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Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood

Mental disorders diagnosed in childhood are divided into two categories: childhood disorders and learning disorders. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, as laid out in the DSM IV TR and in the ICD-10. The DSM-IV-TR includes ten subcategories of disorders including Mental Retardation, Learning Disorders, Motor Skills Disorders, Communication Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Tic Disorders, Elimination Disorders, and Other Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence.

Mental Retardation

DSM-IV-TR

• 317 Mild mental retardation
• 318.0 Moderate mental retardation
• 318.1 Severe mental retardation
• 318.2 Profound mental retardation
• 319 Mental retardation, severity unspecified

Mental Retardation is coded on Axis II of the DSM-IV-TR. The diagnostic criteria necessary in order to diagnose mental retardation consists of:

A. Functioning that is significantly below average with an IQ of about 70 or lower. If diagnosing an infant, the clinician would take notice of intellectual functioning that is below average.

B. Multiple consecutive failures to meet standards set that are appropriate for one's age or cultural expectations. These deficits could be in at least two of the following areas: taking care of oneself, social skills, health, academic skills, communication, living at home, ability to self-direct, use of community resources, work, free time, and safety.

C. The presence of these symptoms must be detectable before age 18.

There are varying degrees of mental retardation, which are identified by an IQ test.

Mild Mental Retardation: IQ level 50-55 to approximately 70

Moderate Mental Retardation: IQ level 35-40 to 50-55

Severe Mental Retardation: IQ level 20-25 to 35-40

Profound Mental Retardation: IQ level below 20 or 25

Mental Retardation, Severity Unspecified: This unspecified diagnosis is given when there is a strong assumption that the child is mentally retarded, but cannot be tested because the individual is too impaired, not willing to take the IQ test or is an infant.

Etiology

Mental Retardation in children can be caused by genetic or environmental factors. The individual could have a natural brain malformation or pre or postnatal damage done to the brain caused by drowning or a traumatic brain injury, for example. Nearly 30 to 50% of individuals with mental retardation will never know the cause of their diagnosis even after thorough investigation.

Prenatal causes of mental retardation include:

• Congenital infections such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, herpes, syphilis, rubella and human immunodeficiency virus
• Prolonged maternal fever in the first trimester
• Exposure to anticonvulsants or alcohol
• Untreated maternal phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Complications of prematurity, especially in extremely low-birth-weight infants
• Postnatal exposure to lead

Single-gene disorders that result in mental retardation include:

• Fragile X syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Noonan's syndrome
• Cornelia de Lange's syndrome

These single-gene disorders are usually associated with atypical physical characteristics. About 1/4 of individuals with mental retardation have a detectable chromosomal abnormality. Others may have small amounts of deletion or duplication of chromosomes, which may go unnoticed and therefore, undetermined.

Symptoms

As an infant, the individual with mental retardation might sit up, crawl, or walk later than what is developmentally appropriate. He or she may have trouble talking or learn to talk late. The infant with mental retardation will probably have trouble learning to potty train, feeding himself or herself, remembering things, with problem-solving, and may have recurrent explosive tantrums. Some symptoms that a child with mental retardation might show are continued infant-like behavior, a lack of curiosity, the inability to meet educational demands, learning ability that is below average, and the failure to meet developmentally appropriate intellectual goals. Some children with severe mental retardation may have seizures, mobility problems, vision problem, or hearing problems.

Treatment

There is no treatment for mental retardation but there are plenty of services offered for those diagnosed to help them function in their everyday lives. Professionals will sometimes work out an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which documents the child's needs, as well as the services that would best help them specifically. Speech, physical, and occupational therapy may be offered. Intellectually disabled children can be placed in special education classes through the public school system, where the school and parents will map out an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This program lays out all of the services and classes the child will become involved in during their time in school.

Learning Disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• 315.00 [disorder]
• 315.1 Mathematics disorder
• 315.2 Disorder of written expression
• 315.9 Learning disorder NOS: This category contains disorders in learning that do not meet the criteria for any specific Learning Disorder. This category is a catch all for an individual that either has problems in one, two or all areas of learning, and he or she can be diagnosed with Learning Disorder NOS even if their performance scores are not considerably below average for their age, age appropriate education, and measured intelligence. The individual would need to experience a significant interference in which the cause is their learning skills on their academic achievements in order to be diagnosed with Learning Disorder NOS.

Etiology

Learning Disorders are believed to be caused by a nervous system abnormality. The abnormality could either be in the structure of the brain or in the functioning of chemicals in the brain. Because of this, he individual has problems receiving, processing or communicating information normally. Some causes of the nervous system abnormality include problems during pregnancy, birth or early infancy, brain trauma at a young age, exposure to toxins, and prematurity.

