Experiment to determine if mental health professionals (MHP) suppress gender bias if they know that is what is being evaluated indicated they do not. Differences in response from male and female MHPs were noted, although analysis of female pseudopatients was not harsher than analysis of male pseudopatients. (PS)

Describes Family Task Interview (FTI), multiple task interview administered by tape recorder and designed to elicit clinically relevant family interaction. Notes that results from studies conducted to evaluate FTI's validity, reliability, and acceptability suggest the FTI is well-standardized, easily administered instrument for assessment of…

Technetium radiopharmaceuticals are diagnostic imaging agents used in the field of nuclear medicine to visualize tissues, anatomical structures, and metabolic disorders. Bioavailability of technetium complexes, thyroid imaging, brain imaging, kidney imaging, imaging liver function, bone imaging, and heart imaging are the major areas discussed. (JN)

Theorizes that there are two primary dimensions or continua along which delays or dysfunctions may occur in career decision making: the decided/undecided state and the decisiveness/indecisiveness trait. Suggest that the combination of the two dimensions yields four distinct diagnostic categories which demonstrate the need for differential…

Proposes using an expanded diagnostic interview with potential group clients to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of an unstructured or process type of group therapy. Suggests this interview goes beyond traditional screening interviews to combine screening, detailed interpersonal diagnosis, goal setting, and client preparation. (RC)

Clinicians and undergraduates evaluated a client similar or dissimilar to themselves in political radicalism. Results document the presence of diagnostic bias, but only among student subjects is bias a function of similarity. For clinicians, the more radical client is seen as less disturbed. Similarity-attraction relationships were absent in both…

Patients were classified into categories using Spitzer and Endicott's computer program for diagnosis. Analyses of variance using single and grouped scales and discriminant analyses predicting category membership suggested that narrow band categorization is better predicted by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory than is broad band…

Reviews evidence on biological etiology of autism and other pervasive developmental deviations, stressing necessity for providing early and accurate diagnosis for family. Discusses implications of downplaying individual pathology and concentrating on parental or family dysfunction. Presents components of psychoeducational model for diagnosis and…

This annual report, a process evaluation, describes the development of an elective course to teach medical school residents and practicing physicians how to detect and protect children from child abuse. A section on the project background considers why physicians underreport suspicion of child abuse and how to address the problem through…

Presents case reports to illustrate importance of technique of transtelephonic cardiac monitoring in home care and use of technique to provide objective marker upon which physicians' decisions could be made. (Author/NB)

Notes that rational client's decision to commit suicide may present complex ethical issues for therapist. Presents and discusses three-month account of therapy with client, from perspective of ethical values and principles upon which assessment and treatment decisions were made, and complex ethical dilemmas encountered as therapist juxtaposed…

Discusses possible reasons why the death rate from heart disease is falling. Three phenomena that are considered partly responsible are: (1) early diagnostic technology; (2) the existence of new tools for treating the disease; and (3) public awareness of risk factors. A prescription for a healthy heart is provided. (BC)

The sword-tailed horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) has developed its own defense against bacteria surrounding it. This defense system, under the name "Limulus test," now provides medicine and hygiene with a valuable means of detecting bacterial endotoxins at extremely low levels. (Author/JN)

Presents overview of multiple factors affecting the life style of chronic pain patients, with an emphasis on assessment and rehabilitation. Focuses on chronic pain rehabilitation, including assessment, treatment, and evaluation of the rehabilitation outcome with the understanding that the goal of therapy is to restore the patient as closely as…

Discusses detailed case report of first reported occurrence of erotomania (delusional belief of being loved by another) in adolescent and one of few cases involving homosexual orientation. Discusses case in context of adolescent developmental phenomena, including "crushes," identity formation, and resolution of sexual orientation.…