Mental Health: Specific Disorders Flashcards
Why do psychologists prefer to use the term “autism spectrum disorder” in relation to autism?
To describe the individual differences in the experience of autism
Name 4 symptoms of autism
Impaired social interaction
Impaired communication
Restricted, repetitive behaviour
Impaired intellectual functioning
What percentage of children aged 6-12 are affected by autism?
Are boys or girls more likely to be affected?
0.6%
Boys
What are the risk factors or autism?
Genetic - certain genes may cause brain dysfunction
What is the treatment of autism? (2)
Behaviour modification therapy
Routine in home and school environment
Define: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
A mental disorder characterised by attention and hyperactive behaviour that is more frequent and severe than in others of the same age
What are 2 symptoms of ADHD?
Attention all problems
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Between what percentages of school aged children and adolescents are affected by ADHD?
What proportion are girls and boys affected by it?
What percentage grows out of it?
Between 2.3 and 20%
90% boys, 10% girls
25%
What are the risk factors of ADHD?
Brain chemistry
If the mother consumes drugs, alcohol or is affected by disease during pregnancy
If the child consumes certain foods or food additives
What is the treatment for ADHD?
Medications - effective in 70% of children
Behaviour therapies
Define: anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder that primarily involves the persistent refusal to maintain body weight at or above a normal level
What are 4 symptoms of anorexia nervosa
Loss of weight
Distorted thinking
Loss of menstruation
Other medical problems
What percentage of Australian adolescent girls are affected by anorexia?
What proportion are males and females affected?
1%
90% females, 10% males
What are the risk factors for anorexia? (5)
Prevalence in family Genetics Low self esteem and perfectionistic tendencies Family and cultural background The media
What is the treatment of anorexia?
In serious case, feeding the patient intravenously until they reach a certain weight
Working with health professionals (dieticians and psychologists) to reduce physical and psychological aspects of the disorder
Define: anxiety disorder
A mental disorder characterised by persistent feelings of tension, distress, nervousness and apprehension of fear about the future
What are the 5 types of anxiety disorders?
Generalised anxiety disorder Panic disorder Panic attack Specific phobia Social anxiety disorder
What percentage of Australians aged 16-85 are affected by anxiety?
When is the most common developmental stage?
Is it more common in males or females?
14.4%
Adulthood
Females
What at the risk factors for developing anxiety disorders? (5)
Singular distressing events Brain chemistry Prevalence in family Personality - poor self esteem and coping skills Abuse and drug/alcohol abuse
What is the treatment for anxiety?
Anti-anxiety medications
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Define: schizophrenia
A mental illness characterised by distorted perceptions, bizarre thoughts, disorganised thoughts, disturbed emotions and difficulty in coping with everyday life.
What are 4 symptoms of schizophrenia?
Distorted perceptions - hallucinations
Bizarre thoughts - delusions
Disorganised speech
Disturbed emotions
What percentage of the Australian population is affected by schizophrenia?
Are males or females more affected?
1%
Equally
What are the risk factors of schizophrenia? (4)
Brain chemistry
Prevalence in the family
Drug use
Stressful life events
