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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 26 to 50 of 79. Go back in thread:
Posted by Lonely on August 24, 2004, at 21:35:47
In reply to Re: feedback, posted by Dr. Bob on August 24, 2004, at 17:58:48
>What if the heading shows up as a "tool tip" if you move your mouse >over a circle? It should do that now, give it a try...
I did ... and it's better. I realized as I was experimenting that to some extent I (a) read the responses (b) make a brief comparison between the different levels of responses (c) respond when a phrase seems to match my perception because the other choices were less appropriate. This way I don't get to see all the different levels of choices together (like I can when I see the headings) that I'd like for my (b) comparison, but this is certainly better, especially since I know it's there now and can hold the cursor over the circle.
> Sorry, but I don't think I have any control over how big the dot is. I think it's standard, the same size on all "forms".
I don't have any insight into the technicalities behind all this (a good thing for me to learn, though!) but I would think that forms can be altered. Probably depends on software, though and maybe some compatability issues. But, that's outside my knowledge realm. So, this is probably the way it is as you've mentioned.
> Did you know you could make it larger? The window itself, not the text in the window:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#settingsOh, I didn't know but have done it now. It's nice to have the bigger window to write in! Thanks!
Posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
In reply to Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by Dr. Bob on August 20, 2004, at 11:24:26
What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
Marsha
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
> What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
Hmm, weird. I've made a change to check something, give it another try now?
Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.pl
Bob
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 19:13:14
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
> > What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
>
> Hmm, weird. I've made a change to check something, give it another try now?
>
> Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.pl
>
> Bob
Thanks, Dr. Bob. I tried it again, though, with the same results. I just get stuck in a feedback loop. No matter which option I choose (assess or review past test) when I click the "choose option button" it sends me right back to the original screen.Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
Marsha
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 19:13:14
> I tried it again, though, with the same results.
Rats. What browser are you using? With Windows, I presume?
> Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
I'm glad it's helped! :-)
Bob
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:29:02
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
> > I tried it again, though, with the same results.
>
> Rats. What browser are you using? With Windows, I presume?
>
> > Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
>
> I'm glad it's helped! :-)
>
> Bob
I'm using Windows 2000 Professional. The browser is Internet Explorer with an Earthlink (my IP)interface. It's a brand new computer so I'm sure it's the newest version of IE. I do have Symantec's Internet Security installed but I can't imagine that would have anything to do with it. Earthlink and Norton both have pop-up blockers but again, I can't see how that would cause a problem.Thanks,
Marsha
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:41:20
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
Okay, I've turned off all pop-up blockers and checked my Norton security settings and everything is in order but the dratted thing still won't let me access the test.
It's not like I can't live without it but I'd sure like to try it and besides, a computer problem/glitch is very annoying for a librarian who is supposed to know all about computers!
Thanks again...
Marsha
Posted by Lonely on September 2, 2004, at 22:14:14
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:41:20
Just a guess as occassionally I run into pages that won't load too. Sometimes it helps to Scan Disk and Defrag and completely shut down for a minute and then start up. No doubt this is very elementary for you so I'm just sort've throwing it out there with good intentions!
I had Norton at one time but there seemed to be so many glitches that I've tried to get rid of it. Unfortunately, a few tracks remain so I can't use McAfee either. Windows XP does have it's own firewall - is it possible it was downloaded and enabled?
Emptying the cache plus the recycle bin sometimes helps. AOL has a Computer Check button that supposedly checks out my pc and helps with slow or non-loading pages.
Re the test itself ... I tried the test myself without any problems (thankfully). It's interesting and I've thought of taking the tests w/me to my therapist (haven't yet) but, then, I guess I sort've knew approximately what the result would be anyhow. The message boards do help, though, as you've noted. Good luck!
> Okay, I've turned off all pop-up blockers and checked my Norton security settings and everything is in order but the dratted thing still won't let me access the test.
>
> It's not like I can't live without it but I'd sure like to try it and besides, a computer problem/glitch is very annoying for a librarian who is supposed to know all about computers!
>
> Thanks again...
>
> Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
I tweaked some settings and now it works!
Thanks,
Marsha
Posted by gardenergirl on September 3, 2004, at 1:16:31
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
Why do I find that song in my head how..."here I am stuck in the middle with you..."
