Abnormal Child Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary and concepts from the Abnormal Child Psychology lecture notes.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Leads to high levels of stress and psychosocial problems in children; associated with functional impairment and desire for plastic surgery.

Comorbidities of BDD

The earlier the age of onset for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, the higher the risks of negative developmental impact and comorbid disorders, including a higher risk of suicide.

Similarities between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and OCD

Obsessive, intrusive, repetitive thoughts; excessive time dedicated to rituals (e.g., mirror checking, grooming); similar age of onset; associated anxiety and emotional distress.

Differences between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and OCD

Underlying core beliefs in BDD focus more on unacceptability of the self; BDD patients have poorer insight; compulsive behavior doesn’t relieve anxiety; higher suicide attempt rate in BDD.

Common areas of focus in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Most common areas are skin, nose, eyes, skin, and hair, with focus often on the head and face.

Behaviors associated with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Obsessive mirror checking, excessive grooming/primping, camouflaging (e.g., with hats, clothes), avoidance behaviors, comparing body parts, social media comparisons, reassurance seeking.

Common bodily preoccupations in children/adolescents with BDD

Most often focused on the skin (61%) and hair (55%).

Common compulsive behaviors in children/adolescents with BDD

Camouflaging (94%), comparing (87%), and mirror checking (85%).

Impairment in functioning in children/adolescents with BDD

94% impairment in social functioning, 85% in academic functioning.

Treatment outcomes for BDD using SSRIs

Approximately 53% of subjects treated with SSRIs showed significant improvement in symptoms.

DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others; repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response to appearance concerns; clinically significant distress or impairment.

Maltreatment (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974)

The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.

Types of Child Maltreatment

Neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse.

Child Neglect (DSM-5)

An action by a parent or caregiver that deprives the child of basic age-appropriate needs and thereby results (or has reasonable potential to result) in physical or psychological harm to the child.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

A Trauma and Stressor Related condition of early Childhood; rare and almost exclusively in infants and young children who experience extreme deprivation.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Child displays a pattern of culturally and developmentally inappropriate, overly familiar, behavior with strangers; not an attachment disorder.

Physical Abuse

Nonaccidental physical injury to a child, ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death.

Psychological Abuse

Repeated acts or emissions by the parents or caregivers that have caused or could cause serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders.