ADHD Pathophysiology + Diagnosis Flashcards
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by…
Impairing levels of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Inattention and disorganization entails symptoms such as…
Inability to stay on task, seeming not to listen, and losing materials
(at levels that are inconsistent with age or developmental level)
Hyperactivity-impulsivity entails symptoms such as…
Overactivity, fidgeting, inability to stay seated, intrusion, inability to wait
(excessive for age or developmental level)
ADHD is diagnosed based off of…
Symptomatology - no biological or imaging studies for diagnosis
The essential feature of ADHD are persistent patterns of…
Think of the diagnostic criteria
Inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development
Hyperactive-impulsive presentation tends to be more common in these populations:
Preschool, school age
Boys
Inattentive presentation tends to be more common in these populations:
Adolescence
Etiology of ADHD is multifactorial, meaning…
Has both genetic (heritability is very high) and non-genetic components
NT abnormalities associated with ADHD are primarily…
What do they result in
Dopamine - deficit impairs brain’s ability to maintain attention
Norepinephrine - inability to modulate attention, arousal, mood
“Fatigued State”
Some risk factors for developing ADHD include…
Family history
Low birth weight/prematurity
Exposure to smoking during pregnancy, fetal alcohol syndrome, perinatal stress
Traumatic brain injury
Adverse parent-child relationships
Anatomical structures are impacted in ADHD via…
Delay in cortical thickening - difficulty prioritizing tasks
Lack of connectivity between prefronal cortex - lapses in attention + poor impulse control
EEG abnormalities are present in 90% of individuals with ADHD but this is not diagnostic
Assessment of ADHD is often complex, as it requires…
Evaluation of behaviour in multiple settings
Initial information gathering for children/adolescents suspected of ADHD can be done via…
SNAP-IV 26 questionaire
CADDRA teacher assessment form
Adults can use the Adult ADHD self-report scale
Regarding clinical course of ADHD, approximately ____ diagnosed as children…
60% - continue to have symptoms that persist into adulthood
4% of the adult population
Common co-morbidities with ADHD include…
Conduct/behavioural problems
Oppositional defiant disorder
Anxiety, depression
Substance use disorders
Learning disorder
