Last Minute Lecture

Feeding and Eating Disorders in Youth — Chapter 14 Summary from Mash & Wolfe In Chapter 14 of Child Psychopathology , Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams examine the spectrum of feeding and eating disorders in children and adolescents. These disorders range from early-life nutritional issues to complex adolescent conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. At their core, these disorders reflect struggles with self-image, control, emotional regulation, and environmental pressures—not just with food. Early Childhood Feeding Disorders Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves extreme food selectivity and avoidance that leads to nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss. Pica: Characterized by the persistent ingestion of non-food items like dirt, paper, or hair. Often associated with intellectual disability or mineral deficiencies. Failure to Thrive (FTT): Severe undernourishment and developmental delay...

Child Health, Wellness, and Substance Use — Chapter 13 Summary from Mash & Wolfe Chapter 13 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores the complex relationship between children's physical health and psychological well-being. From sleep disturbances and chronic illnesses to elimination disorders and adolescent substance use, this chapter highlights the interconnected nature of biopsychosocial development—and the importance of early, integrated intervention. Sleep-Wake Disorders in Childhood Sleep problems such as insomnia , sleep terrors , narcolepsy , and sleepwalking can significantly disrupt brain development, mood stability, and behavioral regulation. Sleep deprivation impairs the prefrontal cortex , which governs attention, impulse control, and emotional balance. Treatment includes: Behavioral therapy and consistent bedtime routines Environmental modifications to reduce stimulation Medical interventions for more severe cases ...

Childhood Trauma and Stress Disorders — Chapter 12 Summary from Mash & Wolfe How does early trauma shape a child's development? Chapter 12 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams explores the psychological and biological effects of maltreatment and trauma-related disorders in childhood. The chapter traces the historical evolution of child protection, defines key trauma-related diagnoses, and offers evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention. What Is Child Maltreatment? Child maltreatment includes: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Psychological abuse Neglect These adverse experiences can profoundly affect emotional regulation, social functioning, cognitive development, and mental health across the lifespan. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders The DSM-5 outlines specific trauma-related diagnoses in children: Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): Emotionally withdrawn behavior toward caregiver...

Childhood Anxiety and OCD — Chapter 11 Summary from Mash & Wolfe Chapter 11 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe dives deep into the world of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in childhood. These conditions are among the most common mental health challenges faced by children but are frequently underdiagnosed or misunderstood. This chapter outlines the distinctions between fear, anxiety, and panic, and explains how these emotions can evolve into clinical disorders when they impair functioning. Anxiety, Fear, and Panic — What’s the Difference? Anxiety is future-oriented and involves anticipating potential danger. Fear is an immediate response to a present threat, while panic is a sudden physical reaction, such as a racing heart or shortness of breath, occurring even in the absence of real danger. Common Anxiety Disorders in Children Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by excessive worry, muscle tension, fatigue, ...

Childhood Depression and Bipolar Disorder — Chapter 10 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What do mood disorders look like in children and teens? Chapter 10 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams examines depressive and bipolar disorders in youth, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies. These disorders significantly impact emotional development, daily functioning, and long-term well-being. Understanding Depressive Disorders in Youth Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in children often presents differently than in adults. While persistent sadness is a hallmark, irritability frequently replaces sadness in youth. Other symptoms include anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue, cognitive impairments, and social withdrawal. Risk factors range from genetic vulnerability and neurochemical imbalances to family conflict and early trauma. Persistent Depressive Disorder (P-DD) , also known as dysthymia, features chronic l...

Understanding Conduct and Disruptive Disorders — Chapter 9 Summary from Mash & Wolfe Chapter 9 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams examines the complex world of childhood and adolescent conduct problems. This includes diagnoses such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) , both of which are associated with aggressive, defiant, and antisocial behaviors that disrupt family, school, and community life. What Are Conduct Problems? Conduct problems encompass a range of disruptive behaviors that violate social norms and the rights of others. These include: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterized by persistent patterns of angry/irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and vindictiveness, typically directed at authority figures. Conduct Disorder (CD): Involves more severe behaviors such as aggression toward people or animals, property destruction, deceitfulness, theft, and serious vio...

Understanding ADHD in Children — Chapter 8 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What causes ADHD, and how can it be effectively treated? Chapter 8 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores the neurobiological underpinnings, diagnostic criteria, developmental course, and treatment strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health conditions. What Is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily life. According to the DSM-5-TR , there are three presentations: ADHD-PI: Predominantly inattentive ADHD-HI: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD-C: Combined presentation Symptoms must be developmentally inappropriate, appear before age 12, and be present in two or more settings (e.g., home and school) for a formal diagnosis. Neurobiological and Cognitive Mechanisms Resear...

