THE IMPACT OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NEPTIC-PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS ON SELF-REPORTED DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND COMORBID ANXIETY
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
PART I: INFORMED CONSENT STATEMENT
Dear Sir / Madam:
The University of South Africa upholds the protection of the rights of human subjects participating in research. The following information is provided to you in order to facilitate your decision as to whether or not you wish to participate in this study. Your participation is strictly voluntary, and you will be free to withdraw at any time.
I am conducting a study to determine if Orthodox neptic-psychological interventions have an effect on self-reported depression and anxiety as experienced among a statistically valid sample of participants in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to take the Beck 'Depression Inventory' and 'Anxiety Inventory', and then participate in a three-month treatment program. Upon completion of the treatment program, you will again take the Beck 'Depression Inventory' and 'Anxiety Inventory'. It is estimated that you will need to devote 15-25 minutes each day of the three-month period to your treatment homework, i.e., to the 'Jesus Prayer' curriculum, 30 minutes per week in reporting to the researcher, 5 minutes per day maintaining your Religious / Spiritual Activities Register, and approximately 30 minutes each time the Beck 'Depression Inventory' and 'Anxiety Inventory' are taken. You will also need to abstain from the consumption of animal products as indicated in the 'Fasting Module'. The researcher, or research assistant, will conduct a follow-up interview with you upon completion of the post-intervention Beck Inventories.
Please note that your name and other personal information will not be revealed. The information that you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only for the purposes of this research. The knowledge obtained from this study may be useful in helping others suffering from depression and anxiety.
With sincerest thanks, Dr. Zoran Vujisic Telephone: (787) 640-5441, E-mail: crnagora@prtc.net
By my signature I affirm that I have read the aforementioned 'Informed Consent Statement'. I agree to participate in this study, consent to have my responses recorded, and confirm that I have been given a copy of this statement.
Signature: Date:
APPENDIX B
PART II: QUALIFYING INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE
As indicated in the informed consent statement, I am conducting a study to determine if Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions have an effect on self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety, and am seeking candidates that can participate in the study. In order to determine if you qualify to be a participant in this study, I request that you provide me with the following information:
How old are you?
Indicate your sex: □ Male □ Female
What is your Religion?
□ Orthodox □ Roman Catholic □ Protestant □ Agnostic □ Atheist
Do you suffer from depression? □ Yes □ No
Do you suffer from anxiety? □ Yes □ No
How long have you suffered from depression? week(s), month(s), year(s)
How long have you suffered from anxiety? week(s), month(s), year(s)
Have you ever been clinically diagnosed with depression? □ Yes □ No
Have you ever been clinically diagnosed with anxiety? □ Yes □ No
Have you ever thought about committing suicide? □ Yes □ No
This study involves participation in a three-month treatment program [that includes daily homework and dietary regulations]. If you qualify to be a participant for this study, are you ready, willing, and able to commit to this program? □ Yes □ No
Participants in this study will also be required to take the Beck 'Depression Inventory' and 'Anxiety Inventory' prior to participation in the treatment program and upon completion of the program. Would you be willing to take the Beck 'Depression Inventory' and 'Anxiety Inventory? □ Yes □ No
If you answered affirmatively to questions 11 and 12 and would like to participate in this study, please provide your contact information.
Name and surname: Telephone:
Address: E-mail:
If you would like additional information, please contact me.
With sincerest thanks, Dr. Zoran Vujisic
Telephone: (787) 640-5441,
E-mail: crnagora@prtc.net
APPENDIX C
PART III: PRE-TREATMENT INVENTORIES
Beck Depression Inventory
Read each question carefully, and circle the one statement in each that best describes the way you have been feeling during the past two weeks, including today.
