bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow‐up of endoscopic therapy of anal canal condylomata acuminata with podophyllotoxin
Authors: Tzathas C , Stavrianeas NG , Triantafyllou K , Triantafyllou G , Ladas SD
Published: December 2006

Background  Condylomata acuminata of the anal canal, a common sexually transmitted disease, are difficult‐to‐treat lesions with a high recurrence rate after initial successful treatment.

Objective  Our aim was to evaluate by anoscopy the efficacy of podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution topically applied for the treatment of anal warts.

Methods  We prospectively studied consecutive patients with condylomata acuminata of the anal canal that spared the rectum. They were treated with 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution topically applied on the warts, by anoscopy. Podophyllotoxin solution was administered on days 1, 2 and 3 every week (a treatment cycle) for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Patients whose warts were not completely eradicated were classified as failures. Follow‐up anoscopy was performed monthly for the first 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. Those who relapsed during the follow‐up period were retreated.

Results  Twenty‐two immunocompetent patients entered the study. The primary clearance rate was 22.7, 54.5, 68.1 and 86.3% after 1, 2, 3 and 4 treatment cycles, respectively. During the follow‐up period (46, 12–60 months), seven patients (36.8%) relapsed. Four of them were successfully retreated. Thus, a complete cure was achieved in 16 out of 22 patients (72.7%). Adverse side‐effects were mild. They included proctalgia in six (27.2%), bleeding in four (17.2%), and both proctalgia and bleeding in two (9%) patients.

Conclusions  Endoscopic topical application of 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution is an effective and well‐tolerated method for the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the anal canal.
Executive Function Deficits in High‐Functioning Autistic Individuals: Relationship to Theory of Mind
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Pennington Bruce F. , Rogers Sally J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A group of high‐functioning autistic individuals was compared to a clinical control group matched on VTQ, age, sex and SES. Significant group differences were found on executive function, theory of mind, emotion perception and verbal memory tests, but not on spatial or other control measures. Second‐order theory of mind and executive function deficits were widespread among the autistic group, while first‐order theory of mind deficits were found in only a subset of the sample. The relationship of executive function and theory of mind deficits to each other, and their primacy to autism, are discussed.
Asperger's Syndrome: Evidence of an Empirical Distinction from High‐Functioning Autism
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Rogers Sally J. , Pennington Bruce F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study compared the neuropsychological profiles of individuals with high‐functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger's syndrome (AS). In comparison with matched controls, both groups were impaired on executive function tests. Only the HFA group demonstrated deficits in theory of mind and verbal memory, performing more poorly than both controls and AS subjects. These results suggest that: (1) HFA and AS are empirically distinguishable on measures independent of diagnostic criteria, and (2) impairment on theory of mind measures is not universally found among individuals with autistic spectrum conditions. The primacy of executive function and theory of mind deficits to autism is discussed.
Intercountry Adoption: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Tizard Barbara
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Studies of the outcome of intercountry adoption are reviewed in the context of its history and politics. Intercountry adoption is a post‐World War II phenomenon, and has become largely a service for childless couples in the West. Many Third World countries, and some Western social workers, are bitterly opposed to the practice, on both political and psychological grounds. Outcome studies have produced results similar to those found in studies of incountry adoption, although, to date, insufficient attention has been paid to issues of identity and racism. The policy implications of these studies will depend on political considerations, as well as the research evidence.
Differential Prediction of Young Adult Arrests for Property and Personal Crimes: Findings of a Cohort Follow‐up Study of Violent Boys from North Carolina's Willie M Program
Authors: Weisz John R. , Martin Sandra L. , Walter Bernadette R. , Fernandez Gustavo A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Which characteristics of violent youth predict adult arrest for property crimes (e.g. burglary), and for personal crimes (e.g. assault)? We addressed this question by focusing on a group of particularly violent and assaultive boys. Separate logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict property and personal crime arrests as a function of adolescent psychiatric diagnosis, behavior problem history, race and IQ. Property crime arrest was predicted by an adolescent history of property offenses, conduct disorder diagnosis, and race (more arrests among non‐whites than whites). Personal crime arrest was predicted by adolescent history of property offenses and adolescent history of substance abuse.
Marital Disharmony and Children's Behaviour Problems: Aspects of a Poor Marriage that Affect Children Adversely
Authors: Jenkins J. M. , Smith M. A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– The aim of this study was to investigate the elements of the parental marital relationship which put children at risk for behavioural and emotional problems. Data from 119 families from the general population with a child aged between 9 and 12 years were analysed for the present study. The relationship between children's emotional and behavioural problems and overt parental conflict, covert tension between parents and discrepancy on child‐rearing practices was assessed. Overt parental conflict was found to relate most strongly to children's emotional and behavioural problems using mothers', fathers’and children's accounts of the children's symptoms and after controlling for other aspects of marital disharmony. Aspects of the parent‐child relationship were hypothesized as mediating variables in the relationship between parental conflict and children's emotional and behavioural problems, but the data did not support this hypothesis.
Somatic Complaints and Their Relationship to Depressive Symptoms in Swedish Adolescents
Authors: Larsson Bo S.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– This study investigated the prevalence of somatic complaints among Swedish adolescents aged 13–18 years. Assessment was made by means of questionnaires given to normal boy and girl students in a school sample, but in headache, headache‐free, and psychiatric inpatient groups were restricted to girls only. Furthermore, the relationship between somatic and depressive symptoms was examined.

