Bruce Tonge | Monash University (original) (raw)
Papers by Bruce Tonge
Pediatric Drugs, 2001
ABSTRACT School refusal is differentiated from other attendance problems such as truancy and scho... more ABSTRACT School refusal is differentiated from other attendance problems such as truancy and school withdrawal. It is characterised by the child's emotional upset at the prospect of going to school, parental awareness of and antipathy toward the problem, and an absence of significant antisocial behaviour in the child. The child's emotional upset is frequently associated with an anxiety disorder, but it may also be associated with a mood disorder. School refusal affects approximately 1% of school children across the primary and secondary school levels. Severe and prolonged school refusal jeopardises the young person's social, emotional and academic development, and may be associated with mental health problems in adulthood. A first step in management involves efficient identification and the assessment of contributing and maintaining factors. Clinical outcome studies support the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The psychosocial approach encompassed in CBT incorporates anxiety management training with the young person, behaviour management training with parents and consultation with school personnel. Pharmacological treatments are commonly employed although empirical support for their use is limited. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are the more commonly used agents, with the latter having fewer associated adverse effects. It is suggested that the first line of treatment should be CBT, with simultaneous or subsequent pharmacological treatment contingent upon the response to CBT.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1984
Cambridge University Press eBooks, Mar 5, 2016
Australian journal of family therapy, Dec 1, 1980
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Dec 1, 1990
The impact of television on children and child development and on the practice of child psychiatr... more The impact of television on children and child development and on the practice of child psychiatry is reviewed. Evidence from research is that children learn from watching television and the programs they see can change their behaviour. Programs with violent and aggressive themes tend to make children more aggressive and disobedient. Cultural sex-role and social stereotypes depicted on the television can also influence children's perceptions of society. Programs specifically designed for different age groups of children which depict pro-social behaviour are likely to lead children to become more friendly, co-operative and self-controlled. The use of television in child psychiatric clinical work supervision and research, and its potential to reduce the psychological trauma experienced by children in the legal proceedings of child abuse cases is discussed. More research is needed to determine the content and intervening variables that effect the acquisition of both positive and negative behaviour from television and enhance its promotion of mental health.
IGI Global eBooks, Sep 13, 2017
The number of smartphone- and tablet-applications, or apps, for health and wellbeing continues to... more The number of smartphone- and tablet-applications, or apps, for health and wellbeing continues to grow at a rapid pace. This scoping study identified articles reporting on the use of apps by and with individuals with autism. Professionals and parents of children with autism also completed a questionnaire as part of stakeholder consultation. Of the 40 studies identified, 28 reported on the use of apps specifically designed for autism, with clearly the most frequently being the communication support app Proloquo2Go. Other uses include assistance in the teaching and maintenance of social and life skills as well as faciliation in the delivery of behavioral interventions. Stakeholders confirmed the importance of apps to assist communication. While empirical data are available on the effectiveness of apps for augmentative and alternative communication, areas for further research include the functionality and effectiveness of apps for delivery of behavioral interventions and educational games for individuals with autism.
Springer eBooks, 1994
The creation of subcategories of anxiety disorders of childhood or adolescence in the American Ps... more The creation of subcategories of anxiety disorders of childhood or adolescence in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition (DSM-III) (APA, 1980) and 3rd edition, revised (DSM-III-R) (APA, 1987), has provided a heuristic framework and stimulus for research on anxiety disorders of childhood. This approach to the subcategorization of psychopathological disorders in childhood has not been free of criticism, particularly from Great Britain, where childhood psychiatric disorders are divided into two broad categories: conduct disorders and emotional disorders (which include anxiety states) (Hersov, 1985a). The proponents of this approach have argued that there is insufficient evidence to justify a further subcategorization of emotional disorders and the further specification of anxiety disorders (Hersov, 1985a; Rutter & Shaffer, 1980). However, the new International Classification of Disorders, 10th edition (ICD-10) [World Health Organization (WHO), 1992, pp. 273–276], specifies three types of anxiety disorders within the group of emotional disorders with a set specific to childhood, namely, separation anxiety, phobic anxiety, and social anxiety. It qualifies this categorization, though, with the statement that “emotional disorders of childhood are less clearly demarcated into supposedly specific entities.”
