Models of Meditation

ABSTRACT: Experiential aspects of the more common forms of meditation, described in the context of some research findings. Various theoretical models of meditation are reviewed. Meditation is also discussed in terms of behavioural, psychoanalytical and personal construct perspectives. It is concluded that whereas no simple or singular conceptualisation of meditation is adequate, personal construct theory has most to offer in describing meditation phenomena. The objectives of the various meditation techniques appear to be rather similar, i.e., to achieve insight into the workings of the mind, selfmastery, and ultimately to transcend the ego. However, meditation experiences may vary considerably within and between individuals.     

Rapunzel syndrome with a fatal outcome in a neglected child

The “Rapunzel” syndrome (a trichobezoar with a long tail extending from the stomach to the small bowel) is an uncommon disease. It is related to severe complications but rarely associates to a fatal outcome. We report a case of a 5-year-old girl admitted at the emergency department in cardiorespiratory arrest whose autopsy disclosed an ileal perforation that is caused by a long bezoar extending from the stomach to the small bowel. The authors discuss a possible link between Rapunzel syndrome and child neglect.     

Recognizing and treating non-infectious rhinitis

PURPOSE: To increase clinicians' familiarity with nonallergic and mixed rhinitis and to differentiate these from allergic rhinitis, thus providing for an accurate diagnosis and facilitating a successful initial treatment program. DATA SOURCES: A Medline search of published journal articles was supplemented with known books and proceedings pertaining to rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is significant overlap of symptoms among the three types of rhinitis (i.e., allergic, nonallergic, and mixed), the patient history often contains clues that can aid in establishing a correct diagnosis. The new Patient Rhinitis Screen, a questionnaire developed for use in the primary care arena, facilitates the diagnostic process. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As the most common condition in the outpatient practice of medicine, rhinitis is frequently treated by primary care practitioners. Recent guidelines for the diagnosis and management of rhinitis suggest that a specific diagnosis of allergic, nonallergic, or mixed rhinitis leads to more effective treatment strategies. The result is successful and efficient care utilizing, as appropriate, broad-based and symptom-specific therapies.