This study found that the incidence of Gardnerella vaginalis infection was not more common in 191 female children who had other evidence of sexual contact than in 144 female children evaluated for possible sexual abuse but with no evidence of sexual contact found or in 31 female children with no suspected sexual contact. (Author/DB)

This article summarizes the literature on attention deficit disorders (both with and without hyperactivity), diagnostic criteria, the disorder's prevalence, developmental course, and proposed etiologies. A conceptual framework for designing a comprehensive assessment battery is presented with specific attention to the relationship between…

Subjects who self-reported episodes of abusing a child were compared to those without a history of child battery. It was concluded that self-identified child abusers have increased lifetime rates of antisocial personality disorder, alcoholism, and depression. (DB)

Offers an overview of ADD and ADHD, their causes and long-term prognoses, including the complexities of the conditions, the incomplete knowledge about them, and the difficulties of diagnosis during early childhood. Summarizes assessment and treatment options and concludes that the conditions have so many secondary effects that designing an…

A study obtained data on 406 children from birth to age 3 with visual impairments at the point of entry into specialized early intervention programs in nine states. The majority were legally blind and had additional disabilities. About a six-month mean lag was found between diagnosis and referral for services. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article presents evidence that the broad population of children classified as chronically ill is at increased risk for psychoeducational and language-learning disorders. It describes six health conditions in which language-learning disorders are often present and explores challenging issues for transdisciplinary service delivery. (Author/CR)

The rise in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is discussed and information is offered on behaviors signaling the need for referral in very young children. Positive and negative effects of medications are discussed, along with specific behavioral coping strategies for both home and group care. (Contains…

This article reviews epidemiological studies of autism and related disorders. Study designs and sample characteristics are summarized. Currently, conservative prevalence estimates are: 13/10000 for autistic disorder, 21/10000 for pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified, 2.6/10000 for Asperger disorder, and 2/100000 for childhood…

The purpose of this study was to investigate concordance of reports of hyperactive and distractible behavior from three different sources: parents, teachers, and the child, using two different instruments, the ADHD Rating Scale and the Gordon Diagnostic System (GDS). The incidence rate of attentional problems that any of the sources reported in…

Background: The Copenhagen Child Cohort, CCC 2000, was established to investigate developmental psychopathology prospectively from birth in a general population. Methods: A random sample of 211 children from the CCC 2000 was investigated when the children were 1 1/2 years of age. The prevalence and associates of mental health problems and…

A representative sample of 7-14-year-old young people in southeast Brazil (N=1251) was assessed using standardized parent and youth interviews, thereby identifying an "at-risk" group of young people who met one or more DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa. These young people were compared with an age and gender matched…

Examined were the incidence and classification of speech disorders among 563 predominantly upper middle class children seen from 1970 to 1973 by a private psychiatrist. (CL)

The link between child abuse and handicapping conditions is examined in a brief summary of research studies focusing on mentally retarded, behavior disordered, and physically handicapped children. Although standardized data collection procedures are lacking, isolated studies suggest a disproportionate incidence of child abuse among the population…

Reported is a survey of state institutions for the mentally handicapped in which information about hearing imparied mentally handicapped HI/MH persons was solicited. Existing data on hearing impairment and mental retardation, its diagnosis and related programing are reviewed briefly. It is explained that 158 of 212 surveyed institutions (75…

Reported are data on the distribution of childhood disorders among 330 child patients (2 to 19 years old) referred for psychiatric evaluation; and analyzed are relationships among several diagnostic categories and subject variables. (SBH)