Abstract
This paper explains that there are differing viewpoints in mind when attempting to ascertain what the sole cause of aggressive behavior actually is. It discusses that this is due to the fact that aggressive behavior is a complex relationship between chemical, structural and behavioural factors. This paper tries to define the causes of aggressive behavior.

From the Paper
'Aggression is behaviour motivated by the intent to harm or injure another human being, animal or inanimate object through physical or psychological means (Klein, 2000). From a behavioural perspective aggression is hypothesised to be learned and maintained through social experiences. Learned behaviour through social experiences is identified as social learning theory and can take the form of exposure to direct or vicarious experiences (Bandura, 1973). A competing hypothesis to Bandura's social learning theory is social cognition in which the development of aggressive styles of behaviour is acquired early in the lifespan in the form of scripts (internal representations of how to behave in particular situations). Scripts are maintained through rehearsal in which the individual assesses later situations and determines whether the previously learnt script fits the presented situation (Huesmann, 1994). Biologically speaking there are many hypothesised explanations such as a reduction in serotonin (Klein, 1992), increase in testosterone (Rosenweig, Breedlove & Leiman, 2001), structural or metabolic differences in the prefrontal cortex (Raine, 2002) and structural differences in the amygdala (Barrett, Dunbar & Lycett, 2002). However a sole definitive origin for aggressive behaviour either biologically or behaviourally remains unknown."

Tags:cortex, prefrontal

Abstract
This paper shows how many researchers identify dyslexia as a specific and significant impairment in reading abilities which is unrelated to other general or particular abilities. The present study is intended to indicate whether reading ability is significantly correlated with laterality, a hemisphere fixation that causes a weakness in the ability to associate a letter and its sound, and perception of the rhythm in sounds as possible causes and core difficulties in pathogenesis of dyslexia.

From the Paper
"Dyslexia denotes significant difficulty in language function which affects the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling and writing. Accompanying weaknesses may be identified in areas of spoken language, motor skills, short-term memory, auditory and/or visual perception and sequencing. This disorder is manifested despite conventional instruction, adequate intellectual capacity, socio-economic and/or cultural background and general motivation ("What is Dyslexia?", 1999)."

Tags:dyslexia, education, special, skill

Abstract
Throughout the literature it has been noted that prevalence rates of BN within Australia fall within the 1-3% range for women meeting diagnosable criteria within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). This paper explores and critically reflects on the treatment orientations of cognitive behavioural therapy and a psychodynamic approach. The outcomes and underlying mechanisms driving these orientations are explored with personal preferences and frameworks of the author being expressed at the cessation.

From the Paper
"Core assumptions of Bulimia Nervosa (BN) from a Cognitive-Behavioural perspective surround its precise pathology (ie. the clinical features from which it is diagnosable) and that which maintains such pathology. Clinical features and those, which maintain them, are the formulation upon which treatment is based and executed. Fairburn, Marcus and Wilson (1993) specify these cognitive and behavioural factors which maintain BN, as being low self esteem, extreme concerns about shape and weight, dietary restraint (ie. restriction of food intake), binge eating, and compensatory behaviours (such as vomiting and/or laxative use). Figure 1 depicts a schematic representation of their cognitive-behavioural model (as depicted by Fairburn, Marcus and Wilson, 1993)."

Tags:anorexia, behavioural, bulimia, cbt, cognitive, disorders, eating, psychodynamic, therapy

Abstract
The paper concludes that the reviewed literature indicates that those who are unable to effectively control anxiety and stress events are at a higher risk for heart disease than those who manage their worries more successfully. The paper reports that these studies demonstrate that the ability of a person to find ways to relax and reduce anxiety will provide tremendous benefits and will reduce the risk factors related to heart disease. The author believes that for those who suffer from heart disease, the delivery of quality nursing care in a physical and psychological sense, may provide patients with sensations of relief and comfort.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis of Findings
Anxiety and Heart Disease in Relation to Human Health
Implications for Nursing Care
Anxiety, Heart Disease and Health Care Delivery
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A study by Tacon, McComb, Caldera and Randolph sought ways to reduce anxiety in women that leads to heart disease. The research study suggests that those faced with anxiety have reduced heart rate variability that may lead to such events as hypertension, arrhythmias and impaired vagal tone. Furthermore, since women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men are, they are also more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety before and after bypass surgery (25-26). The primary focus of this study evaluates the importance of relaxation techniques in the reduction of anxiety and subsequent heart disease, and the results demonstrate that those who practice relaxation techniques on a regular basis will reduce their levels of anxiety and the likelihood that they will suffer from heart disease."

Tags:women, stress, relaxation, factors, care

Abstract
This paper considers the diagnostic validity of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evolution of the current diagnostic category, its reliability and validity,and points of controversy are discussed. Particular attention is given to the high degree of co morbidity observed in individuals diagnosed with PTSD and the implications of co morbidity for diagnosis and conceptualisation.

Outline
The Evolution of the PTSD Diagnosis
Diagnostic Reliability
Co morbidity
Conclusion

From the Paper
"During the late 1800s and early 1900s, investigations among combat veterans, the bereaved, and survivors of natural disasters, described a range of trauma-related conditions such as 'combat neurosis', 'post-traumatic mental complications', and 'fright neurosis' (Saigh, & Bremner, 1999). These early investigation described various types of trauma reactions including heightened levels of anxiety and physiological arousal, sleep disturbance, recurrent experiences of reliving the event, somatic complaints, mood disturbance and changes in personality."

