This paper argues that the traditional diagnostic system is limited when it comes to Black behavior which is responding to the effects of racism. A diagnostic system is outlined which makes racism and styles of responding to racism the pivotal factors in clinically analyzing Black behavior. (Author/EB)

A new operationalization of androgyny, the median split technique, differs from the original method in the distribution of scores produced and in the results obtained in two recent studies. The implications of these differences are discussed and future directions for the measurement of psychological androgyny are investigated. (Author)

Separate studies investigated free-play behavior and its relationship to IQ in 100 normal children, and its usefulness in assessing 16 severely disturbed children. (DLS)

Proposes a battery of semi-structured interviews, global assessment scales, attachment-specific scales, and behavioral observations to help mental health counselors identify Reactive Attachment Disorder, a syndrome associated with extreme attachment problems. (Contains 25 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Discusses identification and support needs of people with intellectual disabilities, noting compelling reasons to continue theoretical and empirically validated efforts to develop more reliable, valid methods of identifying such people and reviewing the historical evolution of the concept of mental retardation and its measurement.(SM)

The UK government's health strategy included a target for reducing the population suicide rates by 15% over an 8-year period. A crucial aspect in reducing suicide rates is the accurate assessment of those who may be at risk to enable appropriate interventions to take place. This paper outlines best practice regarding the exploration and assessment…

Offers justification for school psychologist's involvement in vocational assessment process and suggests use of the vocational instrument Self-Directed Search (SDS). Argues use of SDS can provide school psychologists with psychometrically sound and time- and cost-efficient means of incorporating vocational component. Discusses integration of SDS…

Focuses on Diagnostic Drawing Series (DDS), standardized art therapy evaluation tool that combines art therapy's attention to materials, task, and process with research methodology of social sciences. Describes DDS, its administration, and its usefulness in clinical practice in context of structural approach which can be taught effectively to…

An evaluation of all children and adolescents (n=57) admitted to an acute psychiatric unit over a 3-month period was undertaken to determine the presence of bipolar disorder. Findings indicated that bipolar disorder was the most common diagnosis; thus, this disorder has to be ruled out in all youth admitted to acute care psychiatric units. (JPS)

Notes that there has been steady increase in reported incidence of male adolescents with anorexia nervosa, from approximately 5% in 1985 to as much as 10% in 1987. Considers role of educators and counselors in early identification of this disorder, noting that young anorectic males have better prognosis for recovery if they receive treatment in…

Describes significant gains that have been made over past decade in development of measures for assessment of depression in children and adolescents. Summarizes results of control-group psychological treatment studies that suggest that psychotherapeutic interventions with moderately depressed children and adolescents are effective. (Author/NB)

Describes dynamic assessment approach to psychoeducational assessment as differing from static assessment in that it is addressed to new goals, uses different content, relies upon different assessment methods, and yields results that are interpreted differently. Sees approach as holding promise as "nondiscriminatory" assessment and to assessment…

Reviews material related to American Mental Health Counselors Association Clinical Judgment Project. Recommendations include invoking more sensitive analyses of clinical judgment process, establishing defensible diagnostic and treatment criteria, attending to threats to statistical conclusion validity, and increasing attention to counselor…

Surveyed Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors (N=380) to investigate their use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd edition). Results indicate that counselors use the diagnostic system for billing insurance, case conceptualization, treatment planning, communication with other professionals, meeting requirements…