1. Sadness I do not feel sad. I feel sad much of the time I am sad all of the time. I am so sad or unhappy that I can't stand it. 2. Pessimism I am not discouraged about my future. I feel more discouraged about my future than I used to be. I do not expect things to work out for me. I feel my fortune is hopeless and will get only worse. 3. Past Failure I do not feel like a failure. I have failed more than I should have. As I look back I see a lot of failures. I feel I am a total failure as a person. 4. Loss of Pleasure I get as much pleasure as I ever did from the things I enjoy. I don't enjoy things as much as I used to. I get very little pleasure from the things I used to enjoy. I can't get any pleasure from the things I used to enjoy. 5. Guilty Feelings I don't feel particularly guilty. I feel guilty over many things I have done or should have done. I feel quite guilty most of the time. I feel guilty most of the time. 6. Punishment Feelings I don't feel I am being punished. I feel I may be punished. I expect to be punished. I feel I am being punished. 7. Self-Dislike I feel the same about myself as ever. I have lost confidence in myself. I am disappointed in myself. I dislike myself.8. Self-Criticisms I don't criticize or blame myself more than usual. I am more critical of myself than I used to be. I criticize myself for all of my faults. I blame myself for everything bad that happens. 9. Suicidal Thoughts or Wishes I don't have any thoughts of killing myself. I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out. I would like to kill myself. I would kill myself if I had the chance. 10. Crying I don't cry anymore than I used to. I cry more than I used to. I cry over every little thing. I feel like crying, but I can't. 11. Agitation I am no more restless or wound up than usual. I feel more restless or wound up than usual. I am so restless or agitated that it's hard to stay still. I am so restless that I have to keep moving or doing something. 12. Loss of Interest I have not lost interest in other people or activities. I am less interested in other people or things than before. I have lost most of my interest in other people or things. It's hard to get interested in anything. 13. Indecisiveness I make decisions about as well as ever. I find it more difficult to make decisions than usual. I have much greater difficulty in making decisions than usual. I have trouble making any decisions. 14. Worthlessness I do not feel I am worthless. I don't consider myself as worthwhile and useful as I used to. I feel more worthless as compared to other people. I feel utterly worthless. 15. Loss of Energy I have as much energy as ever. I have less energy than I used to have. I don't have enough energy to do very much. I don't have enough energy to do anything.16. Changes in Sleeping Pattern0 have not experienced any change in my sleeping pattern 1 sleep somewhat more / less than usual. sleep a lot more / less than usual. . 2 sleep most of the day 3 wake up 1-2 hours early and can't get back to sleep.17. Irritability 0 am no more irritable than usual. 1 am more irritable than usual. 2 am much more irritable than usual 3 am irritable all the time.
18. Changes in Appetite I have not experienced any change in my appetite. My appetite is somewhat greater / lesser than usual. My appetite is much greater / lesser than usual. I crave food all the time or I have no appetite at all. 19. Concentration Difficulty I can concentrate as well as ever. I can't concentrate as well as usual. It's hard to keep my mind on anything for very long. I find I can't concentrate on anything. 20. Tiredness or Fatigue I am no more tired or fatigued than usual. I get more tired or fatigued more easily than usual. I am too tired or fatigued to do a lot of the things I used to do. I am too tired or fatigued to do most of the things I used to do. 21. Loss of Interest in Sex I have not noticed any recent change in my interest in sex. I am less interested in sex than I used to be. I am much less interested in sex now. I have lost interest in sex completely.
Scoring:
0 - 13 = Normal, 14 - 19 = Mild, 20 - 28 = Moderate, 29 - 63 = Severe
Beck Anxiety Inventory
Below is a list of common symptoms of anxiety. Please read carefully each item in the list. Indicate how much you have been bothered by that symptom during the past month, including today, by circling the number in the corresponding space in the column next to each symptom.
Not At All
Mildly: but it didn't bother me much
Moderately: it wasn't pleasant at times
Severely: it bothered me a
lot
Numbness or tingling
0
2
3
Feeling hot
0
2
3
Wobbliness in legs
0
2
3
Unable to relax
0
2
3
Fear of worst happening
0
2
3
Dizzy or lightheaded
0
2
3
Heart pounding / racing
0
2
3
Unsteady
0
2
3
Terrified or afraid
0
2
3
Nervous
0
2
3
Feeling of choking
0
2
3
Hands trembling
0
2
3
Shaky / unsteady
0
2
3
Fear of losing control
0
2
3
Difficulty in breathing
0
2
3
Fear of dying
0
2
3
Scared
0
2
3
Indigestion
0
2
3
Faint / lightheaded
0
2
3
Face flushed
0
2
3
Hot / cold sweats
0
2
3
Column Sum
Scoring:
0 - 21 = Low Anxiety, 25 - 35 = Moderate Anxiety, 36+ = High Anxiety
APPENDIX D
PART IV: TREATMENT PROGRAM
The Treatment Program for depression and anxiety will include participation in a 3-month Fasting Module and 'Jesus Prayer' Curriculum. In addition to your homework, you will maintain a Spiritual Activities Register and meet each week (at a pre-established time) with the researcher who will monitor your progress and encourage compliance.
