Happiness as a treatment goal.

Happiness is a concept reflecting general satisfaction with one's life and with oneself, not necessarily congruent with objective indicators. A most important ingredient is a positive self-image, depending, in turn, on positive perception of self as compared to one's peers and to the expectations of important figures in one's life. This requires understanding of personal strengths and constructive acceptance of limitations. Helping individuals develop subjective self-satisfaction should be the goal in any treatment program, achieved through direct therapeutic interventions as well as environmental supports (e.g., provision of opportunities for success). It is essential that service providers differentiate between their own values, goals, and administrative requirements and the individual's personal preferences and wishes.

Specialized family care for children with developmental disabilities: the Finnish experience.

This article describes features of Finland's specialized family care for children with disabilities, including professionalization and training of foster parents and the establishment of municipal employee-like status for them, long-term placements, and the preservation of relationships with biological families whenever possible. A case example of a 12-year-old child with mental retardation and autistic disorder who is in specialized care is included.

Depression and anorexia nervosa of persons with Down syndrome.

The manifestations of major depression in three adults with Down syndrome, one of whom also suffered from anorexia nervosa, were described. The clinical manifestations depended on patient's developmental level, particularly on verbal language skills. Behavioral and vegetative symptoms predominated when the retardation was more severe, whereas in the higher functioning patient affective symptoms were more readily recognizable. The overall findings indicate that major depression in persons with Down syndrome may be more frequent than previously assumed and that it can be diagnosed with standard diagnostic DSM III criteria, modified according to the patient's developmental level.

AO incompatibility in a small group of developmentally disabled children.

Prevalence of fetal-maternal AO incompatibility was studied in a group of 150 children having developmental delay in the neuropsychological sphere. In a given population the number of A children having O mothers (AO incompatibility) should equal the number of O children having A mothers (OA compatibility). However, in the study group we observed 26 children in the former and 14 children in the latter category. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04). The frequency of AO incompatibility in the developmentally disabled population was higher (17.3%) than that in 437 child-mother pairs of the general population (10.1%). It was not possible to demonstrate association of any specific neurological defect with AO incompatibility, although the children born from AO incompatible pregnancies tended to start walking later than the other children of the study group.

Motivation of plateletpheresis donors.

Twenty randomly chosen voluntary plateletpheresis donors were interviewed in depth. Information on their family histories, past histories, present psychosocial adjustment, and history of blood donation was elicited. Most donors had a high level of commitment and drive to achieve, frequently related to low self-image dating from childhood. The act of platelet donation had several important meanings for the subjects. It improved their self-esteem, making them feel more worthy and responsible persons. It provided them with an opportunity to establish relationships with others. The data obtained in this survey suggest that the altruistic behavior of the voluntary donors should be seen both as an act of giving and also one of receiving emotional gratification which fulfills one's important psychological needs. Utilization of these data in recruitment of plateletpheresis donors is suggested.