;)
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2004, at 10:09:16
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
> I tweaked some settings and now it works!
I did, too, so you can try untweaking yours if you want...
Bob
Posted by owenus32 on September 3, 2004, at 21:51:13
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
I've dropped any idea od a social life whatsoever. I stopped AA and I am glued to the PC or books when not at work. Wow. I don't even think about it much but that test made me think.
Posted by Lonely on September 3, 2004, at 23:55:46
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by owenus32 on September 3, 2004, at 21:51:13
Fortunately, I was aware of some isolation and didn't like it but felt somewhat incapable (or unworthy?) of much social life. I'm trying to remedy that but it's actually real work to do so! Just got an email from a friend suggesting a Sun. aftn. trip to museum and I'm full of reasons not to go, among them my AA spouse. On the other hand I had a wonderful (although it took a lot of effort) time with an old colleague and friend yesterday when we went swimming and ate dinner together. It was a real booster and as my therapist pointed out today, I need more of those. The internet is a wonderful excellent tool for connecting with people I would otherwise not know but there's nothing like face-to-face arm-around-the-shoulder contact.
> I've dropped any idea od a social life whatsoever. I stopped AA and I am glued to the PC or books when not at work. Wow. I don't even think about it much but that test made me think.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 0:22:49
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
> Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.plOK, I've reset the data file and removed the "beta" designation. Next is a measure of stress expected from life events:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/srrs.pl
Bob
Posted by badhaircut on September 9, 2004, at 15:26:08
In reply to Re: stress from life events, posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 0:22:49
> Next is a measure of stress expected from life events: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/srrs.pl
•1•
I realize in the 1960s questionnaires were usually sexist, but this is 2004. The last item, "Wife begin or stop work," can easily be made more inclusive. Would Elsevier object? We can adapt it so working moms with stay-at-home dads (for example) can answer this item, too.
If the precise figure for debt has been updated (I assume it has), these throwback terms can be, too.•2•
"Change in church activities". Again, we can excuse mild bigotry in the '60s, but for here & now, why not substitute "religious" for "church"? Surely it won't render the score meaningless if a non-Christian is allowed to answer this item.•3•
I still feel that not giving any information on how to interpret the CES-D or the SF-36 makes them less useful and more problematic even just for monthly self-tracking. (The justification given was that mentioning a cut-off score could confuse someone into thinking they had a medical diagnosis.)
But not giving any interpretive information about the stressful events score renders it, well, useless. Is 250 good? Is 40 bad? If it's just for tracking every 6 months and my score is 800, I'll be dead from a heart attack before I get to take it again. One item not considered on the SRRS: Getting an unexplained high score on an internet stress test! :DBob, I realize you're adding these things as a neat expansion of P-B, but providing completely dead-end numbers for deeply personal issues is likely to frustrate and confuse test-takers. Especially since people coming to this site are likely to be already upset in some way. I feel that plain-language interpretative information is needed for each of these tests. Such explanations exist at other prominent web sites that offer these tests (like the Mayo Clinic), and they can emphasize that no score is by itself diagnostic.
A link to this thread, while nice, is just not sufficient.
I'm being critical, so here's a hug. I love P-B, and I'm very glad you put so much into it.
-bhc
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 17:37:40
In reply to 'Wife' ?! – and other quibbles, posted by badhaircut on September 9, 2004, at 15:26:08
> I realize in the 1960s questionnaires were usually sexist, but this is 2004. The last item, "Wife begin or stop work," can easily be made more inclusive.
Good idea, I'll make it "spouse" like it is in other items.
> "Change in church activities". Again, we can excuse mild bigotry in the '60s, but for here & now, why not substitute "religious" for "church"?
Here, however, I think I'd rather leave it, since it's possible a change in other religious activities might not require the same social readjustment.
> not giving any interpretive information about the stressful events score renders it, well, useless. Is 250 good? Is 40 bad?
> I feel that plain-language interpretative information is needed for each of these tests. Such explanations exist at other prominent web sites that offer these tests (like the Mayo Clinic)
1. I've seen interpretations elsewhere, but I want to look into how they were arrived at before adding them here, too.
2. IMO, it's not useless if it helps people track their stress level or correlate it with other aspects of how they're doing.
