Question

Discuss the differences among internalized, externalized, and neurodevelopmental disorders that occur in childhood in depth. Describe at least one specific disorder from each category, including the symptoms, contributing causes, and possible treatment for each discussed disorder.

Also, how do you think bullying may be related to these disorders?

Answer 1

Internalizing disorders are negative behaviors that are focused inward.They include fearfulness,social withdrawal and somatic complaints.

Example include Depression disorder, Anxiety disorder,Dissociative disorder.

Externalized disorders are mental disorders characterized by externalizing behaviors,maladaptive behavior directed towards an individuals environment which cause impairment in lifes functioning.

Example include Conduct disorder,Antisocial personality disorder

Neurodevelopmental disorder are a group of disorders which affect the development of nervous system,leading to abnormal brain function which may affect emotion,learning ability,self control and memory.

Example include Attention deficit hyoeractivity disorder,Autism,Mental retardation.

ANXIETY DISORDER

Anxiety is a subjective state characterized by emotional distress and apprehension followed by stimulation of physiological adaptation to stress.

Causes:

Anxiety disorders are caused by combination of biological and environmental factors.

Stressful events such as starting school,moving or loss of a parent etc.

Symptoms:

Irritability,restlessness,difficult concentrating,rapid heart beat,sweating,trembing,shortness of breath,chills or hot flushes,speaking very softly or mumbling,sitting alone or isolated.

Treatment:

Medications - Depending on the severity of illness and duration medication can be given on short term or long term basis i.e Anxiolytics

Psychotherapy - it mainly includes Cognitive behavior therapy

CONDUCT DISORDER is a mental disorder characterized by repetitive and oersistent pattern of behavior in which basic rights of others or major age appropriate norms are violated.

Causes:

The major cause includes biological and environmental factors like child physical abuse,prenatal alcohol use and maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Symptoms:

• Aggressive behavior
• Deceitful (theft) behavior such as shoplifting and lying
• Destructive behavuor such as vandalism
• Violoation of rules
• Running away from home

Treatnent

The main treatment includes Cognitive therapy,Behavior therapy or combination of both

Parent management training it includes use of parent training technique based on social and behavioral traing therapy.

AUTISM

A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.It impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive,emotional,social and physical health

Causes:

It is four times more common in boys than girls.

The exact cause is unknown,many studies support shows predominance of genetic factors,child with older parent have high risk of occurence

Symptoms:

The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely.Common symptoms include difficulty with communication,difficulty with social interaction,obsessive interests ,lack of eye contact,high sensitivity to sounds,touches,smells and repetitive behaviors.

Treatment:

Medical management consist of antipsychotics.

Psychotherapy focus on Family therapy,Behavior therapy,Sensory processing therapy.

Bullying

It is the use of force,coercion or threat, to abuse,aggressively dominate or intimidate.The behavior is often habitual and repeated.Bullied victims might end up feeling lonely,helpless,isolate,frustrated,vulnerable,low self esteem,and angry

Bullying is a major concern due to its devastating effect on children.Bullied children normally experiences hard time due to negative impact associated with bullying.Many studies shows that bullied childrens experience major psychological problems.Hence bullying has major impact on children with these disorders.