Objective Genomic discoveries should be investigated in generalizable child psychiatric samples in order to justify and inform studies that will evaluate their use for specific clinical purposes. In youth consecutively referred for neuropsychiatric evaluation, we examined 1) the convergent and discriminant validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in relation to DSM -based ADHD phenotypes; 2) the association of ADHD PRSs with phenotypes beyond ADHD that share its liability and have implications for outcome; and 3) the extent to which youth with high ADHD PRSs manifest a distinctive clinical profile. Method Participants were 433 youth, ages 7–18 years, from the Longitudinal Study of Genetic Influences on Cognition. We used logistic/linear regression and mixed effects models to examine associations with ADHD-related polygenic variation from the largest ADHD genome-wide association study to date. We replicated key findings in 5,140 adult patients from a local health system biobank. Results Among referred youth, ADHD PRSs were associated with ADHD diagnoses, cross-diagnostic ADHD symptoms and academic impairment (odds ratios ∼1.4; R 2 values ∼2%–3%), as well as cross-diagnostic variation in aggression and working memory. In adults, ADHD PRSs were associated with ADHD and phenotypes beyond the condition that have public health implications. Finally, youth with a high ADHD polygenic burden showed a more severe clinical profile than youth with a low burden (β coefficients ∼.2). Conclusion Among child and adolescent outpatients, ADHD polygenic risk was associated with ADHD and related phenotypes as well as clinical severity. These results extend the scientific foundation for studies of ADHD polygenic risk in the clinical setting and highlight directions for further research.

No abstract

This is a consensual qualitative research analysis of an archived videotaped therapeutic support group session for African American men to enhance clinical interpretation and empirical understanding of their views on gender- and race-related life issues. Three coders plus 2 auditors analyzed a 90-min videotaped session of 5 adult African American males. The analysis yielded emotions, expectations, and relationships as 3 thematic domains, with core and subcore ideas related to therapy group, family members, future goals, and father–son relationships under each, expanding the depth of knowledge and interpretation about content and interactions. Results showed that African American men did engage the support group to share personal life issues. This may mean that groups focused on common life issues might reduce resistance of African American men’s utilization of conventional treatment.

Sexually intimate behavior between psychologists and their clients, supervisees, and students proposes a serious problem within psychology and related fields, although ethical codes related to this issue are contentious. Deleterious outcomes for those involved are often extensive and multifaceted. Additionally, clients from disenfranchised backgrounds may be at a heightened vulnerability to therapist exploitation due to increased power differentials. The discussion focuses on implications for training, supervision, and practice with regard to the therapeutic relationship and applications to minority populations. Recommendations are posited to help practitioners distinguish between sexual attractions and intimate behaviors and address them in ethical, socially just practice. Clients may also benefit from a deeper understanding of such issues.

No abstract

Objective: This integrative review explores Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from the perspective of developmental psychopathology, in terms of its multifaceted etiology and course. Background: Individuals affected by OCD experience intrusive and undesired thoughts accompanied by behaviors used to mitigate the unwanted images. Accordingly, there are several sub-types and personality dispositions reflective of the overall continuum of OCD, spanning normality and psychopathology. The etiology is complex, with generalized psychological and biological vulnerabilities, as well as contributors from life stress. Moreover, OCD is a disorder with a highly comorbid and overlapping presence; therefore, difficulties may arise when differentiating between OCD and other problems. Conclusion: Treatment non-responsiveness is a pervasive trend in persons afflicted with OCD, but the most effective approach likely involves a stepped-care model incorporating cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and psychotropic medications. Other considerations will also be discussed.

No abstract

No abstract