Abstract This paper summarizes the research on diagnosing autism. The paper addresses assessment and the use of the DSM-IV for autism diagnosis. The paper also studies difficulties with diagnosis and differential diagnosis, including the need for a multiple axial diagnosis. The paper concludes that parent-pediatrician partnerships are critical to making an early autism diagnosis.
Abstract This paper looks at the diagnostic system for evaluating ADHD and explains the causes and symptoms of ADHD. The writer also discusses the current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The paper shows that behavior therapy alone has only a limited effect on symptoms or functioning of children with ADHD, although combining behavior therapy with medication seems to improve functioning and may decrease the amount of (stimulant) medication needed.
Outline:
Introduction: Psychological Disorders
Diagnostic Systems and General Criteria: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- IV Edition (DSM-IV)
International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Manual (ICD - 10)
DSM - IV Categories of Psychological Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD
Causes of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD: Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity.
Current Trends in Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Current Trends in Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
From the Paper "Psychological disorders create imbalance in our mental health and cause mental illness. The term "mental illness" is used to describe the more severe types of mental health disorders. Less severe mental health problems are known as "disorders" or "syndromes" rather than "illness".
Mental disorders are considered as a major public health problem, thus, health services play an important role regarding their management. A World Health Organization (WHO) study of the global burden of disease assessed that "mental disorders make up five of the ten leading causes of disability". Since the management of these disorders takes place to a great extent in general practice and primary care settings, it is important to determine the effectiveness of current trends in diagnostic and treatment. According to Epidemiological studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH the Centers for Disease Control, CDC) in 1970s, about 15% of the population in the U.S. experience a serious psychological disorder. It further increases to 25% when milder problems with drug & alcohol abuse are considered as a part of the study."
Abstract The writer conducts this study in order to determine whether problems existed in the target organization (TO). The paper also discovers the source of any problems identified. A large prepackaged computer software applications firm located in the Los Angeles area is the target of an organizational diagnosis (OD). The organization agreed to participate in the study, and the results of the study are presented in this paper.
From the Paper "The OD performed on the TO was structured within the framework of the Organizational Diagnosis Questionnaire (ODQ) developed by Preziosi (1980). This framework provides for the conduct of OD along seven dimensions. The hypothesis tested in the OD of the participating TO was that the source of problems existing with respect to any of the seven dimensions would be found in the variations of perspectives of personnel in the TO according to organizational status. Organizational status, as the independent variable, was defined operationally as management, professional staff, or other staff. The dependent variable in the hypothesis were the mean scores on the seven dimensions of the ODQ."
Abstract Many of the injuries treated by physical therapists involve conducting orthopedic assessments. In order for these evaluations to be effective, the physical therapist must be well-versed in selecting and applying the various assessment techniques required for orthopedic injuries. To this end, this paper provides a review of how orthopedic differential diagnosis can be used to help improve the assessment and treatment of physical therapy patients, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Physical therapy is typically concerned with the treatment of chronic disabilities and with the restoration of normal functioning to the disabled through physical modes of treatment, such as exercise. This medical specialty area is generally focused on rehabilitating people who have been disabled by pain or ailments that affect the motor functions of the body. Physical medicine is one of a wide variety of treatment modalities that are employed to assist these patients to return to a comfortable and productive life, often in spite of a chronic medical problem."
This paper examines the diagnosis and treatment of psychotic episodes and syndromes while focusing on the use of anti-psychotic drugs also known as neuroleptics.
Abstract This paper focuses on the use of anti-psychotic (neuroleptic) drugs which are an essential treatment method in controlling psychotic behavior. The writer of this paper examines how and when certain types of neuroleptic medications are used. Psychotic behavior is qualified as the persistent manifestation of hallucinations, delusions, agitation or disorganized thinking. Psychotic syndromes are characterized on a chemical basis by faulty neurotransmitter production, emission and uptake. Neuroleptics, now known as old or traditional anti-psychotics, work to inhibit the excess dopamine in the brain which result in psychotic behavior. This paper discusses the diagnosis and various treatments currently available for psychotic behavior, as well as their success rates. Despite the often unpleasant side effects and the chemical limitations of neuroleptics, despite their inability to truly end psychotic syndromes, they are a necessary part of treatment.
Table of Contents:
What Are Neuroleptics?
Why Are They Used?
How Do They Work?
How Are They Used?
Bibliography
From the Paper "When a patient has established a level of efficacy along with stable, manageable side effects, secondary drugs are often prescribed to help manage those side effects. The most common combination is neuroleptic, antiparkinsonian agent, and anti-depressant. Antiparkinsonian agents are far and away the single most common, as 70% of all known neuroleptics cause extra-pyramidal symptoms. Diuretics, anti-inflammatories, and mild stimulants are also common to counteract the more physical discomforts of neuroleptic use. Of particular interest when prescribing and using narcoleptics is the prevention of tardive dyskinesia, which was a nearly inevitable side effect from prolonged use of anti-psychotics."
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)."
A detailed essay covering the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention and prognosis of each pervasive developmental disorder such as autism, Rett syndrome, etc.