Symptoms

Children with a learning disorder may display the following traits:

• have trouble reading aloud
• have trouble spelling, expressing themselves in writing, or in learning the alphabet
• have trouble following directions
• may have trouble comprehending what he or she reads
• have trouble remembering how to pronounce written words
• may have trouble organizing their thoughts to produce what he or she wants to say
• may misinterpret or confuse math symbols or numbers
• may not be able to retell a story in order
• may have trouble beginning or figuring out the next step of a task

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for children with learning disorders, but there are special programs and services offered to help them cope with their disorder. Children are taught new ways to interpret and understand information. Oftentimes, children with learning disorders can remain in their class, but may be pulled away to focus on trying to enhance their learning skills. Speech and language therapy is offered to those with learning disorders. Tutors are often beneficial.

Motor Skills Disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• 315.4 Developmental coordination disorder

Etiology

The etiology behind Motor Skills Disorders is not exact, but the cause is usually genetic or environmental. Motor skills disorders are often associated with physiological or developmental abnormalities including ADHD, learning disorders, developmental disabilities and prematurity.

Symptoms

In infants, some babies may be hypotonia, a loose and floppy baby, or hypertonia, a stiff and rigid baby. Toddlers may have trouble feeding themselves or may stand, sit or walk later than what is developmentally normal. Other signs of motor skills disorders may be children that are clumsy or have excessive accidents, such as knocking things over. Children who have trouble with complex physical activities such as dancing, swimming, catching or throwing a ball, or drawing may avoid these activities completely.

Treatment

Different therapies are offered to children with motor skills disorders to help them improve their motor effectiveness. Many children work with an occupational and physical therapist, as well as educational professionals. This helpful combination is beneficial to the child. Cognitive therapy, sensory integration therapy, and kinesthetic training are often favorable treatment for the child.

Communication Disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• 315.31 Expressive language disorder
• 315.32 Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
• 315.39 Phonological disorder
• 307.0 Stuttering
• 307.9 Communication disorder NOS

Etiology

The cause of Communication Disorders in children are usually biological, developmental or environmental. These causes include abnormalities in brain development, exposure to certain toxins during pregnancy, or genetic factors.

Symptoms

Some children with communication disorders may not speak or may have a very limited vocabulary for their developmental period. Children with communication disorders may have trouble following directions or naming simple objects. During childhood, he or she may have trouble comprehending or forming sentences. As they get older, the child may have more trouble expressing or understanding abstract ideas.

Treatment

Speech and language therapists are often very reliable for helping children with communication disorders. Remedial techniques are often used to help the child communicate more and work on their existing problems. Another technique is to help push the child to work on their strengths to improve their communication skills.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• 299.00 Autistic Disorder
• 299.80 Rett's Disorder
• 299.10 Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• 299.80 Asperger’s Disorder
• 299.80 Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS

Etiology

Pervasive Developmental Disorders have no known cause yet, but researchers are interested in finding a connection between the disorders and problems in the nervous system. Studies are being done on the brain and spinal cord in children with PDD's to try and find a link.

Symptoms

Children with pervasive developmental disorders may exhibit the following symptoms:

• have trouble expressing or understanding ideas
• have trouble understanding non-verbal communication
• difficulty in social interactions
• temper tantrums
• aggressive behavior
• may play differently with toys than other children
• may have difficulty adjusting to new places or people
• anxious behavior

Treatment

A specific treatment plan is usually laid out for the child because of the wide range of behaviors and abilities in each child. Treatment often involves promoting better communication and socializing, and reducing behaviors that can be disruptive. Children with pervasive developmental disorders may be placed in special education classes, receive behavior modification training, speech, physical or occupational therapy, or medication.

Attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • 314.01 Combined subtype: If both Criteria A1 and A2 are met for the past 6 months.
  • 314.01 Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype
  • 314.00 Predominantly inattentive subtype
  • 314.9 Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder NOS: This category is used for individuals that have pronounced symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, yet do not meet the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. These individuals may include:

1. Individuals who meet the criteria for ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type, but their age of onset is later than 7 years old.

2. Individuals who present inattentive symptoms and meet the full criteria for the disorder but also have a behavioral pattern that is defined by having low energy, daydreaming, and laziness.

• Conduct disorder
  • 312.81 Childhood onset: At least one of the Diagnostic Criteria needs to be met for Conduct Disorder before age 10.
  • 312.82 Adolescent onset: The absence of any criteria characteristic of Conduct Disorder before the age of 10.
  • 312.89 Unspecified onset: The age of onset is unknown.
  • 313.81 Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • 312.9 Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS: This category includes disorders similar to conduct or oppositional defiant behaviors but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for either disorder, yet the impairment is clinically significant and causes significant impairment in the individual's life.

