Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Question 1

Name 2 diagnostic features of the inattention aspect of ADHD

Answer 1

• Does not follow through on instructions
• Reluctant to engage in mentally-intense tasks
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty with organising tasks or activities
• Often forgetful in daily activities
• Often loses things that are necessary for tasks or activities
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Question 2

Name 2 diagnostic features of the hyperactivity aspect of ADHD

Answer 2

• Unable to play quietly
• Excessive talking
• Will spontaneously leave their seat when expected to sit
• Often ‘on the go’
• Often interruptive or intrusive to others
• Answer a question prematurely - before it has been asked
• WIll run and climb in situations where it is not appropriate

Question 3

For children up to the age of 16 years, how many of the above features need to be seen for ADHD to be diagnosed?

Answer 3

6

Question 4

For children up to the age of 17 years, how many of the above features need to be seen for ADHD to be diagnosed?

Answer 4

5

Question 5

1) Drug therapy should be seen as a last resort, but what is first line in children?
2) What is the mechanism of action of this drug?
3) Name a side effect of this drug
4) Which 2 things should be measured every 6 months in children on this drug?
5) Which drug should be given if there’s no response to the 1st line drug?
6) Which drug should be started in those who have benefited from the 2nd line drug, but who can’t tolerate its side effects?
7) All of these drugs are considered toxic to what?

Answer 5

1) Methylphenidate
2) CNS stimulant which primarily acts as a dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
3) Abdominal pain, nausea and dyspepsia
4) Weight and height
5) Lisdexamfetamine
6) Dexamphetamine
7) Heart - cardiotoxic