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, May 15, 2003
To survey the attitudes of Australian medical students to determine their views about the relativ... more To survey the attitudes of Australian medical students to determine their views about the relative attractiveness of psychiatry as a career compared with other specialties, and against findings from a North American study. We surveyed 655 first-year medical students attending six Australian Universities. Responses indicated that Australian medical students view psychiatry as distinctly less 'attractive' than other career options, as reported in the North American sample. In comparison with other disciplines, psychiatry was regarded as more interesting and intellectually challenging, but also as lacking a scientific foundation, not being enjoyable and failing to draw on training experiences. Our findings suggest that psychiatry has an image problem that is widespread, reflecting community perceptions and the specialist interests of medical students on recruitment. If psychiatry is to improve its 'attractiveness' as a career option, identified image problems need to be corrected and medical student selection processes re-considered.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dec 1, 1992
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dec 1, 1998
Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of sleep problems in children w... more Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of sleep problems in children with autism and further explore the currently unclear association between sleep problems and daytime behaviour.Methodology:The Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) group consisted of 31 children with autism and 7 children with Asperger’s Disorder ranging in age from 44 to 152 months. The control group consisted of 36 children ranging in age from 63 to 171 months. The children were matched on age and gender, and group‐matched on IQ level. A sleep diary was completed by parents over a 2‐week period, in addition to several behaviour questionnaires.Results:Results showed that children in the PDD group exhibited qualitatively and quantitatively different sleep patterns to nonautistic control children.Conclusions:The findings were discussed in light of current literature concerning circadian rhythm dysfunction, social difficulties, and abnormal melatonin levels in children with autism.
... Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of M... more ... Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of Medicine, 2002; 347(5): 314-321. 28 Hviid A, Stellfeld M, Wohlfahrt J, Melbye M. Association between thimerosal-containing vaccine and autism. JAMA, 2003; 290(13): 1763-1766. ...
Oxford University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2012
Children with ID often suffer the added handicap of emotional and behavioural disorder which seri... more Children with ID often suffer the added handicap of emotional and behavioural disorder which seriously compromises their adjustment and causes significant extra burden and cost for their parents and the community. A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of the child and family provides the context for understanding psychopathological symptoms and the basis for a best practice management plan incorporating psychological, educational, family, and perhaps pharmacological interventions.
Australian Prescriber, Oct 1, 2013
Pediatric Drugs, 2001
ABSTRACT School refusal is differentiated from other attendance problems such as truancy and scho... more ABSTRACT School refusal is differentiated from other attendance problems such as truancy and school withdrawal. It is characterised by the child's emotional upset at the prospect of going to school, parental awareness of and antipathy toward the problem, and an absence of significant antisocial behaviour in the child. The child's emotional upset is frequently associated with an anxiety disorder, but it may also be associated with a mood disorder. School refusal affects approximately 1% of school children across the primary and secondary school levels. Severe and prolonged school refusal jeopardises the young person's social, emotional and academic development, and may be associated with mental health problems in adulthood. A first step in management involves efficient identification and the assessment of contributing and maintaining factors. Clinical outcome studies support the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The psychosocial approach encompassed in CBT incorporates anxiety management training with the young person, behaviour management training with parents and consultation with school personnel. Pharmacological treatments are commonly employed although empirical support for their use is limited. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are the more commonly used agents, with the latter having fewer associated adverse effects. It is suggested that the first line of treatment should be CBT, with simultaneous or subsequent pharmacological treatment contingent upon the response to CBT.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1984
Cambridge University Press eBooks, Mar 5, 2016
Australian journal of family therapy, Dec 1, 1980
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Dec 1, 1990
The impact of television on children and child development and on the practice of child psychiatr... more The impact of television on children and child development and on the practice of child psychiatry is reviewed. Evidence from research is that children learn from watching television and the programs they see can change their behaviour. Programs with violent and aggressive themes tend to make children more aggressive and disobedient. Cultural sex-role and social stereotypes depicted on the television can also influence children's perceptions of society. Programs specifically designed for different age groups of children which depict pro-social behaviour are likely to lead children to become more friendly, co-operative and self-controlled. The use of television in child psychiatric clinical work supervision and research, and its potential to reduce the psychological trauma experienced by children in the legal proceedings of child abuse cases is discussed. More research is needed to determine the content and intervening variables that effect the acquisition of both positive and negative behaviour from television and enhance its promotion of mental health.
