The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) is one of the most successful technologies in modern times. In spite of well-argued critiques, the DSM and the idea of "mental illness" on which it is based flourish, with ever more (mis)behaviors labeled as brain diseases. Problems in living and related distress…

Reports experience with 14 adolescent cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Discusses adolescents' tendency not to cooperate with behavior therapy and medication, and the usefulness of psychotherapy in treating these patients. Concludes that non-specific milieu therapy leads to recovery in a majority of adolescent obsessive compulsives. Admits…

The demand for therapy has increased 400 percent in the past three decades, noting that about 250 different therapies treat the one syndrome shared by all patients, namely, demoralization. Whether such therapies really work is the subject of this report. (JN)

Outlines both broad and specific treatment issues concerning elective mute children. A group treatment modality is presented, and its successes, limitations, and failures are noted with recommendations for avoiding pitfalls in treatment. Issues of cooperation with schools, families, and community organizations are also addressed. (JAC)

Discusses the use of group approaches when treating bulimia and outlines recommendations for more efficacious group treatment. Recommends a comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment. Notes that a cognitive-behavioral approach seems viable. (Author/ABB)

The role of the spouse in both the etiology and the maintenance of alcoholism has been focussed on by theoreticians of various persuasions, including psychoanalytic, behavioral, sociological and family systems. These models, focussing on individual and interactional components of alcoholism, have generated a variety of treatment interventions…

Reviews descriptive and experimental research relating to the eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa. Reviews outcome studies of group treatment of bulimia to examine the effectiveness of group intervention. Provides recommendations for practice and future research. (Author/PVV)

Described is a new approach to family therapy which treats emotional problems by exploring here-and-now interpersonal relationships within the basic human group. This approach portends a drastic revision of the role that psychotherapy should play in our society. (Author/KC)

The purpose of this case study was to examine the efficacy of a developing technique that has been coined by this author as a Mental Wellness Fast. Therefore, this paper has been written for therapists who utilize spirituality and/or religion into their practice. The technique is geared to assist clients with healing poor inner dialogues and it…

Presents a cognitive-behavioral approach to group treatment of adolescents. Discusses diagnosis, treatment stages, characteristics of a cognitive-behavioral group, and the role of the therapist. Describes four advantages to this type of group therapy. (JAC)

It has been estimated that 85% of all women seeking therapy are adults molested as children (AMACs). Group counseling with AMACs is recommended, with groups having homogeneity in terms of presenting problems and heterogeneity in group members' ability to deal with their sexual abuse. Groups should be closed, meet once or twice a week for 2-hour…

This document presents a definition and description of anorexia nervosa as a disorder that occurs predominantly in girls and that can affect 1 out of every 250 girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The existence of a distorted mental body image among anorexics is discussed and symptoms of the disorder are described, including amenorrhea…

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…

Presents multivaried strategies for intervention which integrate major behavioral and family systems treatment techniques. A discussion of the development of family rules from a behavioral point of view is presented as an example of conceptual integration. (Author)

Examines theoretical, methodologic, and research issues as well as strengths, limitations, and possible interactions pertaining to behavioral, cognitive, and pharmacological treatments of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Compares attrition, outcome, and maintenance effects and presents composite indices of significant improvement, endstate…