ABPN CAP flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Object permanence

Piagetian milestone in which an infant understands that objects continue to exist when out of sight; typically develops between 8 and 12 months of age.

Separation anxiety peak

Normal separation anxiety typically emerges around 8 to 18 months and peaks near 10 to 18 months, then gradually declines during toddler and preschool years.

Equifinality

Developmental psychopathology principle that different risk pathways or early experiences can lead to the same later disorder outcome.

Multifinality

Developmental psychopathology principle that a single risk factor or early experience can produce different outcomes across children.

Two-word phrases

A language milestone expected by about 24 months; absence by this age warrants developmental evaluation along with limited word inventory or loss of skills.

Stranger anxiety

Normal fear of unfamiliar people that commonly appears around 6 to 9 months, alongside increasing attachment to familiar caregivers.

Symbolic play

Pretend play using objects or actions to represent something else; typically emerges in toddler years and supports language, social, and cognitive development.

Mental status exam

Structured observation of appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment, adapted to the child's age and context.

CBCL

Caregiver-completed broadband rating scale that screens internalizing and externalizing problems and can be complemented by teacher and youth self-report forms.

M-CHAT

Brief autism screening questionnaire for toddlers that asks about social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory responses; positive screens require diagnostic evaluation.

Vineland adaptive scales

Standardized caregiver interview or rating measure of adaptive behavior in communication, daily living, socialization, and motor skills, useful in developmental and intellectual disability assessment.

Differential diagnosis

Process of comparing competing explanations for symptoms using timeline, context, collateral reports, and medical rule-outs before assigning a diagnosis.

Assent

Developmentally appropriate agreement from a minor to participate in assessment or treatment; guardian consent is still required except in specified emergencies.

ADHD symptom threshold

DSM-5-TR requires at least six inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms for children under 17, or at least five for adolescents 17 and older.

Autism spectrum disorder

Neurodevelopmental disorder defined by persistent social communication deficits plus restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests, with early onset and functional impairment.

Separation anxiety disorder

Developmentally inappropriate and persistent distress about separation from attachment figures, lasting at least four weeks in children and causing impairment.

OCD first-line treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention is first-line; an SSRI is added or used for moderate to severe symptoms.

Conduct disorder

Repetitive pattern of aggression, property destruction, deceit or theft, and serious rule violations lasting at least twelve months with impairment.

Tourette disorder

Neurodevelopmental tic disorder with multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic present for more than one year since onset.

Fluoxetine approval

Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in children eight years and older and is a common first-line SSRI for pediatric depression.

Stimulant monitoring

Before and during stimulant treatment, monitor heart rate, blood pressure, weight, appetite, sleep, and growth; screen for cardiac risk and misuse.

SSRI activation

Early treatment-emergent irritability, impulsivity, or increased energy that can occur with SSRIs; assess severity and suicide risk, and adjust management.

Metabolic monitoring

Second-generation antipsychotics require baseline and periodic weight, BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose or A1c, and lipid monitoring because of cardiometabolic risk.

Lithium monitoring

Lithium requires serum level, renal function, thyroid function, calcium, and hydration monitoring because of narrow therapeutic index and toxicity risk.

Valproate caution

Valproate carries hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, and teratogenicity risks; avoid in females of childbearing potential when alternatives exist.

Functional neurologic symptoms

Neurologic symptoms inconsistent with recognized disease that are genuine and distressing; management emphasizes validation, rehabilitation, and avoiding unnecessary tests.

Parent management training

Behavioral family intervention teaching positive reinforcement, consistent consequences, planned ignoring, and structured routines for disruptive behavior and ADHD.

Exposure and response prevention

CBT technique for OCD in which the patient confronts feared triggers while refraining from compulsions, gradually reducing anxiety and ritual use.

Family-based treatment

Manualized outpatient family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa that empowers caregivers to support weight restoration and normal eating early in treatment.

Motivational interviewing

Collaborative conversation style using open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries to strengthen a patient's own motivation and commitment to change.

Trauma-focused CBT

Structured child and caregiver therapy for trauma that includes psychoeducation, coping skills, gradual exposure, and processing of traumatic memories.

Consultation-liaison role

Psychiatric consultation in medical settings clarifies the referral question, assesses medical-psychiatric interactions, communicates recommendations, and supports the treating team.