In this article, the authors discuss 3 broad domains of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. These include the dynamics (basic concepts, psychosocial responses, and coping strategies) typically associated with the process of adaptation to disabling conditions, assessment of adaptation as evidenced by 6 commonly used measures,…

Discusses psychological and behavioral interventions used to help clients deal with chronic pain from the standpoint of clients' relationship to the physiology of chronic pain. Claims when both mental health counselor and client have good understanding of physiology of chronic pain, the shared knowledge can be effectively applied to maximize…

Describes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), newly characterized human retrovirus which causes chronic, progressive, immune deficiency disease, the most severe phase of which is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Reviews most important current epidemiologic, clinical, and virologic information about HIV and HIV disease and provides…

This document notes that chronic illness has replaced infectious disease as the primary health concern facing industrial nations today, and that care for the chronically ill necessarily focuses on management rather than cure and takes place more in the home than in the hospital. It presents a family functioning model for understanding a family…

Notes that hospitalized adolescents are often participants in psychosocial research. Presents examples of studies within four approaches (instructional, theoretical, informational, experimental) to describe behaviors of hospitalized adolescents. Discusses impact of various illness states (acute, chronic, terminal) and readiness of adolescent to be…

Presents a case study of a young adult male suffering from chronic back pain who, because of that disability, has been unable to work for the past several years. Reviews the client's physical problems, family situation, and employment history. (NB)

Notes that community-based care for chronic illness requires continuum of care. Identifies three aspects of organization of long-term care that are important in maintaining continuum: availability, accessibility, and acceptability. Illustrates each category by data from Missouri to demonstrate potential problems in each of three areas that can…

Examined whether family variables were directly related to adolescents' glycemic control or were mediated by their relationship to treatment adherence. Findings suggest that family support for diabetes care may be related to adolescents' treatment adherence in meaningful ways. Relationship between family support and other diabetes-specific…

Focuses on the psychological needs of women with either rheumatoid arthritis or gynecological cancer, two leading chronic illnesses among females. In addition client concerns such as emotional distress, coping, and pain and stress management are discussed. Suggestions for individual, group, marital, and family counseling are made as well.…

Notes that, lacking objective, comprehensive information about health care coverage options, Medicare beneficiaries rarely understand consequences of alternative purchasing decisions. Describes Illness Episode Approach, method providing information on Medicare, Medigap policies, and Health Maintenance Organizations. Method described presents…

Follows clinical course of older adult with dementing illness. Through patient's art therapy work, attempts to corroborate patient's behavior and performance with clinical and medical tests. This information is then related to present-day knowledge of brain dysfunction and impairment and to autopsy findings. Discusses role of art therapy for this…

Although health consequences of alcohol consumption with certain drugs are generally appreciated, diversity of interactions is not. In addition to central nervous system depression, combination of alcohol with other drugs may result in hypoglycemic reactions, cardiovascular complications, and other severe or unanticipated reactions. Personnel…

Examines creation of gay affirmative group model that focuses on unique social, developmental, and psychoeducational needs of lesbian and gay clients who attend psychiatric day treatment. Discusses how these clients' psychosocial potential can be maximized in group that addresses issues related to their sexual orientation including their double…

Notes that art therapy with pediatric cancer patients addresses emotional and developmental needs of normal population under extreme stress. Reviews literature on the problems likely to be encountered by pediatric cancer patient and presents case examples to illustrate the emergence of these issues and their management in art therapy. (Author/NB)

Notes that enhancement of social support networks for people with chronic mental illness is important thrust of case management services. Presents conceptual framework of social network interventions and discusses obstacles to enhancing natural support systems. Highlights need for community resource development, especially in the building of…