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Questions and Answers
Studies have found that there is no genetic contribution to anxiety disorders in children.
False
Thomas et al.'s study found that children who were classified as 'easy' were more likely to develop behavioural disorders later in childhood.
False
The heritability of ASD is around 20%.
False
Genetic studies have found that environmental factors are the sole cause of childhood psychiatric disorders.
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The method of genetic investigation is discussed on page 446.
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Children with high positive affect are more likely to be diagnosed subsequently with depression.
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About 7% of physically healthy children aged 10-11 years are classified as having psychiatric problems.
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Brain disorders are less likely to predispose to psychological problems in childhood compared to other physical diseases.
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The effects of brain lesions are less complex in childhood than in adult life.
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Complete destruction of the left hemisphere in early childhood always leads to abnormal development of language.
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Study Notes
Genetic Contribution to Psychiatric Disorders
- Children with psychiatric problems often have parents with a psychiatric disorder, with a significant genetic contribution to disorders like ASD, hyperactivity, and anxiety (around 40% heritability).
- Genetic studies indicate a strong genetic component to some childhood psychiatric disorders.
Interpretation of Genetic Studies
- General points about the interpretation of genetic studies are essential, considering the aetiology of particular childhood psychiatric disorders.
- Examples of genetic findings in child psychiatry are presented in sections on autism and hyperactivity, where genetic research has made significant progress.
Temperament and Individual Differences
- Thomas et al.'s (1968) longitudinal study found that certain temperamental factors detected before age 2 predisposed to later psychiatric disorder.
- 'Difficult children' responded to new stimuli with withdrawal, slow adaptation, and intense behavioural response, while 'easy children' responded with a positive approach, rapid adaptation, and mild behavioural response.
- Temperamental styles are associated with subsequent childhood psychopathology, with behavioural inhibition predicting anxiety disorders and low positive affect linked to depression.
- Children with difficulties in self-control and high levels of irritability are more likely to be diagnosed with disruptive behaviour problems, including conduct disorder.
Brain Disorders
- Brain disorders, such as traumatic injury, epilepsy, infections, tumours, neurodegenerative, or other conditions, are significant risk factors for psychological problems in childhood.
- The Isle of Wight study found that 34% of children with brain disorders had psychiatric problems, compared to 12% of physically ill children and 7% of physically healthy children.
- Brain injury increases the likelihood of psychiatric disorder, especially when combined with adverse psychosocial influences.
- The effects of brain lesions are more complex in childhood due to the developing brain, resulting in greater capacity for compensation and potential delayed effects.
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Description
This quiz covers the role of genetics and environmental factors in the development of psychiatric disorders in children, including ASD, hyperactivity, and anxiety disorders.