Fasting Module
Fasting is beneficial for physical health. In fasting, the body experiences the following: (1) detoxification [through lipolysis, i.e., the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy], (2) healing [through the diversion of energy from the digestive system to the immune system], (3) a drop in metabolic rate [through blood sugar level reduction and the use of glucose reserves in liver glycogen], (4) lowering of body temperature [due to a lower basal metabolic rate], and (5) rejuvenation [due to efficient protein synthesis, increased hormone production, enhancement of the immune system, etc.].
The physical and psychological benefits of fasting cannot be separated. Fasting purifies cells throughout the body, including those in the brain. Negative mental states, e.g., depression, anxiety, tension, fear, etc., are often associated with physical states. When the brain is free of toxicity, the mind is liberated both physiologically and psychologically.
Psychotropic drugs temporarily alter mental states but fasting may have permanent effects on the brain. In Russia, for example, therapeutic fasting has been found to be an extremely effective treatment and the Moscow Psychiatric Institute has reported that fasting has been used to successfully treat over 7,000 patients who suffered from various mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
Fasting has also been associated with spiritual illumination throughout the ages and across cultures. In Orthodoxy, the Holy Fathers knew that abstaining from food increased focus on God and facilitated spiritual perception and understanding. St. John Chrysostomos explains that:
Fasting is a medicine, but a medicine, although it be extremely profitable, becomes frequently useless owing to the lack of skill of the one who employs it.
For it is necessary to know, moreover, the time when it should be applied, and the requisite quantity; and the temperament of body that admits it; and the nature of the country, and the season of the year; and the corresponding diet; as well as various other particulars; any of which, if one overlooks, he will mar all the rest that have been named. Now if, when the body needs healing, such exactness is required on our part, much more ought we, when our care is about the soul, and we seek to heal the distempers of the mind, to look, and to search into every particular with the utmost accuracy [see 'Concerning the Statues', 'Homily III' at http://www.orthodox.net/articles/orthodox-christian-fasting-john chrysostom.html].
In the Fasting Module, you will abstain from food in accordance with the Fasting Guidelines Table and Fasting Calendar. The following are examples of the four possible types of days indicated on the Fasting Calendar.
Example 1: Days with gray shading and the words 'Fast Day'
The Fasting Calendar indicates that November 3rd is a Fast Day. On this day, you will abstain from all foods prohibited on Fast Days, including meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, olive oil, wine and alcoholic beverages as indicated in the Fasting Guidelines Table under Foods PROHIBITED on Fast Days. You may consume any of the foods listed in the Fasting Guidelines Table under Foods PERMITTED on all Fast Days, that is, shellfish, vegetables and vegetable products, grains and cereals, fruits and nuts, and beverages, such as juices, beer, malt drinks, sodas, teas, etc. The amount of food consumed and the frequency of eating must also be regulated. No food should be eaten between meals, and at meals, reduced quantities should be consumed.
Example 2: Days with gray shading and the words 'Fast Day' and 'Oil and Wine Permitted'
The Fasting Calendar indicates that December 2nd is a Fast Day with Oil and Wine Permitted. On this day, you will abstain from all foods prohibited on Fast Days, including meat and meat products, dairy products, and fish. However, you may consume olive oil, wine, and alcoholic beverages [in moderation]. You may also consume any of the foods listed in the Fasting Guidelines Table under Foods PERMITTED on all Fast Days, that is, shellfish, vegetables and vegetable products, grains and cereals, fruits and nuts, and beverages, such as juices, beer, malt drinks, sodas, teas, etc. The amount of food consumed and the frequency of eating are not regulated.
