Psychological interventions in pervasive developmental disorder: An overview.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) involve significant impairments in social communication, interaction, and symbolic play.
• Pharmacological treatments for PDDs offer limited efficacy, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of psychological interventions for managing pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).
• To equip mental health professionals with essential knowledge of PDD management techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on psychological interventions for PDDs.
• Categorization and description of various therapeutic techniques.
• Discussion of the empirical support and controversies surrounding different interventions.

Main Results:

• A wide array of psychological interventions exists for PDD management, ranging from empirically supported to novel approaches.
• The effectiveness of interventions varies, with some demonstrating strong evidence and others being under investigation.
• Knowledge of these diverse techniques is vital for professionals working with children with PDDs.

Conclusions:

• Psychological interventions are the cornerstone of PDD management.
• A thorough understanding of available techniques is essential for effective clinical practice and improving outcomes for children with PDDs.
• Continued research into novel and established interventions is important for advancing PDD care.