Communication and Learning Disorders in Children — Chapter 7 Summary from Mash & Wolfe Chapter 7 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores the challenges faced by children with communication and learning disorders—conditions that affect listening, speaking, reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning. These difficulties often interfere with academic performance and self-esteem but can be successfully addressed with early intervention and support. Learning Disability vs. Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) The chapter distinguishes between general learning disabilities —a broad term—and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) , a formal diagnosis under the DSM-5-TR. SLD includes impairments in key academic domains: Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading fluency, word recognition, and comprehension. Dysgraphia: Struggles with handwriting, spelling, and written organization. Dyscalculia: Challenges with number sense, basic operations, and math reaso...

Autism and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia — Chapter 6 Summary from Mash & Wolfe Chapter 6 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores two distinct yet complex neurodevelopmental disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia (COS) . Though they share early-onset and developmental roots, their clinical presentations, causes, and treatment paths diverge significantly. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ASD is defined in the DSM-5-TR by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, combined with restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, leading to diverse individual presentations. Cognitive and Neurological Features Theory of Mind (ToM): Many individuals with ASD have difficulties understanding others' beliefs, intentions, and emotions, leading to social challenges. Executive Function and Central Coherence: Weaknesses in planning, cognitive flexibil...

Understanding Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) — Chapter 5 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What is Intellectual Developmental Disorder, and how can we best support children who are diagnosed with it? Chapter 5 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores the features, causes, history, and treatment of IDD—offering an in-depth view of this complex neurodevelopmental disorder. What Is Intellectual Developmental Disorder? Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) , previously known as intellectual disability, is characterized by significant impairments in both intellectual functioning (such as reasoning and problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (social and practical life skills), with onset before age 18. Diagnosis requires evidence from standardized IQ testing (e.g., WISC-V ) and assessments of adaptive functioning across environments. Historical and Social Context The chapter highlights the dark history of the eugenics movement , during whi...

Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Disorders — Chapter 4 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What steps are taken to understand and treat psychological disorders in children? In Chapter 4 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe, we dive into the science and ethics of assessing, diagnosing, and treating youth mental health issues. The Purpose of Clinical Assessment Clinical assessment is more than diagnosis—it's a problem-solving process. The goal is to collect comprehensive data to inform accurate diagnoses, guide treatment planning, and predict outcomes. A good assessment takes into account a child’s developmental stage , cultural background , and gender identity , ensuring a holistic understanding of the individual’s experience. Case Formulation Approaches Idiographic Case Formulation: Focuses on a single child’s unique traits, environment, and experiences. Nomothetic Case Formulation: Identifies general patterns across populations to understand ...

Research Methods in Child Psychology — Chapter 3 Summary from Mash & Wolfe How do psychologists uncover the causes of mental health issues in children? In Chapter 3 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe, we explore the research methods that help distinguish science from pseudoscience, design effective studies, and ensure ethical treatment of child participants. Science vs. Pseudoscience: Knowing the Difference The chapter opens with a critical distinction: real science relies on empirical data, peer review, and reproducibility, whereas pseudoscience depends on anecdotal evidence and untested theories. One striking example is Facilitated Communication (FC) , a debunked technique once thought to help nonverbal children communicate but ultimately shown to lack scientific validity. The Research Process in Psychology Scientific research follows a multistage process: Forming a hypothesis : A testable prediction about a psychological relationship or ...

Theories Behind Abnormal Child Psychology — Chapter 2 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What causes mental health issues in children? Is it nature, nurture, or both? In Chapter 2 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe, we explore the complex theoretical models that guide our understanding of abnormal psychological development in childhood and adolescence. Developmental Psychopathology: A Holistic Framework The chapter begins by introducing developmental psychopathology — a framework emphasizing that psychological disorders emerge through complex, interactive processes over time. Rather than isolating a single cause, this approach considers how biological, psychological, and environmental factors combine and evolve throughout development. Key Theoretical Models Explained Multiple Determination: Abnormal behaviors result from multiple causes, including genetic predispositions, early caregiving, family environment, and societal influences. Transaction...

Understanding Child Psychopathology — Summary of Chapter 1 from Mash & Wolfe If you're studying psychology or exploring the foundations of mental health in children and adolescents, this comprehensive guide to Chapter 1 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams is the perfect starting point. Introduction to Child Psychopathology This chapter sets the stage for understanding how mental disorders are conceptualized and diagnosed in children. The video explores how definitions and treatments of mental illness in children have evolved from harsh, moral-based perspectives to scientifically-informed, compassionate approaches. Historical Perspectives and Societal Attitudes Early views on child psychopathology often reflected societal fear and misunderstanding. During the 18th and 19th centuries, children with mental illnesses were sometimes viewed as morally corrupt or "possessed." Influential thinkers like John Lock...