Abstract
This paper describes bipolar disorder and its comorbidities. It also describes the emerging bipolar spectrum, which is a new way of looking at bipolar disorders. The paper also describes borderline personality disorder (BPD) and describes the arguments for and against its inclusion within the bipolar spectrum. It particularly describes the similarities between BPD and bipolar disorders.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Axis I Comorbidity
Axis II Comorbidity
Bipolar Spectrum and Temperament
Do Some Diagnoses Deserve a Bipolar Subgroup?

From the Paper
"The understanding of bipolar disorders is in a state of flux. Traditionally, the disorder was defined as a period of severe manic and depressive episodes with periodic switches between these two poles and was referred to as manic- depression, and now bipolar disorder I. In the 1980's, it was recognized that there were clinical manifestations resembling manic-depression, however, the extremes in mania were not as severe (hypomania). This was termed bipolar II disorder. In situations where an individual experiences 2 or more years of the hypomanic symptoms with subthreshold periods of depressive symptoms a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder is made. These diagnoses are included in the DSM-IV."

Tags:manic, depression, abnormal, psychology, BPD

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses Mary, who is a 16-year-old female incarcerated for assault with a deadly weapon diagnosed with conduct and dysthymic disorder prior to her incarceration. This paper highlights the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for female adolescents who are incarcerated, reviewed issues surrounding cultural awareness and CBT, reviews Mary's case presentation, discusses how CBT can be effective specifically for Mary and concludes with a brief review of potential ethical issues for the practitioner.

Tags:teens, incarcerated

Abstract
This paper discusses how it is virtually undisputed that there exist high rates of comorbidity between alcoholism and depression, and it is clear that because these disorders commonly co-occur, the relationship is complex and bidirectional. Through an exploration of the interaction between these two disorders, it examines the prevalence of the dual disorders, distinguishes between the physiological, genetic and psychological aspects of the co-occurrence, and then reviews effective treatment protocols.

From the Paper
"The psychological aspects of the comorbidity of alcoholism and depression are more difficult to determine than the physiological etiology and genetic frequency. Although it may be a benefit in treatment that both disorders respond to certain anti-depressants, and that the biological aspects of the disorders are similar, the etiology of which disorder precedes the other is still unclear. It is also unclear as to why some individuals with a genetic predisposition to inherit one or both disorders do not. It is certainly apparent that vulnerability factors are many, and include genetics, social environment, life experiences and gender. In a study reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry (May 2001), researchers found that the likelihood of major depression was no higher for alcoholics than non-alcoholics (subjects were men and women), but that depressive disorder was significantly more common in alcoholics than non-alcoholics (Mental Health Weekly, 2001). These findings would seem to indicate, that alcoholism may be secondary to the depression disorder. "

Tags:anti-depressants, psychiatric, treatment, programs

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that, as several research studies have indicated, there is a definite relation between Down's syndrome and dementia. The writer notes that dementia typically follows as a co morbid condition among adults with Down's syndrome and has a severely crippling effect on the patient. The writer points out that though some studies show the neurobiological pathways associated with the onset of dementia in DS patients, we are still a long way from a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. The writer discusses that several researchers have focused on studying Down's syndrome and dementia as comorbid conditions and this has contributed to an improved understanding of these disorders and ineffective management of DS patients. The writer presents a brief review of existing literature on the association between these two comorbid conditions in order to provide a better understanding of the complications and the latest treatment modalities.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Downs Syndrome - Brain Structure
Genetic Factors For Dementia In DS
Cognitive Functioning and Dementia
Proactive Screening for Dementia
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Earlier studies among healthy population have revealed that many years of education have an effect of slowing down the onset of Alzheimer's. Therefore in this study the researchers compared DS patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia and those without such symptoms and correlated them with other factors such as levels of education, recreational activities, employment, etc. In all, 35 adult subjects in the age ranging between 26 and 67 years were included for the study. All the subjects were periodically observed over 3 years and assessed for their decline based on Neuropsychological tests, reports from caregivers, and the Dementia Scale for Down syndrome. Applying the statistical tool of regression analysis, the researchers found that decline was directly related to cognitive functioning and that higher cognitive functioning implied lesser decline. It was also identified from the study that the level of cognitive functioning was by itself related to the other variables such as education, employment and other activities. "

