Chapter 16 Development Psychopathology

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Abnormality Statistical deviance Maladaptiveness Interferes with personal and social life Poses danger to self or others Personal distress DSM-IV diagnostic criteria (APA)

Developmental Aspects Development, not disease Pattern of adaptation that unfolds over time Social and Age Norms Developmental issues Nature/Nurture Risk factors Prediction

The Diathesis-Stress Model Interaction of genes and environment Example: Depression Genetic vulnerability Environmental trigger(s) Not specific stressors for specific disorders “Bad things have bad effects for some people some of the time”

Autism Leo Kanner 1943 Pervasive Developmental Disorder Deviant social development Deviant language and communication Repetitive, stereotyped behavior Autism Spectrum Disorders: Asperger syndrome Boys 4x more likely

Causes of Autism Deficient theory of mind Executive dysfunction hypothesis Weak central coherent hypothesis Neural connections Genetics

Outcomes and Treatment Autistic for life More positive outcome: normal IQ and speech prior to age 6 years Most effective treatment: intensive/structured behavioral/educational programming begin as early as possible continue throughout childhood involve family

Adulthood Rates of disorder decrease after age 18 Depression Elderly less vulnerable to major depression Concern with elderly Depression often related to health 15% have some symptoms 1-3% diagnosable Difficult to diagnose More women (2/1)

Depression and Dementia Many undiagnosed and untreated Elderly can benefit, should NOT be excluded from treatment Dementia: progressive deterioration Not normal aging Alzheimer’s Disease Leading cause of dementia Progressive and irreversible

Causes of Cognitive Impairment Genetic: e.g., Alzheimer’s Vascular dementia - multi-infarct Minor strokes: deficits accumulate Related to lifestyle: diet and exercise Reversible dementia, about 20% Delerium: reversible, often drug related Depression: treatable Critical to distinguish for proper treatment

Figure 16.6