CAMHS Flashcards
How is a behavioural disorder defined?
A persistent and repetitive behavioural pattern which significantly deviates from socially acceptable norms for a person’s age and situation
Give 2 examples of behavioural disorders
Conduct disorders
Oppositional defiant disorders
What is conduct disorder?
Persistent antisocial behaviour which is outside the age-appropriate social norms.
List some possible behavioural violations a young person with conduct disorder may manifest
Disregard for people in authority
Aggression towards people and animals
Antisocial behaviour: Including theft, truancy, vandalism, provocative/disobedient behaviour
What is the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder?
At least 3 behavioural criteria must have ben exhibited within the last 12 months, with at least one being within the last 6 months
What is oppositional defiant disorder?
A subsection of conduct disorder…it involves persisting negative, hostile and defiant behaviour without serious violation of societal norms or the rights of others
List some possible behavioural violations a young person with oppositional defiant disorder may manifest
Temper Defying adult orders Arguing with parents Anger / resentment Deliberately annoys others Shifts blame Easily annoyed
What are the 3 main treatment options for children with behavioural disorders?
Parent training programme
Cognitive therapy (for older children with conduct disorder)
Multi-systemic treatment
What 3 features are present in a child with ADHD?
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
How might ‘hyperactivity’ manifest itself in ADHD?
Fidgeting
Difficulty remaining seated
Running around or excessively climbing in situations where it is inappropriate
Unduly noisy when playing
How might ‘impulsivity’ manifest itself in ADHD?
Answering questions before they are finished
Interrupting or intruding on others
Inability to wait turn
Talking excessively, outside of social appropriate restraints
How might ‘inattention’ manifest itself in ADHD?
Difficulty concentrating Failure to sustain attention Appears not to be listening Difficulty following instruction Poor organisation Avoiding tasks requiring effort Often loses things Distracted by external stimuli
What is the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?
All the symptoms of ‘inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity’ must have been present for at least 6 months, having started before the age of 7. They must be pervasive (present in more than one situation) and cause clinically significant distress to impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning
True / False: ADHD can present and be diagnosed for the first time in adulthood
True - However, the symptoms must have been present since before the age of 7
Which medications are available for ADHD?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Atomoxetine
What is anxiety?
A combination of emotions (fead, dread), physical symptoms (palpitations, difficulty breathing, headache), thoughts (intrusive worries) and behaviours (avoidance) which are a continuum of normal experience but can be considered a mental health problem if they cause significant impairment or distress
List 3 anxiety disorders unique to childhood
Separation anxiety disorders
Phobic disorder of childhood
Social anxiety disorder of childhood
Give 3 core features and 7 ‘other’ features of depression
Core features: Low mood, anhedonia (Little pleasure in doing things), reduced energy
‘Other’ features: Guilt, poor concentration, disturbed sleep, poor appetite, low self esteem/confidence, thoughts of self harm/suicide, psychomotor retardation/agitation
What are the diagnostic criteria for depression?
Mild = 2 core features and additional features up to a total of 4, limited functional implication Moderate = 2 core and additional features up to a total of 6 Severe = 3 core and additional features up to a total of 8
If psychotic features present, depression is always severe
What is the treatment for depression in childhood?
Psycho-education Liaison with school Advice about sleep and exercise Self help guidance Watch and wait for 4 weeks Psychological therapy: CBT, interpersonal therapy, family therapy Antidepressants: Fluoxetine
What type of drug is fluoxetine?
Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
What is somatisation?
Manifestation of psychological stressors as physical symptoms
List some features of anorexia nervosa
- Self-induced weight loss resulting in low BMI
- Distorted perception of normal weight, which increases as dieting persists
- Excessive effort to avoid gaining weight e.g. excessive exercise, induction of vomiting, avoiding food, laxative abuse
- Returning to a pre-pubertal state e.g. with amenorrhoea
- Beginning to dream of food, making a huge struggle to continue with dieting
- Physical effects of weight loss
What is the management of anorexia nervosa?
Medical i.e. re-feeding (may require NG tube)
Psychological i.e. family therapy