Example 3: Days shaded in gray with the words Fast Day: Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
The Fasting Calendar indicates that December 4th is a Fast Day with Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted. On this day, you will abstain from all foods prohibited on Fast Days, including meat and dairy products. However, you may consume olive oil, wine (and alcoholic beverages in moderation), and fish. You may also consume any of the foods listed in the Fasting Guidelines Table under Foods PERMITTED on all Fast Days, that is, shellfish, vegetables and vegetable products, grains and cereals, fruits and nuts, and beverages, such as juices, beer, malt drinks, sodas, teas, etc. The amount of food consumed and the frequency of eating are not regulated.
Example 4: Days in blank
The Fasting Calendar for November 1st is blank. This signifies a contraindication for fasting. All foods may be consumed. The quantities and frequencies of food consumption are not regulated.
Any deviation from the instructions in the Fasting Guidelines Table will be deemed as non-compliance. You will meet with the researcher for your pre-arranged weekly appointment to discuss overall compliance and any difficulties that you may be facing in your Treatment Program. Treatment will commence on November 1, 2008.
'Jesus Prayer' Curriculum
'Oh Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.'
Orthodoxy teaches that there is power in the name of Jesus, and that the invocation of this Divine name acts as a mystery, and is a medicine that mortifies the passions, changes behavior, gives joy, and communicates the power of divinization. The following psychosomatic technique or curriculum, described by St. Nicephorus the Hesychast and St. Gregory of Sinai, is to be followed each day over the next three months. You will discuss your practice of the 'Jesus Prayer ' with the researcher during your weekly appointments.
Please follow the instructions below.
Stand alone in a quiet place each evening, preferably one hour before sleep.
Begin by saying the following prayers:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12 times, with a full prostration after each 'Lord, have mercy.'.)
3. Close the door, draw the curtains, and darken the room.
4. Take up your chotki, i.e., prayer rope.
5. Sit on a low stool, as did the blind beggar [see Mark 10:47], and as did Job upon the dunghill [see Job 2:8].
6. Raise your mind above every transitory object.
7. Place your left hand upon your chest over the nipple.
8. Press your chin against your chest.
9. Turn your bodily eyes, and your entire mind, upon the center of your body.
Breathe deeply and slowly for 2 or 3 minutes.
Then regulate your breathing to a normal pace.
Compress the inhalation of air passing through your nostrils as to not breathe easily.
Explore your visceral self, or inward parts, in search of the heart.
Explore the powers of the soul that gather in the heart.
Take your mind and lead it into the heart by the path of breathing.
Inhale while softly saying the words: 'Oh Lord Jesus Christ'.
Exhale at the words: 'Son of God'.
Inhale at the words: 'Have mercy upon me'.
Exhale at the words: 'A sinner'.
Lock your mind on the words of the prayer and think of nothing else.
Using your chotki repeat the prayer 100 times using steps 16, 17, 18, and 19.
When assailed by vain thoughts, say the words of the prayer in a loud voice.
Hunt down spiritual enemies by making the sign of the cross, until all distraction is put to
flight.
Resume your prayer, remain attentive, and hold Jesus in your heart.
Cool yourself with water, or applying towels soaked in water, to the places where there is blood-congestion.
Fasting Guidelines Table
A. Foods PROHIBITED on Fast Days [unless otherwise indicated on the calendar]
1. Meat and Meat Products [Examples: beef, pork, lamb, poultry, products that contain beef gelatin, commercial breads and crackers that contain lard, etc.]
2. Dairy Products [Examples: butter, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and items containing dairy whey, milk extracts, etc.]
3. Fish [Examples: tuna, codfish, sardines, trout, shark, etc.]
4. Olive Oil [Examples: commercial salad dressings, etc.]
5. Wine and Alcoholic Beverages [Examples: whiskey, brandy, rum, port, liqueurs, etc.]
B. Foods PERMITTED on all Fast Days
1. Shellfish [Examples: lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, scallops, clams, mussels, etc.]
2. Vegetables and Vegetable Products [Examples: leafy vegetables, beans, carrots, lentils, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, soya, squash, tofu, vegetable gelatins, vegetable oil, etc.]
