Using semi-structured interviews, 25 HIV-positive Caribbean people in London this study investigated their diagnosis experience and its immediate aftermath. Diagnosis with HIV caused profound shock and distress to participants, as they associated the disease with immediate death and stigmatisation. Respondents were faced with multifaceted loss: of their known self, their present life, their envisioned future, and the partner they had expected to play a role in each of these. A minority of accounts suggest that the way in which healthcare practitioners delivered the diagnosis intensified the participants' distress. This research suggests that healthcare practitioners should educate patients in specific aspects of HIV transmission and treatment, and engage closely with them in order to understand their needs and potential reactions to a positive diagnosis.
Using semi-structured interviews, 25 HIV-positive Caribbean people in London this study investigated their diagnosis experience and its immediate aftermath. Diagnosis with HIV caused profound shock and distress to participants, as they associated the disease with immediate death and stigmatisation. Respondents were faced with multifaceted loss: of their known self, their present life, their envisioned future, and the partner they had expected to play a role in each of these. A minority of accounts suggest that the way in which healthcare practitioners delivered the diagnosis intensified the participants' distress. This research suggests that healthcare practitioners should educate patients in specific aspects of HIV transmission and treatment, and engage closely with them in order to understand their needs and potential reactions to a positive diagnosis.
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, self-concept, African Caribbean people, diagnosis;
International Journal of Transgenderism, 12(1), January 2010, pp.1-24.
Publisher:
Routledge
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Diagnosis of gender identity disorder (GID) as it currently stands in the DSM-IV-TR has drawn criticism from those promoting the rights and interests of transgender persons. The working group revaluating this diagnosis for the fifth edition, due for publication in 2013, has to weigh all the health, legal and social ramifications of the diagnosis; some of which may conflict. This survey, involving 201 organisations concerned with the welfare of transgender people from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, was conducted to identify country specific concerns and perceived problems with DSM diagnosis. Forty-three organisations spread across all continents completed the survey. A majority (55.8%) believed the diagnosis should be excluded from the 2013 edition; 23.3% were uncertain and 20.9% thought it should stay. The major reason for wanting to keep the diagnosis in the DSM was health care reimbursement. Regardless of whether groups were for or against the removal of the diagnosis, the survey revealed a broad consensus that if the diagnosis remains in the DSM, there needs to be an overhaul of the name, criteria, and language to minimise stigmatisation
Diagnosis of gender identity disorder (GID) as it currently stands in the DSM-IV-TR has drawn criticism from those promoting the rights and interests of transgender persons. The working group revaluating this diagnosis for the fifth edition, due for publication in 2013, has to weigh all the health, legal and social ramifications of the diagnosis; some of which may conflict. This survey, involving 201 organisations concerned with the welfare of transgender people from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, was conducted to identify country specific concerns and perceived problems with DSM diagnosis. Forty-three organisations spread across all continents completed the survey. A majority (55.8%) believed the diagnosis should be excluded from the 2013 edition; 23.3% were uncertain and 20.9% thought it should stay. The major reason for wanting to keep the diagnosis in the DSM was health care reimbursement. Regardless of whether groups were for or against the removal of the diagnosis, the survey revealed a broad consensus that if the diagnosis remains in the DSM, there needs to be an overhaul of the name, criteria, and language to minimise stigmatisation of transgender individuals.
Tizard Learning Disability Review, 15(2), April 2010, pp.33-44.
Publisher:
Emerald
This paper examines the nature of the classifications of learning disabilities as circulated within the diagnostic manuals. It suggests that, by leaving aside all doubts and controversies that surround the concept and measurement of intellectual functioning, weaknesses are exposed from within those manuals' own frames of reference. The difficulties arising from using the international sub-classifications of learning disabilities when the national classifications should apply are discussed. Three main conclusions are drawn: there are inherent difficulties with the measurement of the fine-grained classification system which leads to a best guess approach; there are difficulties resulting from the incursion of the internationally promoted classification into the national context; and without acknowledging these two failings, problems will compound, appearing in unlikely places. The difficulties fundamentally arise from trying to mould the categories of learning disabilities into a strict medical diagnostic framework.
This paper examines the nature of the classifications of learning disabilities as circulated within the diagnostic manuals. It suggests that, by leaving aside all doubts and controversies that surround the concept and measurement of intellectual functioning, weaknesses are exposed from within those manuals' own frames of reference. The difficulties arising from using the international sub-classifications of learning disabilities when the national classifications should apply are discussed. Three main conclusions are drawn: there are inherent difficulties with the measurement of the fine-grained classification system which leads to a best guess approach; there are difficulties resulting from the incursion of the internationally promoted classification into the national context; and without acknowledging these two failings, problems will compound, appearing in unlikely places. The difficulties fundamentally arise from trying to mould the categories of learning disabilities into a strict medical diagnostic framework.
