ABPN Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Flashcards

A 3-year-old child, following placement in multiple foster homes with severe neglect, shows indiscriminate affection toward strangers and lack of reticence with unfamiliar adults. What diagnosis is MOST likely?

Answer: Disinhibited social engagement disorder

Disinhibited social engagement disorder is characterized by culturally inappropriate behavior with unfamiliar adults following early social neglect or deprivation.

Which is the ONLY FDA-approved medication for irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in children?

Answer: Risperidone and aripiprazole

Both risperidone and aripiprazole have FDA approval for treating irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in children aged 5 and older.

A 9-year-old boy has recurrent, intrusive thoughts about contamination and spends 2 hours per day performing hand-washing rituals. What is the FIRST-LINE treatment?

Answer: SSRI plus exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Pediatric OCD is best treated with ERP (a specialized form of CBT) and/or an SSRI; the combination is superior to either alone for moderate-to-severe cases.

Which developmental milestone should RAISE concern if absent in a 12-month-old child?

Answer: No pointing or waving gesture

Absence of gesture use (pointing, waving) by 12 months is a red flag for developmental delay and ASD, as these are important prelinguistic social-communication milestones.

A child with intellectual disability is found to have an IQ of 45. What level of intellectual disability does this represent?

Answer: Moderate (IQ 40-55)

Moderate intellectual disability corresponds to IQ scores of approximately 40–55, with significant limitations in adaptive functioning and usually requiring substantial support.

Which childhood-onset psychiatric condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food intake with loss of control, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise?

Answer: Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (purging, fasting, excessive exercise) with body image disturbance, typically at normal or above-normal weight.