ADHD Flashcards
What is the diagnostic triad of ADHD?
1- inattention
2- hyperactivity
3- impulsivity e.g running in front of car
comorbid symptoms are also common
What does the diagnostic triad have to be for diagnosis? (4)
- developmentally inappropriate
- impairing
- pervasive
- longstanding
How do the core symptoms of ADHD impact home/community life? (4)
- complicated to parent
- increases the family’s stress levels
- increase in anger and upset
- increase risk of harm e.g. impulsive behavior
How do the core symptoms of ADHD impact school life? (3)
- barrier to learning
- frequently in trouble
- disorganised/forgetting things/losing things
List some co-morbid symptoms that occur alongside ADHD (6)
- social communication difficulty
- learning disability
- attachment difficulties
- mood and anxiety problems
- behavioral disorders (lots of kids have dual diagnosis of ASD and ADHD)
- substance use
What is the worldwide prevalence of ADHD? M;F?
5.29% (common but undiagnosed)
M:F - 2.5:1
What is the aetiology of ADHD?
Multiple genetic and environmental factros lead to brain structure/function abnormalities - cognitive difficulties = symptoms
How is ADHD diagnosed? (5) Where does examination take place?
- parent/school reports
- screening questionnaires (if score certain threshold, look more closely)
- diagnostic questionnaires
- background info. regarding risk - FH, male gender, socioecon. status
- careful review of differentials/co-morbidities
- Examination: school observation/ clinic room observation/ ?cognitive assessment
What is the prognosis of ADHD?
- Core sx commonly remain thoughout childhood and may persist into adulthood (majority of those with significant sx persist to adult)
- manifestation of sx may change according to developmental stage
- some will ‘grow out’ of ADHD as part of the brains natural process
What is the 1st, 2nd and 3rd line psychological treatment for ADHD?
1: parent training - new forest parenting programme, behavioral classroom management strategies
2: social skills training, sleep and diet (eliminations and supplements)
3: neurofeedback, working memory
What can psychological therapies help with in the management of ADHD? is this sufficient?
Important but may not be sufficient
- may address comorbid or secondary difficulties at home
- allow better understanding of child at home/school
What is the 1st, 2nd and 3rd line medical treatment for ADHD?
1: ‘stimulants’: methylphenadate, dexamphetamine, lis dexamphetamine
2: atomoxetine
3: antidepressants/antihypertensives/antipsychotics
How do stimulants help ADHD? what are the side effects?
- improve dopamine transmission in networks involved with executive functioning = directly improve symptoms
- BUT loss appetite, zombie effect, dysphoria, anxiety, tics s/e so start low go slow
How long does atomoxetine take to work?
-given like an antidepressant - takes 2 weeks to work
