ADHD

Question 1

Diagnostic criteria generally associated with ADHD

Answer 1

3 categories: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

Inattention: getting distracted easily, forgetting things, not able to sit still, not able to focus for a long time (unless it’s an activity that the individual enjoys), not seeming to listen when spoken to, daydreaming & moving slowly, having trouble processing information as quickly as others, bored easily, struggling to follow instructions

Hyperactivity: talking nonstop, fidgeting and squirming, running around, touching & playing with objects, can’t do quiet tasks, trouble sitting

Impulsivity: impatient, trouble waiting their turn, blurting out inappropriate comments, acting without thinking about consequences, showing emotions without regard for situation, interrupting other people

Question 2

scientifically supported theories about the cause of ADHD

Answer 2

Genetics & Environment

Genetics: ADHD often runs in families, could potentially be polygenic in inheritance (ie. many genes involved in development)

• children with ADHD, who carry a certain version of a gene, have thinner cortical tissue in area associatd with attention. This got better as child got older and brain developed, and ADHD symptoms improved.
• Duplications and deletions of DNA, ie. copy number variations: some copy number variations occur more frequently in people with ADHD

Environment: ADHD associated with prenatal alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Preschool exposure to lead is also associated with ADHD development.

Question 3

discredited theories about cause of ADHD

Answer 3

• Brain injuries
• Sugar
• Food additives