Concludes that thyroid and adrenal gland disease unquestionably can produce severe mental disturbances. Most of these are "organic" in nature, but depressive symptoms are common as well. Cautions that a connection between these diseases and suicide has not been established. Advises treating all depressed, suicidal persons with the same…

Reviews the current research and clinical views on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in school-age youth which, although not a high prevalence problem, is a greatly underrecognized condition. Discussion focuses on differentiation from normality and related psychopathological disorders, biological and psychological factors in etiology, school…

This paper describes current neurological knowledge regarding the recognition, diagnosis, and classification of frontal lobe seizures, and then critiques a study by A. Gedye which suggested that self-injury may be involuntary and related to frontal lobe seizure activity. (JDD)

Accurate diagnosis of psychotic disorders may be very difficult in youth with intellectual disabilities. The authors reviewed the assessment, treatment and follow-up of 21 youths with ID referred because of early onset of psychotic symptoms. Just over one half of the patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. One third…

This study examined the impact of children with autism on their families. Twenty-one parents who were the primary caregivers were interviewed about (a) recognition and diagnosis of autism in their child, (b) intervention services accessed, and (c) the impact of having a child with autism on their family. The results suggest that families who have…

This resource guide designed for families and educators provides information on how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is identified and treated. The resource includes sections on legal requirements, treatment options, educational and medical evaluations, how ADHD affects school performance, and evidence-based hints on how to improve…

The acts of diagnosis described in this paper aid in the determination of relevant, material, and consequential factors in a clinical study. These acts, which are not necessarily sequential, are identification, assumption, rejection, acceptance, discovery, explanation, prediction, and verification. The clinician with this model in mind will be…

The author describes hyperactivity in the infant, preschool child, and kindergarten and grade school student. (SBH)

Explores similarities between normal dieters and individuals with eating disorders. Compares regulation of intake among normal dieter and patient populations, using the boundary model of consumption. Concludes that in neither group is eating technically disordered, though it departs from appropriate physiological norms, and that many normal eaters…

Team physicians and coaches need a working knowledge of the pathophysiology of sports injuries to the larynx and trachea, carefully examining any such injuries because they could develop slowly and without symptoms into a compromised airway. Laryngeal and tracheal anatomy are discussed along with diagnosis and treatment. (SM)

American Association of Suicidology members (n=300) assessed vulnerability to suicide of four men (two of whom had committed suicide), recorded levels of confidence in their assessments, and provided information about themselves. Men who committed suicide were rated as less vulnerable to suicide than other two men and as less vulnerable than would…

Collected and reviewed all available assessment instruments (n=29) used to study suicidal behaviors in adolescents and young adults. Found instruments varied substantially in purpose, format, informant, and theoretical orientation. Categorized 461 items from instruments according to behavior type and content categories. Most items assessed…

The descriptive phenomenological categorical psychiatric diagnostic systems that are currently being used in the field of intellectual disability do not adequately provide for the special needs of persons with intellectual disability. Many relevant diagnostic questions are left unanswered or are only partially accounted for. This is particularly…

After a child's autism diagnosis, how can therapists, educators, and early interventionists best support parents and caregivers? This book is filled with the first-hand parent feedback professionals need to answer this critical question. Building on their research project that captured the experiences of more than 60 families, the authors reflect…

The popular film "The Hours" (S. Rudin, R. Fox, & S. Daldry, 2002), which portrays several characters struggling with mood disorders and other mental health problems, is discussed as an effective tool for teaching diagnosis. The author discusses the movie and characters, the methods used to incorporate the film into instruction, and students'…