Lecture 18: Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD Flashcards
What must be present for ADHD?
- Persistent pattern of diminished sustained attention AND high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity
- Present prior to age 12.
What are the 3 specifier types for ADHD?
- ADHD-PH, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
- ADHD, combined type
- ADHD-PI, predominantly inattentive
What characterizes ADHD-PH?
- Excessive fidgeting/restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty remaining seated and waiting
- Impulsivity
What characterizes ADHD-PI?
- Disorganized
- Forgetful
- Easily distracted
- Daydreamers
- Difficulty completing tasks
- AKA ADD.
What gender is ADHD more common in?
Males.
ADHD-PH is 4:1.
ADHD-PI is 2:1.
What are the contributing factors to ADHD?
- Biological
- Environmental (Controversial)
What are the biological components of ADHD?
- Impaired catecholamine metabolism in the brain
- Genetics (Increased risk with FHMX and 92% for identical twins)
What is the DSM-TV-R criteria for an ADHD diagnosis?
6+ symptoms from at least one category (inattentive or hyperactive) for at least 6+ months)
* Maladaptive and INCONSISTENT with developmental level.
* Some symptoms must be present prior to age 12.
* CLEAR FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT IN 2+ SETTINGS. (home and school)
What symptoms fall under inattentiveness?
- Poor attention to detail or careless mistakes.
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Does not seem to listen
- Does not follow instructions; fails to finihs tasks
- Poor organization
- Avoids or dislikes tasks needing sustained mental effort
- Loses necessary materials for tasks
- Easily distracted
- Forgetful
What symptoms fall under Hyperactivity/Impulsivity?
Hyperactivity
* Fidgets or squirms
* Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
* Active in inappropriate situations
* Teens/adults: subjective restlessness
* Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
* Always on the go
* Excessive talking
Impulsivity
* Blurts out answer before question is finished
* Difficulty waiting turn
* Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
What are the 3 non-pharmacological therapies for ADHD?
- Behavioral interventions
- Cognitive therapy (psychotherapy)
- Dietary modifications
When is behavioral intervention best for treating ADHD?
Preschoolers
It is only adjunct for older children because alone, it does NOT improve core symptoms.
When is cognitive therapy used for ADHD?
Adjunctive therapy for those with comorbid psych diagnoses.
It is NOT recommended as monotherapy.
What are the dietary modifications for ADHD?
- Elimination Diets (not routinely recommended)
- Fatty Acid supplementation (Not routinely recommended)
- Megavitamins, chelation, detox, mineral/herbal supplements. (no proven efficacy)
What are the pharmacological treatment options for ADHD?
- Stimulants (usually for younger children)
- Non-stimulants (Atomoxetine, Clonidine/Guanfacine/Antidepressants)
What is the criteria for RX therapy in children with ADHD?
- Confirmed diagnosis
- 6+ yrs old
- School cooperation
- No hx of substance abuse in family
- No hx of allergies, seizures, pervasive developmental delay, or tourette’s
What is the first-line therapy for ADHD?
Pharmacologic treatment!
Must prevent loss of learning for children!
What medications fall under methylphenidates?
- Ritalin
- Focalin
- Concerta
- Quillivant
What medications fall under amphetamines?
- Adderall
- Vyvanse
What drug schedule are stimulants?
Schedule 2!
No refills allowed.
What is the MOA of a stimulant?
Increases intrasynaptic levels of catecholamines (esp. dopamine.)
Methylphenidates block reuptake.
Amphetamines block reuptake AND stimulate dopamine release.
What is the ideal formulation for a stimulant?
ER (extended release), which will reduce adverse SE at the peak and reducing the crash at trough.
Reduces tachyphylaxis (reducing rapid tolerance)
What do stimulants not treat in terms of ADHD?
- Emotional problems
- Defiant behavior
- Learning impairment
- Reduced social skills.
How do we dose stimulants?
Lower doses and titrate slowly.
Drug holidays
What are the common SE of stimulants?
- Reduced appetite
- Insomnia/nightmares
- Emotional lability
- Weight loss and decreased height
- Tic development
What are the less common SE of stimulants?
- HTN
- Tachycardia
- Palps
- Raynaud’s
- Priapism (methylphenidates only)
- HA
- Dizziness
- N/V/D
- Psychosis or mania
What are some ways we manage stimulant SE?
- Taking with food
- Monitoring BP/HR
- Earlier dosing
- Different dosing
What are the CIs to stimulants?
- Allergy
- Hx of substance abuse
- Hyperthyroidism
- Glaucoma
- CV
- Neuro/psych (Tourette’s, use within 2 weeks of MAOI)
When are methylphenidates preferred?
Preschool age with better SE tolerance and less severe weight loss
Rarely has priapism.
About the same efficacy as an amphetamine.
What is the main difference in MOA between methylphenidates and amphetamines?
Amphetamines also increase dopamine release.
A for additional dopamine.
A for additional age (can’t be used in preschoolers)