that AC participants were nearly twice as likely to use emergency medical services in general (OR = 2.54; p = 0.02) and emergency psychiatric services in particular (OR = 3.69; p = .05) during the active intervention phase of the study. However, there were no differences between the interventions in terms of emergency service use during the long-term follow-up phase of the study (i.e., 6-months to 18-months post-baseline). The FAST intervention appears efficacious for reducing short-term risk of using emergency medical services. However, the long-term efficacy of the FAST intervention appears less clear. Future studies may want to provide more powerful maintenance sessions to encourage continued use of skills in patients' real-world settings.
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2010
The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the e... more The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the effects of homework compliance on treatment outcome. A total of 23 studies encompassing 2,183 subjects were included. Results indicated a significant relationship between homework compliance and treatment outcome suggesting a small to medium effect (r = .26; 95% CI = .19–.33). Moderator analyses were conducted to determine the differential effect size of homework on treatment outcome by target symptoms (e.g., depression; anxiety), source of homework rating (e.g., client; therapist), timing of homework rating (e.g., retroactive vs. contemporaneous), and type of homework rating (e.g., Likert; total homeworks completed). Results indicated that effect sizes were robust across target symptoms, but differed by source of homework rating, timing of homework rating, and type of homework rating. Specifically, studies utilizing combined client and therapist ratings of compliance had significantly higher mean effect size relative to those using therapist only assessments and those using objective assessments. Further, studies that rated the percentage of homeworks completed had a significantly lower mean effect size compared to studies using Likert ratings, and retroactive assessments had higher effect size than contemporaneous assessments.
Schizophrenia Research, 2008
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the UCSD Performance-... more The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA), a performance-based measure of functional capacity, and level of patient community responsibilities (i.e., work for pay; volunteer work; attend school; household duties) in a Latino sample. Participants were 58 middle-aged and older Latinos of Mexican origin (mean age = 48.8 years) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We conducted an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age, symptoms of psychosis, and participant language, to determine if greater participation in community responsibilities was associated with higher functional capacity, as measured by the UPSA. Results indicated significant group differences in UPSA scores (F = 5.11, df = 2, 51; p = .009), with patients reporting only a single community responsibility having significantly higher UPSA scores than those reporting zero community responsibilities (p = .016) and those reporting two responsibilities scoring significantly higher than those reporting zero community responsibility (p = .008). There were no differences found between those reporting one and those reporting two community responsibilities (p = .256). In contrast, no group differences were observed on the Dementia Rating Scale, a global measure of cognitive functioning (F = 2.14, df = 2, 51; p = .128). These results provide initial support for the validity of the UPSA in Latino patients of Mexican origin, and suggest that improvement in functional capacity (i.e., UPSA scores) may be associated with increased capacity for greater community involvement in this population.
Clinical Psychologist, 2003
This paper provides an empirical and conceptual rationale for the relative advantages of psychoed... more This paper provides an empirical and conceptual rationale for the relative advantages of psychoeducational programs versus support groups for caregivers of people with dementia. The need for interventions that improve the well being of caregivers is well documented. We reviewed studies that have directly compared support-based and psychoeducational interventions. Two major strengths of psychoeducational interventions are their emphasis on training caregivers in a variety of cognitive and behavioral skills for coping with caregiving, and their adaptability to caregivers from diverse backgrounds. We present an overview of how caregiver training can be tailored to suit individual needs. Specific examples for working with ethnically diverse caregivers are also offered. Finally, recommendations for the translation of psychoeducational research to clinical practice are provided.
Schizophrenia Research, 2009
Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progre... more Objective-Since the time of Kraeplin, schizophrenia has been thought of as a disorder with progressive deterioration in functioning. An important aspect of functioning is both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of age to both mental and physical aspects of HRQoL in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to normal comparison subjects (NCs).
