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…

The dopamine transfer deficit model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is compared and contrasted with the existing dynamic developmental theory and the extended temporal difference (TD) model. The first two both identify learning deficits as a key problem in ADHD, but this mechanism would seem at least as likely to cause other…

Reviews properties and pharmacological effects of medications for pain, including peripherally acting analgesics, centrally acting narcotics, and adjuvant analgesics including antidepressants. Discusses the role of the endogenous opioid system in pain and depression. Explores clinical management issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings,…

Notes that age-related changes in physiology and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are used in the body) lead to increased drug sensitivity and potentially harmful drug effects. Addresses heightened sensitivity to drug effects seen in older adults. Presents three examples of physiologic decline and discusses some broad considerations for geriatric…

Discusses metaphors used to describe problems when family therapy and psychopharmacology are employed together. Identifies coupling metaphors that support both therapies as valid treatments and exclusionary metaphors that invalidate one approach. Presents consultation model for psychiatrists consulting to family therapists wherein the psychiatrist…

Looks at the role of medication in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents. Reviews some questions that therapists, teachers, and parents should ask about the use of medications in the treatment of depressed children. Presents case example of five-year-old boy to illustrate diagnostic aspects of childhood depression and use of…

Focuses on psychopharmacology and prescription privileges for psychologists. Summarizes nine major findings from Task Force on Psychopharmacology in the Schools, created to review literature on prescription privileges for psychologists; identify specific issues attendant to use of psychoactive medications with children; and clarify implications…

Discusses clinical trends with respect to the inpatient treatment of individuals with dual diagnosis of mental retardation and mental disorders. Identifies operant trends, including increased attention on functionally derived treatments and treatments designed for infrequent behaviors. Also considers pharmacotherapy trends. (Author/NB)

Notes that studies examining efficacy of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments of depressive and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are relatively rare; that current clinical practice bases pharmacological treatment decisions on few existing studies, open clinical data on children and adolescents, and extrapolation from adult…

The article addresses the role of the rehabilitation counselor in assisting the discharged psychiatric patient on maintenance doses of antipsychotic medication. Suggestions are offered to the counselor to help maintain the client outside the hospital setting. (Author/PHR)

Clinical investigations have established that an aggressive approach to lowering cholesterol levels in coronary heart disease patients is warranted. This article describes optimal goals and discusses the role of diet, exercise, and medication in plasma lipids management. (IAH)

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…

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…

This article briefly discusses the use of amphetamines in the treatment of hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction. (JMF)

Notes that, although children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are high risk for failure, ADHD is not recognized as separate handicapping condition under Public Law 94-142. Sees school counselor's role as advocating total diagnostic and psychoeducational treatment program for ADHD students. Discusses school role and counselor…