Effectiveness of behavioral parent therapy in preschool children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a behavioral parent therapy (BPT) program in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using multidimensional evaluations, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Teacher Report Form (TRF). Between 2001 and 2005, the parents of 21 preschool children with ADHD were divided into six groups and participated in a series of 11 BPT sessions. Before and after BPT, the parents completed the CBCL, and the teachers completed the TRF.

Apathy in late-life depression among Taiwanese patients.

Background: Apathy is defined as lack of motivation and occurs in a variety of neuropsychological disorders. The Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) has been shown to be valid and reliable for assessing apathy in depression but the validity and reliability of the Chinese version has never been examined. The aims of the study were to (1) evaluate the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the AES in late-life depression and (2) evaluate the severity of apathy in late-life depression.

Acute effects of methylphenidate on performance during the Test of Variables of Attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

This study attempted to determine the acute effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on cognitive performance using the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study subjects comprised 57 children diagnosed with ADHD aged 6-13 years. Diagnoses of ADHD and other comorbid psychiatric disorders were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition criteria following a standard interview with the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, epidemiologic version.

Psychometric study of the test of variables of attention: preliminary findings on Taiwanese children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder in children. Unfortunately, reliable means of measuring attention and impulsivity to help with diagnoses are scarce. The test of variables of attention (TOVA) is a computer-administered continuous performance test measuring attention and impulsivity, designed to avoid confounding arising from language processing skills or short-term memory problems.

Mobile information and communication in the hospital outpatient service.

Objectives: Most healthcare providers provide mobile service for their medical staff; however, few healthcare providers provide mobile service as part of their outpatient service. The mobile outpatient service system (MOSS) focuses on illness treatment, illness prevention and patient relation management for outpatient service users. Initiated in a local hospital in Taiwan, the MOSS pilot project was developed to improve outpatient service quality and pursue higher patient safety.

Facing SARS: psychological impacts on SARS team nurses and psychiatric services in a Taiwan general hospital.

Objective: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 resulted in 346 probable SARS cases and 37 deaths in Taiwan. This descriptive study, which was conducted from May to June 2003, intended to identify staff stress and coping strategies among a SARS team of nursing staff during the outbreak.

Method: Twenty-six female nurses of the SARS team completed a questionnaire about their experiences serving in the SARS team.

Using mobile technology to improve healthcare service quality.

Improving healthcare service quality for illness of treatment, illness prevention and patient service is difficult for most hospitals because the hospitals are lack adequate resources and labor. In order to provide better healthcare service quality for patients, mobile technology can be used to manage healthcare in a way that provides the optimal healthcare service for patients. Pursuing utilization of mobile technology for better patient service, Taipei Medical University Municipal W.

A social skills training program for preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Many children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties in regulating their emotions and maintaining good peer relations. It is important for children with ADHD to receive interventions as early as possible so that their social and emotional development can be achieved. Some social skills training programs for school-ages children with ADHD in Taiwan have shown positive results.

Sleep disorders in Taiwanese children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

To assess obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with a control group. The ADHD was diagnosed based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, version IV (DSM-IV) criteria on successively seen elementary school children aged 6-12 years referred to a psychiatric clinic for suspected ADHD. A standardized interview (Kiddie-SADS-E), parents and teacher questionnaires, neuropsychological testing, and nocturnal polysomnography were completed for each child.

A family-based association study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and dopamine D2 receptor TaqI A alleles.

Background: Over the past 5 years, considerable progress has been made in the identification of polymorphic variation within monoamine system genes that are associated with the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) phenotype. In this study, we investigated the association of the dopamine D2 receptor (DAD2) TaqI A and ADHD in a Taiwanese sample.

Methods: The sample consisted of 98 children with ADHD and 154 of their parents.

Behavioral parent training for Taiwanese parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

It has been observed that it is relatively difficult for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to follow social rules and behave in a socially desirable manner. The ADHD children in Chinese culture, which emphasizes Confucian values, might encounter even greater adjustment difficulties. The purpose of the present study is to implement a behavioral parent training program in a Confucian environment and examine its effectiveness.

Psychosocial adjustment among pediatric cancer patients and their parents.

Children with cancer face both physical and psychosocial challenges. However, there is not enough empirical evidence in Taiwan regarding how they and their families cope with their illness. The purpose of the present study was to explore the psychosocial impact of cancer on target children and their families as well as the degree of depression experienced by these children.