American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004
Latino family caregivers of older people with memory problems are a rapidly growing group. Howeve... more Latino family caregivers of older people with memory problems are a rapidly growing group. However, their participation in intervention research is disproportionately low. The authors compared the participant retention rates of three different recruitment strategies in a sample of Latino and Caucasian family caregivers. A total of 310 caregivers (195 Latino and 105 Caucasian) were screened for participation in one of two clinical intervention trials. Potential participants were recruited from one of three sources: 1) non-professional (e.g., health fairs); 2) professional (e.g., community agencies); and 3) advertisements. Reasons for non-participation were also obtained. Caucasians were significantly more likely to be successfully retained across all recruitment strategies (52% versus 31%, respectively). However, logistic regression revealed a recruitment strategy-by-ethnicity interaction: Latinos were highly similar in retention rates to Caucasians when recruited through professional referrals, and far less likely to participate with other strategies. Descriptive analyses also revealed ethnic differences for non-participation. Partnership of Latino family caregivers with community agencies may result in the highest recruitment rates among this group. Latino cultural values likely play a role in the success of these partnerships in participant recruitment.
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia have disproportionately high rates of emergency medical service use, ... more Patients with schizophrenia have disproportionately high rates of emergency medical service use, likely contributing to the high cost this illness places on society. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a theory-based, behavioral intervention on immediate and long-term use of emergency medical services. Older patients with schizophrenia (N=240) were randomized to receive either a behavioral, skills-building intervention known as Functional Adaptation and Skills Training (FAST) or to a time equivalent attention-control condition (AC). Logistic regression analyses indicated that AC participants were nearly twice as likely to use emergency medical services in general (OR = 2.54; p = 0.02) and emergency psychiatric services in particular (OR = 3.69; p = .05) during the active intervention phase of the study. However, there were no differences between the interventions in terms of emergency service use during the long-term follow-up phase of the study (i.e., 6-months to 18-months post-baseline). The FAST intervention appears efficacious for reducing short-term risk of using emergency medical services. However, the long-term efficacy of the FAST intervention appears less clear. Future studies may want to provide more powerful maintenance sessions to encourage continued use of skills in patients' real-world settings.
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2009
The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare profess... more The task of judging an individual's functional recovery is not an easy one for healthcare professionals. Indeed, increasing one's accuracy in predicting one's ability to self-maintain would be of great value for determining if functional recovery has or is occurring. The purpose of this review is to examine existing measures for assessing remission/normalization of functional status among people with psychosis. Our review evaluates 8 measures offunctionalabilityencompassingself-report,clinical,andperformance-based measures. We elected to utilize a grading systemtoaid readers inunderstandingthe merit of ascale foruse in assessing functional recovery. In this approach, a letter grade (A, B, or C) was assigned to each of 4 domains we deemed important to professionals in electing to use specific assessments:
American Journal of Public Health, 2008
There is a widening disparity between the proportion of ethnic minority Americans in the populati... more There is a widening disparity between the proportion of ethnic minority Americans in the population and the number of researchers from these minority groups. One major obstacle in this arena relates to a dearth of mentors for such trainees. The present academic settings are not optimal for development and sustenance of research mentors, especially for mentees from underrepresented minority ethnic groups. Mentoring skills can and should be evaluated and enhanced. Universities, medical schools, and funding agencies need to join hands and implement national- and local-level programs to help develop and reward mentors of junior scientists from ethnic minority groups.
Schizophrenia Research, 2008
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the UCSD Performance-... more The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA), a performance-based measure of functional capacity, and level of patient community responsibilities (i.e., work for pay; volunteer work; attend school; household duties) in a Latino sample. Participants were 58 middle-aged and older Latinos of Mexican origin (mean age = 48.8 years) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We conducted an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age, symptoms of psychosis, and participant language, to determine if greater participation in community responsibilities was associated with higher functional capacity, as measured by the UPSA. Results indicated significant group differences in UPSA scores (F = 5.11, df = 2, 51; p = .009), with patients reporting only a single community responsibility having significantly higher UPSA scores than those reporting zero community responsibilities (p = .016) and those reporting two responsibilities scoring significantly higher than those reporting zero community responsibility (p = .008). There were no differences found between those reporting one and those reporting two community responsibilities (p = .256). In contrast, no group differences were observed on the Dementia Rating Scale, a global measure of cognitive functioning (F = 2.14, df = 2, 51; p = .128). These results provide initial support for the validity of the UPSA in Latino patients of Mexican origin, and suggest that improvement in functional capacity (i.e., UPSA scores) may be associated with increased capacity for greater community involvement in this population.
