ADHD Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Flashcards
what does ADHD stand for?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder
what category of disorders if ADHD listed under?
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
what are the 3 main types of ADHD?
- Inattention - deficits in sustained attention
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Mixed attention deficits and hyperactivity
what gender is ADHD more common in?
males
what can cause ADHD?
- Family history
- Brain developmental abnormalies
- Premature birth – low birth weight
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Drug abuse during pregnancy
what happens to the size of the frontal and temporal lobes of ADHD patients?
they reduce in size
what happens to the anterior cingulate in ADHD patients?
there is a lack of activation of the anterior cingulate in ADHD patients
what happens to the dopamine pathway in ADHD?
- there is a rise in dopamine transporter activity so more dopamine is taken back up into the presynaptic neurone and less is being transmitted and binding to the post-synaptic neurone
- so we have reduced dopamine function
what effect do amphetamines have on dopamine?
they enhance its signalling
give examples of stimulant drugs given to treat ADHD?
- Dexamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
give examples of non-stimulant drugs given to treat ADHD?
- Clonidine
2. Guanfacine
how does Dexamphetamine and Methylphenidate work?
- Enhance catecholamine transmission
- inhibit reuptake of dopamine
- increase release of dopamine (only the amphetamine does this)
what is the main effect of Dexamphetamine and Methylphenidate?
- increased motor activity
- euphoria and excitement
- anorexia
- prolonged excessive administration causes stereotyped and psychotic behaviour
how does Atomoxetine work?
- Inhibits noradrenaline reuptake
- works as a secondary enhancer of dopamine transmission in prefrontal cortex
what effect does Atomoxetine have?
Antidepressant activity
