Adult ADHD Flashcards
symptoms of adhd in adults
hyperactivity decreases with age
impulsivity decreases but often remains a problem
inattention typically remains
What are common co-occurring disorders
Anxiety and panic disorders
mood disorders
antisocial disorders
alcohol and drug dependence
There is strong evidence adhd is
hereditary
What 2 genes are involved in adhd
dopamine receptor gene
dopamine transporter gene
Adhd is recognized as what kind of disorder
neurobiological
What is also thought to cause adhd
dysregulation in the frontal lobes
What is treatment for adhd
stimulants
strattera: non stimlant
What are side effects of stimulants
decreased appetite rebound effect headaches sleep problems irritability
What are side effects of non stimulants
nausea tiredness: common
suicidal thoughts liver damage: not common
OT intervention
Role dysfunction is common
behavioral changes are needed in conjunction with pharmalogical treatment
What are 5 areas of OT intervention
- monitor and regulate sensory stimulation
- organize the physical environment
- optimize time management
- enhance social awareness and interaction
- develop stress management techniques
What does understimulation cause
boredom, restlessness, inattention
what does overstimulation cause
emotional outbursts, impulsive decision making, inability to maintain attention, desire to leave the overwhelming environment
What can OT do to monitor and regulate sensory stim
help recognize relationship b/t mood, performance, and sensory stim and learn to monitor regulate the type and amount of sensory stim that enter their nervous system
How can OT help organize the environment
help client understand organization is a repeated set of behaviors rather than singular event
create structure to the environment (assign places for things, file and record system, safe places for things)
How can OT optimize time management
plan a schedule
prioritize activities
being flexible when something unexpected shows up
developing discipline to stick to planned activities
accurately predicating length of time for activities
maintaining awareness of time when doing activities
How can ot enhance social interaction and awareness
understand how adhd impacts social interactions
may encounter resistance from them
help client see how skills vary from social norms and the degree in which their behaviors affect others
role playing effective interactions
How can OT help develop stress management techniques
help them live in a planned mode not reactive mode
Plan relaxation/recreation into their schedule
What is planned mode
develop a plan schedule for each day
stick to the plan
understand when to be flexible
what is reactive mode
allows distractions to run the schedule
jump from one thing to another w/out contemplation
Allow others to control their daily schedule
Poor people have it, rich people need it, if you eat it you will die. What is it
Nothing
How to diagnosis adults with adhd
5 symptoms required for diagnosis
need to have both inattention and impulsivity
still need to have severe inattention or hyperactive-impulsive syptoms prior to age 12
