ADHD Flashcards
What does ADHD stand for?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
What is another name for ADHD?
Hyperkinetic disorder
What is ADHD?
A condition characterised by early onset persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
How must the traits of ADHD present to be due to ADHD?
- More frequent and severe than in individuals at a comparable stage of development
- Present in more than one situation
What genes are thought to cause a genetic predisposition for developing ADHD?
DRD4 and DRD5
Problems with genes for what proteins have been linked to ADHD?
Dopamine system proteins
What does the link between genes for the dopamine system and ADHD suggest?
There may be potential problems with the dopamine pathway in ADHD
What social aspects does ADHD often have an association with?
- Social deprivation
- Family conflict
- Parental cannabis and alcohol exposure
What are the risk factors for ADHD?
- Male gender
- Family history
- Social deprivation
- Family conflict
What are the three key traits of ADHD?
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
What are the aspects of inattention that present in ADHD?
- Not listening when spoken to
- Easily distracted
- Moves from one thing to the next rapidly
- Reluctant to engage in activities requiring persistent mental effort
What are the aspects of hyperactivity that present in ADHD?
- Restlessness and fidgeting
- Recklessness
- Running and jumping around in inappropriate places
What are the aspects of impulsivity that may present in ADHD?
- Interrupting others
- Temper tantrums
- Aggression
- Disobedience
- Running into the street without looking
Who is it important to get a history from when assessing for ADHD?
- Parent
- Child
- Teacher
Why is it important to also take a history from the child’s teacher?
Problem behaviors may vary in different setting
