21. Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Question 1

Oppositional defiant disorder (4 symptoms for 6 months)

Answer 1

Severe temper tantrums, easily annoyed, angry or resentful, argues with adults, refuses to comply, does things to annoy others, blames other for own mistakes, resentful

Question 2

Conduct disorder (3 symptoms for 6 months)

Answer 2

Bullying others, physical fights, using weapon, physical cruelty to others/animals, destruction of property, often lies, steals, violates rules

Question 3

Predictors of behavioural disorders:

Answer 3

Gender M:F 7:1
Harsh and inconsistent parenting style
Poor parental mental health: depression, antisocial, substance misuse
Low socioeconomic status, deprived areas, language delay

Question 4

Predictors of poor outcomes in behavioural difficulties in children:

Answer 4

Onset <8 yo 
Severity of antisocial acts and violence
Lower IQ 
Comorbidities (ADHD)
Domestic violence 
Family history of criminality or alcoholism

Question 5

Negative outcomes of behavioural difficulties, in adulthood:

Answer 5

• Cost to society
• Higher rates of abuse and violence in offspring
• Poor education and employment
• Mental health concerns