ABPN Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Flashcards

A 7-year-old boy has difficulty paying attention, frequently interrupts others, and cannot stay seated in class. His symptoms are present at home and school. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Answer: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD requires symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity present in two or more settings before age 12, fitting this presentation.

Which medication is FDA-approved as FIRST-LINE pharmacotherapy for ADHD in children aged 6 and older?

Answer: Methylphenidate

Stimulant medications including methylphenidate are first-line FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for ADHD due to superior efficacy over non-stimulant options.

A 4-year-old child does not make eye contact, does not respond to his name, lacks joint attention, and engages in repetitive hand-flapping. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors presenting in early development.

Which condition is characterized by sudden onset of severe OCD symptoms and motor or vocal tics in a child following group A streptococcal infection?

Answer: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections)

PANDAS describes abrupt onset of OCD and/or tic disorders temporally associated with group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in prepubertal children.

A 16-year-old girl refuses to eat, has lost 20% of her body weight, believes she is overweight despite being underweight, and has stopped menstruating. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Answer: Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of energy intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image, with serious medical complications.

What is the recommended FIRST-LINE psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder in children?

Answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT with graduated exposure is the evidence-based first-line treatment for separation anxiety disorder and other childhood anxiety disorders.