Condition Lookup
Category:
Child
Number of Conditions: 9
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
difficulty with social interaction; restricted or repetitive behaviors; delayed speech or language skills; sensory sensitivities; lack of eye contact; difficulty understanding social cues
Root Cause:
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on developmental history, clinical observation, and DSM-5 criteria. Tools like ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) may be used.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. No cure exists, but therapies can improve functioning.
Medications:
Risperidone and aripiprazole (antipsychotics) may be prescribed to manage irritability and aggression. SSRIs like fluoxetine may help with repetitive behaviors or coexisting anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S., with a higher prevalence in boys.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, family history of ASD, older parental age, and prenatal exposure to certain toxins.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; some individuals achieve independence, while others may require lifelong support. Early intervention improves outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), and difficulty finding employment or maintaining relationships.
Anorexia Nervosa
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
intense fear of gaining weight; distorted body image; severe calorie restriction; extreme weight loss; amenorrhea (in females); fatigue; dizziness; dry skin; brittle hair and nails
Root Cause:
A psychological disorder marked by an obsessive desire to lose weight, leading to malnutrition and distorted perceptions of body image.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes a physical exam, psychological evaluation, and assessment based on DSM-5 criteria for eating disorders. BMI and weight history are often reviewed.
Treatment:
Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), nutritional counseling, family-based therapy, and medical monitoring.
Medications:
Antidepressants like fluoxetine (SSRI class) may be prescribed to address underlying anxiety and depression. Atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine may help with weight gain and cognitive distortions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anorexia nervosa affects approximately 0.3–1% of adolescents and young adults, with a higher prevalence in females.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of eating disorders, perfectionism, societal pressures, coexisting mental health conditions (anxiety, depression).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis improves with early intervention, though recovery is challenging and relapses are common. Long-term recovery rates range from 50-70%.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe malnutrition, cardiac issues, electrolyte imbalances, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of suicide.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
inattention; hyperactivity; impulsivity; difficulty staying focused; poor time management; interrupting others; restlessness
Root Cause:
A neurodevelopmental disorder involving deficiencies in executive functioning and regulation of attention and impulse control.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical criteria from DSM-5, patient history, behavioral questionnaires, and input from teachers and parents. No specific diagnostic test is available.
Treatment:
A combination of behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and pharmacological treatment. School-based accommodations may also be helpful.
Medications:
Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin ) and amphetamines (Adderall ) are first-line treatments. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) or guanfacine (alpha-2 agonist) are alternatives.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5–7% of children worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco, low birth weight, and environmental factors like lead exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most individuals improve, though symptoms may persist into adulthood in about 60–70% of cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Academic difficulties, strained relationships, increased risk of substance abuse, and low self-esteem.
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
avoiding food based on sensory characteristics; limited range of foods eaten; failure to meet nutritional needs; weight loss or failure to gain weight; nutritional deficiencies
Root Cause:
An eating disorder where individuals restrict food intake due to sensory aversions, fear of negative consequences (e.g., choking), or lack of interest in food, without concerns about body weight or shape.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment using DSM-5 criteria, including dietary history and evaluation of growth patterns and nutritional intake.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy (e.g., exposure therapy), nutritional counseling, and sometimes family-based therapy.
Medications:
No FDA-approved medications for ARFID, but anxiety-reducing medications like sertraline (SSRI) may help with associated anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect up to 3% of the population, more common in children and adolescents.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sensory sensitivity, history of anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and previous traumatic experiences related to eating.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, many individuals improve, but ongoing support may be required for long-term management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, growth delays, anemia, and reliance on enteral feeding in severe cases.
Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
difficulty focusing; excessive activity; impulsive behaviors; academic underperformance; difficulty following instructions
Root Cause:
A neurodevelopmental disorder impacting a child’s ability to regulate attention, activity levels, and impulses due to brain structure and chemical differences.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Behavioral assessments based on DSM-5 criteria, questionnaires for parents and teachers, and evaluation by a pediatrician or psychologist.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, parent training, educational accommodations, and medication.
Medications:
Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin ) and amphetamine (Adderall ) are first-line treatments. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine and guanfacine may also be prescribed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5–10% of children worldwide, with symptoms appearing by age 12.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, prenatal substance exposure, low birth weight, and environmental factors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, many children learn to manage symptoms and improve functioning. Symptoms may persist into adulthood in some cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Academic struggles, low self-esteem, social challenges, and increased risk of substance abuse.
Pediatric Intellectual Disability
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
delayed developmental milestones; difficulty learning and problem-solving; challenges with communication; impaired social and adaptive functioning
Root Cause:
Reduced intellectual functioning and adaptive skills caused by genetic, prenatal, or environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Cognitive and developmental testing, clinical observation, and adaptive behavior assessments. Diagnosis often occurs before age 18.
Treatment:
Early intervention programs, special education services, speech and occupational therapy, and family support.
Medications:
No direct medications for intellectual disability, but comorbid conditions like ADHD or anxiety may be treated with stimulants or SSRIs.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1-3% of the global population, with varying degrees of severity.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome), prenatal exposure to toxins, infections, or birth complications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on severity and access to support services. Early interventions can significantly improve outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, dependence on caregivers, and increased risk of mental health conditions.
Pediatric Social Phobia and Selective Mutism
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
intense fear of social situations; avoidance of speaking in specific settings; difficulty interacting with peers; physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., trembling, sweating)
Root Cause:
Excessive fear or anxiety about social interactions and speaking, often stemming from underlying social anxiety disorder.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Behavioral observations and clinical interviews using DSM-5 criteria for social anxiety and selective mutism.
Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, gradual exposure therapy, and school accommodations.
Medications:
SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline may be prescribed to reduce anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Social phobia affects about 1–3% of children, and selective mutism affects approximately 0.1–0.7%.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, temperament (shyness), overprotective parenting, or traumatic social experiences.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many children improve with therapy, but untreated cases may persist into adulthood.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Academic difficulties, impaired social development, and increased risk of depression.
Pediatric Tourette Syndrome
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
involuntary tics; motor tics (e.g., blinking, head jerking); vocal tics (e.g., throat clearing, shouting); increased tic severity during stress
Root Cause:
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary tics, possibly linked to dopamine regulation in the brain.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical history, observation of tics for at least one year, and ruling out other conditions.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy (CBIT), psychoeducation, and medication for severe cases.
Medications:
Antipsychotics like risperidone and alpha-adrenergic agonists like clonidine or guanfacine may help manage tics.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 0.3–0.8% of children, more common in boys.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, prenatal complications, and early childhood infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often improve during adolescence, but some cases persist into adulthood.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social stigma, learning difficulties, and coexisting conditions like ADHD or OCD.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Child
Symptoms:
intense fear of social situations; fear of being judged; avoidance of social interactions; physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., sweating, shaking)
Root Cause:
Excessive fear of social scrutiny or embarrassment, impacting daily functioning.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews and DSM-5 criteria. Severity is assessed through scales like the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and psychoeducation.
Medications:
SSRIs like sertraline or fluoxetine are commonly prescribed. Beta-blockers like propranolol may help with performance anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 7% of children and adolescents.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, childhood bullying, overprotective parenting, or traumatic social experiences.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many improve with therapy and support, but untreated cases may persist into adulthood.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Avoidance of school or work, difficulty forming relationships, and depression.