In agreement with previous research, the results indicated that normal girls consistently have more frequent and severe somatic complaints. In this sample, the frequency of self‐reported symptoms was highest among 13 year olds. For the majority of somatic items, adolescents in the psychiatric group reported more frequent and severe symptoms than those in the contrast conditions. Although significant correlations between total somatic and depressive symptoms were obtained, the power of the most potent somatic items to discriminate between a depressive and nondepressive state among adolescents was weak.
Psychological Disturbance and its Associations in the Children of the Gujarati Community
Authors: Hackett Latha , Hackett Richard , Taylor David C.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– The infrequent referral of Asian children to child psychiatry clinics was noted. By administering Rutter's scale A2 to samples of Gujarati and English parents with children between the ages of 4 and 7 years a lower rate of disturbance was demonstrated among the Asian sample providing an explanation for the original observation. Family and child‐rearing factors associated with disturbance were identified.
Clinical Note: Childhood Neurotic Disorders with a Sexual Content need not Imply Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Healy Nuala , Fitzpatrick Carol , Fitzgerald Elaine
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Two cases are described of childhood obsessional states in which the content of the symptomatology led parents and professionals to suspect child sexual abuse. Following assessment it was felt, on the balance of probabilities, unlikely that child sexual abuse had occurred in either case. Both children had previously engaged in “sex play” with peers. Maternal attitudes to sexuality were felt to have influenced their daughters’views about sexual behaviour and to have contributed to the children's guilt feelings. Response to appropriate treatment was rapid and has been sustained in the short‐term. The importance of avoiding lengthy and possibly damaging assessment procedures in such cases is discussed.
The Transition to Adolescence: the Role of Gender and Stress in Problem Behavior and Competence
Authors: Forehand Rex , Neighbors Bryan , Wierson Michelle
Published: December 2006

Abstract– The differential change of boys and girls across pre‐adolescence, early adolescence, and middle adolescence was examined. The participants were 259 children, their mothers, and their social studies teachers. The children completed a measure of internalizing problems and adults completed measures of the child's externalizing and internalizing problems and competence. Relative to girls, boys had more problems and less competence at pre‐ adolescence and/or less problems and more competence by mid‐adolescence. A stressor, parental divorce, did not exacerbate the gender by developmental age period interaction. The differential vulnerability of boys and girls at different developmental periods is considered.
Infant Crying Patterns in the First Year: Normal Community and Clinical Findings
Authors: James‐Roberts Ian St , Halil Tony
Published: December 2006

Abstract– To provide information about persistent infant crying, crying durations and patterns were measured at four age points (1–3, 4–6, 7–9 and 10–12 months) in normal community (N= 400) and clinical (N= 68) samples. The findings provide a range of prevalence figures and descriptive statistics which may be useful for parents and professionals faced with infant crying. A large developmental shift in crying amount, and two age‐related changes of crying pattern, were found. Clinical infants showed the same crying profiles as the general community infants, but were found to cry substantially more. Although mothers of first‐borns were more likely to seek clinical referral, there were no birth‐order differences in crying amount or pattern. The findings’implications for studies of infant temperament and development are indicated.
A Reassessment of the Role of Ethnicity in Children's Social Perception
Authors: Bennett Mark , Dewberry Christopher , Yeeles Caroline
Published: December 2006

