Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

Question 1

neurodevelopmental disorders

Answer 1

group of conditions characterised by early onset and persistent course that are believed to be the result of disruptions to normal brain development

Question 2

ADHD

Answer 2

characterised by persistent pattern of difficulties sustaining attention and/or impulsiveness and excessive or exaggerated motor activity

Question 3

ADHD symptoms likely to be worse when

Answer 3

• sustained effort required
• situations lack novelty or appeal
• not receiving rewards/direct feedback/close supervision
• in group setting or less structured situations
• boys

Question 4

ADHD symptoms likely to be better when

Answer 4

• interested
• morning
• individual attention
• new situations/more stimulating contexts

Question 5

ADHD criteria

Answer 5

problems have to be:
- numerous
- persistent
- causing problems across contexts

Question 6

ADHD presentation (emotional)

Answer 6

• limited impulse control/poor delay gratification/poor self-regulation of arousal
• very excitable/frequent temper outbursts
• low mood/self-esteem
• low frustration tolerance

Question 7

ADHD presentation (behaviour)

Answer 7

• high activity levels/antisocial, oppositional, risk-taking behaviours
• poor coordination

Question 8

ADHD presentation (interpersonal)

Answer 8

• frequent conflicts with parents/teachers
• difficulties in peer relationships
• rejection by peers
• poor playmates

Question 9

ADHD causal factors

Answer 9

• genetic and social-environmental factors
• smaller brain volume and slower maturing brains

Question 10

ADHD medication

Answer 10

• ritalin (stimulant medication that quiets children and lowers aggression, troubling side effects)
• pemoline, straterra, adderall as alternatives
• long term benefits of stimulants -> lower rates of substance abuse, car accidents, and suicides

Question 11

ADHD psychoeducational interventions

Answer 11

• parent management
• school-based interventions
• child focused skills training

Question 12

ADHD impaired executive function

Answer 12

• organise, prioritise, activate
• focus, shift, sustain attention
• regulate alertness, effort, and processing speed
• manage frustration and modulate emotion
• working memory and assessing recall
• monitor and regulate action

Question 13

ASD

Answer 13

impairments in social communication, social interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviours, activities or interests

Question 14

ASD [reciprocal] social interaction impairments

Answer 14

• eye contact
• peer relationships
• socio-emotional reciprocity
• shared enjoyment in interaction
• understanding and responding to other people’ emotions
• limited spontaneous seeking to share

Question 15

ASD social communication impairments

Answer 15

• communicative speech without efforts to compensate through gestures
• stereotyped or idiosyncratic use of words or phrases