6. GM ADHD

Question 1

Core Symptoms of ADHD (6)

Answer 1

1. Distractibility
2. Fidgety
3. Impulsivity
4. Restlessness
5. Hyperactivity
6. Difficulty concentrating

Question 2

Criteria for Diagnosis

Answer 2

• persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes w/ functioning or development
• Inattention: 6/9 symptoms for 6 months inconsistent w/ developmental level, negatively impacts functioning
• hyperactivity
• symptoms prior to age 12, in 2 or more settings that interfere with quality of life

Question 3

Example of ADHD impacting QOL

Answer 3

don’t invite the hyperactive kid to a slumber party

Question 4

When diagnosing, the physician must specify the presentation which can be categorized in five ways:

Answer 4

• combined
• inattentive
• hyperactive/impulsive
• partial remission
• Current severity (mild-moderate-severe)

Question 5

T/F ADHD only affects children.

Answer 5

False. ADHD impacts children and adults. However, it more commonly is diagnosed in children. Adults tend to have more inattention than hyperactivity.

Question 6

How may the clinical phenotype of ADHD present differently between boys and girls?

Answer 6

Boys tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive while girls typically daydream and have more distractibility.

Question 7

ADHD Effects on Life

Answer 7

affects children and the entire family 24/7

• disruptive morning routine
• negative impact on social functioning
• effect on self-esteem carrying into the future

Question 8

T/F ADHD is a disease of the classroom.

Answer 8

FALSE. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain circuitry and efficiency. ADHD is thought to be a disease of cortical maturation.

Question 9

T/F: ADHD threatens the quality of life (QOL)

Answer 9

TRUE.

Question 10

Why is social history important when diagnosing ADHD?

Answer 10

Undiagnosed ADHD impairs quality of life. From a social perspective, kids can develop low self-esteem that is carried into adulthood.

Question 11

_________ modulates the core symptoms of ADHD.

Answer 11

Dopamine

Several genes are involved and have cumulative effects on ADHD symptoms

Question 12

ADHD commonly presents with _______ symptoms and these symptoms _______ in prevelance with age.

Answer 12

anxiety

increase

Question 13

Prevalence of Comorbidities with ADHD in Adults

Answer 13

Highest:

• overall: anxiety disorders
• men: anxiety disorders
• women: mood disorders

Question 14

Common comorbidities

Answer 14

anxiety, antisocial, mood, alcohol/drug dependency

Question 15

T/F: ADHD predicts an earlier age of substance abuse use.

Answer 15

TRUE. ADHD adolescents are likely to associate with deviant groups. Also, see a more rapid transition from use to abuse and dependence.

Question 16

T/F: Comorbidities in ADHD presents diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Answer 16

TRUE. ADHD may share common genetic underpinnings and neural circuity with other psychiatric conditions (i.e. cortical thinning also seen in dementia patients)

Question 17

What is the connection with comorbidities and interactions between genes and the environment?

Answer 17

Genes, cells, and the body’s systems can be affected by the environment (epigenetics). Behaviors and stressors can create allele susceptibilities, molecular abnormalities, and abnormal processing. In turn, an individual may experience changes in temperament cognition, emotion, and behavior which may give rise to ADHD, substance abuse, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.