Showing papers by "Michael Rutter published in 1987"

Psychosocial resilience and protective mechanisms.

Abstract: The concept of mechanisms that protect people against the psychological risks associated with adversity is discussed in relation to four main processes: reduction of risk impact, reduction of negative chain reactions, establishment and maintenance of self-esteem and self-efficacy, and opening up of opportunities. The mechanisms operating at key turning points in people's lives must be given special attention.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Modern Approaches

Abstract: Clinical assessment influences on psychopathology clinical syndromes approaches to treatment.

Autism and pervasive developmental disorders: Concepts and diagnostic issues

Abstract: The purpose of this report is to bring up to date available information on the defining features and diagnostic issues relating to autism and related disorders We review the validity of the syndrome based on our last review (Rutter, 1978; Schopler, 1978) Subsequent data have produced refinement in our understanding of both diagnostic criteria and the nature of the basic deficit Controversies over both the boundaries and the heterogeneity within the autism syndrome are evaluated according to available evidence Diagnostic rating instruments for expediting systematic sample selection are critiqued, and leads for new research directions are suggested

Temperament, personality and personality disorder.

Abstract: It is now over 2000 years since Hippocrates put forward his idea that there were four body †̃¿ humours', each associated with a characteristic personality style: black bile with melancholic; blood with sanguine; yellow bile with choleric; and phlegm with phlegmatic (Mora, 1980).The proposition that human beings are constitutionally different in ways that shape their personality style caught on with the lay public. Indeed the notion of body humours determined the very words that we use to describe such styles. Yet the view has not had such a smooth journey in scientific circles. There is a surprising lack of uniformity in both concept and terminology, as is all too evident in the controversies surrounding the terms †̃¿ tempera ment', †̃¿ personality' and †̃¿ personality disorder'. Paradoxically, personality psychology went out of fashion just at the time that the study of temperament was becoming firmly established. But the recent up surge of research and of writing on temperament has not brought general agreement. Kagan et al(1987) see temperament in terms of those behavioural styles that have a strong biological basis; somewhat similarlyBuss & Plomin (1986) defined temperament as inherited personality traits present in early childhood. By contrast, Bates (1980) suggested that much of temperament lay in parental percepts rather than child behaviour; Mischel (1968) argued that situational influences were so strong that the role of personality traits could be ignored; Stevenson-Hinde & Hinde (1986) accepted that there is an individual component to behaviour but pointed out that most behaviour as observed is a property of social interactions rather than just one person; and Graham & Stevenson (1986) maintained that temperament represents only sub clinical manifestations of psychiatric disorder. Where does the truth lie? What value have these concepts for clinical practice if their meaning and basis is in such dispute? My purpose in this paper is to attempt some clarification of the rather complex mesh of ideas that fall under the general rubric of tempera ment, personality and personality disorder. In so doing, I shall seek to provide tentative answers to these difficult questions and, more hesitantly, I shall suggest some possible ways forward. Temperament

Which boys respond to stimulant medication? A controlled trial of methylphenidate in boys with disruptive behaviour.

Abstract: Thirty-eight boys, referred for psychiatric treatment because of serious problems of behaviour, underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of methylphenidate and placebo. Methylphenidate was an effective treatment over a 3-week period. A good response to methylphenidate was predicted by higher levels of inattentive and restless behaviour, impaired performance on tests of attention, clumsiness, younger age and by the absence of symptoms of overt emotional disorder. DSM-III and ICD-9 diagnoses of 'hyperactivity' were not good predictors. The results support the validity of a construct of hyperactivity in describing childhood psychopathology, but emphasize the need for a refinement of diagnostic criteria.

Treatment of Autistic Children

Abstract: Series Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Changing Theories and Styles of Treatment in Autism. Designing a Treatment Programme. Fostering Language Development. The Facilitation of Social Development. Treatment of Obsessive and Ritualistic Behaviours. Non-Specific Behavioural Problems. The Alleviation of Family Problems. Short Terms Effects of Treatment. The Final Year of Treatment. Comparisons Between Cases and Long Term Controls. Parents' Views on the Treatment Programme. Treatment Implications. Implications for Research and for Clinical Concepts. References. Appendices. Index.