Abstract– This study examines the salience of ethnicity in 8‐ and 11‐year‐old children's social categorizations and preference judgements. Unlike previous research, children were afforded the possibility of responding to photographs of target persons on the basis of either individual characteristics (expressed affect) orgroup characteristics (ethnicity and gender), and it was found that ethnicity was seldom used as a basis for categorizing persons, nor was it widely implicated in judgements of preference. Since this study was conducted in an area virtually devoid of ethnic minority groups, a replication was undertaken in an inner city area of London. Apart from the finding that ethnicity appeared to be a fairly salient basis for categorization amongst the 8‐year‐old children, results essentially similar to those of the first study were obtained. Implications of the data for children's social perception are discussed.
Syndromes Derived from the Child Behavior Checklist for Clinically Referred Israeli Boys Aged 6–11: A Research Note
Authors: Auerbach Judith G. , Lerner Yaacov
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Child Behavior Checklists (CBCL) were completed by parents of 450 clinically referred Israeli boys aged 6–11. Principal components analyses with varimax rotation yielded 10 syndromes: aggressive, uncommunicative/social withdrawal, depressed, delinquent, hyperactive, somatic complaints, anxious, immature, unpopular, and odd. The first seven syndromes were highly correlated with American and Dutch syndromes derived from the CBCL providing further evidence of their cross‐cultural robustness.
Child Behaviours as Stressors: Replicating and Extending the Use of the CARS as a Measure of Stress: A Research Note
Authors: Freeman Nancy L. , Perry Adrienne , Factor David C.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Autistic children represent a source of stress for their parents, but the most appropriate way to measure this stress is not clear. Two studies in the literature compared parents’and professionals’ratings of symptom severity, and had parents rate the stressfulness of each symptom. The present study sought to replicate past research, and to extend it by validating this method of measuring parental stress compared to more traditional measures. Results indicated that mothers, fathers, and professionals agreed on the severity of child behaviours. Mothers found these behaviours significantly more stressful than fathers. The stress related to specific child behaviours was significantly correlated with more general measures of parental stress.
Psychosocial Adjustment among Intellectually Gifted Adolescents: the Role of Cognitive‐Developmental and Experiential Factors
Authors: Luthar Suniya S. , Zigler Edward , Goldstein David
Published: December 2006

Abstract Levels of psychological adjustment were examined among 51 high achieving, intellectually gifted adolescents with a mean age of 14.1 years. These students were compared with older adolescents matched with them on cognitive maturity (n= 30), and with two groups matched with them on chronological age (CA). One of the CA‐matched groups contained children not identified as gifted (n= 47), while the other consisted of athletically talented youngsters (n= 39). All participants belonged to upper middle class families. On multiple indices of adjustment, intellectually gifted adolescents were comparable to older adolescents will similar cognitive skills, but differed from both groups of age mates. Differences between the gifted and non‐gifted CA‐matched groups were stronger than were those between the gifted group and the athletes of the same age. The findings were interpreted in terms of cognitive‐developmental and experiential influences on psychological adjustment. The study also revealed gender effects which appeared to be linked with conflicts faced by gifted females between issues of achievement and those of social acceptance.
Hyperactivity and Delay Aversion—I. The Effect of Delay on Choice
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke E. J. S. , Taylor E. , Sembi S. , Smith J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two experiments arc reported in which hyperactive and control children repeatedly chose between small immediate and large delayed it‐wards. In experiment 1, the best choice option was manipulated by varying levels of delay after reward delivery. In experiment 2 it was manipulated by changing the economic constraint (10 minutes or 20 trials). Both groups were equally efficient at earning points under most conditions, but hyperactive children exhibited a maladaptive preference for the small reward under the trials constraint. The results suggest that hyperactive children were more concerned to reduce overall delay levels than either to maximize reward amount or immediacy.
Behavioural and School Adjustment of 12–13‐year old Internationally Adopted Children in Norway: a Research Note
Authors: Andresen Inger‐Lise Kvifte
Published: December 2006

Abstract Rutter's scales for parents and leathers were used to assess the behavioural and emotional adjustment of 151 12–13–year old internationally adopted children. Additional questions about school adjustment were added to the teachers' questionnaire. The majority of the adopted children were found to be well adjusted. However, the adopted children were given higher mean scores both for the full scale and on a “hyperactive” subscale than a comparison group of non‐adopted children. More adopted than non‐adopted children had problems with arithmetic. Adopted boys had higher mean scores than adopted girls on both Rutter scales. Age at adoption was unrelated to outcome.
Differences Between Children of Depressed and Non‐depressed Mothers: Locus of Control, Anxiety and Self‐esteem: a Research Note
Authors: Politano P. M. , Stapleton Laura A. , Correll J. A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Fifty‐six mothers (26 depressed and 30 non‐depressed) and their children were assessed on three measures: locus of control, anxiety and self‐esteem. T‐tests of results indicated significant differences between the groups of mothers across all three measures. There were significant differences between the two groups of children on stale anxiety, total score on the self‐esteem measure and social self‐esteem, with the children of non‐depressed mothers being lower on state anxiety and showing higher levels of self‐esteem. Other aspects of self‐esteem and locus of control did not show significant differences between the groups. A correlation matrix revealed that trait anxiety in the children of depressed mothers was significantly correlated with the mothers' depression, but not the mothers' anxiety. An analysis of discriminant functions found that a more anxious mood slate and feelings of fear and worry were associated with the children of the depressed mothers.
Mental Health and Psychological Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Comparison with Children having Other Chronic Illnesses and with Healthy Children
Authors: Engström Ingemar
Published: December 2006

