Lecture 6: ADHD & Schizophrenia Flashcards
What is needed for a diagnosis of ADHD?
A thorough assessment by a highly skilled practitioner with a global approach
What are common comorbidities with ADHD?
Tourette’s disorder, learning disability, oppositional disorder, anxiety, depression, and enuresis (bed wetting)
What are inattentive symptoms of ADHD?
Distractibility, forgetfulness, poor organization, impersistence, mistake-prone, and work avoidance
What are hyperactive symptoms of ADHD?
Fidgetiness, intrusiveness, restlessness, noisiness, talkativeness, and inappropriate activity
True or false: ADHD symptoms are generally mixed between the inattentive and hyperactive categories.
True
What is the general age of onset for ADHD?
12
What type of symptoms first and what type occur last in ADHD?
Hyperkinesis first; inattention last and least to remit
What are risk factors for ADHD persistence?
Positive family history and comorbid disorders
How many children with ADHD go on to manifest symptoms in adulthood?
About 50%
What type of ADHD symptoms are typically found in adults?
Distractibility and inattention
What are 4 causes of ADHD?
1) Genetics
2) Right-sided “hypofrontality”
3) Locus ceruleus underperforming
4) Worsened by stressors
In what setting is ADHD more obvious?
Routinized settings (ex: school)
What are 4 changes in the neuropathology of a patient with ADHD?
1) Small increase in cerebrum growth at age 1-3
2) Decreased number of cerebellar Purkinje neurons
3) Decreased cell size and increased cell density in limbic areas
4) Modified genes impairing balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic signalling
How likely is someone to have ADHD if they have a first-degree relative with it?
4-8x greater
What factors increase the risk of having ADHD?
FAS, lead poisoning, infantile meningitis, obstetric adversity, maternal smoking, and adverse or absent parent-child relationship
What are 4 triggers for ADHD?
1) Artificial colours, flavours, and additives
2) Refined sugar, sodas, and caffeine
3) Food allergy
4) Essential fatty acid or iron and zinc deficiency
What are suggested treatments for ADHD?
1) Parent, family, and classroom “contingency” rewards and privileges
2) Avoiding triggers (if known)
3) Chiropractor
4) Combining meds with support
What are the goals of ADHD treatment?
- Collaborative support system between family and school
- Realistic, achievable goals
- Clarity, immediacy, predictability, consistency, and responsibility
What are common deficits found in ADHD?
- Inability to control behaviour
- Inability to resist distractions
- Inability to develop an awareness of space and time
What is considered first-line treatment for ADHD?
Stimulants which augment dopaminergic and noradrenergic tracts
What can improval of “gating” ability do for patients with ADHD?
Increase behaviour control, executive function, and regulate arousal
In regards to ADHD treatment, what is desired instead of increasing physical stimulation?
Ability to select restraint and to mentally focus
What does regulated arousal mean in ADHD?
Increased performance
What does increased control mean in ADHD?
Decreased hyperactivity and/or aggression
What are 2 examples of psychostimulants?
Methylphenidate and amphetamines
What are examples of methylphenidate and what is the difference between them?
- Ritalin, biphentin, and Adderall
- All have different release pharmacokinetics
What do methylphenidate and amphetamines do?
Block norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake
What does increased norepinephrine and dopamine activity in locus ceruleus lead to?
Improved attention and ability to focus
What is a function of amphetamines but not methylphenidate?
Promotes dopamine and norepinephrine release from presynaptic neurons
What are 4 side effects of stimulants?
1) Decrease appetite
2) Increase BP, anxiety, irritability, difficulty falling asleep, or headaches
3) Worsen tics
4) Rarely may “flatten” personality or increase risk of sudden cardiac death