Mark L. Goldstein

Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Sensory integration dysfunction (SID) (also known as regulatory sensory processing disorder, sensory processing dysfunction, or sensory processing dysfunction) is a neurological disorder that involves impairment in processing data from the different senses (vision, auditory, touch, olfaction, and taste), the vestibular system (movement), and proprioception (body awareness).

Infants, Children, and Adolescents Affected by HIV/AIDS

In 2007, about 2 million children under 15 years of age were living with HIV/AIDS around the world (UNAIDS, July 2008). Innovations in treatment have increased the life expectancy of children with HIV and enhanced their quality of life (QOL) (Burns et al., 2008). Sub-Saharan Africa has the greatest number of children under 15 with 1 million, followed by South/Southeast Asia with 140,000, and Latin America with 44,000. In North America, 4,400 children under 15 were living with HIV/AIDS in 2007. Minority children are disproportionately affected by the condition. New drug treatments and voluntary testing have helped to reduce the mortality rate.

Epidemiology, Health Services Utilization, and Costs

Health-care access, utilization, quality, and expenditures have changed for children and youth in recent decades. In the USA, Simpson et al. (2004) used the 1996–2001 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1995–2000) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization project, and the National Medical Expenditure Survey (1987) to evaluate trends in insurance coverage, health-care utilization, perceived quality of care, and costs for children and youth. The authors discovered that since 1987, health care for children and youth has changed substantially, especially between 1987 and 1996. Their results showed that insurance coverage has improved, care has shifted from hospital to ambulatory settings, hospital use has declined, and the costs related to the care of children and youth as a percentage of the total health-care costs have declined.

Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Depression in children and adolescents is not only widely recognized as a significant public health concern, but the prevalence rates are increasing. As with adult depression, there are numerous possible symptoms, including the cardinal symptoms of depressed mood and loss of pleasure in usual and customary activities (anhedonia). Sleep problems, appetite or weight changes, decreased motivation, and interference with memory and concentration may also be present. Other common symptoms include feelings of guilt or worthlessness, diminished ability to make decisions, and psychomotor agitation or retardation. Furthermore, depression in children and adolescents is typically associated with social withdrawal, interpersonal problems, decreased school performance, and increased school attendance issues. Depression also increases the risk of suicide in children and adolescents (Bhatia and Bhatia, 2007). Suicidal thoughts, ideation, rumination, plans, and attempts may be present, depending on the depth of the depression. Moreover, depression is linked to impairment in social and family functioning. There is also substantial comorbidity between depression and other psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety disorders and substance use and abuse.

Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Conduct disorder (CD) is a behavioral disorder that occurs during childhood and adolescence where children repeatedly act aggressively and express anger inappropriately. The disorder can start in either childhood or adolescence (Conner, 1998–2000).

Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

Between 10 and 15% of children and teens are overweight. According to the Center for Disease Control, “overweight” is defined as at or above the 95th percentile on the CDC’s body mass index (BMI) for age growth charts.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly

It reflects current UK and international guidelines and provides key evidence based references. Wherever possible, published guidelines are incorporated to ensure the book reflects current recommended management. It indicates where practice differs from that of younger adults, and provides guidance on the ethical and clinical dilemmas particular to the elderly. The handbook covers many aspects of cardiovascular disease in the elderly and focuses on common problems, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation and isolated systolic hypertension.