Abstract Psychiatric disorders and behaviour problems were found lo be commoner in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in matched comparison groups with tension headache and diabetes as well as in healthy children. Depression, anxiety and low self‐esteem were common. Many children denied their problems. This may be due to the type of illness, its social consequences and the embarrassment experienced by the children. Discrepancies were found between the children's and their mothers' replies. These results are discussed in terms of their implication fur paediatric practice.
Debate and Argument: On Modularity and Development in Autism: a Reply to Burack
Authors: Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: December 2006

Abstract Burack (this issue) reopens questions First raised by ray 1989a article in this Journal, on whether children with autism have a specific delay in the development of a theory of mind, or whether the data reflect deviance rather, than delay: His paper is of considerable value in highlighting points for debate. In my response, I focus on three issues: First, the logical possibility that delay and deviance can occur together. Second, die evidence that autism may instantiate this possibility. Finally, the important question of the modularity of theory of mind.
An Observational Study of the Affective Concomitants of Mastery in Infants
Authors: Mayes Linda C. , Zigler Edward
Published: December 2006

Abstract The hypothesis that attempts at motor mastery were accompanied by positive affective responses was tested in an observational study of 9–11–month old infants in a daycare setting. Five infants were observed as they attempted three age‐appropriate motor tasks – pulling to stand, standing with support, and taking steps with support. Positive affective responses included smiling, babbling, and laughing. The five infants were observed for a total of 82 hours. The proportion of positive affective behaviors associated with practicing new motor tasks was compared to the proportion associated with well‐practiced tasks. The hypothesis that more positive affective behaviors would be associated with attempts at mastering the new motor tasks was confirmed. There was no diminution in the association between the new motor tasks and positive affect as the infants continued to practice and master the three motor tasks. The results arc discussed in terms of individual differences in mastery motivation and the often suggested continuity between early mastery motivation and later competencies.
Young Children's Views About Conflict with Peers: a Comparison of the Daughters and Sons of Depressed and Well Women
Authors: Hay Dale F. , Zahn‐Waxier Carolyn , Cummings E. Mark , Iannotti Ronald J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Forty five‐year‐olds were interviewed about conflict with peers, based on a simulated dispute between two glove puppets. Recommendations about tactics lo be used in resolving conflicts were affected by the child's gender and experience of being cared for by a depressed mother. In particular, the daughters of depressed women were leas likely than other children to recommend aggressive solutions to peer conflict; in contrast, the sons of depressed women were more likely than others to advocate aggression. Girls in general recommended more socialized tactics than boys did.
The Effects of a Social Support Group on Depression, Maternal Attitudes and Behavior in New Mothers
Authors: Fleming A. S. , Klein E. , Corter C.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The present study examined the effects of a postpartum Social Support Group intervention on mood state, attitudes and behavior of new mothers. Intervention conditions consisted of an eight session Social Support intervention (n = 44), a no intervention condition (n= 83) and a Group‐by‐Mail intervention (n= 15). Attitudinal and behavioral assessments were made before and after the interventions at 6 and 20 weeks postpartum, respectively. The primary results indicate that regardless of intervention condition mothers undergo an improvement in mood from 2 weeks to 5 months posspartum. Although the Social Support intervention did not alleviate maternal depression and. in fact, may be detrimental to depressed mothers' self‐confidence, it did increase mothers' proximal attention to their infants.
Prediction of Children's Referral to Mental Health and Special Education Services from Earlier Adjustment
Authors: Koot Hans M. , Verhulst Frank C.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The 4‐year stability in problem behaviors assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and their predictive validity with regard to poor outcome variables was studied in 1052 4–12–year old children from a general population sample. Irrespective of sex and age, the scores on [he CBCL of some 44% of the children remained above the 90th percentile over the 4‐year time interval. Externalizing problem behavior tended to show somewhat greater stability than internalizing problem behavior. High initial levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems, and persistence of problems were predictive of referral to mental health services. Referral to special education was higher for younger boys with high initial attention problems and school problems. Police contacts occurred more often in older boys with high initial aggression scores.
Situational Variation in Problem Behavior at Home and School in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity: a Factor Analytic Study
Authors: Altepeter Thomas S. , Breen Michael J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The present investigation assesses situational variation in problem behaviors of children with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. Principal‐component factors (VARIMAX rotation) were computed for die Home/School Situations Questionnaires (HSQ/SSQ). For the HSQ, tour factors (emerged, accounting for 61% of variance. For the Social three factors emerged, accounting for 68% of variance. Factors were similar to those previously derived with non‐referred children. To assess discriminative power, factors were, compared (t‐tests) to previous data. All factors significantly discriminated ADD/H from non‐referred children. These data surest the factors add lo the utility of the HSQ/SSQ in assessing ADD/H.
Listening Preferences in Regard to Speech in Four Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Klin Ami
Published: December 2006

