Prefrontal executive function syndromes in children.

"Executive function" is a term describing the processes required for conscious control of thought, emotion, and action that are central to the management of one's day-to-day life. Executive function is subserved by the prefrontal cortex and related subcortical structures. Disorders affecting the prefrontal cortex-subcortical system are numerous and heterogeneous, but contemporary research has begun to elucidate the mechanisms and consequences of dysfunction in various subsystems with increasing specificity.

Integrated family and individual therapy for bipolar disorder: results of a treatment development study.

Background: Several studies have established the efficacy of psychosocial interventions as adjuncts to pharmacotherapy in the symptom maintenance of bipolar disorder. This study concerned a new psychosocial approach - integrated family and individual therapy (IFIT) - that synthesizes family psychoeducational sessions with individual sessions of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

Method: Shortly after an acute illness episode, 30 bipolar patients (DSM-IV criteria) were assigned to open treatment with IFIT (up to 50 weekly sessions of family and individual therapy) and mood-stabilizing medications in the context of a treatment development study.