Abstract This paper explains that, despite considerable efforts placed by leaders in the field of clinical psychology to keep diagnoses objective, clinicians' theoretical beliefs still exert a major influence on their diagnoses. The paper then discusses and describes the two most common and widely accepted personal theories used by clinicians, Adler's theory and the existential theory, and takes a look at the differences between these two theories.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Personal Theories - Adler and Existentialism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Adler. - Adler was born in Vienna, Austria on February 7, 1870 (Boeree 1997). He could not walk until he was four years old because of rickets and also nearly died of pneumonia at five. His physical condition impelled him to acquire a medical degree from the University of Vienna in 1895. He began working as an ophthalmologist and then switched to general practice in the lower-class part of Vienna.. Most of his patients were circus performers who suffered from organ inferiorities and this led to an interest in organ deformities and compensation, clearly also because of his own experience of deformity and disability as a child. He later shifted to psychiatry and joined the discussion group led by Sigmund Freud. Adler wrote papers on organic inferiority, an aggression instinct and children's feeling of inferiority."
Abstract This paper is on diagnosing organizations. It is a critical synthesis paper explaining what the diagnosis is about and then it talks about what it is good for. It then describes a few methods of carrying out the diagnosis.
Abstract This paper looks at the use of Rorschach Tests in diagnosing mental illnesses. It discusses the population for which these tests are most appropriate, and the reasons the tests are effective on that population group. The paper also explains how the test is administered, and how it is scored. Finally, some of the criticisms raised regarding the effectiveness of the tests are discussed.
From the Paper "In an experiment on the Rorschach Test's effectiveness, researchers administered the inkblot test to a group of 42 children, aged 8 to 18, who had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital for diagnosis and treatment. This study found that the test, when measured through a new and more accurate index, was effective in diagnosing thought disorder in children. There were fewer false positive results, reducing the potential harm of wrongly-diagnosing a child."
Abstract This paper begins by describing sinusitis as the swelling of the paranasal tissues, which can be caused by either communicable or allergic symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to see if x-rays are necessary in diagnosing this condition. The paper explains how x-rays work and, therefore, why they can be useful in obtaining a correct diagnosis in the case of sinusitis.
From the Paper "Sinusitis is basically classified into chronic and acute cases, in which the acute sinusitis involves abnormal secretion and production of mucous, which is a lot similar to cystic fibrosis. This is diagnosed after noticing the air fluid levels in the sinuses after an x-ray. It has been noticed that patients who are suffering from an immunodeficiency diseases like HIV or AIDS are more prone to this acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand can be diagnosed if the patient has had a sinus infection for more than three weeks to three months. There are different causes for chronic sinusitis that could be allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, and damp weather. The nasal sinus wall thickening and the body sclerosis noticed while x-rays are its best symptoms. This disease can affect a lot of the general population."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that a sure sign a child may have a learning disability is when his or her academic achievement is significantly lower than his or her overall cognitive ability would predict. This paper analyzes the growing evidence which states that genetics may play a role in assessing whether or not a child has a learning disability. This paper discusses the difficulty in correctly diagnosing learning disabilities while researchers and specialists claim that cerebral dysfunction may be a contributing factor, although this has yet to be confirmed. This paper examines the various forms of treatment which have proven successful yet must be tailored to meet the needs of each child. The writer stresses and explains that in order for treatment to be successful general education teachers and specialists must work together using a problem-solving approach.
Table of Contents:
Early Signs of Learning Disabilities
Causes
Assessment
Treatment
Learning Disabilities and Inclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Because learning disabilities can take so many forms, determining the cause can be difficult. Researchers assume some form of cerebral dysfunction, but often the precise reason for this cannot be identified. Some things that my contribute include trauma during birth, low birth weight, smoking by the mother while pregnant or alcohol consumption by the expected mother. Lead exposure in early child can be a contributor as 50% of children with documented lead poisoning show reading problems. Other contributors include some illnesses, such as some forms of meningitis, and chronic ear infections have been tied to some learning and communication problems."
This is a case study of a young child, Raymond, diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder; and a lady (Margie) who was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder.
Abstract Both individuals presented in this case study were diagnosed by a psychiatrist who provided therapeutic treatment. The paper provides information on the treatment provided and its affects. The writer discusses these case studies and the effect of the different treatments used in each case, and how each patient benefited differently from the therapies.