Abstract A paper which covers the main points of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and 'pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified' (PDDNOS). The treatment, prevention, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, and treatment of each disorder is covered.
Table of Contents:
Asperger's Syndrome
What is Asperger's Syndrome?
Characteristics & Diagnosis Diagnostic Criteria
Treatment
Autistic Disorder
What is Autism?
Causes, Incidence, Risk Factors
Prevention
Diagnosing Autism
Treatment
Prognosis
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria
Causes, Incidence, Other Risk
Prevention
Diagnosis Signs and Tests
Prognosis
Treatment
Monitoring the Condition
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
What is PPDNOS?
Symptoms
Diagnosis Treatment
Prognosis
Rett Syndrome
What is Rett Syndrome?
Causes, Incidence
Diagnosis Signs and Tests
Treatment
Prognosis
What we learned?
Bibliography
From the Paper "Early diagnosis and appropriate educational programs are very important to children with autism or PDD. Public Law 105-17, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), includes autism as a disability category. From the age of three, children with autism and PDD are eligible for an educational program appropriate to their individual needs. Educational programs for students with autism or PDD focus on improving communication, social, academic, behavioral, and daily living skills. Behavior and communication problems that interfere with learning sometimes require the assistance of a knowledgeable professional in the autism field who develops and helps to implement a plan which can be carried out at home and school."
Abstract This paper explains that the health care field has developed collaborative practice in which each member of various professions within the health care field, including physicians, nurses, ancillary departments, patients and patient families, works together by sharing knowledge and insights on how to deliver high-quality patient care. The author points out that nursing diagnosis is classified as a language for nursing to standardize its practice, which allows nurses to work towards patient care in a uniform pattern by providing the nurse with a plan and interventions. The paper stresses that the primary difference between nursing diagnosis and collaborative care is that nursing diagnosis is intended for the nursing community solely; whereas, all healthcare fields work together in collaborative care.
Table of Content
Case Study
Collaborative Practice
Obstetric Physician and Nurse
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
Patient and Family
Social Worker
Nursing Diagnoses and Collaborative Problems
Nursing Diagnosis Collaborative Problems
Potential Barriers to Successful Collaboration
Conclusion
From the Paper "Due to the fact that meconium was noted in the amniotic fluid, the LD nurse will collaborate with the NICU nurse at the onset of delivery. The NICU is extensively experienced with more critical issues concerning newborns. Therefore, the NICU nurse will take the first look at the newborn to make sure there are not any indications requiring more specialized care. If needed, the NICU nurse will transport the newborn quickly to the NICU unit. Even though in this situation the presence of the NICU nurse is more precautionary, her presence is important for the safety of the newborn."
Abstract This case study essay first gives an overview of the patient's pertinent history and medical information. The paper then discusses the clinical diagnosis of the cancer and examines the anatomy of the prostate. Also discussed, are the pathology of prostate cancer, the role of imaging modalities in its diagnosis, its treatment, and prognosis. This paper also includes illustrations to accompany the data.
Table of Contents:
Case History
Clinical Diagnosis Anatomy
MRI & CT Images of Normal Prostate and Prostatic Cancer
Pathology
Role of Imaging Modalities in the Diagnosis 1. Distant Staging
a. Radionuclide bone scan
b. Computerized tomography
2. Local Staging
Treatment
1. Surgery
a. Pelvic lymphadenectomy
b. Radical prostatectomy
c. Transurethral resection of the prostate
2. Radiation therapy
3. Hormone therapy
4. New types of treatment
a. Cryosurgery
b. Chemotherapy
c. Biologic therapy
d. High-intensity focused ultrasound
Prognosis of Prostate Cancer
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRSI) "is an MRI technique that attempts to identify cancer through the assessment of tissue metabolites" (Taneja 2004) such as citrate, choline and creatinine. Normal prostate gland contains low levels of choline and high levels of citrate, whereas prostate cancer lesions demonstrate high levels of choline and decreased levels of citrate. The high choline levels in cancer are related to increased cell turnover in proliferating malignant tissue. The citrate level is diminished or undetectable because of a conversion from citrate-producing to citrate-oxidating metabolism. Therefore, there is an increased choline-citrate ratio. Suspicious voxels have the ratio of choline and creatine to citrate at least 2 SD higher than the average ratio for the normal peripheral zone, whereas very suspicious voxels have a ratio that is greater than 3 standard deviations above the normal average."
Tags: cancer, transrectal ultrasound, clinical examination, surgery prostatectomy, Pelvic lymphadenectomy
Abstract Discussion of the DSM IV diagnosis of the disease. Information needed to complete the five axis diagnosis. Uses a fictional client as an example of how to form an accurate diagnosis. Criteria needed including memory impairment, cognitive impairments, gradual onset, elimination of other conditions that could this this specific dementia. Intervention plan.
From the Paper "DSM IV Diagnosis : Alzheimer's Disease
DSM IV Criteria
Axis I 290.10 Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type, With
Early Onset, Uncomplicated
Axis II V71.09 No diagnosis
Axis III Alzheimer's disease
Axis IV None
Axis V GAF = 31 (current)
The above five axis diagnosis is preliminary only since some of the necessary information is unavailable at this time. Axis I, Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type, is substantiated by the following criteria: (A) memory impairment, failure to identify objects (agnosia), and disturbance in executive functioning; (B) the cognitive impairments cause significant impairment in..."
