ADHD and ASD Flashcards
What are the triad of core symptoms that are up ADHD?
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
What other symptoms co-occur with the core triad in ADHD?
Developmentally inappropriate
Impairs function
Pervasive across all settings
Longstanding from the age of 5
List some impacts ADHD has.
Emotional dysregulation- difficult family and peer relations
Poor problem solving
Learning barrier as often excluded from education
ADHD in adults often leads to…
Increased frequency of psychiatric comorbidity
Higher levels of criminality/antisocial behaviour
Higher levels of substance abuse
Impaired occupational function
Why do symptoms of ADHD decrease over time?
As the brain matures the thickness of the cortices increases allowing for the compensation of cognitive deficit.
List some perinatal factors that can increase the risk of a child developing ADHD.
Tobacco and alcohol use in pregnancy
Significant hypoxia - prematurity and perinatal
Eclampsia
Neurobiologically how do ADHD patients present?
Underactive frontal lobe
Neurochemically how do ADHD patients present?
Excessive dopamine removal
Reduction in norepinephrine and seretonin
How are children assessed with ADHD?
Parent or school referral and observation
Screening or diagnostic questionnaire
How are adults assessed with ADHD?
Referred by patient
What do children need to have in order to be diagnosed with ADHD?
6 or more hyperactivity and impulsions
+ 6 symptoms of innattentivness
Presenting before the age of 5
Reported and seen by both school and home.
What do adults need to have in order to be diagnosed with ADHD?
5 or more of hyperactivity and impulsiveness \+ 5 or more innatentivness Historical concerns Underachieving Reckless behaviour
Treatments for in mild ADHD
Psychosocial
Parent training
Sleep and diet modification and elimination
Behavioural classroom management
Treatments for moderate to severe ADHD.
Psychosocial
Pharmacological
List the pharmacological treatment for ADHD
1st line - Stimulants
2nd line - SNRIs
3rd line - Alpha agonists
4th line - Antidepressants or Antipsychotics
What Stimulants are used in ADHD?
Methyphenidate
Dexamfetamine
What SNRIs are used in ADHD?
Atomoxetine
What Alpha Agonists are used in ADHD?
Clonidine
Guanfacine
What Antidepressants or Antipsychotics are used in ADHD?
Antidepressants - Imipramine
Antipsychotics - Risperidone
How does Methyphenidate reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
Increases Dopamine by blocking its transporters
How does dexamfetamine reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
Increases dopamine
Increases extracellular norepinephrine and seretonin
How do SNRIs reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
Increase Norepinephrine by blocking its transporters
How do Alpha Agonists reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
Reduce sympathetic stimulation
What is the role of Norepinephrine in ADHD?
Affects the concentration
Leads to hesitation Obsession and doubt
What is the role of Dopamine in ADHD?
Affects Alertness
Working memory Compulsions Foggy clarity