Module 3: ADHD & Autism Flashcards
Neurodevelopmental Definition
- Having to do with the way the brain affects emotion, behavior, & learning
- This affects:
- Academic achievement
- Well-being
- Social interactions
ADHD Pathogenesis
-Genetic Factors
- Evidence for a genetic basis of ADHD is supported by twin studies that demonstrate concordance as high as 92% in monozygotic twins and 33% of dizygotic twins
- Neuroanatomy — There is a structural difference in brain imaging between those with and without ADHD
- Malfunction in catecholamine metabolism in cerebral cortex may be at play in ADHD
- Catecolamines include
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
ADHD
-3 Types
- Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- Inattentive Type
- Combined Type
ADHD
-Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- Fidgets and talks a lot
- Hard to sit still for long (meals and homeword)
- Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly
- Individual feels restless and has trouble w/ impulsivity
- May interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, speak at inappropriate times
- It is hard for a person to wait their turn or listen to directions
- May have more accidents and injuries than others
USUALLY DIAGNOSED AROUND 6-7 YRS OLD**
ADHD
-Inattentive Type
- Hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or follow instructions or conversations
- Person is easily distracted or forgets details of dialy routines
USUALLY DIAGNOSED AROUND AGE 9-10 yrs**
ADHD
-Combined Type
- Sx’s of the above two types are equally present in the Person
USUALLY DIAGNOSED AROUND AGE 6-7 YRS**
6 sx’s of hyperactivity and 6 sx’s of inatention
DSM-V criteria Inattentive Subtype
6 or more sx’s of INATTENTION for children up to age 16
OR
5 or more for adolescents 17 and older on the following slide have persisted for AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. To a degree that is MALADAPTIVE and inconsistent w/ developmental level
NEED TO PERSIST FOR AT LEST 6 MONTHS OR GREATER
AND
MUST BE MALADAPTIVE
Additional Criteria for ADHD Dx
- Several inattentive or hyperative-impulsive sx’s were present prior to age 12
- Several “ sx’s are present in TWO or more settings
- Clear evidence that sx’s interfere w/ or reduce quality of social academic or occupational functioning
- Sx’s do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder
ADHD Differential Diagnoses
- Cognitive problems
- Environmental factors
- Various medical conditions such as
- Visual impairment, lead poisoning, asthma, fetal alcohol syndrome, thyroid abnormalities, sleep disorder and seizure disorder - Seizures are included because some seizure medications can be SEDATING -
- Also some seizures make it appear child is NOT paying attention - Asthma — Pt’s may be on steroids which may cause ADHD sx’s
- SABA use can cause anxiety and increased HR sx’s which can appear to be ADHD
Do sx’s fluctuate with the underlyning disease or are they PERSISTENT and PERVASIVE which would lead more towards ADHD
Co-Morbid Disorders W/ ADHD
- Inattentive Type ADHD have comorbid — Anxiety And/or Depression
- Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD have comorbid — Oppositional defiant disorder and/or conduct disorder
- Co-Morbid disorders can be primary or secondary
- The vanderbilt Assessment scale assesses for all of the above co-morbid conditions
Diagnostic tools — Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
- Diagnoses and tracks ADHD sx’s over time (High frequency is key) as well as screen for the following comorbid problems
- Conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety and depression - NICHQ - Parent and Teacher Informant
- Follow-up Scales
- NichQ Parent and teacher informants - These scales will NOT pick up learning disabilities, suicidal behaviors, bipolar disorders, alcohol and drug use or tics
Make sure there is a HIGH FREQUENCY of sx’s to make ADHD diagnosis and not just mild or transient sx’s
ROS for ADHD
- Prenatal exposures
- Perinatal complications or infections
- CNS infection
- Head trauma
- Recurrent otitis media
- Medications
- Family hx of similar behaviors
- Sleep disturbances — Amphetamines can cause sleep changes — may need melatonin
- Dietary hx - picky eating? Amphetamines can suppress appetite
- Cardiac baseline and possible EKG prior to starting medications
ADHD Physical Exam?
- The physical Exam of children with ADHD is usually NORMAL
- Exam is necessary to r/o
- Neurofibromatosis —These children have higher incidence of ADHD — Look for cafe o’le spots or nodules
- Dysmorphic features — might be a congenital or genetic disorder
ADHD treatment Guidelines set by AAP
- ADHD is a chronic condition
- Collaboration between provider, school and family to guide outcomes
- Clinician should recommend stimulant medication and/or behavioral therapy
- Re-evaluate situation if child w/ ADHD has not met target outcomes — Look at original diagnosis
- Periodically follow-up to make sure child is tolerating medications and that things are working
Treatment Goals for ADHD
- Improved relationships with parents, teachers, siblings, or peers
- Improved academic performance
- Improved rule following