Abstract This paper provides a treatment plan for a 14 year-old girl assaulted over a period of time by her step-father. The paper delves into the major goals and objectives of the treatment plan, the interventions which will be pursued and the people who will play an integral role in nursing her back to psychological health. The paper also incorporates the DSM-IV diagnosis approach and outlines the ethical and legal considerations which must be borne in mind at all times.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Child And Adolescent Counseling: Case Presentation And Treatment Plan
Introduction: Subject Description, Presenting Problems, Diagnosis, Goals, And Description Of Intervention
Client And Family Dynamics
Diagnosis using the DSM IV, 5-Axis
3 General Treatment Goals For This Client
3 Objectives For Each Goal
Rationale For Treatment Plan
From the Paper "The three goals cited earlier in this paper were chosen because this child has a profound guilt complex that has led her towards two aborted suicide attempts. Further, because she is deeply withdrawn, she is forcing herself to shoulder all of her pain without others to assist her; she is also more likely to consider suicide again without others to dissuade her. Finally, it is clear she must re-capture her self-esteem or she will continue to repeat the "endless loop" she is on. Of all of these issues, it seems paramount to address her feelings of guilt, for she has enough to worry about without shouldering the blame for the despicable actions of another."
Abstract This paper analyzes whether dissociative identity disorder (DID), also known by its older designation to lay people as multiple personality disorder (MPD) or split personality, really exists. It discusses the disease's diagnosis and pathogenesis and the problems with differential diagnoses. The paper suggests that the diagnosis of DID should be guarded, preferably made as a diagnosis of exclusion. The paper also contains an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "However, Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin's review of the alters in DID effectively challenge the prevailing support for DID in calling into question the very nature of the claimed multiple personality. The authors sought a better definition of the multiple identities associated with DID. They assert that, as opposed to unconvincing evidence of the existence of alters ranging from acceptance due to their mutually exclusive memories to distinct documented physiological profiles (fMRI, EEG), these personalities can alternately be seen as emotional metaphors and escapist thought (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 486-490). Needless to say, there is very little consensus among the psychiatric community on what the alters actually are, in large part due to the lack of a control group and a further lack of knowledge regarding memory function (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 492). Furthermore, their research supports the claim in showing that there can be no absolutely reliable diagnosis of DID because the "personalities" themselves cannot be proven to be real alter-identities."
Abstract This paper addresses the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis. It provides an overview of the body's two systems of veins and discusses how deep vein thrombosis can occur. The paper also discusses the methods of diagnosis of the disease and then looks at the various ways that it can be treated - both surgically and non-surgically.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Overview
Symptoms
Diagnosis Treatment
From the Paper "In instances of complicated thrombosis, including patients with pulmonary embolus, most often these patients are admitted to an acute care inpatient unit. There they receive an unfractionated IV heparin drip and then are subsequently converted to enoxaparin at a rate of 1 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously, every 12 hours. Eisenson (2007) cites Buller et al. as recommending against the use of an inferior vena cava filter in addition to anticoagulants, for the initial treatment, unless there is a contraindication for or complication of anticoagulant treatment. Or if thromboembolism is recurrent, despite anticoagulation."
Abstract This paper examines the diagnosis made for adolescents who experience conduct disorder and major depressive disorder . The author examines how these two disorders effect adolescents and the differences between the above diagnosis for adults and children. In addition the author looks at the trend for African-American youth to be teacher-reported for externalized symptoms more than Euro-American youth and the risk of substance abuse that youth who suffer from co-morbid conduct disorder and depression face.
From the Paper "Distinguishing between conduct disorder and major depressive disorder in the assessment of adolescent patients has proved to be a difficult task for clinicians (Meller & Borchardt, 1996; Herkov & Myers, 1996). While current literature has found that the two diagnoses are often comorbid, it appears that major depressive disorder may be under diagnosed, in part because the symptoms of conduct disorder tend to veil the symptoms of depression (Herkov & Myers, 1996; Swearer, 1998; Reinecke, 1995). There is evidence that adolescents express disorders differently than adults, and that "acting out" behaviors that are associated with conduct disorder may be a way for adolescents to express their depressive feelings (Reinecke, 1995). This under diagnosis of depression in adolescents is a serious problem because of the potential for improper treatment for the patient (Herkov & Myers, 1996). Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that clinicians are aware of the difficulties in discriminating between the two disorders."
Tags: disease, children, adolescents, development, mental, health
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of "Nursing Diagnosis", a standardized vocabulary for nurses. The paper provides a brief historical background to the nursing profession and outlines the history of nursing diagnosis. The positive and negative view points of this classification are examined. The paper describes the varying opinions in relation to the patient's perspective.
From the Paper "Nurses who practice from this perspective view the classification system as outdated and unnecessary. Lastly, some believe that language derived from theory is more articulate and precise than standards classifications. They feel that the labels used in nursing diagnosis do not capture the essence of human beings and their relationship with illness, wellness, life challenges, and experience."
