ADHD Flashcards
four types of ADHD
combined, inattentive (ADD), hyperactive/impulsive, other specified or unspecified.
what happens as ADHD sufferers grow up?
they switch to the more inattentive subtypes.
characteristics for a diagnosis
starts before age 12, occurs in multiple settings, must cause social disability.
key symptoms
there must be 6 inattentive symptoms for 6 months. poor attention to details (mistakes), cannot sustain attention, does not listen, does not follow through, does not organize, avoids tasks, loses things, is distracted, is forgetful.
ADHD hyperactive/impulsiveness symptoms q
fidgets, leaves seat, runs/climbs, not quiet, talks a lot, blurts out, cannot wait turn, interrupts,
etiology of ADHD
genetics, developmental delay, neurological/neurotransmitter abnorms, environmental factors, psychological factors.
genetics of ADHD
76% heritability, chromosome 16 known to be involved.
key neurotransmitters
decreased tonic NE in the PFC, decreased DA firing in the PFC, serotonin not investigated yet.
neurodevelopment in ADHD
seems to be a 2 year delay in the neurodevelopment of people with ADHD.
key treatments for ADHD
stimulants that increase the rate of NE and DA firing in the PFC aggressively.
environmental factors
cigs are associated and alcohol use during pregnancy, lead poisoning and head injuries.
highest cooccurrance/comorbidity that needs to be teased out of the diagnosis?
anxiety disorder.
what is the leading treatment modality?
cognitive behavioral training such as self-control therapy, behavioral parent training, relaxation, distraction control, attention sustaining, and cognitive restructuring,
treatment differs by age
younger patients get addictive stimulants first, while adults get alpha2-agonists first (increases the signal strength to the neuron). both groups try behavioral therapy first.
most likely finding on a functional MRI scan of ADHD
hypoactive anterior cingulates.
