A Review of: “Treating Chronic Illness: A Biosocial Therapy Approach”

Abstract

This article suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is frequently misdiagnosed, even overdiagnosed, and provides an alternative way of viewing such problem behaviors in children. It presents a framework, based on systems and attachment theory, that views children's behaviors within the context of the parent-child attachment patterns, and it suggests interventions that shift the focus from the child to the parent-child interaction.     

A Review of “Welcome Back,Pluto: Understanding,Preventing and Overcoming Parental Alienation (DVD)”

Abstract

In a questionnaire study of 56 couples in which one or both spouses was a teacher with a long summer vacation, couples high on school year measures of potential for problems (values differences, physical violence when angry, disrespect) had higher levels of general tension during the summer the more they were in contact. Couples low in potential for problems had lower levels of general tension during the summer the more they were in contact. Apparently one can predict with some accuracy how a relationship system will operate when there is opportunity for great togetherness. The findings are of relevance in counseling couples claiming to desire greater togetherness and in counseling couples experiencing greater togetherness due to vocation, retirement, reduction in employment, or illness.     

Combining nonoverlap and trend for single-case research: Tau-U

A new index for analysis of single-case research data was proposed, Tau-U, which combines nonoverlap between phases with trend from within the intervention phase. In addition, it provides the option of controlling undesirable Phase A trend. The derivation of Tau-U from Kendall's Rank Correlation and the Mann-Whitney U test between groups is demonstrated. The equivalence of trend and nonoverlap is also shown, with supportive citations from field leaders. Tau-U calculations are demonstrated for simple AB and ABA designs. Tau-U is then field tested on a sample of 382 published data series. Controlling undesirable Phase A trend caused only a modest change from nonoverlap. The inclusion of Phase B trend yielded more modest results than simple nonoverlap. The Tau-U score distribution did not show the artificial ceiling shown by all other nonoverlap techniques. It performed reasonably well with autocorrelated data. Tau-U shows promise for single-case applications, but further study is desirable.     

State planning of mental health services

Planning is the vital process that links needs to solutions. The interorganizational field of human services constitutes a "turbulent environment," a condition of rapid change, and there needs to be greater receptivity toward comprehensive planning on the part of state departments of mental health. Increased overlap with various welfare and educational service, advances in scientific knowledge, and shifts in general attitudes and social philosophy lead to demands for new and different types of service and require changes in approach and method. Generalized findings of a study of 14 state departments of mental health are presented.     

Review of "The Parental Alienation Syndrome," by Richard A. Gardner

This article describes a self-help model for adolescents with ADHD that draws on the 12-Steps. The model uses a modified form of the 12-Steps that incorporates parents into the process with the goal of inculcating some of the executive functioning that is absent in their adolescent by consistently using some of the 12-Steps as part of their daily routine. The model proposes that parents assume a coaching role with their adolescent to teach increased self-awareness, organization, accountability, and behavioral inhibition that, hopefully, will have a reparative effect on their child's immature neurological functioning.