Etiology

With ADHD being one of the most common disorders diagnosed in childhood, the causes are often studied, yet still inconclusive. Many researchers say ADHD is caused by genetic factors, yet other studies are being done to expand on the etiology. One research study showed that children who carry a certain gene associated with ADHD had a thinner layer of tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. As the children grew older, the brain tissue thickened and their ADHD symptoms improved. Environmental factors, such as the mother smoking or drinking during pregnancy is connected to children with ADHD. Children exposed to lead at a young age will also have an increased chance of developing ADHD. Brain injuries could cause ADHD, yet only a small number of children diagnosed fit into this category. Researchers have looked into sugar intake as the cause of ADHD, but have found little to support that theory.

Symptoms

Children with Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders may show the following symptoms:

• impulsivity or distractibility
• difficulty socializing
• aggressive behavior
• difficulty following rules or directions
• difficulty completing a task
• problems at school
• frustration
• alcohol or drug use

Treatment

Medication is often used to treat children with attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders. Individualized programs are available for children with these disorders in order to help them function in and complete school. It is the common belief that many of these disorders will disappear as the children get older, but recent research shows that it can carry on into adulthood.

Feeding and eating disorders of infancy or early childhood

DSM-IV-TR

• • 307.52 Pica
  • 307.53 Rumination disorder
  • 307.59 Feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood: Diagnosed if met by the following criteria:

A. Feeding problems that are established due to continued failure to eat adequately that causes significant weight gain or significant weight loss over a period of at least one month.

B. The disturbance is not related to a gastrointestinal abnormality or any other general medical condition.

C. The disturbance is not the cause of another mental disorder or by the lack of available food.

D. The symptoms must be present before age 6.

Etiology

There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to the development of feeding and eating disorders of infancy or early childhood. These factors include:

• Physiological Factors- a chemical imbalance effecting the child's appetite could cause a feeding or eating disorder.
• Developmental Factors- developmental abnormalities in oral-sensory, oral-motor, and swallowing can impact the child's eating ability and illicit a feeding or eating disorder.
• Environmental Factors- simple issues such as inconsistent meal times can cause a feeding or eating disorder. Giving the child food that they are not developmentally acquired for can also cause these disorders. Family dysfunction and sociocultural issues could also play a role in feeding or eating disorders.
• Relational Factors- when the child is not securely attached to the mother, it can cause feeding interactions to become disturbed or unnatural. Other factors, such as parental emotional unavailability and parental eating disorders can cause feeding and eating disorders in their children.
• Psychological/Behavioral Factors- these factors include one involving the child's temperament. Characteristics such as being anxious, impulsive, distracted, or strong-willed personality types are ones that could affect the child's eating and cause a disorder. The individual could have learned to reject food due to a traumatic experience such as choking or being force fed.

Symptoms

Physical and emotional changes are often the most indicative symptoms of feeding and eating disorders of infancy or early childhood. The child's growth and development may be delayed due to the lack of necessary nutrients. The child will usually weigh much less than other children. Withdrawal and irritability are oftentimes associated with children that are malnourished.

Treatment

Since feeding and eating disorders in children can cause dangerous risks to the child, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be incredibly beneficial to children with feeding or eating disorders. Family therapy is usually encouraged in order to keep all members involved in nourishing the child.

Tic disorders

DSM-IV-TR

307.23 Tourette’s Disorder

307.22 Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder

307.21 Transient tic disorder: Must meet the following criteria in order to be diagnosed:

A. Either one or multiple motor and/or vocal tics, for example, motor or vocal noises that are rapid, repeated, sudden, and nonrhythmic.

B. The tics happen multiple times over the course of the day, almost every day for at least 4 weeks, but do not occur continually for any longer than 1 year.

C. Symptoms are present before the age of 18.

D. The tics are not a result of any effects due to drug use, or any other medical condition, for example, Huntington's disease.

E. The individual does not have symptoms that meet the criteria for Tourette's Disorder or Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder.

307.20 Tic disorder NOS: This category is for disorders characterized by tics but do not meet the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV-TR.

Etiology

No definitive cause of tic disorders has been declared, but for the most part, the etiology lies within biological, chemical, or environmental factors. Studies have shown that abnormal neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are active in chemical messages in the brain, can serve as a cause of tic disorders. Researchers have also found abnormal changes in certain parts of the brain that cause strain on the blood flow within the brain, which is likely a contributor of tic disorders. 75% of tic disorders have a genetic component. It appears that tic disorders can be caused or worsened by recreational or prescription drug use. Tics can form simply if a person repeats sounds or words they hear over the course of a normal day.

Symptoms

Children with a tic disorder may exhibit the following symptoms:

• overwhelming urge to make movement
• jerking of arms
• clenching of fists
• excessive eye blinking
• shrugging of shoulders
• kicking
• raising eyebrows
• flaring of nostrils
• production of repetitive noises such as grunting, clicking, moaning, snorting, squealing, or throat clearing

Treatment

As part of the treatment, family members and friends are advised not to call attention to the tics when the child is performing them. If they do, the child may develop more tics more frequently. Behavioral therapy and medication are often the choices of treatment for tic disorders in children.

