Use of anabolic steroids is believed to increase the odds of violent antisocial behavior, thus posing risks to consumers and the general public. Some research shows the danger of steroids in inducing severe adverse psychiatric effects. Certain lawyers use this abuse to plead insanity for their clients. (SM)

The literature on the use of moral discussion groups to promote moral development in young people with behavior disorders is reviewed, and the use of the intervention is analyzed. Limitations and recommendations for applying the approach are discussed. (MSE)

Comparison of results of using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist to identify mild or highly deviant behavior in 95 children (grades 3 through 6) by two regular education teachers of each child indicated little agreement between teachers. (Author/DB)

Six behavior rating scales used with children with problematic behaviors were reviewed for psychometric soundness of reliability and validity. They are: Behavior Dimensions Rating Scale; Behavior Evaluation Scale; Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form; Devereux Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale; Revised Behavior Problem Checklist;…

The introduction to the special issue looks at the implications for school policy and special education of increasing suicide, abuse, and violence. Nine school responsibilities and three levels of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) are identified. (DB)

Fifty-three parents of children with educable mental handicaps, behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities completed a questionnaire on the types and numbers of program modifications needed to persuade them to accept full-time mainstreaming for their elementary-level children. Parents' specific mainstreaming recommendations are discussed…

Argues that behaviorally disordered students can benefit from the use of newspapers in their formal instruction. Presents a series of teaching suggestions for affective development, daily living, and vocational awareness including: categorizing, cause and effect, use of graphs, and arithmetic skills. (RS)

Research for biological-genetic markers of alcoholism is discussed in context of a multifactorial, heterogeneous, developmental model. Suggested that strategies used in linkage and association studies will require modification. Also suggested several extant associations of genetic markers represent true secondary interactive phenomena that alter…

Recent studies show the neuropsychopharmacologic basis of alcoholism. Studies involving the serotonergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter systems have shown consistent results. Concurrent nosologic developments have led to identification of subtypes of alcoholism. This article reviews literature in these various areas in an effort to enhance…

Describes work of Anton Makarenko (1888-1939), Ukrainian educator and youth pioneer considered one of century's great experts on troubled youth. Notes that, although Makarenko claimed to work without theories, he actually used sophisticated interventions that involved cognitive dissonance, paradoxical interventions, and cognitive reframing with…

Poetry writing is recommended in working with adolescent students both with and without emotional/behavioral disorders. Poetry writing is seen as having value in preventing emotional problems and in reaching depressed adolescents with language deficits. Examples are given from poems written by seventh graders. (DB)

Special education for students with emotional and behavioral disorders has a substantial history. The most effective programs feature systematic, databased interventions, continuous assessment and monitoring of progress, specifically matched and multicomponent treatment, provision for guided practice of academic and social skills, programming for…

This paper discusses a model crisis intervention program for community-based individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, featuring cross-system access between existing services and emphasis on staff training. Outcomes of the Rochester, New York, program reveal that 69% of 267 individuals referred to the program required only 1…

Examined the psychopathological morbidity of criminal children and teenagers from a diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative point of view. Studied the young offenders' histories, their behavior patterns and personalities at the time the actual criminal act took place, and how subjects coped with the judicial procedure during the following…

This paper argues that the behaviorally disruptive child with aggressive tendencies might function better in a nonmainstreamed situation than in a mainstreamed classroom. Alternative options are presented. (Author/JDD)