Neonatal sucking behavior varies as a function of the nutrient used. Test feedings showed significant intertrial consistency and significant intrainfant reliability of repeated measures of newborn sucking for milk formula, but not of repeated measures of sucking for corn syrup solution. The findings emphasize the importance of the nutrient used in studies of sucking behavior.
Summary The psychological role of odors in the etiology of asthma has been considered. A series of 25 asthmatic patients were interviewed in an attempt to determine if odors were related to the patients' asthma. Twenty-two of the 25 patients stated that odors precipitated asthmatic attacks. An analysis of the character of the odors revealed that these odors were for the most part anal derivatives. A series of 19 common odorous substances were presented in a standardized manner to a group of apparently healthy subjects and to a group of asthmatic patients. The subjects were requested to report everything that came to mind. The asthmatic subjects had significantly more blocking of associations. These observations have been discussed in relation to childhood experiences and unresolved conflicts. The infantile conflict could not be clearly ascertained from the data reported, although the nature of the odors associated with attacks suggest that it may be related to the anal phase of psychosexual development. It has been suggested that the frequent use by asthmatic patients of a "perceptual" type of blocking of associations to odors may be considered as an attempt to avoid stimulation of unresolved infantile conflicts. A respiratory reflex has been described which has the purpose of denying further access of odors to the lungs. The hypothesis has been presented that in some patients the asthma attack is a means of physiologically defending against the activation by odors of unresolved childhood conflicts. Further investigation is required of the psychological role of odors in asthma. This must include not only consideration of childhood experiences, but genetic and constitutional factors which involve the olfactory and respiratory systems.
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Ventilatory variables and the mechanical properties of the lungs as response to a pain-fear stimulus, electric shock, and in experimental asthma were measured in the guinea pig. The respiratory pattern after exposure to electric shock was characterized by shortened inspiration and a prolonged expiratory phase. This pattern was similar to that observed in experimental allergic asthma. The mechanical properties of the lungs, however, were different in the two situations. In experimental allergic asthma in the guinea pig there was evidence of bronchiolar obstruction as measured by an increase in airway resistance and decrease in compliance. No evidence of increased airway resistance was found in the animals exposed to electric shock. The respiratory pattern after the pain-fear stimulus appeared to be related to screeching of the animals. The findings of this report suggest that it is important to differentiate the respiratory response to a pain-fear stimulus from that of asthma. Such a distinction is possible if indices of bronchiolar function are considered in the definition of bronchial asthma.
Although considerable progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of a range of medical disorders, it had recently been pointed out that 85 percent of the population will be stricken by chronic disorders which may be accompanied by many years of suffering. This volume deals with issues of both cure and risk in chronic illnesses which are among the group of disorders associated with the leading causes of death in the United States at this time -- Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, and cancer. A consideration of the role of brain and behavior in relation to the cure and prevention of these disorders is the central focus of the various chapters in this book. Several chapters discuss the neuropsychological aspects of chronic illnesses including the underlying pathophysiology of changes in the brain which may be associated with both behavioral and physical signs and symptoms in these disorders. Considerable evidence suggests that a range of psychosocial or behavioral factors, such as stressful life events and depression, are associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Complex neurobiological pathways involving the brain, neurotransmitter, and neuroendocrine systems have been implicated. Other chapters consider some of the links among brain, behavior and chronic illnesses, as well as psychological factors such as coping and depression in relation to chronic disorders. The three leading risk factors known to be associated with both chronic illnesses and death -- diet, tobacco, and alcohol -- are all related to behavioral choices. Sexual behavior can be added to the list in terms of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). Several chapters deal specifically with a consideration of sexual behavior and HIV infection which clearly highlight the need for scientific knowledge in human sexuality if effective long term preventive measures are to be developed while waiting for a vaccine or cure. The search for cures must continue to have the highest priority in the scientific and clinical struggle against disease. Nonetheless, the value of psychosocial interventions on the quality of life and mental states of seriously ill persons should not be underestimated.
