Notes that process of discharge planning is often impeded by disagreements among family members who must readjust roles and relationships in the face of crisis of illness. Discusses sources of family disagreements related to discharge planning, identifies implications for social work practice, and uses family systems perspective to articulate…

In an increasingly cost-conscious health care environment, average length of hospital stay has decreased. Although psychiatric inpatient treatment is largely exempt from the constraints of the Medicare diagnosis related groups (DRG's), length of stay for geropsychiatric hospital services has decreased also. A trend toward higher rates of early…

The workshop reported in this document focused on professional and patient smoking education. First, high priority clinical opportunities for smoking intervention were identified. Second, topically-oriented small groups met to plan activities in each of the following priority areas: (1) initiation of smoking cessation/maintaining non-smoking…

Notes that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a commonly occurring problem that must be dealt with by both the helping and the health professions. Provides a brief update on recent advances in understanding and treating PMS. Emphasizes points of contact among various health professionals in developing an interdisciplinary approach to intervention.…

In the quest to establish public programs for reducing pregnancy, childbearing, and sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents, much attention has been given to family life education as a piece of the prevention paradigm. Research has shown that family life education that includes accurate and age-appropriate information will increase young…

Issues are presented which concern today's children, even those growing up under the best of environmental, social, and economic conditions. All will face an increased probability of emotional stress accompanying problems of living, undoubtedly resulting in increased demands upon child mental health services. The history of child mental health…

There has been a resurgence of interest in human ecosystems, attributable to the growth of community mental health centers and public sector funding. The first of two papers discusses human ecology models based on this resurgence. Implications for future development of the mental health area are presented with the challenge to integrate…

Analyses of the service needs of various disabled groups indicate that the techniques of community psychology are relevant for developmentally disabled persons. Objective needs assessment contributes to effective community psychological interventions by providing valuable input to decisions on systems analysis, program design, evaluation,…

This opening chapter provides an overview of the book. Chapter 2 of the book summarizes current data for problem behaviors among adolescents across five areas including: (1) substance abuse; (2) sexual behavior; (3) delinquency and violence; (4) depression and suicidal ideation; and (5) school failure. Next, chapter 3 addresses the efforts to stem…