ADHD Flashcards
ADHD Patho
Reduced activity in prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex -> stimulants
Default mode network over-activity -> methylphenidate
ADHD symptoms
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
ADHD diagnosis
- sx onset before 12
- significant impairment in at least 2 settings with documented symptoms
- sx reduce quality of social, academic, or occupation functioning
- sx are not due to another psychiatric/substance use disorder
DSM 5 inattention/hyperactivity (impulsivity)
children and adolescents (<17)
- 6 or more symptoms for at least 6 months
adolescents and adults (17 and up)
- at least 5 symptoms required
ADHD presentation (infancy)
- irritability, fidgeting, crying
- difficulty feeding
- short periods of sleep/frequently interrupted sleep
ADHD presentation preschool (3-5)
- excessive motor activity
- intense temper tantrums
ADHD presentation school age (6-11)
- difficulty academically
- combined inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive
- comorbid oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, aggression (greater risk for SUD in adolescence)
ADHD presentation adolescents (12-18)
- inattention and impulsivity > hyperactive
- significant functional impairment
- higher rates of delinquency, drug and alcohol use
- speeding/MVA > in ADHD vs non-ADHD
ADHD presentation adults (>18)
- inattention
- cognitive deficits
- impatient
- greater risk of unemployment, unstable relationships, psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration
Non-pharm (preschool/school age)
- parent/family education on ADHD
- training on behavioral modification
- behavioral classroom management (BCM)
Non-pharm (adolescent)
- break up assignments into manageable segments
- structured schedule
- behavioral peer inventions (BPI)
Non-pharm Adolescent/Adult
- ADHD specific CBT
- Metacognitive therapy (2hr/wk x 12 weeks)
Use of Iron and Zinc Supplementation
enhances therapeutic benefit of stimulants
(only in youth with known deficiencies)
First line therapy for ADHD
- Methylphenidate or Dexmethylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine or Mixed Amphetamine Salts
Second line ADHD treatment
Atomoxetine
Viloxazine
Guanfacine ER
Clonidine ER
Bupropion
ADHD third line treatment
- combo therapy
- TCA
Predominant Tourette’s + ADHD treatment
1st:
- dopamine antagonist
- alpha-2 agonist (guanfacine / clonidine)
(Some response)
- add stimulant, atomoxetine, or alpha-2 agonist
(Inadequate response)
- alternative dopamine antagonist or alpha-2 agonist
Predominant bipolar (and/or severe aggression) + ADHD treatment
TREAT BIPOLAR FIRST
1st: atypical antipsychotic, lithium, or anticonvulsant
(Some Response)
- add stimulant
(Inadequate response)
- alternative or additional mood stabilizer
Predominant depression/anxiety + ADHD treatment
1st: antidepressant
(Some response)
- add stimulant
(Inadequate response)
- alternative antidepressant
Stimulant MOA
Methylphenidate and Amphetamines
- block dopamine and NE reuptake
- amphetamines increase catecholamine release
- inhibit monoamine oxidase
- different stimulants work through different pathways -> lack of response to one class does not mean lack of response to another
Which is more potent: Methylphenidate or Amphetamines?
Amphetamines
Stimulants:
IR Formulation Pearls
- Dose BID-TID (short T1/2)
- Drug onset: 15-30 min
- Duration: 2-6 hrs
Advantages:
- lower cost
- less insomnia
- fewer growth related ADE