If 250 were "bad" and 200 were "so-so", would that mean someone shouldn't get married so as not to do something that would be "bad" for them?
> I'm being critical, so here's a hug. I love P-B, and I'm very glad you put so much into it.
Thanks, and I'm glad you care enough to want this done well.
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 13, 2004, at 18:14:43
In reply to Re: stress from life events, posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 0:22:49
> Next is a measure of stress expected from life events:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/srrs.plOK, I've reset the data file and removed the "beta" designation. Next is a measure of social support:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mos-sss.pl
Unless anyone has any suggestions, I think this will be it for now, let's see how this goes for a while...
Bob
Posted by 64bowtie on September 18, 2004, at 15:35:17
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by gardenergirl on September 3, 2004, at 1:16:31
> Why do I find that song in my head how..."here I am stuck in the middle with you..."
>
> ;)
>
> ggGG,
Was that a rhetorical question??? ...or what???
Rod
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 18, 2004, at 17:14:38
In reply to Re: social support, posted by Dr. Bob on September 13, 2004, at 18:14:43
> I think this will be it for now
Except that I also thought I'd group them together in a new area called Watch Yourself. As in watch yourself (how you do) over time...
And provide a way for those who want to fill out any of the questionnaires regularly to have the server remind them by email. How does that sound?
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on September 18, 2004, at 23:34:46
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by 64bowtie on September 18, 2004, at 15:35:17
Actually I was shooting for humorous comment, but perhaps that would have required me to sing the song versus post. And Babble isn't set up for that yet, thank Dog. And given the lyric just before the line I quoted, I was afraid of posting something uncivil...
:)
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2004, at 15:18:35
In reply to Re: Watch Yourself, posted by Dr. Bob on September 18, 2004, at 17:14:38
> I also thought I'd group them together in a new area called Watch Yourself. As in watch yourself (how you do) over time...
Well, here it is:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/watch
Let me know what you think,
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 22:40:04
In reply to Re: Watch Yourself, posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2004, at 15:18:35
I don't know exactly why, but when I see those words "Watch Yourself" in the link on each page, I feel like I am being warned against some unknown bad event. Like "watch out!" So the name is a bit weird for me. I suppose Monitor Yourself just doesn't have the same cache. I don't know what would be better or even if I would prefer it be changed at this point just because of my psyche, but just thought I'd mention it.
Thanks,
gg
Posted by Lonely on September 22, 2004, at 23:40:05
In reply to Re: Watch Yourself...name is odd for me, posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 22:40:04
Y'know ... I had the same thoughts and feelings but a little stronger. My very, very first reaction is just like you said "watch out" and my immediate response to that is a cross between feeling threatened and insulted. I really don't care for the phrase at all. It does not give off any warmth in the emotional sense. In fact, I haven't even gone to the latest one because I'm put off, in part, by the title. I don't know what phrase Dr. Bob could use either but it should come across more as a help or aid in helping me understand myself. That at least smacks of compassion. Right now it's definitely a negative. Ugh!
> I don't know exactly why, but when I see those words "Watch Yourself" in the link on each page, I feel like I am being warned against some unknown bad event. Like "watch out!" So the name is a bit weird for me. I suppose Monitor Yourself just doesn't have the same cache. I don't know what would be better or even if I would prefer it be changed at this point just because of my psyche, but just thought I'd mention it.
> Thanks,
> gg
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 10:11:16
In reply to Re: Watch Yourself...name is odd for me, posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 22:40:04
I agree. I thought "watch yourself" was the standard parental warning to a child that they were heading onto thin ice, or would be in big trouble when they got home. Not that I ever remember *giving* it. But I think I remember *getting* it.
Posted by Catgirl on September 23, 2004, at 19:09:03
In reply to Re: Watch Yourself...name is odd for me, posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 22:40:04
> I don't know exactly why, but when I see those words "Watch Yourself" in the link on each page, I feel like I am being warned against some unknown bad event. Like "watch out!" So the name is a bit weird for me. I suppose Monitor Yourself just doesn't have the same cache. I don't know what would be better or even if I would prefer it be changed at this point just because of my psyche, but just thought I'd mention it.
> Thanks,
> ggI agree with the negative conotation. "Watch Yourself" feels threatening.
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