From the Paper "Raymond is a seven-year-old African-American male. He was referred to the Children and Adolescent Psychiatric Service program at East Orange General Hospital through the elementary school he attends. The recommendation came from his teacher due to various occasions, within two months, in which he was suspended for fighting with other students. He also had a history of outbursts in class, such as cursing and swearing at the teacher and other adults, kicking and spitting at adults as well as classmates, and throwing objects such as books, desks, and chairs. Raymond was seen by the on staff psychiatrist and was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. The psychiatrist also requested individual and group therapy as part of his treatment. The goal of treatment for Raymond would be to modify his behavior in a way that would be acceptable in society. It is expected for the patient to identify with the issues that had labeled him as high risk. With the help of therapy, Raymond should identify and verbalize feelings leading to disruptive behavior. The ultimate goal for Raymond is to be able to take control of his life in a productive manner that is conducive to himself and others. Margie is a 37 year-old African-American mother of two adult children. She had been treated by various therapeutic agencies. She came to the mental health clinic at East Orange General Hospital on a voluntary basis for her depression. The psychiatrist diagnosed Margie with Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder. The psychiatrist recommended individual therapy. Margie's treatment goal is to develop healthier, less destructive relationships. She needs to understand and work through her feelings of fear and inability to trust others. Margie needs to verbalize experiences that lead to, and maintain; anger, depressive moods, and abusive relations with others. She needs to develop healthier boundaries and sense of self."
Abstract The paper examines the study, "Missed and Delayed Diagnoses In The Ambulatory Setting: A Study of Closed Malpractice Claims", which examines the role of physician error in situations when patients were harmed through diagnosis issues. The paper relates that the study relied on a weak form of multivariate analysis to draw its conclusions and examine the data which was all secondary in nature. The paper points out, however, that the results are enlightening regarding the strategies that can be devised to prevent misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses.
From the Paper "This study did not use higher level statistical analysis since it was relying primarily on secondary data sources that had, for the most part, already been compiled. Yet, it did apply a weak form of multivariate statistics wherein different variables were attributed different values and measured against the whole (Ware & Brewer, 1998, p.14). Among some of the variables measured or assigned values were errors that resulted in actual harm to the patient, errors were linked to serious harm to the patient, and errors, of one type or another that actually resulted in patient death (Ghandi, 2006, p.2)."
Abstract This paper reviews the article written by Mauri J. Marttunen, Markus M. Henriksson, Erkki T. Isometsa, Martti E. Heikkinen, Hellivi M. Aro and Jouko K. Lonnqvist, "Completed Suicide among Adolescents with No Diagnosable Psychiatric Disorder". The paper summarizes the study chronicled in the article which compared the characteristics of adolescent Finnish males with and without diagnosed psychiatric disorders who committed suicide over the course of a single year's duration. The paper also discusses the results of the study and critiques the article as weak and poorly constructed.
From the Paper "The stated purpose of the study was sought to determine whether adolescents with no diagnosable psychiatric disorder differed from those with a psychiatric disorder according to the classification of a psychiatric disorder according to the DSM-III-R axis I or II. They were compared in terms of their family background and suicidal indicators. To gather data, the researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with at least one family member in 78 (93%) of the cases with a diagnosable psychiatric disorder and 7 (88%) of the cases without such diagnosable disorders."
An examination of the test which measures the psychoemotional status of a subject, diagnoses disorders and forecasts development including history, psychometric features, limitations, applicability and more.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 19 sources, 2000, $ 95.95
Abstract This research will examine the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A), a psychological test that is widely used in clinical settings to evaluate the psychoemotional status of test subjects, diagnose any of a variety of psychological disorders, and forecast possible lines of individual development.
From the Paper "This research will examine the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A), a psychological test that is widely used in clinical settings to evaluate the psychoemotional status of test subjects, diagnose any of a variety of psychological disorders, and forecast possible lines of individual development. The research will set forth the historical and professional background in which the MMPI emerged, and then discuss its operational characteristics and psychometric features (i.e., the way in which it measures personality traits, preferences, and capabilities), including the scope and limit of its applicability and utility in real-world contexts.
Background
The first publication of the Minnesota Multiphasic..."
Abstract This paper looks at breast cancer which is a common condition accounting for one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women. The writer proposes that the risk factors associated with the disease need to be examined in order to identify possible mechanisms of causation. This would lead to effective prevention measures. The paper suggests a proposal and expected outcomes. The proposal looks at primary and secondary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on the initial occurrence of breast cancer and secondary prevention on the progression of the disease. In the conclusion the paper argues that knowledge in these areas will allow women to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.
From the Paper "Breast cancer is a common condition, which can, and often does, lead to death. According to the American Cancer Society (2001), breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and it accounts for one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women. In 2001, breast cancer killed an estimated 40,200 in the U.S., second only to lung cancer. Men, too, are occasionally diagnosed with breast cancer. There were an estimated 1500 diagnosed cases and 400 deaths due to breast cancer among American men in 2001".