3. Grains and Cereals [Examples: rice, wheat, barley, cereals, flour, bread, pasta, etc]
4. Fruits and Nuts [Examples: apples, oranges, plums, bananas, almonds, cashews, peanuts, coconuts, etc.]
5.Beverages [Examples: juices, beer, malt drinks, sodas, teas, etc.]
PLEASE NOTE:
On 'FAST DAYS', the amount of food consumed and the frequency of eating must be regulated. No food should be eaten between meals, and at meals, reduced quantities should be consumed [i.e., the faster should leave the table before s/he feels full].
On 'FAST DAYS' in which Oil, Wine, or Fish are permitted, the quantity and frequency of meals are not restricted.
Fasting Calendar
November 2008
SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT.
1
2
3 FAST DAY
4
5 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
6
7 FAST DAY
8
9
10 FAST DAY
11
12 FAST DAY
13
14 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
15
16
17 FAST DAY
18
19 FAST DAY
20
21 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
22
23
24 FAST DAY
25
26 FAST DAY
27
28 FAST DAY
29 FAST DAY
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
30 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
December 2008
SUN.
MON.
TUES.
WED.
THURS.
FRI.
SAT.
1 FAST DAY
2 FAST DAY
3 FAST DAY
4 FAST DAY
5 FAST DAY
6 FAST DAY
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
7 FAST DAY
8 FAST DAY
9 FAST DAY
10 FAST DAY
11 FAST DAY
12 FAST DAY
13 FAST DAY
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
14 FAST DAY
15 FAST DAY
16 FAST DAY
17 FAST DAY
18 FAST DAY
19 FAST DAY
20 FAST DAY
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
21 FAST DAY
22 FAST DAY
23 FAST DAY
24 FAST DAY
25 FAST DAY
26 FAST DAY
27 FAST DAY
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
28 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
29 FAST DAY
30 FAST DAY Oil and Wine Permitted
31 FAST DAY
Fasting Calendar
January 2009
SUN.
MON.
TUES.
WED.
THURS.
FRI.
SAT.
1 FAST DAY Oil and Wine Permitted
2 FAST DAY Oil and Wine Permitted
3 FAST DAY Oil and Wine Permitted
4 FAST DAY
5 FAST DAY
6 FAST DAY
7
8
9
10
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
Oil and Wine Permitted
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 FAST DAY Oil and Wine Permitted
19
20
21 FAST DAY
22
23 FAST DAY
24
25
26 FAST DAY
27
28 FAST DAY
29
30 FAST DAY Oil, Wine, & Fish Permitted
31
o
00
>1
Week Numbers
1. Attended Church
2. Made Confession
3. Received Communion
4. Prayed
5. Made Prostrations
6. Read the Bible
7. Attended Study Group
8. Church Volunteer
9. Donated Money
10. Shared Faith
11. Meditated
12. Nature Walks
13. Community Service Work
14. Practiced Yoga
15. Other:
Physician's Permission to Participate in Fasting Module This is to confirm that, upon examination, the study participant:
Name: , D.O.B. ,
is physically fit and able to participate in the Fasting Module as set forth in the attached Fasting Guidelines Table and Calendar during the period beginning November 1st 2008 and ending on January 31st 2009.
Physician's Name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
License Number: Date:
APPENDIX E
PART V: TREATMENT MONITORING Fasting / Jesus Prayer Register
Week Numbers
Fasting Register
Jesus Prayer Register
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Total Days
APPENDIX F
PART VI: POST-TREATMENT INVENTORIES
Beck Depression Inventory
Read each question carefully, and circle the one statement in each that best describes the way you have been feeling during the past two weeks, including today.