This booklet provides a concise, straight forward introduction to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. It is written to help anyone affected by Alzheimer's disease including, those with dementia, friends and family members, and professionals, to understand the condition. The contents include: causes, symptoms and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; treatment and care; support
This booklet provides a concise, straight forward introduction to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. It is written to help anyone affected by Alzheimer's disease including, those with dementia, friends and family members, and professionals, to understand the condition. The contents include: causes, symptoms and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; treatment and care; support of people with Alzheimer's disease; and guidance for professionals.
Subject terms:
treatment, therapy and treatment, Alzheimers disease, diagnosis;
Data from the Health Improvement Network (THIN), a primary care database was used for this study. Three hundred and fifty three general practices in the United Kingdom provide data to THIN. Participants were all adults aged 60 years or over with a first ever diagnosis for dementia from 1990 to 2007 (n=22 529); and a random sample of five participants without dementia for every participant with dementia matched on practice and time period (n=112 645). Results found the survival for people diagnosed with dementia aged 60-69 drops from an average of 6.7 years to 1.9 years in those aged 90 and over. Mortality rates are also more than three times greater in patients with dementia than in those without dementia in the first year after the diagnosis was recorded
Data from the Health Improvement Network (THIN), a primary care database was used for this study. Three hundred and fifty three general practices in the United Kingdom provide data to THIN. Participants were all adults aged 60 years or over with a first ever diagnosis for dementia from 1990 to 2007 (n=22 529); and a random sample of five participants without dementia for every participant with dementia matched on practice and time period (n=112 645). Results found the survival for people diagnosed with dementia aged 60-69 drops from an average of 6.7 years to 1.9 years in those aged 90 and over. Mortality rates are also more than three times greater in patients with dementia than in those without dementia in the first year after the diagnosis was recorded
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 19(1), January 2010, pp.35-42.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Human papillomavirus is responsible for anogenital warts and could be regarded as an indicator of possible sexual abuse in children. This article describes a case study in which a genital wart was detected during an investigation of anti-hepatitis C virus positivity in a 4-year-old male patient. No pathological findings of another sexually transmitted disease were found except complete cleft palate and circumferential lesions in the perianal region. No family member was anti-hepatitis C virus positive, but the patient's uncle and his wife had genital condylomata. Although detailed physical examination uncovered no other findings indicative of sexual abuse, suspicion of abuse could not be eliminated. This article aims to draw the attention of health professionals to the association of anogenital warts in children and sexual abuse.
Human papillomavirus is responsible for anogenital warts and could be regarded as an indicator of possible sexual abuse in children. This article describes a case study in which a genital wart was detected during an investigation of anti-hepatitis C virus positivity in a 4-year-old male patient. No pathological findings of another sexually transmitted disease were found except complete cleft palate and circumferential lesions in the perianal region. No family member was anti-hepatitis C virus positive, but the patient's uncle and his wife had genital condylomata. Although detailed physical examination uncovered no other findings indicative of sexual abuse, suspicion of abuse could not be eliminated. This article aims to draw the attention of health professionals to the association of anogenital warts in children and sexual abuse.
Subject terms:
sexually transmitted infections, case studies, child sexual abuse, diagnosis;
Children and Youth Services Review, 32(7), July 2010, pp.945-964.
Publisher:
Elsevier
A new diagnosis for children has emerged in the last decade: paediatric bipolar disorder. Children who, in the past, would have been given other diagnoses are now being relabelled as paediatric bipolar. This paper examines whether the children being labelled with this belong to the same population as well-characterised bipolar I disorder of the past. It begins with a description of well-characterised bipolar I adults of the past, and retrospective studies examining the childhood characteristics of adults with bipolar are reviewed. The paper then examines the types of children receiving the diagnosis of paediatric bipolar and delineates how the behaviour of these children differs from the pattern of behaviour exhibited by adults with classical bipolar, thus raising the question of whether
A new diagnosis for children has emerged in the last decade: paediatric bipolar disorder. Children who, in the past, would have been given other diagnoses are now being relabelled as paediatric bipolar. This paper examines whether the children being labelled with this belong to the same population as well-characterised bipolar I disorder of the past. It begins with a description of well-characterised bipolar I adults of the past, and retrospective studies examining the childhood characteristics of adults with bipolar are reviewed. The paper then examines the types of children receiving the diagnosis of paediatric bipolar and delineates how the behaviour of these children differs from the pattern of behaviour exhibited by adults with classical bipolar, thus raising the question of whether paediatric bipolar is a childhood manifestation of classical bipolar. The article discusses the changes in the DSM IV which greatly expanded the types of persons included under the bipolar label, and reviews studies examining the children of parents with well-characterised bipolar I and studies examining children of parents meeting criteria under the expanded definition of bipolar. It concludes that only children of parents meeting criteria for bipolar under the expanded definition are similar to children being diagnosed with paediatric bipolar, while the children of parents with classical bipolar I are not similar. Because of this, the article questions the usefulness of having broadened the bipolar label to children and, perhaps, their parents. The article ends with studies suggesting that some children meeting criteria for bipolar behaviour will grow out of this behaviour.
