16. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Flashcards
Autism is characterised by
- Repetitive restricted behaviour
- restricted interests
- routines/rituals - Communication difficulty*
- delayed verbal development
- conversation cannot be sustained - Impairment in social interaction
- difficulties demonstrating appropriate behaviour
- difficulties a/w non-verbal comms used for social interactions
- difficulties a/w failure to initiate or adapt to social interactions
*refer for hearing test, speech therapist for ix
Clinical features of Autism
Attach to odd objects
Unusual mannerism
Thought without creativity
Injury: self biting
Stereotypies (hand flapping, nodding, rocking)
Motor incoordination
Aetiology of Autism
Genetics
Chromosome
Congenital infections/diseases
Onset of autism
Before the first 3 years of life
Instruments used to evaluate autism
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (for patients)
Autism Diagnostic Interview (for parents)
Child behaviour checklist
IQ test (performance IQ > verbal IQ)
Children with ASD with the following features should have a genetic evaluation
- Micro/macro-cephaly
- Positive family history (of a genetic syndrome)
- Dysmorphic features
EEG should be considered if any of the following are present
- Clinical seizures
- Sx suggestive of sub-clinical seizures eg. staring spells
- Hx of developmental regression
Non-pharmaco management of autism
- Individualised intervention plan
- Alternative augmentative communication systems
- Visual strategies
- Social skills programme
Pharmaco management of autism
- Fluvoxamine: for repetitive thought
- Risperidone: for irritability, hyperactivity and stereotypic behaviour
- Methylphenidate
- Melatonin: for disturbed sleep patterns
Autism vs Asperger’s syndrome (High functioning ASD)
Asperger’s syndrome:
- M:F is 9:1
- communication is not affected, normal language development
- Verbal IQ > performance IQ (reverse in autism)
3S treatment for Asperger’s syndrome
SSRI
Structured programme orientated treatment
Social skill training
Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorder
Intention and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity
- impair function in more than 2 setting (eg. school and home)
Onset of ADHD
Before 12 years old
Symptoms of Inattention
SOLID
Starts tasks without finishing through
Organisation of tasks impaired
Lose important things
Instructions not followed
Distraction by external stimuli
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity
WORST FAIL
Waiting for turn causes frustration
On the move most of the time
Restless and jittery
Squirms when seated
Talks excessively without appropriate response to social constraints
Fidgets with hands and feet
Answers blurted out before questions
Interruption of others’ conversations
Loud noises when playing