Behaviour problems Flashcards
Causes of behaviour problems
Individual: intellectual ability, gender, development, temperament, chronic illness
Family: attachment, parental style, parental mental illness/Substance misuse, divorce
Environment: physical/emotional/sexual abuse, neglect
Examples of sleep disorders in children
Refusal to go to bed
Frequent waking
Parasomnias
Medical e.g pain, asthma
Examples of parasomnias in children
Head banging Sleep walking Bruxism Nightmares Night terrors
Management of sleep disorders
Put to sleep in the place they expect to wake up
Sleep hygiene
Sleep diaries
Medication has limited use - melatonin in ASD/ADHD
Examples of non epileptic behaviours
Simple faint Breath holding Temper tantrum Hyperventilation Infantile colic Self gratification disorder
Investigation of problem eaters
History of feeding pattern
Examine mouth and for signs of constipation
Monitor growth
Investigate organic causes such as coeliacs and cows milk protein allergy
Management of problem eaters
Positive reinforcement
Avoid bribing and forcing
Encourage communal eating
Repeat exposure to small quantities
Causes of soiling in children
Loose stools: malabsorption, excess fruit juice
Normal stools: faulty toilet training, neglect, stressors
Combination: overflow diarrhoea, hypercalcaemia, hypothyroidism, Hirschprung’s disease
Investigation of organic causes for soiling
Rectal biopsy for Hirschprung’s disease
TFTs
Serum Ca
Neurology review of urine incontinence as well
Diagnosis of ADHD
Features are pervasive!: Impaired attention Easily distracted Impulsive Overactive
Use ICD10
Differential for ADHD
General developmental delay Learning disability Overtired ASD Ill disciplined Severe neglect
Management of ADHD
Behaviour management - parent education, specialist schools
Methylphenidate
Triad of autism impairments
Social interaction
Communication
Restricted range of interests
Management of autism
Education Social skills training Communication support Parent education Support groups Psychology
