ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Flashcards
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
It is a disorder where a person struggles to stay focused and control their behavior. It is caused by under-stimulation in the brain that causes a person to overcompensate energetically.
What are the general symptoms of ADHD?
Difficulty staying focused and paying attention
Difficulty controlling behavior
Hyperactivity (over-activity)
What are the 3 key behaviors, or kinds of symptoms, in ADHD?
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Inattention
What are examples of hyperactive symptoms?
CONSTANTLY IN MOTION
Trouble sitting still (fidget, squirming)
Vibrating
Non-stop talking
Dashing back and forth
Difficulty with quiet tasks/activities (quiet reading)
What are examples of impulsive symptoms?
ISSUES WITH IMPATIENCE AND IMPULSE CONTROL
Highly impatient, hard to wait for things
“Totally open book” - sharing emotions, feelings and thoughts without restraint or thought of consequences
Interrupting conversations or others’ activities
What are the 3 subtypes of ADHD?
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Predominantly inattentive
Combined/mixed hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
What is predominantly hyperactive-impulsive?
Mostly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
What is predominantly inattentive?
Mostly inattentive symptoms
What are examples of inattention symptoms?
ISSUES WITH DISTRACTABILITY AND FOCUS
Easily distracted
Miss or overlook details
Difficulty focusing on one thing.
Easily bored (unless doing something enjoyable)
Trouble with attention, executive function or learning something new
Often losing things needed to complete tasks
Not seeming to listen when spoken to
What is the combined hyperactivity-impulsive and inattentive?
6+ symptoms of hyper-impulsive
6+ symptoms of inattention
Which one of the 3 subtypes is most common in children?
Combined hyperactivity-impulsive and inattentive
What causes ADHD?
Many causes
Genetics/hereditary - runs in families Environmental Brain injuries (potential) food additives (not) sugar
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Symptoms usually appear between 3-6 years old
There is no “ADHD” test. Diagnosis is made from collecting information about child and their behavior. Other things have to be ruled out before interpreting results as ADHD, such as stress, vision problems or other mental disorder. Then child is observed in different environments,
Pediatrician or mental health specialist can diagnose.
How is ADHD managed or treated?
Medication - stimulant (Adderall)
Therapy (behavioral, play)
Combination
