Developmental Psychopathology

1AutismCharacterized by:Abnormal social developmentFailure to relate to othersImpaired language and communication skillsLack of speech or ability to initiate or sustain conversationRepetitive, stereotyped behavior and restrictive behaviorMost comfortable with sameness of environmentMust show abnormal functioning in social behavior, communication, or imaginative play before age 3May or may not have intellectual impairment

2AutismEffects approx 1/150 births4/1 boysGenerally becomes evident between 18 to 30 months of age but often not diagnosed until around age 6

3Causes of AutismTheory of Mind HypothesisFailure to develop Theory of MindExecutive Dysfunction HypothesisDeficit in the higher-level control functions associated with the prefrontal cortex of the brain that allows planning, adaptation to change, etc.Weak Central Coherence HypothesisCan focus on specifics but not the big pictureAllows development of special talents in specific areas (savant syndrome or intelligence)

4Aspergers DisorderA milder form of PDDCharacterized by:Poor social interactionDevelopment of narrow, obsessive or repetitive behaviorNot as significantly impaired in intellect or language

5Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSome combination of three main characteristics:InattentionImpulsivityHyperactivityEffects approx 3 5% of childrenBoys 2/1

6Conduct ProblemsOppositional Defiant DisorderNon delinquent negativistic or oppositional behaviorDefy authority by arguing with parents and teachersRefuse to follow requests and directivesDeliberately annoy others and they themselves are easily annoyedConduct DisorderPurposeful and intentional engagement in patterns of antisocial behavior that violates social norms and the rights of othersBoysStealing, fighting, vandalism, disciplinary problems at schoolGirlsLying, truancy, running away, substance use, and prostitution

7DepressionSimilar feelings of helplessness, distorted thinking patterns, low self esteem and perceptions of confidence seen in all ages Symptoms can include:Loss of interest in activitiesWeight gain or lossInsomnia or hypersomniaLack of energyFeelings of worthlessness or guiltReduced concentration or ability to make decisionsSuicidal or homicidal thoughts

8DepressionChildren:Refusal to attend schoolFear of parents dyingConduct disordersAcademic problemsPhysical complaintsHyperactivityAdolescents:AggressivenessSexual acting out

9Dementia (Senility)A progressive deterioration of neural functioning associated with:memory impairmentdeclines in tested intellectual abilitypoor judgment, difficulty thinking abstractlypossible personality changes

10DementiaAlzheimers Disease (Dementia of the Alzheimers Type)A progressive brain disease characterized by gradual loss of memory and intellectual functioning, personality changes, and eventual loss of the ability to care for oneself.Accounts for 50 70% of dementia cases4th leading cause of deathUp to 10% over age 6540% over age 70

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