Autism

Definition of Autism
It is a functional disorder of the brain that causes behavior disturbances. Autistic disorder (known also as infantile or childhood autism) almost always develops before the age of three Autism is characterized by: * impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, * impaired social interaction, * other abnormal behaviour.

Causes and Risk Factors of Autism

* Genetic, infectious, and traumatic factors. * Viral infection including rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy, have been studied as possible causes of autism.

* Children with Fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis have higher rates of autism than the general population.
* Autism affects males four times more often than females, and there is a genetic basis for the disease. NB
Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. A problem with a specific gene causes the disease. Normally, the gene makes a protein you need for brain development. But the mutation causes a person to make little or none of the protein, which results in the symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome(Intelligence problems, Social and emotional problems, Speech and language problem) .

Symptoms of Autism

1. Autistic infants may act relatively normal during their first few months of life before becoming less responsive to their parents and other stimuli. 2. They may have difficulty with feeding or toilet training; 3. They may not smile in recognition of their parents' faces, 4. They do not play with other children or toys in the normal manner, prefer to play alone. 5. Extreme difficulty developing normal relationships with others or social withdrawal 6. They tend not to share in the interests their parents or friends . 7. They are not able to interpret non-verbal cues of communication like facial expressions 8. impairment in language. many never speak at all. 9. non responsive and behave as non listening or non talking 10. they tend to roll or arrange things in rows 11. attachment to his toys 12. extreme resistance to change of any kind. such as moving furniture 13. staring at hands or flapping arms and hands, strange postures, 14. poor judgment and is therefore always at risk for danger. they dont evaluate danger 15. extreme crying or extreme sadness without reason 16. repeated words or statements

Diagnosis of Autism
1. Clinical presentation 2. Deafness like behavior is often the first suspected diagnosis, since autistic children may not respond normally to sounds and often do not speak.

3. The children's appearance and muscle coordination are often normal.

4. Many children with autism have a second psychiatric disorder or a Mental retardation and seizure disorders are very .neurological and psychiatric evaluation is necessary in every case of autism

Treatment of Autism
1. Appropriate early intervention is important. Once the diagnosis has been made, the parents, physicians, and specialists should discuss what is best for the child. 2. In most cases, parents are encouraged to take care of the child at home 3. Special education classes are available for autistic children. 4. Behavioural treatment programs include: A. Clear instructions to the child B. Immediate rewards for performing those behaviours C. Learned behaviours D. Parents should be educated in behavioural techniques so they can participate in all aspects of the child's care and treatment. The autistic child requires much of the parents' attention 5. Medication can be recommended to treat specific symptoms such as seizures, extreme mood changes,

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety you have OCD, you have repeated, upsetting disorder thoughts called obsessions. - You do the same thing over and over again to try to make the thoughts go away. Those repeated actions are called compulsions - Examples of obsessions are a fear of germs or a fear of being hurt. Compulsions include washing your hands, counting, checking on things or cleaning. - Untreated, OCD can take over your life

- Most people who develop it show symptoms by age 30 - head injury and infections. - brain abnormalities in patients with OCD, Researchers think brain circuits may not work properly in people who have OCD. - It tends to run in families. - TOURETTE SYNDROME an inherited syndrome characterized by a multiple motor tics (sudden repetitive non rhythmic muscle movement) and one vocal tic

Causes of OCD

Symptoms of OCD

- Obsessions or compulsions that are not due to medical illness or drug use - Obsessions or compulsions interfere with everyday life tasks - behavior is excessive or unreasonable

Exams and Tests

- Description of the behavior can help diagnose the disorder. - A physical exam can rule out physical causes, and a psychiatric evaluation can rule out other mental disorders - Questionnaires, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), can help diagnose OCD and track the progress of treatment

Treatment of OCD

1. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Citalopram Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine Paroxetine Sertraline 2- Tricyclic antidepressant 3- Low-dose atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, or ziprasidone) 4- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective type of psychotherapy for this disorder. Psychotherapy can also be used to: A- Provide effective ways of reducing stress B- Reduce anxiety

C- Resolve inner conflicts