Abstract In a previous experimental study of children's listening responses in regard to speech sounds, autistic children showed preferential patterns which were in sharp contrast to a group of mentally‐handicapped and normally‐developing children. The present study reports the data obtained for four children whose clinical diagnosis (1) became available only some time after the study was carried out, and/or (2) differed from previously recorded clinical impressions. The results obtained support previous findings according to which a tack of attraction to speech sounds appears to be a feature of young autistic children's overall disregard to people. The present technique is discussed as a viable method to examine experimentally young autistic children's social unresponsive‐ness.
Psychosocial Adjustment in Siblings of Children with Chronic Life‐Threatening Illness: a Research Note
Authors: Stewart D. A. , Stein A. , Forrest G. C. , Claris D. M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The psychosocial functioning of 10 siblings of children with chronic life‐threatening illness and their parents was compared with id healthy matched controls. The main differences found were in family relationships, with the index siblings expressing more negative emotion in relation to their fathers than controls, index mothers being less involved in social activities and index fathers being less involved with tin‐ extended family. No significant differences were found in any of the measures of depression, anxiety and sell' concept. Index siblings expressed a number of other concerns such as a fear of the break up of their family after the sick child died. The need for increased awareness of the welfare of healthy siblings as well as closer involvement of the fathers is discussed.
Psychological Adjustment of Yoruba Adolescents as Influenced by Family Type: a Research Note
Authors: Oyefeso Adenekan O. , Adegoke Ademola R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This research examines the influence of family type on the psychological adjustment of Yoruba adolescents. Using a sample of 116 adolescents, 69 males and 47 females, with mean age of 17.8 years of age (S.D. = 1.72). the results reveal that dilate adolescents from monogamous families experience better psychological adjustment than Their polygynous counterparts, whereas no such difference exists in the levels; of psychological adjustment of female adolescents from both family types.

These findings suggest (hat (i) sex‐role prescription influences psychological adjustment of adolescents in Yoruba societies, and (ii) female children enjoy more protective upbringing in polygynous families than their male counterparts.
Fears and Fearfulness in Children and Adolescents: a Genetic Analysis of Twin Data
Authors: Stevenson Jim , Batten Nicki , Cherner Mariana
Published: December 2006

Abstract A sample of 175 same sex dizygotic pairs and 144 monozygotic twin pairs aged between 8:00 and 18:00 completed the Fear Survey Schedule for Children–Revised. The heritabilities were significant for Fear of the Unknown (h2= 0.46, p < 0.001), Fear of Injury and Small Animals (h2= 0.46, p < 0.001), Fear of Danger (h2= 0.34, p < 0.001) and for Total Fear Score (h2= 0.29, p < 0.001). Multiple regression was used to estimate the heritability of extreme fearfulness (h2). For each of the fear factors the values of h2 were of similar magnitude to those of h2 suggesting that there is no evidence of greater genetic influences at more extreme levels of fearfulness.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gullone Eleonora , King Neville J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study describes the second revision of a fear survey schedule for children which was originally developed by Scherer and Nakamura in the 1960's. The revised instrument (FSSC‐II) was psychometrically evaluated on a sample of 918 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 18 years, attending regular primary and secondary schools in urban, suburban and rural areas of Victoria. It was demonstrated to have high internal consistency. The convergent and divergent validity of the revised instrument was examined by correlating it with conceptually related as well as distinct scales, respectively. Such analyses demonstrated sound validity. A five‐factor solution almost identical to that reported for the FSSC‐R, is described as are age and gender differences. The most common fears on the revised instrument are also reported.
Agreement Between Parents' Reports and Adolescents' Self‐reports of Problem Behavior
Authors: Verhulst Frank C. , van der Ende Jan
Published: December 2006

Abstract Parents' reports and adolescents' self‐reports of problem behaviors in 883 11–19‐year‐olds from the general population were compared. Correlations between both informants' CBCL syndrome scores ranged from 0.27 to 0.56. Adolescents reported many more problems than their parents did about them. Discrepancies were larger for externalizing than for internalizing problems, were larger for girls than for boys and increased with age. The findings indicated that adolescents, especially as they grow older, are indispensable informants on their own problem behaviors.
Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder in Childhood and Adolescence: a Clinical Study
Authors: Toro Josep , Cervera Montserrat , Osejo Emma , Salamero Manuel
Published: December 2006