Tags:complex, dsm, ptsd, neurosis

Abstract
Through an analysis of the literature, this paper examines the key components of ADHD, including prevalence and diagnosis. Its causes,including biological and socio-environmental factors (i.e. diet, maternal smoking and difficult family environments) are discussed, as are a number of common treatments including stimulant drugs, counselling, behavioural methods and alternative therapies. Detailed results from the "Multi-Model Treatment Study" for children with ADHD are also presented. Further study into the area of cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended.

From the Paper
"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the DSM-IV as a "persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, p78). Experts estimate that between three to five percent of school-age children have ADHD, with an average of two to three times as many boys than girls being affected. ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder and is usually diagnosed during the early school years. In most cases symptoms ease during late adolescents and adulthood, although a minority experience major symptoms of the disorder into mid-adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2000)."

Tags:behaviour, classroom, methylphenidate, modification, ritalin

Abstract
This paper explores the disorder known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The paper attempts to define this illness and takes into account the different meaning of personality as well. Skeptical views are explored and argued against the fact that many cases of MPD have arisen only in the past three decades. Small changes in character traits are explored across time and due to certain instances which affect a person, resulting in a change of personality. Cases of more than two personalities are explored and deemed extremely rare cases, not comparing in any way to the subtle changes suspect to the culturally conditioned iatrogenic theory of MPD. The childhood traumatic theory of MPD is also explored and compared to the culturally conditioned theory.

From the Paper
"Many people have argued the topic of personality and what it is to be a person over the centuries. Exploring the different meanings is very complex and to say that Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) involves multiple persons depends on what we define to be a person. If there are simply changes in attitude in a person over a given time, is it classified as MPD or "excessively moody"? Taylor and Martin (1944) stated that MPD is the presence in one patient of two or more personalities each of which is so well defined as to have a relatively stable mental life of its own (as cited in Gillett 1986). Usually in MPD, the character traits of the other "person" are the opposite of the real person, for example, happy and withheld to hot-tempered and open."

Tags:psychology, patient, psychotic, mental, illness

Abstract
This paper examines studies which deal with trying to find both the psychological and physiological symptoms of anorexia. It focuses on how anorexia sufferers deal with the issue of stress and their response to it.

From the Paper
"Characterised by a denial of food, Anorexia Nervosa is a nervous disorder primarily centered on a distorted body image (eg. they see themselves as overweight when infact they are below average body weight for their height). This disproportionate perception of themselves interferes with their normal everyday functioning through regimented diets, extreme exercise and in some instances purging (Rosenweig et al, 2002). Other psychological symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) include an intense fear of weight gain and refusal to maintain a normal body weight. These psychological symptoms are magnified by physiological symptoms such as low blood pressure, potential heart damage, weight loss of approximately twenty five percent, and in women amenorrhea (inability to menstruate) (Davison & Neale, 2001). With a higher frequency in females than males (ten to fifteen times) anorexia is a devastating disorder that can sometimes result in death. Although anorexia has an unclear etiology risk factors do include family conflict, sexual disturbances and stress; however, these are entirely correlational to onset (Davison & Neale, 2001)."

Tags:eating, disorder, symptom

Abstract
This study utilized Rapee's (2001) model for the development of anxiety, in order to test whether there are factors, which protect children against anxiety. The study specifically suggests that anxious children should have a withdrawn and negative reactivity temperament, having experienced more negative life events than non anxious children and in response to these events, implementing an avoidant coping style. The study was conducted on 143 mother and child pairs. The study uses self-report questionnaires for both the mother and the child and the participants were instructed to complete these anonymously. The data obtained suggests that temperament is not a salient construct in regard to anxiety, with there being no significant differences in temperamental behaviour between high and low anxious children. The study also found that there was evidence of both negative life events and an avoidant coping style in highly anxious children.

From the Paper
"Anxiety is suggested to be the most common form of psychopathology in children, affecting around 10% of the population and is often severe enough to "interfere in daily functioning" (Spence, 1998 p 545; Rapee, 2002). Due to the debilitating effects of anxiety, it is important to identify the factors, which may increase a person's vulnerability to developing an anxiety disorder."

Tags:events, life, negative, temperament, parent, school

Abstract
Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. This paper advocates that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by essentially "incurable" predators. It puts forward the proposal that if people were assured a harsh punishment if they were to commit a crime, they would be less likely to be able to justify their criminal actions as being "worth the risk". It discusses the holes in current legislation and how offenders are often not required to undergo sex offender treatment or evaluation and they are released into the community without being forced to adhere to sex offender registration laws and evaluates Megan's law. Megan's Law refers to the series of laws introduced in New Jersey following the murder of seven year-old Megan Kanka who was kidnapped, raped and murdered by her neighbor, a twice convicted sex offender who had committed a similar crime only months before. It analyzes the increasing public awareness and concern about crime together with intense media focus on the issue.

From the Paper
"According to Princeton University professor John DeIulio, "almost half of the country's 671,000 parolees and probationers are caught committing serious new offenses within three years" (Feinsilber, 1997). Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. For this reason we should not allow these dangerous criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods, schools and homes. It is therefore my contention that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by these essentially "incurable" predators."

Tags:child, deviants, law, legal, molesters, rapists, sexual, megan, criminals