ABPN CAP case studies

ABPN CAP · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties, and it describes its work as setting certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists. Child and adolescent psychiatry certification is a subspecialty credential within that system, intended for physicians who have completed general psychiatry training plus additional training focused on children, adolescents, and families. The ABPN CAP case studies are 5 cases and about 3,364 words.

The Preterm Kindergartner Who "Won't Listen"

Marcus is 5 years 2 months old, born at 28 weeks' gestation (980 g) with a grade II intraventricular hemorrhage. He attends full-day kindergarten with an IEP.

572 words, about 3 min 2

Chronic Irritability at 13: DMDD, ODD, or Something Else

Nadia is 13 years 4 months old, referred by her pediatrician for "mood swings." Her mother describes daily screaming episodes - at least four a week - usually over homework or screen limits, lasting 20-40 minutes, with door-slamming and one incident of punching a wall. Between outbursts her mother calls her "sulky and grumpy most of the day, most days, for about 14 months." Her father works nights and says "she's fine with me." Her eighth-grade teachers rate her as cooperative and among the top of her class; the counselor reports no concerns.

608 words, about 3 min 3

First-Episode Psychosis in a Daily Cannabis User

Daniel is 15 years 9 months old, brought to the emergency department after his parents found him talking to "the man in the wall" in his room at 3 a.m. He has used cannabis daily for about five months (roughly 1 g/day) and used psilocybin once four weeks ago.

590 words, about 3 min 4

Risperidone, Weight Gain, and an Elevated Prolactin

Ethan is 10 years 3 months old with autism spectrum disorder (level 2) and intellectual disability (FSIQ 62). Six months ago risperidone was started for aggression - hitting, biting, and throwing furniture at his day program up to five times weekly, with one staff injury.

765 words, about 4 min 5

School Refusal, Somatic Complaints, and an Accommodating Parent

Sofia is 12 years 7 months old, in seventh grade. She has missed 34 of 55 school days this year.

829 words, about 4 min