Childhood Psychiatric Disorders

Question 1

What are the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability or intellectual developmental disorder?

Answer 1

Onset during developmental period
Three of the following:
- Deficits in intellectual functioning (shown by tests)
- Unable to meet standards for social responsibility (communication, social participation, independent living)
–> More severe: earlier symptoms
–> Less severe: later symptoms

Question 2

Describe some features of mild severity intellectual disability.

Answer 2

• Help needed in 1 or more academic areas
• More concrete approach to problem solving
• Immaturity in social interactions
• Some support needed for complex activities of daily living

Question 3

Describe the associations of mild, moderate and severe IQ with functioning.

Answer 3

Mild (50-70) –> achieve academically till 6th grade
Moderate (35-50) –> achieve academically till 2nd grade
Severe (20-35) –> relatively non-functional

Question 4

What are some chromosomal etiologies of intellectual disability?

Answer 4

Prader-Willi Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Fragile X

Question 5

What are the criteria for language disorder?

Answer 5

Persistent problem in using written and spoken language

Question 6

What are the criteria for social (pragmatic) communication disorder?

Answer 6

Persistent difficulties in social use of language

Ex: hard time making inferences, difficulty with story telling, etc.

Question 7

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by:

Answer 7

Deficits in social communication (language) & social interaction + restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs)

Question 8

If you suspect autism in a child but RRBs are not present, what is another possible diagnosis?

Answer 8

Social Communication Disorder

Question 9

What are the diagnostic criteria for specific learning disorder?

Answer 9

Difficulties learning & using academic skills (shown by at least 1 symptom) for at least SIX MONTHS despite interventions
–> symptoms: difficulties with reading, written expression, math, etc.

Question 10

What is a potential problem in early diagnosis of specific learning disorder?

Answer 10

You might not see the learning difficulties till later when the workload is more difficult

Question 11

What are features of developmental coordination disorder?

Answer 11

Impaired coordinated motor skills interfering with daily functioning

Question 12

What mood disorders do we see in children?

Answer 12

Bipolar disorder (manic episode)
Dysthymia = Persistent Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Question 13

How is a depressed mood manifested differently in children and adolescents?

Answer 13

Depression = irritability!

Question 14

How are the criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder different for children?

Answer 14

Symptoms for at least ONE year! (versus 2 in adults)

Question 15

What are the criteria for separation anxiety?

Answer 15

Inappropriate or excessive anxiety around separation from parenting figures lasting 4 weeks in children (6 months adults) & need >3 symptoms:

• Worry
• Refusal/reluctance to go
• Physical symptoms when they have to leave
• Repeated nightmares

Question 16

What are the criteria for ODD?

Answer 16

Recurrent pattern of at least 4 symptoms for >6 months:

• Angry/irritable
• Argumentative/defiant toward authority figures
• Vindictiveness

Question 17

What are the criteria for conduct disorder?

Answer 17

Repetitive violation of basic rights of others or social norms with 3 symptoms during past 12 months

• Property destruction
• Thefts
• Serious rule violations
• Agressive conduct

Question 18

Individuals with conduct disorder are likely to develop…

Answer 18

Antisocial PD

Question 19

When do attachment disorders begin in children? What are they associated with?

Answer 19

Begin at age 5; associated with grossly pathological care - neglect, abuse

Question 20

What are the attachment disorders children can develop?

Answer 20

(1) Reactive Attachment Disorder - emotionally withdrawn & socially inhibited
(2) Disinhibitive Social Engagement Disorder - talk to strangers

Question 21

What is selective mutism? When does it usually occur?

Answer 21

Consistent failure to speak in social situations but speak in other situations - for ONE MONTH
Onset between 3-8 years or when starting school

Question 22

How are the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder different for children?

Answer 22

Only 1 symptom for 6 months

Question 23

How are criteria for social anxiety disorder different for children?

Answer 23

Anxiety must occur in peer settings and not just interact with adults

Question 24

What are the elimination disorders in children? What age do they occur around?

Answer 24

Ages 4/5

1) Enuresis: bed wetting (2x weekly for 3 months
(2) Encopresis: soiling (1x weekly for 3 months)