Lecture 9: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Flashcards
What age range is considered for childhood and adolescent disorders?
Less than 18 years old
Why should a child’s behavior be viewed in context?
To understand it within the framework of normal childhood development
What does developmental psychopathology focus on?
Determining what is abnormal during any stage of development
Is there a clear boundary between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood behavior patterns?
No, there is no sharp line of demarcation
Why are young children especially vulnerable to psychological problems?
They lack a complex and realistic view of themselves and their world.
How do young children perceive immediate threats?
As disproportionately more important.
Why do manageable problems seem overwhelming to young children?
Because of their lack of experience.
How does dependence affect children’s psychological vulnerability?
They are more dependent on others, increasing their vulnerability.
Who should be interviewed during a child’s assessment?
Child, parents, teachers, peers, significant others
What are key settings for observing a child?
Classroom, snack break, outdoor activities
What are the main domains assessed in psychological testing?
Intellectual, academic, executive functioning, memory, language abilities
What is the most common mental disorder in children and adolescents?
Anxiety disorders
Are anxiety disorders more common in boys or girls?
Girls
Name 3 common forms of anxiety disorders in youth.
Specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder
What is separation anxiety disorder?
Excessive anxiety about separation from major attachment figures and familiar environments.
What traits are common in children with separation anxiety disorder?
Low confidence, fear of new situations, and emotional immaturity.
What early trait is common in anxious children?
High sensitivity.
Name two parental behaviors that can increase childhood anxiety.
Being overprotective or anxious (modeling), and being cold or rejecting.
What is a major symptom of childhood depression?
Irritability.
What is a major risk factor for future depression symptoms?
Attentional bias (e.g., avoidance of threat cues).
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
A recurring pattern of defiant, hostile behavior toward authority figures lasting at least 6 months.
What are the subtypes of ODD?
Angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, vindictiveness.
What are risk factors for ODD?
Family discord, low socioeconomic status, and antisocial parental behavior.
What is Conduct Disorder (CD)?
A disorder marked by repeated violations of rules and the rights of others.
What is a key feature of CD’s clinical presentation?
High variability in symptoms and behaviors.
What are some long-term risks associated with CD?
Pregnancy, substance abuse in girls, and developing antisocial personality disorder.
What cycle explains the development of ODD and CD?
A self-perpetuating cycle involving genetics, neuropsych issues, and temperament.
What genetic traits increase the risk of early-onset CD?
Low verbal intelligence, neuropsychological problems, and difficult temperament.
How can temperament affect attachment?
Difficult temperament may lead to insecure attachment.
Are conduct problems and antisocial behavior heritable?
Yes, they have strong heritable effects.
How do peer relationships influence antisocial behavior?
Aggressive, socially unskilled children are often rejected and may bond with antisocial peers.
What family factors contribute to conduct problems?
Rejection, inconsistent discipline, neglect, low SES, and parental stress.
What is the focus of the cohesive family model?
Addressing ineffective parenting that may reinforce problematic behavior.
How can prosocial behavior be encouraged?
By reinforcing positive behavior and ignoring aggressive or antisocial acts.
What are neurodevelopmental disorders caused by?
Disruptions to normal brain development.
When must neurodevelopmental disorders begin?
During childhood.
What is ADHD characterized by?
Persistent issues with attention, impulsiveness, and/or exaggerated motor activity.
What must ADHD symptoms be to meet diagnosis criteria?
Numerous, persistent, and causing problems at home, work, or school.
Is ADHD more common in boys or girls?
Boys.
Which groups have higher rates of adult ADHD?
Males, those who are divorced, and the unemployed.
What are some causes of ADHD?
Genetic and social-environmental factors.
What brain-related characteristics are seen in ADHD?
Smaller brain volume and slower brain development.
What is Ritalin used for in children with ADHD?
It reduces hyperactivity and aggression.
What are key impairments in ASD?
Language, motor development, reality testing, and social communication.
What early signs are seen in infants later diagnosed with autism?
More focus on inanimate objects and less focus on others’ eyes.
What is echolalia?
Repetition of words or phrases, often seen in autism.
What self-stimulatory behaviors are common in ASD?
Head banging, spinning, and rocking.
What does “maintaining sameness” mean in autism?
Strong preference for routines and resistance to change.
Are the causes of autism fully known?
No, autism is a complex disorder with unknown precise causes.
What kind of genetic factors are linked to autism?
Hundreds of genes, heredity, and de novo mutations.
What are de novo mutations?
New genetic mutations in the child not inherited from either parent.
Why is the prognosis for autism often poor?
Many children are insufficiently treated.
