Often faced with ethical challenges that may appear extraordinary, military social workers comprise a distinctive subgroup of the social work profession. From the unique paradigms in which they practice their craft, obvious questions about how military social workers address the ethical challenges inherent to their wartime mission arise. Using a…

Describes Munchausen syndrome by proxy, diagnosis used to describe variation of child abuse whereby parent or adult caregiver fabricates medical history or induces symptoms in child, or both, resulting in unnecessary examinations, treatments, hospitalizations, and even death. Reviews assessment procedures, provides case studies, and describes…

Describes basic ideas behind deconstruction, form of analysis that accounts for unconscious elements in human constructions, especially linguistic constructions. Defines linguistic dualities on which Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) is based, and analyzes these dualities in clinician-client relationship. Uses DSM-III…

Reviews epidemiology of depression and ways this information can be useful for clinicians. Defines frequently used epidemiological terms; presents prevalence rates and risk factors; discusses impact and consequences of depression; and suggests arenas for prevention, early intervention, and treatment that can help clinicians in their everyday work.…

Notes that sexual abuse of children is common and serious problem and that wide range of behavioral abnormalities have been linked to sexual and physical abuse. Notes that many symptoms also are seen in children with other disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome. Presents case report of seven-year-old…

Reviews trends in social work assessment that are likely to shape future of clinical practice. Contends that, in contrast to rich contextual information provided by traditional psychosocial approaches to assessment, classification systems like Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition, Revised) can lead to…

Presents case studies of older clients seen by social workers. Some were erroneously labeled senile under circumstances that had serious effects on their life and health. (LAB)

Presents current research on chronic fatigue syndrome, which currently afflicts mostly females between ages of 25 and 55. Notes that, because depression is common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, mental health practitioners are often involved with victims and must formulate appropriate treatment strategy that considers physiological,…

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)

Presents typology for differential assessment of and intervention with shoplifters. Notes that model identifies five major categories under which client motivation can be classified: entitlement, addictions, peer pressure, stress, and impulsiveness. Addresses requisite social work knowledge and skills for addressing this costly social problems.…