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23(3), May 2010, pp.296-300.
Publisher:
Wiley
... unrecognised. This article reports the first case of a person with Down syndrome who fulfils the operational criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies and was also found to have Lewy bodies on neuropathological examination. The article emphasises the importance of making an early and accurate diagnosis as patients with dementia with Lewy bodies may respond differently than Alzheimer's dementia patients
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common cause of dementia in the general population. Several researches have established an association between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Very few studies have, however, showed such an association between dementia with Lewy bodies and Down syndrome. The occurrence of dementia with Lewy bodies in persons with Down syndrome is widely unrecognised. This article reports the first case of a person with Down syndrome who fulfils the operational criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies and was also found to have Lewy bodies on neuropathological examination. The article emphasises the importance of making an early and accurate diagnosis as patients with dementia with Lewy bodies may respond differently than Alzheimer's dementia patients to certain behavioural and medical treatments.
Subject terms:
case studies, dementia, diagnosis, Downs syndrome;
Social Work with Groups, 33(1), January 2010, pp.69-83.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder often elicits strong emotional reactions from parents of the diagnosed child. Follow-up services and continued support for these families is a necessary component to help families adapt and meet their and their children's needs. This pilot study was conducted to determine if support groups could meet the express needs of parents after their child had received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. A psychoeducational approach was used in the implementation of two 6-session, co-facilitated support groups. Pre- and post-support group surveys, using the Family Empowerment Scale, were administered to the parents attending both support groups to measure advocacy skills and self-efficacy. The results found statistically significant increases in the average mean scores for the 3 subscales of the Family Empowerment Scale. The article concludes that, in the immediate aftermath of receiving this diagnosis, the encouragement and assistance gained through the mutual aid process of a support group can be invaluable. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder often elicits strong emotional reactions from parents of the diagnosed child. Follow-up services and continued support for these families is a necessary component to help families adapt and meet their and their children's needs. This pilot study was conducted to determine if support groups could meet the express needs of parents after their child had received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. A psychoeducational approach was used in the implementation of two 6-session, co-facilitated support groups. Pre- and post-support group surveys, using the Family Empowerment Scale, were administered to the parents attending both support groups to measure advocacy skills and self-efficacy. The results found statistically significant increases in the average mean scores for the 3 subscales of the Family Empowerment Scale. The article concludes that, in the immediate aftermath of receiving this diagnosis, the encouragement and assistance gained through the mutual aid process of a support group can be invaluable. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Subject terms:
parents, support groups, autistic spectrum conditions, diagnosis;
Disability and Society, 25(2), March 2010, pp.135-148.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Over the last 20 years there has been a huge expansion (up to 1000%) in the number of people receiving the diagnosis autism spectrum disorder or Aspergers syndrome in Europe and the USA. This paper questions the way in which the diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome has come to be widely accepted and used as an essentially medical category. It does so by drawing upon sociological and historical the diagnosis. The aims are to ask what this might mean for health and social care practice in this field and to encourage the growth of theories and approaches that are grounded more firmly in an awareness of the social environment, while also reflecting the varied experiences and standpoints of people who carry this label.
Over the last 20 years there has been a huge expansion (up to 1000%) in the number of people receiving the diagnosis autism spectrum disorder or Aspergers syndrome in Europe and the USA. This paper questions the way in which the diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome has come to be widely accepted and used as an essentially medical category. It does so by drawing upon sociological and historical analyses of society, psychiatry and psychology, as well as the writings of service users, other practitioners in the autistic spectrum disorder field and the author's own clinical experience. It argues that the seeming popularity of this label within Western society may have as much to do with widespread social and cultural change during recent decades as with the supposed deficits of those who attract the diagnosis. The aims are to ask what this might mean for health and social care practice in this field and to encourage the growth of theories and approaches that are grounded more firmly in an awareness of the social environment, while also reflecting the varied experiences and standpoints of people who carry this label.
Subject terms:
mental health care, sociology, Aspergers syndrome, diagnosis;