Objective: To determine whether childhood-onset bipolar disorder (BP) is associated with an increased psychiatric family history compared with adolescent-onset BP. Method: Semistructured psychiatric interviews were conducted for 438 youth with BP spectrum disorders. To evaluate the effects of age at onset and psychiatric family history, the sample…

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit significant academic impairments, as evidenced by poor academic achievement, grade retention, and school dropout. Deficits in organization skills may contribute to these academic impairments, as children with ADHD frequently lose assignments, misplace their completed work, and…

Despite the presence of significant psychiatric comorbidity among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), little research exists on those who receive community-based mental health services. This project examined one year (2004) of data from the database maintained by 26 community mental health centers (CMHCs) in the Midwestern US state of…

This article considers the impact of a technique of structured conversation to enhance a student-centred approach to tutorial time. It is suggested that the development of such an approach can provide enhanced learning support in the current challenge of widening diversity in the learner population. Many students in modern tertiary education show…

Task performance of 12 pervasive hyperactives and controls (ages 8-13) was studied in a divided attention reaction time experiment. Hyperactives were slower than controls, had more variable reaction times, and made more frequent errors. Task inefficiency in hyperactives could not be explained by a divided attention deficiency or impulsive…

Examined utility of probability statistics to determine optimal symptoms for making differential diagnosis among childhood attention deficit and conduct disorders. Assessed positive and negative predictive power (symptom presence or absence) in psychiatric interviews of 76 clinic-referred boys. Some symptoms proved optimal as inclusion criteria,…

Tested the utility of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) subscales in differentiating between children with Attentional Deficit Disorder (ADD) (N=24) and children with other problems (N=19). Results indicated that scores on three WISC-R subscales--Arithmetic, Digit Span, and Coding--were significantly lower among the ADD…

Discusses the controversial use of Ritalin among preschool children, examining research from two studies: "Treatment Strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" and "Preschool ADHD Treatment Study." Examines issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and concludes by examining the influence of the human…

This study explored the use of methylphenidate with two boys (ages 7 and 8 years) with Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder frequently accompanied by symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both boys performed optimally on 10 mg of methylphenidate administered twice daily, although one displayed increased…

Parent training is often used to treat non-compliance and social problems in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The current study directly examines changes in hyperactivity and inattentiveness in 3 girls whose parents participated in a parent training intervention. Findings suggest that parent training programs may narrowly focus on overt…

The study investigated the development of memory strategy knowledge and spontaneous use of strategy by 6- to 12-year-old boys with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADD-H). Although there was no difference between experimental and control groups in metamemory knowledge, the ADD-H subjects were less likely to use memory strategies.…

Examines the trend of using Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), commonly known as hyperactivity, to classify students as learning disabled (LD). Notes that ADD characteristics are frequently observed in children with reading problems, and argues that misclassifying students as LD denies them appropriate reading instruction. (MM)

Describes investigation systematically comparing influence of naturalistic social behaviors and nonbehavioral variables, measured by live observations, on development of peer status in unfamiliar boys attending summer research program. Participants included attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and comparison boys. Discusses implications for…

Two guiding principles for classroom management and instruction that emerge out of current knowledge about attention mechanisms and processes are that teachers should adapt their instruction to their students' stable attention mechanisms and that teachers should use imaginative teaching and management strategies to help students enhance their…

Little advanced research exists on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperactivity disorders in children. This article debates the pros and cons of ritalin and other medical treatments and defines the principal's role in studying recent research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, examining current identification policies,…