ADHD

Question 1

What is the heritability of ADHD?

Answer 1

80%

(1) Risk that sibling is affected: 2-5x;
(2) Risk that parent is affected: 3-5x;

Question 2

Rate at which brain uses glucose is _____ in subjects with ADHD than those without

Answer 2

lower

Question 3

T or F?

Ppl w/ ADHD have less electrical activity & less reactivity to stimulation in specific brain regions

Answer 3

True

Question 4

3 genes ass’d w/ ADHD?

Answer 4

1. Dopamine Transporter gene (DAT)
   - Chromosome 5
   - - A “hyperactive” presynaptic DAT (reuptake)
2. Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4)
   - Chromosome 11
   - - Postsynaptic malfunction disallows signal transmission
3. Thyroid receptor β gene
   - Chromosome 3
   - - ADHD Sx in those resistant to TH

Question 5

Pathological deficits of ADHD are linked to specific brain regions:
– 3-4% smaller volume in what brain regions?

Answer 5

Frontal/Temporal Lobes, Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum

Question 6

Volumetric brain findings correlate w/ severity of ADHD. Does this persist throughout life or change w/ age?

Answer 6

Persists w/ age

Question 7

What are some non genetic causes of ADHD?

Answer 7

– Perinatal stress
– Low birth weight
– Traumatic brain injury
– Maternal smoking, alcohol, etc during pregnancy
– Severe early deprivation (extreme)

Question 8

How to differentiate ADHD symptoms from similar Sx seen in “gifted” children?

Answer 8

• Unlike gifted children, those with ADHD exhibit problem behavior in virtually all settings.
• Gifted students will concentrate on what interests them, but ADHD students have brief attention spans in virtually all situations.
• Gifted students perform well with in subjects they like.

Question 9

Are symptoms in a group setting necessary for a diagnosis of ADHD?

Answer 9

Yes