Normal & Abnormal Behavior In Childhood and Adolescence

Question 1

Determining Abnormal Behavior

Answer 1

Depends on expectations about what is normal for a child of a given age in a given culture

Children rarely label themselves abnormal, definitions of behavior then rely on culture

many problems identified when child enters school

many are misdiagnosed when clinicians fail to take developmental expectations into account

Question 2

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Answer 2

involve impairment of brain functioning, or development that affects child’s psychological, cognitive, social, or emotional development

Includes: Autism spectrum disorder, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorders, Communication Disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,

Question 3

Methods of Treatment

Answer 3

therapy methods must be tailored to level of child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

Play Therapy - psychodynamic - children enact family conflicts conflicts symbolically through play (i.e. play through dolls/puppets)

Question 4

Prevalence in Children

Answer 4

Approx 4 in 10 adolescents experience a diagnosable mental disorder w/in last year, about 1 in 4 presently affected

Most common in 6-17 yr olds: ADHD, and learning disorders

Adolescents: Anxiety disorders most commonly diagnosed

Depression: 7% of Boys, and 14% of girls

Only 1/3 of adolescents receive treatment. Those who internalize problems are at higher risk of not being treated then those who externalize them.

Question 5

Risk Factors

Answer 5

Genetic susceptibility, environmental stressors, and family factors, ethnicity, gender all play roles

Children of depressed parents have higher risk of developing psychological disorders

Ethnic minority children higher rates of ADHD

Boys at greater risk for many disorders, however, in adolescence girls more susceptible for mood disorders

Physical, sexual abuse and neglect linked to variety of disorders in childhood to adulthood