Tags:memory, comorbid, disabilities, brain

Abstract
This paper examines the prevalence of manic depression (or bipolar disorders) in children and adolescents. It discusses the symptoms and the diagnosis and describes the difficulties in diagnosis due to the complexity of bipolar disorder (BPD) in children and adolescents. It also looks at how these difficulties in diagnosis affect the ability to treat the disorder.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Diagnosis in Children and Adolescents
Outpatient Treatment
Specific Outpatient Treatments
Inpatient Treatment
Medication
Comorbid Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Comorbid Diagnosis: Substance Abuse
Methodology
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As a result of the research reviewed, future research should examine the effectiveness of specific family interventions such as IFT, FFT, and CBT, due to the profound impact families have on the success of treatment in youth with BPD. Empirical research should be developed to conclude best practice therapeutic techniques for the reduction of depression and mania in children, as well as pharmacological interventions. It would be useful to study, over a period of at least six months, the efficacy of specific family treatment modalities in bipolar diagnosed children. This would be based on psychotherapeutic goal achievement in areas such as social, emotional, and school functioning while focusing on family interaction and education. Controlled and experimental groups are needed to empirically determine which psychosocial approaches demonstrate the greatest efficacy (Rivas-Vazquez et al., 2002)."

Tags:comorbidity, BPD, therapy, mania, depression

Abstract
This paper presents the case of 70 year old male with signs of possible arthritis and/or other comorbid states prevalent in the elderly. This paper highlights nursing assessment tools and techniques employed, identify risk factors, present nursing diagnoses and associated teaching plans, expected outcomes, interventions and evaluation criteria. This paper further provides detailed nursing interventions in the teaching plans for each nursing diagnosis provided.

From the Paper
"According to Leenerts, Teel and Pendleton (2002) there are 35 million Americans over the age of 65 and that within the next 25 years that figure is expected to double to 70 million. It is believed that most of the individuals in this population have at least one chronic health disorder (Leenerts, Teel & Pendleton, 2002; Ferrell, Ferrell & Osterweil, 1990, Mobily, Herr, Clark & Wallace, 1994, and Roy & Thomas, 1987 as cited by David, Hiemenz & White, 2002). Helme, Katz, Gibson and Corran (1989 as cited by Davis, Hiemenz & White, 2002) state that arthritis is one of the primary causes of non-malignant pain suffered on a chronic basis by those aged 65 and above. "

Tags:aging, exercise, arthritis

Abstract
This paper explains that an extremely delicate process entailing ethical considerations is required for an individual client with a multitude of chronic comorbid and psychological complaints to ensure the best quality of care and clear communication. The writer explains that importance is placed on informed consent as well as processes of confidentiality breaks, barriers to treatment, and maintaining competence via adequate professional education in areas served. Next, the author investigates frequently cited ethical practices and issues when working with diverse populations served within the behavioral medicine arena. The paper reviews ethical decision-making and the American Psychological Association aspirational principles, especially in the area of avoiding harm and confidentiality.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Assessments
Treatment Plans/ Goal Setting
Pain Management
JCAHO Regulations and Patient Rights
Disability/ Limited Mobility
Accessibility to Health Services
End of Life Issues
Diverse Populations Served Within the Behavioral Medicine Arena: Frequently Cited Ethical Practice and Issues
Childhood, Adolescence, and Family
Gender and Sexuality
Geriatric Populations
Individuals with Disabilities
Racial, Ethnic, Cultural, and Linguistic Diversity
Ethical Decision-Making and the American Psychological Association
Aspirational Principles
Avoiding Harm
Confidentiality
Informed Consent and HIPAA Privacy Rules
Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest
Summary

From the Paper
"The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine's Standards and Ethics Committee (2008) suggests that a provisional confidentiality break frequently occurs while attempting to provide the best quality, delivery, and standard of care to clients in the behavioral medicine arena- through the exchange of pertinent information between colleagues involved in the client's care. For example, there are situations in which physicians confer with other staff (i.e. at a staff station in the emergency room) for which space is limited and confidentiality breaks may be unavoidable."

