C H I L D P S Y C H O PAT H O L O G Y

LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION
Why is t his to p ic imp o rt ant ?

1 in 8 children has a mental health problem

Many others are at risk for later development of a psychological disorder
The majority of children and adolescents needing mental health services do not receive them (< 10%)

H o w are ch ild re n d iff e re nt f ro m ad ult s ?

Rapid developmental changes:

o Emotions
o Language
o Relationships (attachment, fear of strangers, etc.)
o Cognitive functions (perception of time, ADHD, etc.)
Patterns of development are not the same for every child
Dependent on adults
Hormone differences
Different levels of communication/articulation about their problems

The s ymp to ms are jus t t he t ip o f t he ice be rg

Base most diagnoses on behavioural descriptions

But also many more factors need to be taken into consideration
(cannot make assumptions about children based on their
behaviours alone)

Se ve ra l f act o rs in fl ue nce ab no rmal child

b e havio ur

Brain development
Genetics
Peer relationships (e.g. conduct disorder)
Parenting

Tr iad o f In fl ue nce

Biology, Family, School/Peers (all connected)

Wh at can yo u ex pe ct t o le arn in t his co urs e ?

Definitions, theories, evaluation, and intervention

Major psychology disorders
Discussed within the framework of Development and
Context

Take notes during the videos and guest lectures (questions on the
exam)!
Midterm: October 21
40-50 MC
Short answers: choices (do 3 out of 5)
May be a case description (symptoms, behaviours, family, etc.) make a hypothesis or interpretation
Assignment: November 25 (Topic approved November 11)
Controversies could be in social media or in literature