DSM-5: Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• The following are questions that may be present on board exams, relating to DSM-5 Disorders

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Hallucinations are not a core deficit in Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Intellectual Disability diagnosis requires deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning
• The most effective intervention for Speech Sound Disorder is speech-language therapy
• Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder is commonly referred to as stuttering
• A child with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder will most likely struggle with understanding sarcasm and non-literal language
• Specific Learning Disorder is characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and mathematics
• The primary neurobiological factor in ADHD is Dopamine dysregulation
• The subtype of ADHD primarily characterized by inattentiveness is Predominantly Inattentive
• Global Developmental Delay is a provisional diagnosis given before age 5
• The primary treatment for Specific Learning Disorder is specialized education programs

Anxiety and Mood Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worry about multiple aspects of life
• Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
• Bipolar I includes manic episodes, while Bipolar II includes hypomanic episodes
• A child with Separation Anxiety Disorder will likely display distress when separated from attachment figures
• Selective Mutism is characterized by consistent failure to speak in social situations despite speaking in others
• The hallmark symptom of Social Anxiety Disorder is fear of negative evaluation in social situations
• Cyclothymic Disorder involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for full episodes
• Persistent Depressive Disorder is also known as Dysthymia
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder symptoms occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
• Conduct Disorder is often a precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder

Trauma, Dissociation, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

• PTSD symptoms must persist for at least one month
• Acute Stress Disorder differs from PTSD in duration, lasting 3 days to 1 month
• Dissociative Identity Disorder is characterized by two or more distinct personality states
• Illness Anxiety Disorder is marked by preoccupation with having a serious illness despite lack of symptoms
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder involves excessive concern with perceived physical flaws
• Hoarding Disorder is distinct from OCD because it does not involve intrusive obsessions
• Excoriation Disorder is skin-picking resulting in lesions
• Factitious Disorder is characterized by intentional falsification of symptoms for psychological gain
• The primary neurotransmitter associated with OCD is Serotonin
• Trichotillomania involves hair pulling

Eating and Sexual Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa involves intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight
• The difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder is that Bulimia involves compensatory behaviors, while binge-eating does not
• The defining characteristic of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is a lack of interest in eating due to sensory concerns
• Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder involves difficulty with vaginal penetration due to pain
• Erectile Disorder is primarily diagnosed when there is a persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection
• Premature Ejaculation is diagnosed when ejaculation occurs within one minute of penetration
• Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder involves a lack of sexual desire
• Female Orgasmic Disorder involves delay or absence of orgasm
• Pica involves eating non-nutritive substances
• Rumination Disorder involves regurgitation and re-chewing of food

Paraphilic Disorders and Miscellaneous

• Exhibitionistic, voyeuristic, frotteuristic, and other paraphilic disorders are included in this section