Childhood Disorders

1. Childhood Disorders Abnormal Psych – Ch. 13

2. Behavior Disorders • Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Conduct Disorder • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

3. Symptoms of ADHD • Inattention • Does not pay attention, loses things frequently, is easily distracted, is forgetful. • Hyperactivity • Fidgets with hands or feet and squirms in seat, leaves seat when inappropriate, runs around or climbs excessively, often talks excessively, has difficulty engaging in quiet activities. • Impulsivity • Blurts out responses while others are talking, has difficulty waiting his or her turn), often interrupts or intrudes on others.

4. Proposed Etiologies for ADHD Immaturity of the brain, particularly frontal lobes, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum Genetic predisposition Prenatalandbirthcomplications Disrupted family

5. Conduct Disorder & Oppositional Defiant Disorder

6. Etiologies for Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Geneticpredisposition Deficits in brain regions involved in planning and controlling behavior Difficult temperament Lower physiological arousal to punishment Serotonin imbalances

7. Etiologies, continued Higher testosterone level Poor parental supervision, parental uninvolvement, and parental violence Delinquent peer groups Cognitions that promote aggression

8. Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder • Excessive distress when separated from home or caregivers, or is anticipating separation • Persistent and excessive worry about losing, or harm coming to, caregivers • Excessively fearful about being alone • Nightmares about separation • Repeated complaints of physical symptoms when separation from caregivers occurs or is anticipated

9. Proposed Etiologies for Separation Anxiety Disorder Biological: may be genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety and panic attacks. Behavioral inhibition: children are born with an inhibited, fearful temperament. Traumatic and uncontrollable events: traumatic events can cause chronic uncontrollability; parents may encourage fearful behavior or not encourage independence.

10. Elimination Disorders • Enuresis • Unintended urination at least 2x/week for 3 months • Child over 5 years of age • Causes may be genetic, or anxiety/conflicts, or inappropriate toilet training • Treated with medications, bell and pad method • Encopresis • Unintended defecation at least 1x/month for 3 months • Child over 4 years of age • Usually begins after episodes of severe constipation • Treated with medication and behavioral contracting

11. Disorders of Cognitive, Motor, and Communication Skills

12. Criteria for Mental Retardation • Significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, indicated by an IQ of approximately 70 or below • Onset before age 18

13. Criteria for Mental Retardation, continued • Significant deficits in at least two of the following areas: 1. Communication 2. Self-care 3. Home living 4. Social or interpersonal skills 5. Use of community resources

14. Criteria for Mental Retardation, continued • Significant deficits in at least two of the following areas: 6. Self-direction 7. Academic skills 8. Work 9. Leisure 10. Health 11. Personal safety

15. Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Asperger’s Disorder Rett’s Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorders Temple Grandin

16. Feeding and eating disorders • Pica • Rumination disorder • Feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood

17. Other childhood disorders • Selective mutism • Reactive attachment disorder • Stereotypic movement disorder