Discusses distinguishing and overlapping features of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder. Notes that conclusions regarding comorbidity, treatment efficacy, and long-term outcome can be influenced by several factors, including diagnostic procedures and sample characteristics. Sees need to distinguish between referred and…

Describes chemical model for patterns of aggressive behavior. Addresses cultural, neurobiological, and cognitive factors that affect violent children. Identifies five patterns of aggression (overaroused, impulsive, affective, predatory, and instrumental) and examines these dimensions of aggression for each pattern: baseline, precipitators,…

Notes that psychopharmacologists have made considerable strides in establishing safety and efficacy of psychotropic drug therapy for childhood behavior disorders. Discusses controversy pertaining to appropriateness of medication or inadequacies of clinical management. Presents brief overview of the safety and efficacy of psychotropic drugs and the…

Conduct disorder represents class of chronic antisocial and disruptive behaviors that interfere with effective interaction with environment. Disorder is relatively common, well documented, and has proven to be difficult to treat successfully. Reliable correlates can be clustered into personal, family, school, and peer dimensions. Successful…

Focuses on various forms of group therapy for severely emotionally and behaviorally disturbed adolescents. Discusses eclectic theoretical frame of reference including elements of psychodynamic, object relations, and structural and strategic family therapy theory. Identifies precedents for confrontational-supportive approach to be encounter group…

Describes international congress on preventing children's behavior disorders that was attended by 600 participants from throughout Europe and beyond. Discusses topics of presentations which reported several theoretical orientations, problem areas, and intervention strategies. Describes prevention program presented at congress. Concluding remarks…

Addresses the crisis associated with adolescent affective disorders and probes potential genetics, environmental, and physiological factors. Reviews case examples of depression, eating disorders, and suicide among youths. States clinical implications and advocates early diagnosis and treatment. (ML)

Describes reclaiming school as one that empowers each student to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity and that challenges any practice that leads to alienation, futility, impotence, or purposelessness among youth. Spotlights innovative programs of empowering education that redefine the standards for excellence in the…

Examines unnecessary hospitalization and inadequacy of community services for children and adolescents with serious emotional or behavioral disorders. Discusses barriers that impede improved mental health services systems for children and their families and presents Child and Adolescent Service System Program "system of care" model as…

Notes that many who work with troubled children assume curriculum of control to be necessary. Examines ways in which traditional treatments have fostered greater alienation. Suggests foundations for alternative model rooted in empowerment philosophy rather than obedience. Presents model of youth empowerment based on contemporary developmental…

Considers three treatment approaches when working with children of rage: psychodynamic, behavioral, and peer-group models. Discusses approaches in sequence, following chronology of author's own experiences in psychodynamic, behavioral, and peer-group programs. Illustrates how each approach presents unique pitfalls in practice. (NB)

Four fact sheets relevant to children's emotional well being are presented in this document. The first fact sheet, "Responding to Child Sexual Abuse" presents guidelines for responding to children who have been sexually abused. Information is given for reporting abuse to the local Child Protection Agency. Also discussed are issues regarding…

Reviews the behavioral, cognitive, and other psychological features of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), exploring their relationships to known genetic mechanisms. PWS is a genetic developmental disability characterized by a group of specific behavioral features, including an insatiable appetite. The article briefly touches on PWS-related research at…