IGI Global eBooks, Sep 13, 2017
The number of smartphone- and tablet-applications, or apps, for health and wellbeing continues to... more The number of smartphone- and tablet-applications, or apps, for health and wellbeing continues to grow at a rapid pace. This scoping study identified articles reporting on the use of apps by and with individuals with autism. Professionals and parents of children with autism also completed a questionnaire as part of stakeholder consultation. Of the 40 studies identified, 28 reported on the use of apps specifically designed for autism, with clearly the most frequently being the communication support app Proloquo2Go. Other uses include assistance in the teaching and maintenance of social and life skills as well as faciliation in the delivery of behavioral interventions. Stakeholders confirmed the importance of apps to assist communication. While empirical data are available on the effectiveness of apps for augmentative and alternative communication, areas for further research include the functionality and effectiveness of apps for delivery of behavioral interventions and educational games for individuals with autism.
Springer eBooks, 1994
The creation of subcategories of anxiety disorders of childhood or adolescence in the American Ps... more The creation of subcategories of anxiety disorders of childhood or adolescence in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition (DSM-III) (APA, 1980) and 3rd edition, revised (DSM-III-R) (APA, 1987), has provided a heuristic framework and stimulus for research on anxiety disorders of childhood. This approach to the subcategorization of psychopathological disorders in childhood has not been free of criticism, particularly from Great Britain, where childhood psychiatric disorders are divided into two broad categories: conduct disorders and emotional disorders (which include anxiety states) (Hersov, 1985a). The proponents of this approach have argued that there is insufficient evidence to justify a further subcategorization of emotional disorders and the further specification of anxiety disorders (Hersov, 1985a; Rutter & Shaffer, 1980). However, the new International Classification of Disorders, 10th edition (ICD-10) [World Health Organization (WHO), 1992, pp. 273–276], specifies three types of anxiety disorders within the group of emotional disorders with a set specific to childhood, namely, separation anxiety, phobic anxiety, and social anxiety. It qualifies this categorization, though, with the statement that “emotional disorders of childhood are less clearly demarcated into supposedly specific entities.”
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, May 15, 2003
To survey the attitudes of Australian medical students to determine their views about the relativ... more To survey the attitudes of Australian medical students to determine their views about the relative attractiveness of psychiatry as a career compared with other specialties, and against findings from a North American study. We surveyed 655 first-year medical students attending six Australian Universities. Responses indicated that Australian medical students view psychiatry as distinctly less 'attractive' than other career options, as reported in the North American sample. In comparison with other disciplines, psychiatry was regarded as more interesting and intellectually challenging, but also as lacking a scientific foundation, not being enjoyable and failing to draw on training experiences. Our findings suggest that psychiatry has an image problem that is widespread, reflecting community perceptions and the specialist interests of medical students on recruitment. If psychiatry is to improve its 'attractiveness' as a career option, identified image problems need to be corrected and medical student selection processes re-considered.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dec 1, 1992
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dec 1, 1998
Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of sleep problems in children w... more Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of sleep problems in children with autism and further explore the currently unclear association between sleep problems and daytime behaviour.Methodology:The Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) group consisted of 31 children with autism and 7 children with Asperger’s Disorder ranging in age from 44 to 152 months. The control group consisted of 36 children ranging in age from 63 to 171 months. The children were matched on age and gender, and group‐matched on IQ level. A sleep diary was completed by parents over a 2‐week period, in addition to several behaviour questionnaires.Results:Results showed that children in the PDD group exhibited qualitatively and quantitatively different sleep patterns to nonautistic control children.Conclusions:The findings were discussed in light of current literature concerning circadian rhythm dysfunction, social difficulties, and abnormal melatonin levels in children with autism.
... Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of M... more ... Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of Medicine, 2002; 347(5): 314-321. 28 Hviid A, Stellfeld M, Wohlfahrt J, Melbye M. Association between thimerosal-containing vaccine and autism. JAMA, 2003; 290(13): 1763-1766. ...
Oxford University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2012
Children with ID often suffer the added handicap of emotional and behavioural disorder which seri... more Children with ID often suffer the added handicap of emotional and behavioural disorder which seriously compromises their adjustment and causes significant extra burden and cost for their parents and the community. A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of the child and family provides the context for understanding psychopathological symptoms and the basis for a best practice management plan incorporating psychological, educational, family, and perhaps pharmacological interventions.
Australian Prescriber, Oct 1, 2013