Child psychiatry

Question 1

What are common social signs of autism?

Answer 1

Lack of eye contact
Delay in smiling
Avoiding physical contact
Unable to read non verbal cues
Not desiring to share attention (not playing with others)
Difficulty establishing friendships

Question 2

What are common communication signs of autism?

Answer 2

Lack of eye contact
Repetitive use of words or phrases
Delay or absence in language 
Regression of language 
Difficulty with imagination

Question 3

What are some behavioural signs of autism?

Answer 3

Greater interest in objects, numbers or patterns
Repetitive movements that are comforting (rocking)
Repetitive behaviours
Intense interests
Fixed routines
Anxiety and distress outwit their normal routine
Extremely restrictive food preferences

Question 4

When does autism become observable?

Answer 4

Usually before age 3.

Question 5

What is Aspergers?

Answer 5

Now just known as autism. Very intelligent but can’t read the emotion of others.

Question 6

What are some complications of autism?

Answer 6

Leaning difficulties
Disturbed sleep
Poor eating habits
Hyperactivity
Anxiety and depression
OCD
school avoidance
temper tantrums
self harm
suicidal behaviour 
Aggression

Question 7

How likely is suicide in people with autism?

Answer 7

6x more likely than the general population.

Question 8

What are causes of autism?

Answer 8

Strong genetic link

Question 9

How common are seizures in autism?

Answer 9

25% of people with autism also have seizures

Question 10

What is a characteristic sign of autism?

Answer 10

If you point to an object, the child will look at your finger rather than the object you’re pointing to.

Question 11

How many people with autism go on to live alone independently?

Answer 11

Less than 10%

Question 12

What is the male:female ratio?

Answer 12

3:1

Question 13

What is autism?

Answer 13

It refers to anyone with a deficit in communication, social interaction and flexible behaviour.

Question 14

What is ADHD?

Answer 14

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

A condition where children age <12yrs have hyperactive behaviour and problems paying attention that have a significant impact on the child.

Question 15

To be classed as ADHD, where must the child be impacted?

Answer 15

In more than one place, EG just as impacted at home as they are at School. Otherwise its more likely to be an environmental problem.

Question 16

What are the signs of ADHD?

Answer 16

Very short attention span
Quickly moving from one activity to another 
Not persisting in challenging tasks
Impulsive behaviours
Disruptive behaviours 
Rule breaking
Fidgeting

Question 17

What is the pathophysiology behind ADHD?

Answer 17

There is reduced activity in the frontal lobe causing a decrease in executive function.

Question 18

How many people with ADHD struggle with attention and behaviour as an adult?

Answer 18

50%

Question 19

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Answer 19

Behavioural techniques

Central nervous system stimulating drugs (to stimulate the frontal lobe): Methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, atemoxatine

Question 20

How does ADHD impact on a Childs grades?

Answer 20

It often impacts the Childs performance at school but DOES NOT affect intelligence.

Question 21

What is conduct disorder?

Answer 21

A diagnosis given to <18yrs who show behaviour and attitudes that continuously disrespect and violate the rights of other people.

Question 22

What are signs of conduct disorder?

Answer 22

Physical aggression
Destructive behaviour
Stealing

Question 23

Which gender is conduct disorder more common in?

Answer 23

Males

Question 24

What is the prognosis for conduct disorder?

Answer 24

Half develop antisocial personality disorder
Half develop substance misuse
40% become re-offending juvenile delinquents