The ability of people to self-regulate physiological functioning through the use of sophisticated biofeedback instrumentation has been well-documented in the past 10 years. This article reviews the current theory and techniques of biofeedback, and summarizes the use of such procedures with handicapped and normal children and youth. Resources for parents, counselors, and educators are provided. Biofeedback techniques have been used with children as young as six years of age. The level of intellectual functioning does not appear to be a contraindicating factor. Temperature and electromyographic biofeedback training have been used successfully with handicapped children. The effectiveness of electroencephalographic training has not yet been well-documented.

SYNOPSIS This study demonstrates symptomatic improvement of migraine achieved by combined methods of concentrative meditation, biofeedback, and relaxation training. As a correlate of this treatment, the plasma levels of dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase activity decreased. An identical treatment regime in a control subject produced only transient minimal decreases in blood levels of DBH activity.

This study investigated two samples of psychological reports done on four psychiatric services for children and adults. There were 227 reports in Sample 1 and 113 reports in Sample 2. The contribution of psychological reports was assessed in two ways. The specific referral requests, for example, intellectual evaluation, diagnostic impression, personality appraisal, etc., were rated by the referrer regarding the manner in which the reports confirmed previous information or provided new and significant information. About two-thirds of the requested items of information were seen as either providing new and significant information or as providing information which confirmed information previously suspected, but which was not well established. After two months the referral source was interviewed regarding the effects of the report on patient management and care. Twelve actions were categorized and in 52% of the reports there was reported some modification of patient management or disposition as a result of the psychological report.

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