Tags:multidisciplinary, psychosomatic, sexuality, interpreters, under-treatment

Abstract
The paper relates that in 1988, Woodside called for more studies of alcoholism's effects on children noting comorbid conditions that tend to run in families to present many alcoholics. The paper then discusses two papers of 2007 that address a possible link between ADHD in the children of alcoholics and eventual alcohol abuse and also antisocial or depressive alcoholic parents and addiction in offspring. The paper also notes how alcoholism involves a prism of factors and a puzzle in each patient to be resolved. The paper argues that research must continue in biochemical and experiential fields.

From the Paper
"The American specialist, Migs Woodside, argued at a symposium almost 20 years ago that there was good understanding of the effects of alcoholism in families and what could become of exposed children. (1988) However, more research was needed into levels of child vulnerability and risk factors for the children of alcoholics in combination with studies of genetic and psychosocial predisposition to alcoholism in offspring. Researchers should also work to promote and disseminate their findings given that Woodside estimated one in eight American children to be the children of alcoholics towards a national total of 28.6 million children..."

Tags:woodside, genetic, environmental

Abstract
The paper reveals that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an increasingly common diagnosis amongst American psychiatric patients. The paper covers three specific areas related to BPD; (1) a description of BPD, including its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment protocols, (2) comorbidities which can commonly occur with BPD and how they can differ from patient to patient and (3) a review of current research to demonstrate new findings in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD.

Outline:
Introduction
Causes of BPD
Comorbidities with BPD
Treatment for BPD
Newer Methods in Treating and Diagnosing BPD
Conclusion

From the Paper
"BPD's definition has changed over time. The current description of BPD includes antisocial disorder, eating disorder and generalized anxiety.
A complete list of BPD's diagnostic signs includes emotional vulnerability, self-invalidation, unrelenting crises, inhibited grieving, active passivity and apparent competence. This last symptom may seem contradictory to the earlier signs, but means that the individual may present him/herself as being much more competent than they really are. Thus, as with the earlier diagnostic signs, a basis of low self-esteem and deceptive behavior is consistent with that symptom(2), BPD is often associated with affective disorder in 66% of cases, according to initial studies(3)."

Tags:comorbidity, treatment, therapy, post-traumatic, stress, disorder, eating, disorders

Abstract
ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common childhood problem affecting as much as 3-5% of the school-age population. The paper shows that the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD exhibit functional impairment across multiple settings and engage in disruptive behaviors, thus inviting criticism from adults and peer rejection. The paper examines how psycho stimulant medication has been shown to be reasonably successful, but may produce significant side effects in a school-age child. A multi-component model of intervention consisting of pharmacological treatment in consonance with contingency management and cognitive behavior modification techniques seems to be the answer for this very baffling problem. The paper shows that for practitioners to have confidence in the expected outcomes, specific procedures to implement behavioral management in school classrooms must be scientifically replicated.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
What is ADHD?
Impact of ADHD
Diagnostic Standards
Related Disorders and Comorbidity
Review of Literature
Multi-Component Intervention
Comorbidity
Pharmacological Intervention
Methodology
Findings and Results
Conclusions and Summary

From the Paper
"The authors also suggest that practitioners should tailor the intervention to match the needs of the child. For example, while psychostimulant medication has been shown to be successful, it may produce significant side effects in a preschool-age child. School practitioners therefore should take an active role in monitoring the effects of medication. Also, systems should be in place, whereby immediate and consistent feedback is given, supplemented by age-appropriate rewards and procedures. Parents must be enabled to provide support and guidance to affected children, and need appropriate training. A well designed program incorporating the efforts of all concerned, could result in a potentially successful treatment approach. "

Tags:Conners, Teacher's, Rating, Scale, AAP, EEG