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
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
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

Abstract
This paper explores the various definitions and symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, a brief review of current literature and definitions of this psychiatric condition are examined. In particular, dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is considered as a possible treatment for this disorder.

Table of Contents
Section one: Overview of Borderline personality Disorder
1 Definitions and Historical Foundations
1.2 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
1.3. Etiology
1.3.1. DBT
1.3.2. Genetics
1.3.3. Environmental Conditions
1.3.4. Neurological Issues
2. Diagnoses and Related Issues
2.1. Comorbidity
Treatment
3.1. Treatment Overview
3.2. Psycho Pharmacological Approaches
3.3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
3.3.1. Empirical Support
3.3.2. Theoretical Aspects of DBT
3.3.3. The Dialectical Model
3.3.4. Etiology
3.3.5. Praxis

From the Paper
"Lineham pioneered this treatment of BPD in 1991. Her ideas were based on the concept and praxis that psychological treatment was just as important in dealing with Borderline patients as was the more traditional psycho? and pharmacotherapy. Lineham also emphasized a hierarchical structure in treatment goals. This structure began with the reduction of parasuicidal and life - threatening behaviors. This was followed by a reduction of behaviors which may interfere in the therapy process. Thirdly, reducing behaviors were introduced that improved the individual's quality of life. Lineman published results of her work which attested to the practical success of her work and approach. The difference of DBT to other approaches in therapy for BPD is that is combines a dialectical perspective with cognitive- behavioral therapy. This has resulted in a particular procedure of interventions which has been shown to produce positive results in the reduction of the symptoms of BPD. "

Tags:dialectical, behavioral, therapy, psychiatric, disorders

Abstract
This paper defines the term depression as a psycho-neurotic or psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentrating, as well as feelings of dejection and hopelessness which can lead to suicidal tendencies. This paper supplies relevant published data and statistics pertaining to this specific topic. This paper discusses the significant increase in reported cases of severe depression. Currently, the risk of developing depression stands between 8%-12% for men and 20%-26% for women. This paper cites the findings of the World Health Organization which states that by the year 2020 severe depression will be the world's second most debilitating disease, surpassed only by heart disease. The writer contends that, although the exact causes of depression have not yet been determined, it is clear that biological, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. Some common environmental factors linked to depression include involvement in difficult relationships, conflicts with family members, friends and co-workers and/or the death of a loved one. This paper explores the various treatments available including: Electro-convulsive therapy, psychotherapy and drug therapy while also citing the success rates for these and other treatments.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder
Epidemiology
Etiology
Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation
Mental Status Exam
Comorbidity and Differential Diagnosis
Course and Prognosis
Treatment
Summary
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The lifetime risk of developing depression is between 8 and 12 percent for men and 20 and 26 per cent for women. In any given year, approximately 12 percent of women and 7 percent of men suffer from major depression, demonstrating that women are twice as likely to experience this illness as men are. The results of a recent study by Nolen-Hoeksema, Grayson & Larson suggest that such gender differences may be because women experience "more chronic strain, a greater tendency to ruminate when distressed, and a lower sense of their mastery over their lives. In turn, these variables contribute to each other." The statistics may unfairly represent the incidence of depression in men, however."

Tags:mental, health, theraphy, medicine, drugs, diagnosis

Abstract
The paper defines cerebral palsy as an overarching term that refers to or describes a group of related chronic disorders which impair the control of movement and commonly occurs in the first few years of life. The paper describes the various diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of cerebral palsy and the incidence rate today. The paper details the various causes of this disorder and what can be done to help students with these disabilities. The paper explains the use of the term management as opposed to treatment that consists of helping the child achieve maximum potential in growth and development.

Outline:
Overview and Diagnostic Criteria
Incidence Rate and Comorbidity
Prevalence
Course of the Disease
Causation Theories
How Do We Help Students With This Disability?

From the Paper
"The term incidence refers to the "...annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Cerebral Palsy diagnosed each year." (Cerebral Palsy - Facts & Figures) Jones (1983) estimated that the incidence of cerebral palsy to be about 2 per thousand in the school age population. (Willard-Holt, 1998) Research indicates approximately that 764,000 children and adults in the United States manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy." Currently, about 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy.""

Tags:chronic, disorder, motor, brain

Abstract
Cathy H. suffers from anxiety disorders, mood disorders and personality disorders. Often there is high comorbidity among these different forms of disorders. In the following, this paper will explicate my "diagnosis" of Cathy's disorders step by step. The author discovers the likelihood that Kathy has cognitive theory of depression.

Abstract
Discusses various factors and influences. Examines the diagnostic criteria, the DSM-IV major depressive criteria. Somatic complaints, irritability and social withdrawal. Comorbidity including disruptive disorders and eating disorders, substance abuse, suicide attempts, phobias, panic attacks. Etiology of the condition. Environmental factors including family, peer, trauma and stress. Genetic factors.

From the Paper
"DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENCE

Introduction
This research paper will present a discussion regarding adolescent depression. The following topics will be included in the discussion: diagnostic criteria, comorbidity, etiology, and summary and conclusions.

Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic criteria for depression is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Diagnosis for Major depressive Episode is the same for children, adolescents, and adults. Differences in age may result in differing presentation of symptoms. The prepuberty age group is more likely to present somatic complaints, irritability, and social withdrawal. Adolescents and adults as oppose ..."

Abstract
This paper summarizes and reviews an article entitled, "Psychopathology and Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Kleptomania" by Franck Bayle and Herve Caci. The paper explains that the article is about a study that compared patients with kleptomania to patients with alcoholism or dependence and to psychiatric patients with no-impulse-control disorders.

From the Paper
"In closing, implusitivity remains the major psychopathological feature of kleptomania. People with kleptomania share serious psychopathology and have a very low rate of co-morbid substance related disorders. The information process and the psychopathology underlying impulsitivity may be gained from studies involving them."

Tags:depression, kleptomaniacs, montgomery-asberg, rating, scale, comparison, barratt, impulsiveness, scale

Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at the behavioral disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing first a general definition of the disorder, a description of typical symptoms associated with ADHD, and an explanation of why it is difficult to understand the etiology of ADHD. It then describes the difficulty in assessing and diagnosing children with ADHD, discusses what is known about the etiology of the disorder, and looks at treatment options available for ADHD. The paper also briefly discusses what is known about ADHD in adults and concludes by noting that additional areas of study are required in order to obtain a better understanding of ADHD.


Assessment and Diagnosis
Etiology
Treatment
Comorbidity
ADHD in Adults

From the Paper
"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very controversial disorder, and its diagnosis, unfortunately, is only empirical. ADHD is a "very loosely defined assemblage of neuropsychiatric clusters appearing in childhood and often persisting into adolescence and even adulthood" (Kidd, 2000). The most common symptoms of ADHD include age-inappropriate inattention/inability to stay focused, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, other symptoms may often include things such as restlessness, mood swings, temper tantrums, problems completing tasks, disorganization, and an inability to cope with stress (Kidd, 2000)."

Tags:school-aged, children, male, female, affecting, emotional, social, performance, self-esteem