ADHD

Question 1

Understand the diagnostic criteria for ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria

Answer 1

” persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by 1. inattention; Needs to meet 6 or more of criteria
2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity; six or more of criteria.

Question 2

Demonstrate knowledge of the three presentation types of ADHD.

Answer 2

• Combined presentation; If both Criterion A1 (inattention) and Criterion A2 (hyperactivity-impulsivity) are met for the past 6 months.
• Predominantly inattentive presentation; If Criterion A1 (inattention) is met but not criteria A2 (hyperactivity)
• predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation if criterion A2 is met but not criterion A1

Question 3

Understand the world wide prevalence of ADHD

Answer 3

• was described in medical literature in 1798.
• estimated worldwide pooled prevalence of childhood ADHD is just over 5% and has not change over the past three decades.t however there is a wide variation between countries in reported prevalence. Many individuals with ADHD are not identified. More boys then girls are referred by teachers to get clinically tested.

Question 4

Understand the neurobiological factors associated with ADHD.

Answer 4

Biological;
twin studies have shown that it is highly heritable, genes associated with coding dopamine receptors and transporters, have been linked.
cognitive: demonstrate defects in a range of executive functions, including visuospatial and verbal working memory, planning, vigilance and inhibitory control.
Emotional dysregulation; intense reactivity (often manifesting as aggressive outbursts) Emotional dysregulation/emotional impulsivity.
Neuroimaging, increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques have revealed abnormalities in individuals with ADHD in the size, structure, and connections between brain regions involves in key EFs such as attention, working memory, response inhibition and motor control.

Question 5

Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental factors associated with ADHD.

Answer 5

increased risk on ADHD include;

• exposure to embyopathic neurotoxins (smoking, alcohol, illicit substances)
• marked prematurity or low birth weight ( gestational age less then 32 weeks or birth weight less that 1.5kg)
• maternal stress during during pregnancy
• postnatal environmental neurotoxins (lead, pesticides etc.)
• early life psychosocial deprivation
• nutritional deficiencies
• dietary sensitivities
• electronic media exposure.

Question 6

Demonstrate knowledge of conditions that are comorbid with ADHD

Answer 6

majority of children and adolescents with ADHD have at least one comorbid developmental or mental health disorder. Including,
ODD, conduct disorder, DMDD, anxiety disorders, depression, language disorders, learning disabilities, ASD, moderate or severe sleep problems are reported in 45% of parents of children with ADHD.

Question 7

Describe the impairments associated with ADHD.

Answer 7

difficulties with learning, behaviour, social function, and emotional well-being. Often multiple developmental and emotional problems are identified as contributing to the child`s difficulties, ASD, learning disorders, anxiety disorder etc.

Question 8

Demonstrate knowledge of ADHD assessment approaches.

Answer 8

clinical asse

Question 9

Demonstrate knowledge of ADHD assessment approaches.

Answer 9

clinical assessments involves two main elements;
A detailed interview with the child`s parents or carers, in which information is gathered about the pregnancy, perinatal period, infant temperament, early childhood development, first concerns, current concerns, family history, interventions tried to date and their effectiveness, general health, diet, and sleep health. The child is included in the consultation at a developmentally appropriate level.
2. standardized behaviour rating scales, completed by parents and teachers. A number of open-access validated instruments are available, including the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales, the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP)- IV rating scale and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale.

Question 10

Describe the main treatments for ADHD.

Answer 10

Principles for good quality management of ADHD;
Ensure that people with ADHD have a comprehensive, holistic shared treatment plan that addresses psychological, behavioural and occupational or educational needs. take into account;
the severity of ADHD symptoms and impairment, and how these affect or may affect everyday life, their goals, their resilience and protective factors, and, the relative impact of other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions.
Main treatments;
-school support in the classroom, some adaptations and good teaching practis