CAHMS Flashcards
State some emotional disorders of childhood
Depression
GAD (generalised anxiety disorders)
OCD
PTSD
Phobic disorders
Separation anxiety disorders
State some ways in which generalised anxiety disorders can manifest in childhood
- Generalised anxiety (free floating)
- Fears of death or loss
- Somatic manifestations
- Panic attacks
State some ways in which separation anxiety disorders can manifest in childhood
- Anxiety upon separation or threat of separation from attachment figures
- Somatic manifestations
- Nightmares with separation themes
- School refusal
Outline how anxiety disorders are managed in childhood
- Behaviour therapy
- Systemic desensitisation (phobias)
- Flooding
- Response prevention - Psychotherapies
- Psychodynamic
- Family and cognitive - Anxiolytics
- SSRIs = Fluoxetine
State how depression may present differently in children compared to adults
There are the same 3 core symptoms
However in children:
- Low mood may not be pervasive (not spanning all areas of their life)
- Biological symptoms are not always consistent (sleep/appetite may not be affected)
- Concentration / motivation are generally worse
State how behavioural problems may manifest during childhood
- Uncooperative / won’t comply with requests
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Defiant +/- agression
Outline how depressive disorders are managed in childhood
- CBT
- Antidepressants (SSRIs - Fluoxetine)
- Manage any underlying problems (bullying) or co-morbid problems
State the 2 types of childhood conduct disorder and the differences of them
Socialised:
- will still have positive social relationships with their peers
- tends to be phasic
- considered less serious
Unsocialised:
- often be solitary and not have the ability to keep friendships and relationships
- potentially leads to criminality and a later diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder
- considered more serious
Briefly outline when a conduct disorder can develop, the ratio between boys and girls and general prognosis
- Can develop early before age 10 or in adolescence (timing affects prognosis)
- M:F in 3:1 (3 times more common in boys)
If adolescent onset: 85%, antisocial behaviour will have stopped by early 20
If early onset: 50% will have serious problems that persist into adulthood e.g. crime
Outline some of the presenting symptoms (features) for conduct disorder
Repetitive and persistent pattern of dis-social, aggressive, or defiant behaviour
Examples:
- Fighting / bullying
- Cruelty to others or animals
- Destructiveness to property
- Arson
State some risk factors for developing conduct disorder in childhood
- Child abuse
- Family conflict especially violence and aggression
- Lack of clear boundaries and inconsistent parenting
- Child temperament
- Co-morbid developmental difficulties or learning difficulties
Outline the treatment options for conduct disorder
Can be difficult to treat
- Consistent care and parenting
- Behavioural therapy
- School based interventions
- Community interventions
State some key features of ADHD in childhood
- Poor attention and concentration
- Psychomotor agitation
- Impulsivity
Symptoms should occur in multiple environments
Diagnosis can only be made after 6 years (although symptoms may present prior to this)
Outline the treatment options for ADHD disorder in childhood
Mild to moderate:
- Parenting interventions
- School interventions
Severe = medication first line:
- Methylphenidate (stimulant)
- Lisdexamphetamine
State co-morbid conditions associated with childhood autism
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Sleep problems
- OCD
- Learning difficulties