Elimination disorders

DSM-IV-TR

• 307.6 Enuresis (not due to a general medical condition)
• 307.7 Encopresis, without constipation and overflow incontinence
• 787.6 Encopresis, with constipation and overflow incontinence

Etiology

Encopresis: The most common cause of Encopresis is constipation. When a child becomes constipated, feces build up in and stretch the rectum. This stretching causes the nerve endings to become dull. The child may not feel when he or she needs to eliminate the feces or if the waste is coming out. Inside the rectum, the feces could become too large or solid to eliminate without feeling pain. While the mass of feces is stuck in the child's rectum, liquid feces could leak from around the mass and out of the child's body. The main causes of constipation are diet, lack of sufficient amounts of water, stress, not enough exercise, and inconsistent bathroom routines.

Enuresis: The cause of Enuresis is thought to be unclear and usually is attributed to many factors.

• • Genetic- there is a genetic component within Enuresis and it tends to run in families.
  • Inability to feel that the bladder is full and be aroused from sleep.
  • Insufficient size of bladder- the child's bladder is too small to contain the amount of urine produced.
  • Psychological Factors- these are not main factors that contribute to Enuresis, but stress may be a cause.
  • Maturational Delay- the child's recognition that the bladder is full and he or she needs to go to the bathroom is a developmental issue. Many children with Enuresis will develop this skill as they grow older.

Symptoms

The majority of children with enuresis show no other symptoms besides wetting the bed at night. If other symptoms are present, such as blood stains in their underwear or unusual pain, the child is likely to have a more serious medical problem. Children with encopresis are likely to exhibit symptoms such as; loss of appetite, loose or watery stools, abdominal pain, scratching or itching of anal area because of irritation, withdrawal from friends, or secretive attitude associated with bowel movements.

Treatment

Children usually "grow out" of their elimination disorders by the time they reach their teens. If treatment is necessary, the most effective choice for enuresis is behavior modification, which involves a special pad that the child sleeps on at night. If the pad gets wet, an alarm goes off and the child is directed to go to the bathroom. Stool softeners or laxatives are the choice of treatment for encopresis.

Other disorders of infancy, childhood, or adolescence

DSM-IV-TR

• 309.21 Separation anxiety disorder
• 313.23 Selective mutism
• 313.89 Reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood
• 307.3 Stereotypic movement disorder
• 313.9 Disorder of infancy, childhood, or adolescence NOS: This category is a residual category for disorders with onset in infancy, childhood, or adolescence that do not meet criteria for any specific disorder in the Classification.

Etiology

There are multiple factors that contribute to the cause of other disorders of infancy, childhood, or adolescence. The majority of the etiological factors are going to be physical or environmental. Some of the disorders could be caused by parental influence, such as their inability to properly take care of their child. Most of the other disorders diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence involve anxiety. If the child is continually put in anxiety producing situations, they could show symptoms of these disorders. Usually, the symptoms will be mild and the child will not get help, which may cause the symptoms to become worse.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder

• excessive stress when separated from home or family
• fear of being alone
• refusal to sleep alone
• clinginess
• excessive worry about safety
• excessive worry about getting lost
• frequent medical complaints with no cause
• refusal to go to school

Selective mutism

• unable to speak in certain social situations, even though they are comfortable speaking at home or with friends
• difficulty maintaining eye contact
• may have blank facial expressions
• stiff body movements
• may have a worrisome personality
• may be incredibly sensitive to sound
• difficulty with verbal and non-verbal expression
• may appear shy, when in reality, they have a fear of people.

Reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood

• withdrawing from others
• aggressive attitude towards peers
• awkwardness or discomfort
• watching others but not engaging in social interaction

Stereotypic movement disorder

• head banging
• nail biting
• hitting or biting oneself
• hand waving or shaking
• rocking back and forth

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is oftentimes used to treat separation anxiety disorder. Family therapy may also be helpful to get to the core of the issue. Systemic desensitization techniques are usually used to help the child get used to being comfortable away from home.

Selective mutism

• It is important not to "enable" the child with selective mutism by allowing them to remain silent in the social settings that they are uncomfortable in. Both parents and teachers need to be involved in the treatment of selective mutism. The most important factor to remember is that the child does not have a speech disorder; it is an anxiety disorder.

Reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood

• Treatment almost always involves the child and his or her parents or caregivers. Parents may need to take parenting skills classes and attend family therapy with the child. Individual therapy with the child and therapist is effective. Another technique is keeping close physical contact between the child and his or her parents.

Stereotypic movement disorder

• Behavioral techniques and psychotherapy are the most effective treatment for children with this disorder. It is important to change the child's environment so that they are unable to harm themselves. Medication is also effective.