Week 6: Disorders Of Childhood And Adolescene

Question 1

What is the prevalence of childhood mental disorders?

Answer 1

Approximately half (49.5%) meet criteria for at least one mental disorder by the age of 18, with anxiety disorders having he earliest onset, followed by behaviour disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorder’s.

Question 2

What are important considerations for psychological disorders in children?

Answer 2

• important to view a child’s behaviour int he context of normal development
• no sharp line of demarcation b/w maladaptive behaviour patterns of childhood and adolescence

Question 3

What are the psychological vulnerabilities of young children?

Answer 3

• do not have a realistic view of themselves and their world
• have not yet developed a sortable sense of identity
• threats are seen as disproportionally important
• lack of experience in dealing with adversity
• more dependant on other people

Question 4

What is the presentation for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Answer 4

• persistent pattern of difficulties sustaining attention/impulsiveness (reading, suspension, repeating a grade, social impairment)
• excessive or exaggerated motor activity
• these have to be numerous, persistent, and causing impairment at home, school, or workplace

Question 5

What is the prevalence of ADHD?

Answer 5

• occurs in 9% of children and adolescents
• higher in boys (13%) than girls (4%)

Question 6

What is the aetiology of ADHD?

Answer 6

• family-genetic factors
• neurobiology
• environmental factors

Question 7

What are treatments of ADHD?

Answer 7

• CBT
• group
• school liaison
• medication (psycho stimulants; Ritalin)
• family therapy

Question 8

What is the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Answer 8

• deficits in language and perceptual and motor development
• defective reality testing
• impairments in social communication
• the need for routine
• level of focus on other peoples eyes decrease (infants) and focus on inanimate objects increase (2 yrs old)

Question 9

What is the prevalence of ASD?

Answer 9

• recent increase is not due to increase in prevalence. But improvements of diagnostic models and practitioner awareness
• 2.4% of children and adolescents meet criteria for autism

Question 10

What is the aetiology of ASD?

Answer 10

• genetic and environmental factors
• de novo mutations (occur in the egg and sperm)

Question 11

What is the treatment of ASD?

Answer 11

• intensive behavioural intervention
• reinforcement and punishment (parents)