The objective of this review is to consider the psychological (largely behavioral) and biological [neurochemical, medical (including genetic), and pharmacological] theories and approaches that contribute to current thinking about the etiology and treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or…

Trichotillomania is a disorder distinguished by recurrent hair pulling resulting in hair loss (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). This review of the literature provides a broad overview of the disorder so that counselors can better understand, describe, identify, and implement effective treatment for clients with trichotillomania.…

Individuals living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction experience a complex and dynamic interaction of symptoms from both diagnoses. However, heretofore, each diagnosis has been approached as if it were a separate treatment consideration. Therefore, an individual may be treated for either a substance use disorder (SUD) or PTSD,…

Recent research on the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a disorder of metabolism, in terms of etiology and characteristics, biomedical treatment options, behavior modifications, daily management concerns, and educational intervention. Specific attention is given to alternatives for dealing with self-injurious behavior in those individuals affected by the…

The paper traces the origins of the definitions of autism, notes controversies over its etiology, and discusses the wide variety of intervention approaches used. Psychoeducational approaches, such as play therapy and B. Bettelheim's psychoanalytic approach, are described and criticized in terms of premises and the anecdotal nature of evaluation…

Reviews literature on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents, emphasizing clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment options. Notes that patients with OCD show remarkable similarities in clinical presentations, and have distinct profiles on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological measures. Concludes that advances in…

The article reviews the literature on factors contributing to mathematical disabilities, the remediation of mathematical disabilities in children, and an applied behavioral analysis orientation to math disabilities. The author notes a trend toward applied behavior analysis and productive changes in teaching strategies to deal with individual…

Chronic tic disorders, including Tourette's syndrome (TS), affect approximately .5% of children and adolescents. Although strong evidence exists supporting a neurobiological etiology, operant factors may play a role in the maintenance of tic behaviors. Pharmacological approaches remain the most commonly used intervention for chronic tic disorder…

This paper presents a dynamic perspective of some of the major issues surrounding the eating disorder of bulimia. The focus is specifically on the relationship of the bulimia nervosa syndrome to the historical dynamics of the developmental process of the individual. Three major aspects of bulimia are discussed. First, there is a discussion of…

The literature review looks at self-injurious behaviors in handicapped students in terms of characteristics, prevalence, etiology (biological, psychological, and as learned behavior), and management including extinction, positive punishment, negative punishment, and reinforcement of other behaviors. Problems in areas of management, administration,…

Summarizes recent developments in assessment and treatment of obesity. Reviews studies on genetics and weight cycling, which demonstrate the heterogeneous etiology of obesity and help explain difficulty in losing weight or maintaining weight loss. Describes the newer treatment programs which emphasize the development of exercise behaviors,…

Reviews research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and examines the role of neurochemical stimulation and signs of neurological deficits. Describes the chemical action of drugs used to treat ADHD, along with cognitive, affective, and behavioral effects, and side effects. Elaborates on drug treatment and basic behavior modification…

The eating disorders called anorexia nervosa and bulimia are examined in terms of their symptomatology, etiology, and treatment, and in terms of how the extension home economist or teacher can help. Resources for additional information or help are listed. (CT)

This article reviews the literature regarding the diagnostic criteria, causes, assessment, and treatment of selective mutism in school-age children. The most successful treatments have included various forms or combinations of behavior modification, though these may not address the underlying problem. (Author/DB)

This literature review discusses enuresis from various etiological formulations: pyschoanalytic and psychodynamic; medical and physiological; and behavioral. Both historical and current perspectives on a definition of enuresis are offered. Treatment methodologies are reviewed. An emphasis is placed on the ruling out of medical causes before any…