Abstract The clinical records of 72 children and adolescents aged 5–18 with a diagnosis of OCD were examined. Mean age of onset was 11 years. Repeating, cleaning and checking were the most common compulsions. Twenty percent of subjects showed obsessions unrelated to compulsions. In 53% of cases stress situations preceded the disorder. Seventy‐seven percent of subjects suffered some other psychiatric disorder, lifetime or current, particularly anxiety and affective disorders. The majority (57%) had some first‐degree relative with a psychiatric diagnosis. Family conflicts, social withdrawal and poor school performance were also common features.
Pre‐ and Perinatal Factors and the Risk of Subsequent Referral for Hyperactivity
Authors: Chandola C. A. , Robling M. R. , Peters T. J. , Melville‐Thomas G. , McGuffin P.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Possible pre‐ and perinatal risk factors for subsequent referral for hyperactivity were assessed by comparing birth records of 129 referrals with the remaining 24,656 members of a geographically defined birth cohort. Relationships between the risk factors were accounted for using logistic regression methods. The significant factors were: social class, maternal age, antepartum haemorrhage, length of labour (second stage), 1‐min Apgar and sex. Associations between referral for hyperactivity and the pregnancy, labour and birth outcome factors were not explained by the socio‐demographic variables. The results suggest that such factors have a statistically significant association with referral for hyperactivity and may be of modest aetiological importance. However, the predictive power of the final set of factors remained low even on the original data set.
Children's Drawings of Topics Differing in Emotional Significance–Effects on Placement Relative to a Self‐Drawing: a Research Note
Authors: Thomas Glyn V. , Gray Rebecca
Published: December 2006

Abstract Children aged 4–6 years were asked to add drawings of someone they liked and someone they disliked to a picture of themselves. Liked figures were drawn closer than disliked figures to the self‐figure only when the procedure was standardized and controlled so as to equate the tasks of positioning each of the added figures. With unmatched positioning tasks there was no effect of significance of figure on placement. The data demonstrate that a child's emotional attitude to a figure can affect its placement in a drawing, but that the effect is weak and easily masked.
Comprehension of Affect in Context in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Authors: Fein Deborah , Lueci Dorothy , Braverman Mark , Waterhouse Lynn
Published: December 2006

Abstract Fifteen children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) (mean age 12.7 years) were compared to mental age matched normal children on manning a context to its appropriate emotion, PDD children were slightly but significantly impaired on this task relative to a non‐social task equated for difficulty. Both matching tasks were highly correlated with cognitive variables; the Social matching task alone was correlated with social skill level, and neither task was correlated with ratings of social deviance. Results are discussed in terms of the demands of social cognitive tasks, the magnitude of social cognitive findings, control group (selection and individual difference).
Understanding of Simple and Complex Emotions in Non‐retarded Children with Autism
Authors: Capps Lisa , Yirmiya Nurit , Sigman Marian
Published: December 2006

Abstract Non‐retarded autistic children are compared to normal controls on measures of emotion expression and recognition. In general, autism subjects recounted appropriate examples of simple and complex emotions, and accurately labeled relatively ambiguous, affect expression in pictures, Autistic children manifested some difficulty talking about socially derived emotions, pride and embarrassment. They required more time and more prompts, their responses were more tentative and “scripted”, and they displayed limited understanding of the salience of Others in embarrassing situations. Results are discussed in relation to theory of mind impairment and compensation strategies in autism.
Children's Understanding of the Feeling Experience and Causes of Sympathy
Authors: Szagun Gisela
Published: December 2006

Abstract German children in five age groups, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12 and 14–15 years, were interviewed about feeling experiences of sympathy and situations that elicit sympathy While the younger children focussed on the emotion of sadness, the older children increasingly described sympathy as n multi‐dimensional emotional experience consisting of sadness, desire to help, and preoccupied thoughts about the other in distress. The most marked developmental change occurred in the frequency of reference to preoccupied thoughts. The older children regarded severe life‐threatening distress as situations that elicit sympathy, whereas the younger children spontaneously named even‐day life distress or favourite animals.
Soft Object and Pacifier Attachments in Young Children: The Role of Security of Attachment to the Mother*
Authors: Lehman Elyse Brauch , Denham Susanne A. , Moser Margo H. , Reeves Sally L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that a healthy mother‐infant relationship is a prerequisite for the development of a child's attachment to a blanket or other soft object. Security of attachment to mother was measured 31 12 months with the Strange Situation Test and at 30 months with the Attachment Q‐Sort. Most of the children with soft object attachments were rated as securely attached to their mother at both ages. Children with pacifier attachments, on the other hand, were less often rated as securely attached and were more likely to show changes in security classification between 12 and 30 months. The results arc discussed in terms of necessary, but not sufficient. conditions for the development of attachments to inanimate objects.
Gender Ratios Among Reading‐Disabled Children and Their Siblings as a Function of Parental Impairment
Authors: Wadsworth Sally J. , DeFries J. C. , Stevenson Jim , Gilger Jeffrey W. , Pennington B. F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Gender ratios are reported for 374 reading‐disabled probands and their S.M siblings included in five independent studies of reading disability. Ratios were tabulated for each study as a function of parental impairment (neither parent affected, mother only affected, father only affected, and both parents affected), Results reveal, a small excess of male probands in referred and clinic samples of reading‐disabled children, bin not in research‐identified samples. Gender ratios among siblings of reading‐disabled probands are approximately 1:1. In addition, combined results indicate that gender ratios of neither probands nor their siblings vary substantially as a function of parental impairment.
Toddlers' Sleep and Temperament: Reporting Bias or a Valid Link? a Research Note
Authors: Scher Anat , Epstein Rachel , Sadeh Avi , Tirosh Emanuel , Lavie Peretz
Published: December 2006