Abstract PTSD as a psychiatric diagnosis first diagnosed in combat veterans. Traumatic events experienced by adolescents that can trigger severe psychological resonses. Criteria needed for a diagnosis of PTSD. Population affected. Symptoms. Effect on behaviors; interupption of normal functioning. Lack of coping strategies of adolescents. Treatment available. Importance of early intervention.
From the Paper "This paper is a discussion of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents. PTSD is a relatively recent diagnosis which recognizes the fact that the direct or indirect experience of traumatic events can trigger severe psychological responses that present through a series of related symptoms and interfere with the individual's ability to function. When such trauma occurs to an adolescent, the results can be especially disruptive since they are happening during a critical period of development and can also interfere with personality formation and the individual's process of learning to cope with the world. Diagnosis is complex; a range of criteria must be present in order to diagnose PTSD accurately. Early intervention can help to mediate the impact of trauma, as can factors in the individual's life, including personal resilience and social ..."
Abstract This research provides a lesson plan on how to teach upper-level undergraduate students methods to diagnose problems within an organization. The research is structured to fill a four hour class and includes elements that are meant to help management students develop a strategy for evaluating organizational dislocations and forecasting optimal methods of resolving problems that they have created. The paper includes additional resources to assist in the class.
From the Paper "The idea behind such surveys initially was to spot worker-related gaps in productivity and global competitiveness, but it was determined early on that influencing people productivity implied a need for more management attention to the effect of organization policy, praxis, and priorities on the working expreience of employees (Resnick and Brown 10-11, et passim). As of the late 1990s, the idea is to take the professional and personal pulse of the work force "culture" as an aspect of Total Quality Management and adding value to operations, with a view toward defusing potentially damaging problems of organizational dynamics (Zeitz, et al., 414ff)."
Abstract This paper looks at the Tuskegee medical experiments which were conducted by the United States Public Health Service (PHS) between 1932 and 1972 on 399 African-American adult male subjects who were diagnosed as having late stage syphilis. It argues that the Tuskegee experiments were unjustified on moral and ethical grounds and how together with many other examples of scientific experiments in which human beings have been used as unwitting guinea pigs in the twentieth century stand as warnings of the misguided, immoral, racist and even genocidal ends which scientific research sometimes serves. It also briefly examines other medical experiments of the 20th Century in which racial minorities were victimized.
Outline
Facts Concerning the Tuskegee Experiments
Assessment of the Tuskegee Experiments
Broader Implications
Conclusion
From the Paper "The victims of Nazi experiments who were held against their will in hospitals, prisoner of war camps and concentration camps clearly lacked freedom of choice. It is doubtful whether soldiers who 'volunteer' for such experiments really have much choice, such as the unsuspecting soldiers used in the 1940s and 1950s as participants in the Department of Energy's Human Radiation Experiments (Katz and Owens 6). The Tuskegee participants volunteered but, as noted above, only after having been lied to about the nature of their illness, the treatment they would receive and the risks associated with invasive procedures such as lumbar and spinal taps. The most egregious lies and deceits were committed against the black group of adult males, the principal focus of the Experiments, in order to induce them to participate and to prevent them from seeking treatment elsewhere. However, as Chadwick et al. have pointed out, the group of 201 adult white males who were used as a control group and who did not have syphilis were also deceived. They were told at one point by PHS researchers that they had contracted the disease in order to gauge their levels of psychological stress and to compare them with the stress levels of the blacks under study (16-17)."
Tags: experiments, genocide, racial, minorities, medical, research
Abstract This paper looks at the Gestalt theory, pioneered by Max Wertheimer in 1924, which attempts to examines the underlying causes of things by going back to the basic principles of science instead of just looking at something on its surface. In particular, it analyzes how it may be helpful in treating patients who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or some other form of social phobia or antisocial behavior. It attempts to explain the both the theory and the disorder and then tie them together in order to clearly understand how the theory can be used in the modification of behavior in individuals with social anxiety and how many individuals can be helped and freed from the self-imposed prison that their disorder has created.
From the Paper "Those therapists who use Gestalt theory in the modern day often feel that it is very helpful in treating all kinds of anxiety and depression. Naturally, it is not the only therapy that is used, as existential, psychoanalytic, and behavioral therapies, among others, are also popular with anxiety and depression troubled individuals. It is, however, one of the leading therapies used for aging patients who have difficulty coping with the losses that often come with living a long time such as poor health, the death of a spouse, or unexpected parenting of grandchildren (Solomon, 1996). It is also popular with many other age groups and many different types of anxiety, including social anxiety."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of medication versus behavioral modifications in treating ADHD. The author suggests that ADHD is over-diagnosed and that medications such as Ritalin are being prescribed when they are not necessary.