1. Sadness I do not feel sad. I feel sad much of the time I am sad all of the time. I am so sad or unhappy that I can't stand it. 2. Pessimism I am not discouraged about my future. I feel more discouraged about my future than I used to be. I do not expect things to work out for me. I feel my fortune is hopeless and will get only worse. 3. Past Failure I do not feel like a failure. I have failed more than I should have. As I look back I see a lot of failures. I feel I am a total failure as a person. 4. Loss of Pleasure I get as much pleasure as I ever did from the things I enjoy. I don't enjoy things as much as I used to. I get very little pleasure from the things I used to enjoy. I can't get any pleasure from the things I used to enjoy. 5. Guilty Feelings I don't feel particularly guilty. I feel guilty over many things I have done or should have done. I feel quite guilty most of the time. I feel guilty most of the time. 6. Punishment Feelings I don't feel I am being punished. I feel I may be punished. I expect to be punished. I feel I am being punished. 7. Self-Dislike I feel the same about myself as ever. I have lost confidence in myself. I am disappointed in myself. I dislike myself.
8. Self-Criticisms I don't criticize or blame myself more than usual. I am more critical of myself than I used to be. I criticize myself for all of my faults. I blame myself for everything bad that happens.9. Suicidal Thoughts or Wishes I don't have any thoughts of killing myself. I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out. I would like to kill myself. I would kill myself if I had the chance.
10. Crying I don't cry anymore than I used to. I cry more than I used to. I cry over every little thing. I feel like crying, but I can't.
11. Agitation I am no more restless or wound up than usual. I feel more restless or wound up than usual. I am so restless or agitated that it's hard to stay still. I am so restless that I have to keep moving or doing something.
12. Loss of Interest I have not lost interest in other people or activities. I am less interested in other people or things than before. I have lost most of my interest in other people or things. It's hard to get interested in anything.
13. Indecisiveness I make decisions about as well as ever. I find it more difficult to make decisions than usual. I have much greater difficulty in making decisions than usual. I have trouble making any decisions.
14. Worthlessness I do not feel I am worthless. I don't consider myself as worthwhile and useful as I used to. I feel more worthless as compared to other people. I feel utterly worthless.
15. Loss of Energy I have as much energy as ever. I have less energy than I used to have. I don't have enough energy to do very much. I don't have enough energy to do anything.
16. Changes in Sleeping Pattern0 have not experienced any change in my sleeping pattern 1 sleep somewhat more / less than usual. sleep a lot more / less than usual. . 2 sleep most of the day 3 wake up 1-2 hours early and can't get back to sleep.17. Irritability 0 am no more irritable than usual. 1 am more irritable than usual. 2 am much more irritable than usual 3 am irritable all the time.18. Changes in Appetite I have not experienced any change in my appetite. My appetite is somewhat greater / lesser than usual. My appetite is much greater/lesser than usual. I crave food all the time or I have no appetite at all. 19. Concentration Difficulty I can concentrate as well as ever. I can't concentrate as well as usual. It's hard to keep my mind on anything for very long. I find I can't concentrate on anything.20. Tiredness or Fatigue I am no more tired or fatigued than usual. I get more tired or fatigued more easily than usual. I am too tired or fatigued to do a lot of the things I used to do. I am too tired or fatigued to do most of the things I used to do.
21. Loss of Interest in Sex I have not noticed any recent change in my interest in sex. I am less interested in sex than I used to be. I am much less interested in sex now. I have lost interest in sex completely.
Scoring:
0 - 13 = Normal, 14 - 19 = Mild, 20 - 28 = Moderate, 29 - 63 = Severe
Beck Anxiety Inventory
Below is a list of common symptoms of anxiety. Please read carefully each item in the list. Indicate how much you have been bothered by that symptom during the past month, including today, by circling the number in the corresponding space in the column next to each symptom.
Not At All
Mildly: but it didn't bother me much.
