ADHD Flashcards
what is the definition of ADHD?
neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairing levels of inattention, disorganisation, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
what does inattention and disorganisation of ADHD entail?
inability to stay on task, seeming not to listen, and losing materials, at a level that are inconsistent with age or developmental level
what does hyperactivity-impulsivity of ADHD entail?
overactivity, fidgeting, inability to stay seated, intruding into other people’s activities, and inability to wait - symptoms that are excessive for age or developmental level
what is the DSM 5 diagnosis criteria for ADHD?
A. a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development
B. several inattentive of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12
C. several inattentive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings
D. there is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic or occupational functioning
E. the symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder
what are the 3 subtypes of ADHD?
- inattentive
- hyperactive-impulsive
- combined
at what age do ADHD symptoms have to be present before in order to qualify for a diagnosis?
12
what are some risk factors for ADHD?
low birth weight/prematurity
exposure to smoking during pregnancy
family history of ADHD
perinatal stress
fetal alcohol syndrome
lead poisoning
traumatic brain injury
severe early oxygenation deprivation
adverse parent-child relationships
T or F
people with ADHD exhibit EEG abnormalities
true
90% do but not diagnostic
what is the pathophysiology of ADHD?
anatomical structures
- delay and rate of cortical thickening contributes to difficulty prioritizing tasks
- lack of connectivity between PFC is associated with lapses in attention and poor impulse control
DA and NE abnormalities
- deficit in DA reward pathway impairs brains ability to maintain attention to dull or repetitive tasks, postpone indulgence, regulate mood and arousal, resist distractions
- NE dysfunction leads to inability to modulate attention, arousal, and mood
dysfunction of which neurotransmitters are associated with ADHD?
dopamine and norepinephrine
what is the effect of too little DA and NE?
fatigue
what is the effect of too much DA and NE?
stressed
what are signs and symptoms of ADHD seen in infancy?
- difficulty being soothed because irritability, fidgeting, crying and/or colic
- feeding problems including poor sucking, crying during feedings
- short periods of sleep or very little sleep
- when crawling in constant motion
what are some s/sx of ADHD seen in school age children?
- constantly “on the go”, unable to stay seated or play quietly
- easily distracted, trouble completing tasks
- impulsive, unable to wait turn, may blurt out answers, needs instant gratification
- may appear accident prone due to hyperactivity and impulsivity
- disorganised, forgetting or losing homework
what are s/sx of ADHD seen in adolescence?
- dominant features include disorganisation, forgetfulness, inattention, overreaction
- reckless driving and risky behaviour may occur
what are s/sx of ADHD seen in adulthood?
- hyperactive symptoms include inability to sit through class/work meetings, excessive talking, needs to get to places quickly
- impulsive symptoms include frequent job changes, low frustration tolerance, unstable interpersonal relationships
- inattentive symptoms include poor time management, poor motivation and concentration, forgetfulness, excessive mistakes
which assessment tools are recommended by CADDRA for initial information gathering for suspected ADHD?
SNAP-IV 26 questionnaire and CADDRA teacher assessment form
what % of people diagnosed with ADHD in childhood have symptoms persisting into adulthood?
60%
what are the differences seen between boys and girls with ADHD?
boys present with hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms that are more noticeable
girls present with more inattentive symptoms
how do symptoms of ADHD change with age?
hyperactive symptoms begin to decline in adolescents but impulsive and inattention symptoms persist
inattentive symptoms become more prominent in adolescence and are the most common symptoms seen in adults
which symptoms of ADHD are associated with higher rates of bipolar/psychosis in adults?
hyperactive/impulsive
what are common co-morbidities seen with ADHD?
conduct or behavioural problems
anxiety
MDD
OCD
depression
oppositional defiant disorder
Tourette’s disorder
autism
epilepsy
substance use disorder
learning disorder
what is ODD?
oppositional defiant disorder
behavioural problem that is characterised by active confrontation of authority
what is CD?
conduct disorder
show a pattern of repeated aggression, lying, stealing, vandalizing, and skipping school