Abstract Objective steep measures derived from a computerized movement detector attached (o the child's leg, were obtained for a group of 31 toddlers (mean age: 18.5 months). The monitored sleep parameters were compared with maternal assessment of the child's sleep and her perception of his temperament. The validity of maternal diaries as a measure of the child's sleep was not supported. Nevertheless, a link between both subjective and objective sleep measures with temperament dimensions was indicated. The modest association between sleep and temperament may suggest either a continuity between some aspects of day‐ and night‐time functioning or, alternatively, the influence of the child's Sleep behavior in shaping the mother's perceptions of her toddlers temperament.
Observations of Hyperactive Behaviour During Vigilance
Authors: Alberts Ed , van der Meere Jaap
Published: December 2006

Abstract A sustained attention deficit implies a deficit originating in the course of a task. A series of studies previously indicated that task inefficiency in hyperactive children is independent of task duration. The present study shows that differences in body activity between hyperactive and control children are also independent of task duration. However, the groups did differ in visual behaviour, i.e. hyperactive children did look away from the task more frequently as time proceeds. This visual behaviour did look interfere with task accuracy. It is argued that the results indicate that hyperactive children may have prevented a further deterioration of task efficiency over time through self stimulation.
The Performance of Hyperactive and Control Preschoolers on a New Computerized Measure of Visual Vigilance: The Preschool Vigilance Task
Authors: Harper Gary W. , Ottinger Donald R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study examines the ability at a new visual vigilance task, the Preschool Vigilance Task (PVT), to differentiate between hyperactive and control preschoolers. The PVT was designed to be an objective measure of attention specifically for use with the preschool‐ape population. Hyperactive and control preschoolers were tested on the PVT and the Continuous Performance Task (CPT). Results indicated that both were useful in differentiating between hyperactive and control preschoolers. Implications for the utility of the PVT and future research directions are discussed.
School‐age Children's Perceptions of Coping with Distress: Strategies for Emotion Regulation and the Moderation of Adjustment
Authors: Rossman B. B. Robbie
Published: December 2006

Abstract An inventory was developed to assess children's perceptions of what they did to feel better in stressful situations, and to examine the role of these perceptions in moderating (he relationship between stress and outcome. A total of 345 6–12 year old Children from diverse backgrounds were interviewed. Children's perceptions of what they do to relieve distress could be organized into six factors including the use of social support, distraction/avoidance, and other categories of roping which show continuity with those identified for infants and toddlers. Several types of toping served as compensatory moderators of the relationship between stress and self‐worth.
Formal Thought Disorder in Pediatric Complex Partial Seizure Disorder
Authors: Caplan Rochelle , Guthrie Donald , Shields W. Donald , Mori Lisa
Published: December 2006

Abstract We compared the formal thought disorder ratings of 27 children with complex partial seizure disorder, 31 schizophrenic children and 58 normal children. The epileptic children with fullscale EQ, scores below 100 had significantly more formal thought disorder than normal children with a similar IQ. The severity of their formal thought disorder was related to the age of seizure onset, seizure control and a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. The schizophrenic children had thought disorder irrespective of IQ scores. The cognitive correlates of their formal thought disorder scores differed from those of the epileptic children. Possible anatomical substrates of thought disorder in childhood complex partial seizure disorder and schizophrenia are discussed.
The Emanuel Miller Memorial Lecture 1991
Authors: Gillberg Christopher L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Recent autism and autism‐related research from Gothenburg is surveyed. In indigenous families, typical autism seems no more common now than 10 years ago. Genetic factors play a part in causing autism and Asperger syndrome. Certain medical syndromes carry a relatively high risk of concomitant autistic symptoms. Evidence for non‐specific brain dysfunction is often found in autism and autistic‐like conditions. The search for the underlying clue to the riddle of autism may be futile. Autism might be best conceptualized as a behavioural syndrome reflecting underlying brain dysfunction which shades into other clinical syndromes. A new class of disorders of empathy is proposed.
Reaction Time and Movement Time in Children with a Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Henderson Leslie , Rose Pamela , Henderson Sheila
Published: December 2006