Moderately: it wasn't pleasant at times
Severely: it bothered me a
lot
Numbness or tingling
0
2
3
Feeling hot
0
2
3
Wobbliness in legs
0
2
3
Unable to relax
0
2
3
Fear of worst happening
0
2
3
Dizzy or lightheaded
0
2
3
Heart pounding / racing
0
2
3
Unsteady
0
2
3
Terrified or afraid
0
2
3
Nervous
0
2
3
Feeling of choking
0
2
3
Hands trembling
0
2
3
Shaky / unsteady
0
2
3
Fear of losing control
0
2
3
Difficulty in breathing
0
2
3
Fear of dying
0
2
3
Scared
0
2
3
Indigestion
0
2
3
Faint / lightheaded
0
2
3
Face flushed
0
2
3
Hot / cold sweats
0
2
3
Column Sum
Scoring:
0 - 21 = Low Anxiety, 25 - 35 = Moderate Anxiety, 36+ = High Anxiety
APPENDIX G
PART VII: FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS
Part VII consisted of individual follow-up interviews to discuss participant perception(s) of the role / effects of the treatment program. Each participant will be individually informed of his / her pre-intervention and post-intervention Beck Inventories' scores and then asked to elaborate on the following question:
Do you believe that there is any relationship between your levels of depression and anxiety as documented in the Beck Inventories and your treatment over the last three months using Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions, including fasting and the 'Jesus Prayer'? Please explain.
APPENDIX H
Vujisic's FBI (False Belief Inventory)
Belief / Expectation (Schema)
Situations in which my belief affects my actions / behavior
1
□ My troubles are the fault of others. [I am not responsible for my situation because I am a victim].
2
□ "I cannot" really means that "I won't" or "I do not want to" do something.
3
□ My actions / behavior do not impact others, cause emotional pain, or provoke conflict, discord, etc.
4
□ People continually misunderstand / misinterpret my words and behavior.
5
□ It's not possible to really understand how others feel. [Everyone has to suffer alone].
6
□ I refuse to do things that I find unpleasant or disagreeable.
7
□ I usually say 'no' first when asked for help or assistance.
8
□ I become tired / sleepy in order to escape duties or chores.
9
□ I develop aches and pains to avoid doing the things that I do not want to do.
10
□ I don't have to fulfill my obligations.
11
□ It's okay to say "I forgot" or "the situation just came up" in order to avoid duties or break promises.
12
□ I believe that others should do what I want them to do. [I become angry when they transgress my will and consider that they are attempting to impose their will upon me].
13
□ I am entitled to use the property of others as if it were my own. [I seldom lend my property].
14
□ My 'wants' are really my 'needs' and 'rights'.
15
□ People constantly betray my trust. [In fact, I don't trust anyone].
16
□ Things must happen because I think that they must. [I have to have my own way].
17
□ I can make decisions without first finding out all of the facts.
18
□ I believe that I am nearly always 'right' even when there is evidence to the contrary.
19
□ Even when I am proved wrong, I often revert back to my original position / opinion.
20
□ I do not set short-term objectives to achieve my long-term goals and dreams.
21
□ I am not supposed to fail.
22
□ Fear is a weakness and I deny that I am afraid.
23
□ Anger, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and sarcasm are justifiable ways to get what I want. [Consciously or unconsciously, I like making others squirm].
24
□ I will be let down by others.
25
□ I will win in any struggle because I have power. [I have powerful cosmic mediators that will help me in spite of my behavior].
Vujisic's SCI (Self-Capacities Inventory)
Check each of the following statements that apply.
Provide a concrete example of how you use this self-capacity.
1
□ I like to be with others and seek support from loved-ones in times of difficulties.
2
□ I am open to new experiences and can adjust my attitudes.
3
□ I am conscientious in the work that I do.
4
□ I follow through on obligations, promises, and commitments.
5
□ I am an agreeable person, that is, I negotiate and compromise.
6
□ I am responsible and make choices using a decisionmaking plan.
7
□ I can cope with a wide range of difficult situations.
8
□ I try to find meaning in the things that happen to me.
9
□ I break down difficult situations into manageable parts.
10
□ I am motivated to solve my problems and can take action.
11
□ I accept my imperfections [and those of others] and see life positively.
12
□ I take control in situations. [I am consistently part of the solution and not part of the problem]
13
□ I am not afraid of challenges.
14
□ I can rise to the occasion and step up to the plate.
15
□ I am committed to overcoming my spiritual, emotional, psychological and / or other problems.
16
□ I have a good support network.
17
□ I understand my life circumstances.
18
□ I have faith.
19
□ I have hope.
20
□ I like to look at things in new ways and am willing to abandon my set ways of thinking and behaving.
21
□ I am open to how others feel and can empathize.
22
□ I am action-oriented.
23
□ I actively try to structure my life.
