Individualized assessments in treatment research: an examination of parent-nominated target problems in the treatment of disruptive behaviors in youth with Tourette syndrome.

Youth with Tourette syndrome (TS) often exhibit disruptive behaviors. Although improvement data on rating scales support the efficacy of structured psychotherapeutic interventions, there is growing interest in personalized outcome assessments. This report examined parent-nominated target problems (PTPs) as an individualized outcome measure in 48 youth with TS and disruptive behaviors, who participated in one of two randomized psychotherapy trials.

Promoting social skill development in children with pervasive developmental disorders: a feasibility and efficacy study.

A randomized controlled design was employed to evaluate a social skills intervention for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Aims included evaluating the acceptability of the program and gathering preliminary evidence on efficacy. Forty-four children, ages 8-11 years, were randomly assigned to treatment or wait list.

Pediatric bipolar disorder: evidence-based psychopharmacological treatments.

Topic: Pediatric bipolar disorder can cause severe disturbances in global functioning. Diagnosing pediatric bipolar disorder is challenging due to the range of symptom expression, developmental differences as compared to adults, presence of comorbid disorders, and developing diagnostic criteria. Treating this disorder can be equally challenging due to frequent symptom relapse and the dearth of research until recently on effective psychopharmacological interventions that guide clinical prescribing practices.

Dietary status and impact of risperidone on nutritional balance in children with autism: a pilot study.

Background: Risperidone may be effective in improving tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behaviour in children with autism, but often leads to weight gain.

Method: Using a quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), we prospectively examined the nutritional intake of 20 children with autism participating in a randomised placebo-controlled trial of risperidone for disruptive behaviours.

Results: At baseline, the mean intakes for macronutrients, vitamins and minerals exceeded Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs).

Evaluation of peer-led support groups for graduate nursing students.

The purpose of this article is to explore the educational and experiential benefits for graduate nursing students as both leaders and members of a peer-led support group. The published literature on the stress associated with nursing education and methods used to decrease nursing students' anxiety will be reviewed, and a peer-led support group model will be described. An evaluation of the outcomes for participants as they relate to the goals of decreasing the stress inherent in nursing education and assisting with nursing role transition will be examined.

Child & adolescent depression: review of the latest evidence-based treatments.

(1) Depression is a serious mental health problem particularly in children and adolescents that requires early identification and intervention. (2) Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a highly effective treatment that decreases symptoms within 3 months and maintains gains at 2 years posttreatment. It works by changing cognitive distortions and teaching problem solving and coping strategies.