Behavior Problems Flashcards
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity that is inappropriate for their developmental level
Rapid increase in diagnoses in recent years - 2/3 take medication
2-9x more likely in boys than girls, in elementary school
frequently occurs with learning disabilities, CD, Anxiety & Depressive, communication disorders
Black & Latinos less likely to receive diagnosis than Euro American kids
ADHD Attributes
Inability to sit more than a few minutes, bullying, temper tantrums, stubbornness, failure to respond to punishment.
Difficulty in school
May engage in unhealthy behavior, i.e. running into street.
Tend to be of average or above-average intelligence but underachieve in school.
Hyperactivity: Normal vs. Abnormal
Assessment of degree of hyperactivity critical b/c many kids display hyperactivity from time to time
Normal: goal directed, can exert voluntary control over their body
ADHD: hyperactive w/o reason and seem unable to conform their behavior to demands of teachers and parents.
ADHD & Other Disorders
Tend of have learning disabilities, repeat grades, & take special ed
Problems with working memory (info stored in mind to work on later)
More likely to have mood disorders, anxiety disorders, family problems.
Boys tend to lack empathy/awareness of people’s feelings. Girls - eating disorders
More likely to have drug problems
Theoretical Perspectives ADHD
Higher concordance rate in MZ twins than DZ twins
Environmental Factors: maternal smoking, emotional stress during pregnancy, high levels of family conflict, poor parenting skills in dealing w/child’s misbehavior
Breakdown in executive control functions of the brain, involving processes of attention and restraint of impulsive behaviors needed to organize & follow through on goal directed behaviors
brain imaging studies show abnormalities or delayed maturation in areas of brain esp prefrontal cortex
Medical Treatment ADHD
Stimulants: Ritalin, and Concerta (longer-acting)
Stimulants activate the prefrontal cortex (regulates attentional processes, impulse control, acting out behavior) - Reducing disruptive, hyperactive behavior, and improve attention spans
Strattera: 1st Non Stimulant Drug - Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor - increases availability of norepinephrine in brain - unsure why but may increase ability to regulate impulsive behavior and attention
Therapeutic Treatment of ADHD
Behavior modification programs train parents & teachers to use contingent reinforcement for appropriate behavior
Cognitive modification - ie training kid to silently talk through steps involved in solving challenging academic problems
Cognitive-Behavioral - “stop and think” before expressing angry impulses & acting out
Adult ADHD
Benefit from CBT in treatment program
Cognitive training focused on building organizational. planning, and time management skills
Conduct Disorder
Kids purposefully engage in antisocial behavior, violates norms and rights of others. Intentionally aggressive and cruel.
Callous, do not experience guilt or remorse. Linked to antisocial behavior later in life.
12% males and 7% females, avg age onset 11.6
Boys: stealing, fighting, vandalism, disciplinary problems at school
Girls: lying, truancy, running away, substance abuse, prostitution
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Non delinquent (negative or oppositional) forms of conduct disorder
Develops early that CD and may lead to development of CD in later years
Attributes: overly negative, oppositional, deliberately annoy others, easily angered/lose temper. Blame others for their mistakes, resentful, act in spiteful vindictive ways.
Most common diagnosis in kids, starts around 8, affects 1-11%. More common among boys than girls before 12.
Theoretical Perspectives on ODD & CD
Expression of underlying personality trait “difficult-child”
Unresolved parent-child conflict/overly strict parental control
Psychodynamic: fixation at anal stage
Learning theorists: parental use of inappropriate reinforcement strategies
Show a bias for processing social info - ie assuming people out to harm you
Genetic/environment: children w/certain genetic profile that experience abuse early on are at increased risk of CD
Treatment for CD/ODD
Behaviorally based parent training programs. Teach parents to use more consistent and clear rules, effective punishment, positive reinforcement, increase positive interactions
CD kids sometimes placed in residential programs
CBT: aggressive kids re conceptualize social provocations as problems to be solved, rather than to answer with violence. Learn calming self-talk to inhibit impulsive behavior
