Health Problems in Infants and Related Disorders

Common Problems in Infants

  • Intussusception
  • Failure to thrive
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Abdominal Colic
  • Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
  • Cleft Lip / Palate
  • Imperforate Anus
  • Hirschsprung’s Disease
  • Spina Bifida
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Meningocele
  • Myelomeningocele
  • Otitis Media
  • Meningitis
  • Febrile Seizures
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Definition: A developmental disability caused by differences in the brain affecting social communication and behavior.
  • Characteristics:
    • Challenges with social communication and interaction
    • Repetitive or restricted behaviors and interests
    • Symptoms can vary in severity; some are mildly affected, while others are severely impaired.

History of Autism

  • Eugen Bleuler (1911): Coined the term "autism" related to schizophrenia.
  • Leo Kanner (1943): Defined autism with specific behaviors.
  • Hans Asperger (1944): Described similar behaviors now known as Asperger's syndrome.
  • DSM-5 Changes (2013): Merged various diagnoses into a single disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Diagnosis Criteria for ASD (DSM-5)

  1. Social Communication Deficits: Difficulty with emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and building relationships.
  2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in stereotyped movements, rigid adherence to routines, and intense interests.

Treatment for ASD

  • Non-pharmacological Approaches:

    • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Speech and Language Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Educational approaches focusing on consistency and visual learning.

  • Pharmacological Treatments:

    • No medications treat core symptoms.
    • Atypical Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Aripiprazole) for managing certain behaviors.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

History of ADHD

  • Early Observations: Sir Alexander Crichton (1793); Sir George Frederic Still (1902).
  • Technological Approval: History of medication development for ADHD began in the 1930s.
  • DSM Evolution: Transitioned from Hyperkinetic Reaction to ADHD with varied subtypes established in DSM-4.

Diagnosis Criteria for ADHD (DSM-5)

  1. Inattention: Includes careless mistakes, trouble sustaining attention, and forgetfulness.
  2. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Exhibiting excessive movement, interrupting conversations, and difficulty waiting turns.

Treatment for ADHD

  • Behavioral Therapies: Time management, organizational skills.
  • Medications:
    • Stimulants (e.g., Amphetamines, Methylphenidate)
    • Non-stimulants (e.g., Atomoxetine).
    • Side effects: insomnia, increased blood pressure, decreased appetite.