Abstract— The Test of Motor Impairment (TOMI) was used to select 12 children with a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and 12 age‐matched controls. In an aiming task, movement latency, movement duration and its variability were significantly prolonged in the DCD group. In a coincidence timing version of the task, absolute timing error was significantly greater in the DCD group. The most robust chronometric effect for differentiating the two groups seemed to be the duration of movement when the target was small. Multiple regression showed that TOMI was a powerful indicator of movement duration.
Patterns of Psychiatric Disorder in Adopted Girls: a Research Note
Authors: Goldberg David , Wolkind Stephen N.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Over a 15‐year period adopted children were overrepresented in a psychiatric clinic population. The excess was seen in all age groups and there was no rise of referrals of adoptees during adolescence. Adopted boys showed the same range of disorder as all referred boys. Adopted girls were more likely than other girls to have conduct disorders. Those with conduct disorders were more likely than non‐adopted girls with the same disorder to be taken into care and to be given inpatient treatment. Differences in family structure and relationships were found both between conduct disordered girls of different adoptive status and between adopted girls with conduct and other disorders.
One‐Year Outcomes of Depressive Disorders in Child Psychiatric In‐patients: Evaluation of the Prognostic Power of a Brief Measure of Expressed Emotion
Authors: Asarnow Joan R. , Goldstein Michael J. , Tompson Martha , Guthrie Donald
Published: December 2006

Abstract The association between 1‐year post‐hospitalization outcome and the brief Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) measure of expressed emotion (EE) was examined among children with depressive disorders. Results indicated a strong association between 1‐year outcome and the FMSS‐EE measure Whereas children returning to high EE homes were likely to show persistent mood disorder, recover was more common among children returning to low EE homes. This predictive relationship was independent of possible mediating variable such as treatment regimen and clinical characteristics. Results provide the‐ first reported demonstration that (1) the brief FMSS‐EK measure predicts clinical Outcome, and (2) EF measures predict 1‐year outcome for children with depressive disorders.
Risk and Resistance Factors in the Adaptation of Parents of Children with Severe Physical Disability
Authors: Sloper Patricia , Turner Stephen
Published: December 2006

Abstract Associations between descriptor variables of child characteristics, life events, parental resources and coping strategies and outcome measures of psychological distress, satisfaction with life and adaptation to the child were investigated for both mothers and fathers in a sample of families of children with severe physical disability. Results indicated high levels of psychological distress, particularly for mothers. Personality factors, coping strategies, life events and socio‐economic disadvantage were related to outcome For both parents. For mothers, greater physical disability and communication problems in the child were risk factors; for fathers, child gender and feeding problems showed significant associations with outcome.
Evaluation of the Revised Ontario Child Health Study Scales
Authors: Boyle Michael H. , Offord David R. , Racine Yvonne , Fleming Jan E. , Szatmari Peter , Sanford Mark
Published: December 2006

Abstract This article describes the development and evaluation of the revised Ontario Child Health Study (OCHS) scales to measure conduct disorder, oppositional disorder, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, overanxious disorder, separation anxiety‐ and depression based on DSM‐III‐R symptom criteria. Problem checklist assessments were obtained from parents and teachers of children aged 6–16 and youths aged 12–16 drawn from: (1) a general population sample (N= 1751); and (2) a mental health clinic sample (N= 1027) in the tame industrialized, urban setting. Evaluation of the revised OCHS scales indicates that they possess adequate psychometric properties and provide an efficient means to obtain measurements of childhood psychiatric disorder, in general population studies, that correspond to DSM‐III‐R classification of disorder.
Early Dentine Lead Levels and Subsequent Cognitive and Behavioural Development
Authors: Fergusson David M. , Horwood L. John , Lynskey Michael T.
Published: December 2006

Abstract While a number of studies have reported associations between lead levels and cognitive development and behaviour in cross‐sectionally studied child samples, there have been relatively few studies of the long term effects of early lead exposure. This issue was studied in a birth cohort of 1265 New Zealand children who were assessed with respect to: (a) dentine lead levels at ages 6–8 years; (b) cognitive and behavioural outcomes at 12, 13 years: (c) various confounding factors. The results of the analysis show: (a) the presence of small but consistent bivariate associations (ranging in absolute size from r=.08 to.20) between early lead levels and later school performance and behaviour; (b) after adjustment fur both errors of measurement in test scores and lead levels and adjustment for confounding factors these correlations reduced to between 07 and 14. Nonetheless these correlations remained statistically significant. The evidence is consistent with the view that early mildly elevated lead levels are associated with small but relatively long term deficits in cognitive ability and attentional behaviours.