Mood & Affect, Stress and Coping, Death and Dying MC Exam 2 Blueprint

MC Exam 2

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

refers to developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity

ADHD Treatment

Multimodal Therapy is advised involving many different approaches -

 Classroom
 Family education and counseling
 Behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy for the
child
 Environmental manipulation
 Medication

School Phobia

 Defined as extreme reluctance to attend school
for a sustained period as a result of severe
anxiety or fear of school-related experiences
 Also called school refusal and school avoidance
 Treatment depends on the cause

How to Address School Phobia

Treatment depends on cause but overall goal is to get pt back into school as quickly as possible

School reentry protocol can be used - 

child role plays routines involved in getting ready and school activities

use of relaxation techniques

progressing to half a day at school and then to full day

Suicide Biological Risk Factors

Depression

Schizophrenia 

Anxiety

Certain Personality Disorders

Alcohol or substance abuse

Suicide Psychosocial Risk Factors

Poor interpersonal problem-solving ability

Poor coping skills

impulsive/ aggressive tendencies 

legal/ disciplinary problems

Hx of trauma or abuse

previous suicide attempt

family hx of suicide

Suicide Environmental Risk factors

Dificulty in school

not working or going to school

relational or social loss 

easy access to lethal means

Suicide Sociocultural Risk factors

Lack of social support

Sense of isolation 

Not wanting to seek help 

Barriers to accessing health care

Cultural or Religious beliefs around suicide

Exposure to and influence of others who have committed suicide

Autism Spectrum Disorder Core Deficits 

Deficits in social interactions, communication, and behavior

children do not always have the same manifestations

Early Signs of Autism

No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months

No babbling by 12 months

No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months

No words by 16 months

No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months

Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

abnormal eye contact, decreased response to own name, decreased imitation, usual repetitive behavior

Autism Diagnostic Timing 

Most obvious signs appear between 2-3 years of age

Can be diagnosed as early as 18 months in some cases

Some developmental delays can be seen and addressed even earlier

Early intervention can improve outcomes!!

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) Characteristics

potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (from birth to age 17)

Categories Include

• Abuse:

Physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

• Neglect:

  • Physical neglect

    Emotional neglect

• Household Dysfunction:

  • Witnessing violence against a parent (usually the mother)

  • A household member with a substance use disorder

  • A household member with a mental illness

  • Parental separation or divorce

  • An incarcerated household member

Higher ACE Outcome

a high ACE score and an increased risk for numerous negative health and well-being outcomes later in life.

often linked to the concept of toxic stress—prolonged activation of the body's stress response system, which can damage developing brain architecture and other body systems.

Higher ACE Score Associated Risks

• Physical Health Problems: Heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and stroke.

• Mental Health Issues: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Behavioral Challenges: Higher likelihood of smoking, alcoholism, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts.

• Social & Emotional Problems: Difficulty in school, at work, and in forming healthy relationships

Adult Treatment options for High ACE’s Score

• Professional Therapy: This is the most crucial step. Therapies like Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are designed to help individuals process trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Mind-Body Practices: Activities like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help regulate the body's stress response.

• Building Protective Factors: Developing strong, supportive relationships with friends, family, or support groups creates a buffer against the effects of trauma.

• Education: Simply understanding what ACEs are and how they affect health can be empowering, helping to reframe health challenges as a response to trauma rather than a personal failing.

ACEs Prevention in children

• Create Safe & Stable Environments: The single most important factor is a stable, nurturing relationship with at least one caring adult. This buffers the child from toxic stress.

• Parenting Support: Programs that teach positive parenting skills, stress management, and child development can help prevent ACEs from occurring or continuing.

• Community Support: Access to resources like quality childcare, financial assistance, and mental health services for families reduces household stress.

• Trauma-Informed Schools: Training educators to recognize and respond to trauma can help children feel safe and supported in the learning environment.