24
□ I have long-term goals.
25
□ I set realistic limits and establish short-term objectives to achieve my long-term goals and dreams.
What can you learn about yourself from this inventory?
Do you notice any patterns in the statements that you checked?
Do you notice any patterns in the statements that you did not check?
Vujisic's SDBI (Self-Defeating Behavior Inventory)
Check each of the following statements that apply.
Provide a concrete example of how you use these self-defeating behaviors.
1
□ I waste time and use distraction, work, and superficial social engagements, such as parties, get-togethers, etc., as tools to avoid facing and solving problems.
2
□ I avoid working toward a goal that I have set by doing meaningless or harmful things.
3
□ I get physically ill when I have something pressing to do or if I am corrected / challenged.
4
□ I change the subject when I am uncomfortable.
5
□ I use a 'geographical cure' when I am uncomfortable rather than face the situation.
6
□ I refuse to look others in the eyes when talking to them.
7
□ I avoid emotional intimacy and seek out superficial relationships.
8
□ I communicate my emotions indirectly.
9
□ I do something distracting during a conversation.
10
□ I overeat.
11
□ I use drugs / substances to excess.
12
□ I use alcohol to excess.
13
□ I lie to cover up my behavior in order to avoid challenges or reproof.
14
□ I smoke.
15
□ I am disorganized.
16
□ I am generally late.
17
□ I put myself into risky situations.
18
□ I miss important appointments / meetings.
19
□ I don't write things down.
20
□ I have excessive debt [or overspend without getting into debt].
21
□ I forget things that are important to my significant others on a regular basis.
22
□ I go along with the crowd.
23
□ I remain in harmful situations or pursue harmful activities although they are self-destructive.
24
□ I justify my risk-taking activities.
25
□ I ask for help from the wrong people.
26
□ I take on more than I can handle.
27
□ I believe that I am special and my case is unique.
28
□ I believe that things around me must be perfect.
29
□ I am impatient and "want it now", that is, before I invest.
30
□ I say that I want to change but continue doing the same things.
Vujisic's ABI (Addictive Behavior Inventory)
'Yes' to 5 or more of these questions indicates addiction. Substitute 'alcohol use', 'gambling', 'drug / substance abuse', 'sex', etc. for 'the behavior'.
1
Does the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] have a recurrent pattern?
□ Yes
□ No
2
Do you secretly plan or make opportunities to participate in the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ]?
□ Yes
□ No
3
Do you manipulate others in an effort to participate in the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ], or lie to cover up the behavior?
□ Yes
□ No
4
Has the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] increased in frequency, time duration, dosage, etc?
□ Yes
□ No
5
Can you stop?
□ Yes
□ No
6
Have you tried to stop in the past and been unable to?
□ Yes
□ No
7
Do you use the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] to help yourself feel good?
□ Yes
□ No
8
Do you use the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] to help yourself get to sleep?
□ Yes
□ No
9
Do you use the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] to deal with stress, problems, or anger?
□ Yes
□ No
10
Do you participate in the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] when you and your 'significant other' argue?
□ Yes
□ No
11
Does the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex,
□ other: ] interfere with your work? [Do you leave work to participate in the behavior?]
□ Yes
□ No
12
Does the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex,
□ other: ] sidetrack you from fulfilling responsibilities or achieving your goals in life?
□ Yes
□ No
13
Could the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] cost you your marriage or other close relationships?
□ Yes
□ No
14
Could the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] cost you access to your children?
□ Yes
□ No
15
If people at work or in your social circles found out, would your reputation be damaged?
□ Yes
□ No
16
Could you be jailed or sent to prison for your involvement in the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ]?
□ Yes
□ No
17
Have you risked your job, profession, or social standing for the sake of the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ]?
□ Yes
□ No
18
Could you get a disease from the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ]?
□ Yes
□ No
19
Could you die from the behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ]?
□ Yes
□ No
20
Have you minimized, justified, or rationalized your risk-taking behavior [□ alcohol use, □ gambling, □ drug / substance abuse, □ sex, □ other: ] when completing this inventory?
□ Yes
□ No
Page created: 11-2-2011.
Last update: 11-2-2011.