Clinicians (N = 308) responded to identical counseling vignettes of a male client that differed only in the client's stated birth order. Clinicians developed different impressions about the client and his family experiences that corresponded with the prototypical descriptions of persons from 1 of 4 birth orders (i.e., first, middle, youngest, and…

The Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, affecting 0.3 percent of congenitally deaf persons, consists of severe cardiac arrhythmias and sensorineural hearing loss. The authors recommend that every congenitally deaf child with suspicious symptoms receive an electrocardiogram and that professionals who work with deaf children not only inform…

Reviews the role of biological factors in the risk for alcoholism. Notes the importance of the definition of primary alcoholism and highlights data indicating that this disorder is genetically influenced. In studies of men at high risk for the future development of alcoholism, vulnerability shows up in reactions to ethanol brain wave amplitude and…

Women have increased their participation in weightlifting competitions. Still, little is known about the physiological effects of the sport on women. At a recent symposium, researchers in this field discussed their work. Their findings are summarized in this article. (JL)

Part Two of the article focuses on the development of manual motor skills in learning disabled children. After a discussion of test methods, the author considers aspects of a medical examination, including a general exam, a neurological exam, an electroencephalogram, and a diagnostic test of hand/motor skill development. (For Part One, see EC 123…

This paper describes a model, to be adopted or adapted by human services professionals, for overcoming barriers to the detection, intervention, and prevention of elder abuse. The barriers (professional denial of abuse problems, lack of detection, guidelines and intervention procedures, and the absence of community support services) are identified…

The booklet covers the identification, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of newborns with Phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn error of metabolism, which, if untreated, can lead to mental retardation. An initial section considers biochemical and genetic factors of PKU including a diagram of aromatic amino acid hydroxylation systems. Screening…

This Congressional hearing records the testimony of administration and public witnesses on H.R. 9434 and S. 1392 and includes the texts of the legislation. H.R. 9434 is an act to amend the social security act to increase the dollar limitation and federal medical assistance percentages applicable to the medicaid programs of Puerto Rico, the Virgin…

This report presents the Government Accounting Office's recommendations regarding standards for determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on a childhood disability. The report is based on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) monitoring of 288,000 children whose eligibility was subject to review and of 370,000 new…

Discusses the results of two surveys assessing the medical and psychiatric needs of the homeless in San Francisco. Describes a program designed to meet the needs of this population, advocating further programmatic and policy considerations to respond to the problem of homelessness. (Author/KS)

Indicates that in diagnoses of mental disorders, Blacks are often diagnosed as schizophrenic, while Whites are more frequently diagnosed as being manic depressive, a less stigmatizing condition. Suggests that biases regarding socioeconomic status lead to misdiagnosis of Blacks. Stresses the need to consider socioeconomic and cultural factors in…

The article makes health educators aware of issues raised by a move from anonymous to confidential HIV testing. It examines implications of contact tracing and notification and of reporting requirements that identify HIV-positive persons to public health departments. Implications for health education professionals responsible for HIV test…

This paper is intended for teachers, faculty instructors, and clinical supervisors whose trainees are evaluating and treating refugee patients. It addresses special issues in the diagnostic and therapeutic interviewing of refugee patients who have experienced various types of physical violence and victimization. After a brief introduction, a…

This paper, the second in a series, focuses on the content of the diagnostic interview, in a clinical context, with refugee patients who have been victimized by physical violence. It is organized around a list of 11 introductory questions that will facilitate discussion of traumatic events in the patient's past. The questions focus on: (1)…

Although subject to modification by political, funding, and popular considerations, the audit review of psychiatric facilities is seen as a useful step in providing quality care. (CM)