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2010
The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the e... more The current study was an updated meta-analysis of manuscripts since the year 2000 examining the effects of homework compliance on treatment outcome. A total of 23 studies encompassing 2,183 subjects were included. Results indicated a significant relationship between homework compliance and treatment outcome suggesting a small to medium effect (r = .26; 95% CI = .19–.33). Moderator analyses were conducted to determine the differential effect size of homework on treatment outcome by target symptoms (e.g., depression; anxiety), source of homework rating (e.g., client; therapist), timing of homework rating (e.g., retroactive vs. contemporaneous), and type of homework rating (e.g., Likert; total homeworks completed). Results indicated that effect sizes were robust across target symptoms, but differed by source of homework rating, timing of homework rating, and type of homework rating. Specifically, studies utilizing combined client and therapist ratings of compliance had significantly higher mean effect size relative to those using therapist only assessments and those using objective assessments. Further, studies that rated the percentage of homeworks completed had a significantly lower mean effect size compared to studies using Likert ratings, and retroactive assessments had higher effect size than contemporaneous assessments.
Community Mental Health Journal, 2008
We examined factors potentially associated with level of community responsibility among middle-ag... more We examined factors potentially associated with level of community responsibility among middle-aged and older patients with schizophrenia. Participants in residential care facilities engaged in significantly fewer community responsibilities than those residing in the community. However, demographic and clinical characteristics did not explain these differences. Further, greater functional capacity was associated with greater community responsibility among participants residing in the community, but not those in residential care facilities. These results suggest that, despite capacity, patients residing in residential care facilities are not engaging in community responsibilities. Further, among participants residing in the community, functional capacity may predict level of responsibility.
American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004
Latino family caregivers of older people with memory problems are a rapidly growing group. Howeve... more Latino family caregivers of older people with memory problems are a rapidly growing group. However, their participation in intervention research is disproportionately low. The authors compared the participant retention rates of three different recruitment strategies in a sample of Latino and Caucasian family caregivers. A total of 310 caregivers (195 Latino and 105 Caucasian) were screened for participation in one of two clinical intervention trials. Potential participants were recruited from one of three sources: 1) non-professional (e.g., health fairs); 2) professional (e.g., community agencies); and 3) advertisements. Reasons for non-participation were also obtained. Caucasians were significantly more likely to be successfully retained across all recruitment strategies (52% versus 31%, respectively). However, logistic regression revealed a recruitment strategy-by-ethnicity interaction: Latinos were highly similar in retention rates to Caucasians when recruited through professional referrals, and far less likely to participate with other strategies. Descriptive analyses also revealed ethnic differences for non-participation. Partnership of Latino family caregivers with community agencies may result in the highest recruitment rates among this group. Latino cultural values likely play a role in the success of these partnerships in participant recruitment.
Clinical Psychologist, 2003
This paper provides an empirical and conceptual rationale for the relative advantages of psychoed... more This paper provides an empirical and conceptual rationale for the relative advantages of psychoeducational programs versus support groups for caregivers of people with dementia. The need for interventions that improve the well being of caregivers is well documented. We reviewed studies that have directly compared support-based and psychoeducational interventions. Two major strengths of psychoeducational interventions are their emphasis on training caregivers in a variety of cognitive and behavioral skills for coping with caregiving, and their adaptability to caregivers from diverse backgrounds. We present an overview of how caregiver training can be tailored to suit individual needs. Specific examples for working with ethnically diverse caregivers are also offered. Finally, recommendations for the translation of psychoeducational research to clinical practice are provided.
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Papers by veronica cardenas