Childhood and Adolescent Disorders Flashcards
historical perspective
early 19th century - inadequate parenting, insufficient moral discipline in upbringing
reflection of environments
end of 19th century - abnormal brain functioning
current issues in assessing and treating children and adolescents
must study age specific variations - dif symptoms based on cognitive stage
youth more influenced by environments - lack of autonomy
children cannot self report
general prevalence of childhood disorders
18-22% between ages 4-17
anxiety disorders most common
types of comorbidity
homotypic continuity - current diagnosis predictive of receiving the same diagnosis in the future - panic disorders, psychosis, verbal tics, ecopresis, enuresis
heterotypic continuity - predictive of receiving a different diagnosis in the future - depression to anxiety, ADHD to ODD
ADHD clinical description
persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development
early childhood onset, 1/3 maintain diagnosis into adulthood
inattention symptoms
making careless mistakes, difficulty with attention, easily distracted, side tracked, problems with organization, messy, losing things, forgetful
hyperactivity symptoms
fidgeting, running around at inappropriate times, not remaining seated, talking excessively, blurting things out
ADHD specifiers
ADHD-I: predominantly inattentive, ADHD-H: predominately hyperactive, ADHD-HI: combined
ADHD-I - more common in girls, associated with academic problems
ADHD-H, HI - three times more common in boys, higher rates of comorbid conduct problems - motor hyperactivity symptoms often decrease over time
comorbidity and ADHD
- 50% have at least one other psychiatric disorder
- ODD or CD 40-60%, learning disorders 25%, anxiety disorders 25%, depression 30%, substance use disorders 40%
ADHD prevalence
2% preschool aged, 6% in children and adolescents, 4% adults
ADHD developmental trajectory
increased risk for developing another psychiatric disorder
begin substance use earlier than youth who do not have ADHD
four times greater risk of serious injury - motor vehicle accidents
lower occupational attainment and greater academic problems
ADHD brain structure and function
- 3-8% reduction in brain size
- abnormalities of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia
- marked delay when attaining peak thickness through cerebellum - 10.5 years ADHD, 7.5 years controls
genetics and ADHD
- heritability as high as 70-80%
- extensive study of genes responsible for the recycling and transportation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, genes implicated in developmental process
prenatal risk factors ADHD
prenatal toxin exposure - poor diet, exposure to antidepressants, antihypertensives, illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, mercury, lead, pregnancy or delivery complications
exposure to manganese, organophosphates, phthalates - particularly problematic for boys
psychosocial risk factors ADHD
- low socio-economic status, large family size, paternal criminality, poor maternal mental health, child maltreatment, foster care placement, family dysfunction
- inattentive symptoms - influenced by psychosocial risk factors
- hyperactive-impulsive symptoms - influenced by by biological risk factors
gene-environment interactions and ADHD
maternal smoking and genetic predisposition
dopamine receptor in prefrontal cortex and inconsistent parenting
ADHD assessment
reports from more than one informant using valid and reliable assessment tools
basic assessment - administering a rating to parents and teachers - self report in adolescence
clinical interview - developmental history, onset of problems, degree of impairment in different settings, differential psychiatric and medical diagnosis, psychosocial issues, family mental health history
pharmacological treatment ADHD
stimulant medication - effective in approximately 80% - increase release of dopamine and NE from storage sites and blocking their reuptake by inhibition of the dopamine transport system
types of ADHD medication
- short or long action methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine - increase vigilance, reaction time, short term memory, learning of new material in children with ADHD
- atomoxetine - act on noradrenaline and serotonin - additional benefits in reducing ODD and anxiety symptoms
ADHD medication side effects
side effects - decreased appetite, weight loss, trouble falling asleep, headaches, increases in pulse and blood pressure - sometimes more irritable or angry
psychoeducational interventions ADHD
adults responsible for the child educated about symptoms, disorder course, deficits associated with ADHD
importance of routines, physical exercise, supervised or planned activities
academic skill faciliation and remediation ADHD
scheduled breaks from classroom activities, the use of reward systems, appropriate positioning of desks, auditory vs written instructions, use of agendas
testing to identify challenges - specific interventions
behavioural parent training ADHD
parents learn techniques to help the child modify their own behaviour by providing consistent rewards and attention when the child completes a task or ceases a negative behaviour