Child Psychopathology Exam 2

Prevalence of ADHD

• 3-7% of children

• more common in boys (3:1)

Causes of ADHD

• 80% genetic

• difficulties during pregnancy

• exposure to alcohol and tobacco

• premature delivery or low birth weight

• excessively high body lead levels

ADHD - Inattentive type

• inattentiveness without impulsivivity

• daydreaming, sluggishness, difficulty focusing, slow processing, mental fogginess confusion, problems rememvering

ADHD - Hyperactive type

• impulsive and hyperactive without difficulties in attention

ADHD - Combined Type

• hyperactive/impulsive symptoms usually appear first

• difficulties with attention span and persistence

Treatment for ADHD

STAND

• helps teens stay organized and finish work, with parent support

• structure + parent involvement = better behavior

Typical behavior problems in young children

• all children are oppositional at times = normal part of development

• problem beahvior is common when kids are: tired, hungry, stressed

• arguing and talking back to parents = common

Atypical behavior problems in young children

• openly uncooperative

• frequent and consistent hostile behavior

• stands out compared to children of the same age and developmental level

ODD Symptoms

Angry/irritable mood

• loses temper

• easily annoyed

• angry

Argumentative/defiant behavior

• argues with adults

• refuses to follow rules

• deliberately annoys others

• blames others

Vindictiveness

• spiteful/seeks revenge

CD Symptoms

Aggression

• bullies, threatens, fights

• uses weapons

• cruel to people/animals

• stealing with confrontation

• forced sexual activity

Destruction of property

• fire setting

• destroying things

Deceitfulness/stealing

• breaking in

• lying for gain

Rule violations

• staying out late

• running away

• skipping school

Differences between ODD and CD

ODD

• less severe

• mostly attitude/defiance

• no serious harm to others

CD

• more severe

• violates rights of others

• aggression, crime, serious behaviors

Types of conduct disorder

Childhood onset

• before age 10

• more serious, long-term

Adolescent onset

• after age 10

• less severe

Unspecified onset

With limited prosocial emotions

• no guilt/remorse

• lack of empathy

• doesn’t care about performance

• shallow emotions

Treatments for ODD

Parent management training

• teach parents how to handle behavior

School-based programs

Treatments of CD

Multisystemic treatment

• involved family + school + enviornment

• more intense and long-term

Symptoms may improve with age

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder

• extreme distress when away from parents

• fear of being alone

• worries about parents safety

• clingy/demands parental attention

• sleeps near parents

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

• fear of social or perfomance situations

• fear of being juded

• avoids social interactions

• may use substances to cope

Symptoms of Specific Phobia

• intense fear of a specific thing

• crying, tantrums, freezing, clinging

• anxiety before fear

• doesn’t realize fear is irrational

Symptoms of Selective Mutism

• doesn’t speak in certain settings (ex: school)

• speaks normally in other settings

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

• panic attacks

• fear of having another panic attack

• physical symptoms (racing heart, breathing issues)

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• excessive worry about many thins

• worries about school, expectations, future

• self-doubt and overthinking

• cant stop worrying even when they know its unrealistic

Treatment for anxiety disorders

Psychoeducation

• teach kids what anxiety is and how it works

Coping skills

• recognize feelings and manage thoughts

Change negative thinking

• identify anf fix unrealistic thoughts

Exposure!!

• face fears slowly instead of avoiding them

• avoidance makes anxiety worse

History of opinions on depression in children

Old beliefs

• people thought children couldn’t be depressed, or it’s temporary

Next idea

• depressed was “masked”

• showed up as physical symptoms or behavior problems, instead of sadness

1980s → preset

• children can have depression (as young as 6)

• show similar symptoms to adults

Symptoms of Depression - preschool

• not very joyful (lack of pleasure in play)

• negative or dark play themes

• sad

• sleep/appetite changes

• low activity level

Symptoms of Depression - school-age children

• less playful

• irritable, tantrums, disruptive

• may seems sad but wont share why

• physical symptoms (headches, weight loss, sleep issues)

• trouble in scool

• peer problems

Symptoms of Depression - adolescents (teens)

• persistent sadness

• low self-esteem

• self-blame

• feelings of isolations

• same symptoms as younger kids + more emotional awareness

Behavioral activation treatment for depression

Increase meaningful activities to improve mood and break the depression cycle