ADHD & autism

Question 1

system implicated in ADHD

Answer 1

mesostriatal dopamine

Question 2

neurotransmitters involved in ADHD

Answer 2

noradrenaline and dopamine

Question 3

what do treatments for ADHD aim to do

Answer 3

reducing noisy signal and high firing frequency from Na/DA & increase their time/amount in the synaptic cleft, decrease firing freq.

Question 4

Main drugs used for ADHD are… (action)

Answer 4

reuptake transporter blockers

Question 5

types of reuptake antagonists for ADHD

Answer 5

methylphenidate (ritalin)
atomoxetine
dexes (vyvanse)
Lisdex
tricyclic antidepressants

Question 6

Methylphenidate drug action

Answer 6

DA and Noradrenaline transporter blockers (reuptake inhibitors)

Question 7

atomoxetine drug action (ADHD)

Answer 7

non-stimulant, selective noradrenaline transport blocker

Question 8

dexes drug action

Answer 8

DA and Noradrenaline transporter reversers (reuptake inhibitors but also increase release via the transporter)

Question 9

Guanfacine and Clonidine drug action (ADHD)

Answer 9

alpha A2 receptor agonist - specifically in PFC

Question 10

what anti-psychotics can be used at low doses for ADHD side effects

Answer 10

quetiapine and risperidone

Question 11

neuropathology of ASD

Answer 11

shorter cerebellum, changes in PFC/ medial temporal lobe, high density of smaller neurons in amygdala, cortex and hippo

Question 12

potential causes of ASD

Answer 12

1. Phenylketonuria
2. Maternal contraction of measles/flu while pregnant
3. Thalidomide ho
4. hormone abnormalities in mother during pregnancy
5. opined excess theory
6. high SA during development
7. Vaccines (but no)

Question 13

Phenylketonuria theory of ASD

Answer 13

1. inability to break phenylalanine down to tyrosine to make dopamine
2. ingestion of phenylalanine increases levels in brain
3. phenylalanine inhibits myelination of neurons
4. can result in ASD etc

Question 14

opioid excess theory of ASD

Answer 14

1. leaky stomach lining
2. increased absorption of peptides such as gluten/casein
3. gluten / casein cross blood brain barrier
4. when not fully metabolised act like opiotes
5. craving foods containing these things

Question 15

Serotonergic dysfunction in ASD

Answer 15

1. increased SA in periphery
2. crosses easily into developing brain
3. high levels cause negative feedback on SA cells and loss of terminals
4. SA in babies required for development of synapses / dendrites
5. SA enhances oxytocin (bonding NT) release
6. reduces SA in brain impacts on normal development = ASD

Question 16

treatments for ASD

Answer 16

behavioural therapy, diatary constraints, pharmacotherapies only treat symptoms (anxiety, OCD, aggression, hyperactivity etc)