ADHD, Tourette's & Tics Flashcards
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by significant hyperactivity and inattention across multiple settings, which significantly impacts social, school or work functioning.
What does it mean if ADHD symptoms are only present in one environment (e.g. child displays these features only at school but is calm and well behaved at home)?
This is suggestive of an environmental problem rather than an underlying diagnosis.
Diagnosis of ADHD requires features to be consistent across various settings
Aetiology of ADHD?
The precise aetiology of ADHD is unknown.
Notably, ADHD is associated with reduced activity in the frontal lobe, leading to impaired executive function. This affects the individual’s ability to focus on tasks and inhibits impulsive behaviours.
What symptoms should be present for an ADHD diagnosis?
Inattention
- Very short attention span
- Quickly moving from one activity to another
- Quickly losing interest in a task and not being able to persist with challenging tasks
Hyperactivity & implulsivity
- Constantly moving or fidgeting
- Impulsive behaviour
- Disruptive or rule breaking
Additional critiera:
- Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms present before the age of 12 years
- Several symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work)
- There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
- The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder
- Symptoms present >6 months
Management of ADHD?
Parental and child education is essential. This includes education about parental strategies to manage the child.
Establishing a healthy diet and exercise.
Medication (an option after conservative management has failed or in severe cases).
What class of drugs are used in ADHD?
central nervous system stimulants
Examples of drugs used in ADHD?
- Methylphenidate (“Ritalin“)
- Dexamfetamine
- Atomoxetine
What is Tourette’s syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome is characterised by the development of tics that are persistent for over a year.
Presence of both chroni motor tics and vocal (phonic tics), with both being present for at least one year.
What are tics?
Tics are involuntary movements or sounds that are performed repetitively throughout the day.
When do tics become more prominent?
These tics become more prominent when the person is under pressure or excited.
This urge increases the more they suppress it.
What disorder does Tourette’s commonly occur alongside?
ADHD and/or OCD
What are premonitory sensations?
People with Tourette’s Syndrome feel they need to complete the tic, often several times, to get relief from that urge
When do tics often present?
Tics often present around or after 5 years of age.
Examples of simple tics:
Clearing throat
Blinking
Head jerking
Sniffing
Grunting
Eye rolling
Examples of complex tics:
- Performing physical movements, such as twirling on the spot or touching objects
- Copropraxia
- Coprolalia
- Echolalia
