ADHD 2 Flashcards
ADHD and Hearing or vision problems
A differential dx and/or comorbid condition;
- Sensory deficits need to be ruled out first
- You must be sure that the child can see and hear normally
Misc. ADHD Differential dx/comorbid conditions (5)
- Anxiety
a. Can mimic inattention
b. Difficulty with concentration - Sleep Problems
- Bereavement
a. Loss of significant family member or friend
b. Losses in terms of parental separation or divorce, deployment of parent in military
c. Breakup with friend - Language Impairment
a. Negative or expressive language impairment may be frustrated and inattentive as a result of being unable to express themselves - Developmental Problems
a. Overall intellectual or social limitations less able to control their impulses and to maintain focus - Substance Abuse - Self-medication with alcohol, nicotine or other drug
ADHD and Depression (5)
- Co-occur with ADHD
- Look for marked sleep disturbances
- Disturbed appetite
- Low mood in adolescent
- Child may not be as obvious
ADHD and exposure to adverse childhood events (6)
- Child with recent witness to or experience of traumatic event
- Natural disaster
- Separation of parents
- Parental divorce
- Neglect or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- PTSD may resemble ADHD in that hypervigilance can mimic hyperactivity, dissociation may mimic inattention
ADHD and physical illness as dif dx or comorbid (5)
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia
Inattention and impulsivity could be due to
i. Thyroid disease
ii. Bronchodilator
iii. Endocrine tumor such as pheochromocytoma
ADHD and ODD
Conduct or oppositional defiant disorder
a. Disruptive behavior or aggression
b. Common to see aggressive and more behavioral problems with academic underachievement
ADHD and Tourette Syndrome (3)
a. Repetitive movement disorder
b. Stimulant meds may worsen tics
c. Tailor treatment to child’s most pressing symptoms
ADHD and Learning Problems or Disability (9)
- History of speech delay
- Difficulty in understanding despite normal hearing and vision
- Difficulty following directions
- Struggled with reading, math concepts in comparison to peers
- Frustrated parents with academic performance
- Underachiever
- Lazy in school
- Other family member have learning problems
- Inattention in school
Findings that suggest learning disability (3)
- Percentiles are low ≤ 15 or markedly less than one would expect based on intelligence
- Grades are low or scattered
- Percentiles on IQ tests are significantly higher than measures of academic achievement
ADHD Medical Differential Dx (9)
a. Seizure Disorder (e.g., Absence, Complex-Partial)
b. Chronic Otitis Media
c. Hyperthyroidism
d. Sleep Apnea
e. Drug-Induced Inattentional Syndrome
f. Head Injury
g. Hepatic Illness
h. Toxic Exposure (e.g., lead)
i. Narcolepsy
AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines (8)
- Initiate evaluation of child with symptoms
- Confirm patient meets the DSM V criteria in more than one setting
- Assess for comorbidities
- Recognize ADHD is a chronic disease—follow principle for chronic care and medical home
- Treatment recommendations vary with age with younger children needed parent and/or teacher based therapy with an attempt to avoid meds
- Middle and high school ages—meds are first line
- PCP can titrate medication for maximum benefit and minimum adverse effects
- Meds are last choice for preschool children
Behavioral Difficulties that you will hear in the Office (6)
- Parent-child relationship problems
- Cognitive and emotional problems
- Difficulties with transitioning
- Peer problems
- Problems with time
- Problems with sleep
70% OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD HAVE ANOTHER DISORDER SO YOU SHOULD NOT ONLY FOCUS CORE SYMPTOM
ADHD Rule of 1/3rds (3)
1/3 → complete resolution
1/3 → continued inattention, some impulsivity
1/3 → early ODD/CD, poor academic achievement, substance abuse, antisocial adults
ADHD Age Related Changes (4)
- Preschool (3-5 y/o) – hyperactive/impulsive
- School age (6-12 y/o) – combination symptoms
- Adolescence (13-18 y/o) – more inattention w/ restlessness
- Adult (18+) – largely inattention w/periodic impulsivity
Ulterior Motives in Seeking and ADHD Diagnosis (8)
- Test accommodations (SATs !!)
- Improved grades (cognitive enhancement)
- Weight loss –> Teens – misuse / diversion
- Rush to clinical judgment
- Over-reliance on direct observation failure to gather info from multiple informants
- Failure to adequately
- Consider the differential diagnosis
- Failure to adequately assess for common or suggested co-morbidities
ADHD Behavioral Interventions (11)
- Psychoeducation about ADHD
- Structure/routines
- Clear rules/expectations
- Attending/rewards
- Planned ignoring
- Effective commands
- Time out/loss of privileges
- Point/token systems
- Daily school-home report card
- Intensive summer treatment programs
- Fidget cube for those who cannot stop fidgeting with hands