Asperger Syndrome

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition), known as DSM IV, published in 1994, defines Asperger Syndrome (AS) as marked by “severe and sustained impairment in social interaction” along with “restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior.”

As a parent, what behaviors might I suspect as indicative of this disorder? The more general traits that may be observed include awkwardness in social situations, an intense preoccupation with certain specific (often unusual) topics, self-directed orientation, a lack of understanding of social cues, and clumsiness caused by lack of motor coordination.

What is meant by "severe and sustained" impairment of social interaction? A child with AS often has problems with normally developed verbal as well as non-verbal interaction tools. The child may, for example, not meet the eyes of a person speaking, seem to lack facial expressiveness, or not use normal body posturing and gestures. This affects social interaction in a negative way.

What are “restricted repetitive patterns of behavior”? This kind of behavior is demonstrated by a preoccupation with certain actions or objects within a restricted range. Rather than applying an intense interest to a variety of subjects, the child with AS has interests of a rather narrow scope, for example; aliens or computers, bus routes or sports schedules, maps and charts.

This restricted repetitive behavior also is exhibited through a very rigid, non-negotiable adherence to specific nonfunctional routines or rituals. The child with this disorder may, for example, insist on walking a certain route to school without deviation. The child is inflexible about following a certain sequence of events, he or she may need to walk in a circle before sitting down or may need to dress in a specific order. These nonfunctional routines can be of certain importance to the child with Asperger Syndrome. For example, given a choice in clothing, the child might create what seems like a uniform that is worn day after day.

How is Asperger different from autism? A child with Asperger experiences no clinically significant delay in cognitive development and does not experience a gross delay in developing language skills.

Other differences are: children with autism tend to think concretely and have much difficulty with symbolic thinking and pretend play, whereas Asperger children can be quite imaginative although themes may be repetitive. Asperger children tend to have motor coordination difficulties not seen in autism.

Autistic Disorder

The essential features of Autistic Disorder are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interests. Manifestations of the disorder vary greatly depending on the developmental level and chronological age of the individual. Autistic Disorder is sometimes referred to as early infantile autism, childhood autism, or Kanner’s autism.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The essential feature of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment must have been present before the age of 7 years, although many individuals are diagnosed after. Some impairment from the symptoms must be present in at least two settings (e.g., at home and at school or work). There must be a clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The essential feature of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that persists for at least 6 months and is characterized by the frequent occurrence of at least four of the following behaviors: losing temper, arguing with adults, actively defying or refusing to comply with the requests or rules of adults, deliberately doing things that will annoy other people, blaming others for his or her own mistakes or misbehavior, being touchy or easily annoyed by others, being angry and resentful, or being spiteful or vindictive. To qualify for Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the behaviors must occur more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level and must lead to significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Conduct Disorder

The essential feature of Conduct Disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated.

Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. It affects 2.3 million adult Americans, or 1.2 percent of the population. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with recurring episodes that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood. It generally requires ongoing treatment.

What are the symptoms of mania?

Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of mania may include;

-either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood

-ambitious, often grandiose, plans

-increased activity or energy

-more thoughts and faster thinking than normal

-increased talking, more rapid speech than normal

-increased sexual interest and activity

-decreased sleep and decreased need for sleep.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:

- depressed or apathetic mood

- restlessness and irritability

- less talking and slowed speech

- less interest or participation in , and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed

- hopeless and helpless feelings

- decreased activity and energy

- fewer thoughts than usual and slowed thinking

- decreased sexual interest and activity

- feelings of guilt and worthlessness

- change in sleep patterns

- change in appetite

- pessimistic outlook

- thoughts of suicide

Recognizing Adolescent Depression

Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder, which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.

It is extremely important that depressed teens recieve prompt, professional treatment. Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice.

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Anxiety disorders cause people to feel excessively frightened, distressed, and uneasy during situations in which most others would not experience these symptoms. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual's quality of life. Anxiety disorders in children can lead to poor school attendance, low self-esteem, deficient interpersonal skills, alcohol abuse, and adjustment difficulty.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America; they affect as many as one in ten young people. Unfortunately, these disorders are often difficult to recognize, and many who suffer from them are either too ashamed to seek help or they fail to realize that these disorders can be treated effectively.

The most common anxiety disorders are; panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The first signs of schizophrenia typically emerge in the teenage years or twenties.

Most people with schizophrenia suffer chronically or episodically throughout their lives, and are often stigmatized by lack of public understanding about the disease.

Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness. A person with schizophrenia does not have a "split personality," and almost all people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent towards others when they are receiving treatment.

This information acquired from The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.