Patterns of ADHD Presentation in Different Age Ranges

Question 1

Preschool children:
In the 2–5-year-old range, the core symptoms of ADHD are often seen in (…); the level of impairment is often (…), and behaviours are less likely to be (…).

Answer 1

• daily activities
• challenging to assess
• considered developmentally inappropriate

Question 2

Preschool children:
Research shows that (…), as well as (…), is not a reliable phenotype to distinguish between preschoolers with and without ADHD.

Similarly, up to 40% of children (…).

Answer 2

• activity level
• squirming
• exhibit inattention problems by the age of 4 years, which are of concern to their parents and preschool teachers, without necessarily having ADHD

Question 3

Preschool children:
A pattern of (…) is often described in preschoolers with ADHD.

Young children with ADHD exhibit more (…), particularly during task situations, and are less socially skilled than their normally developing classmates.

They typically demonstrate difficulty (…) and function best in highly structured environments.

Answer 3

• inability to cooperate and be productive in the preschool setting
• noncompliant and inappropriate behaviour
• modulating their behaviour in response to different situational demands

Question 4

School-age children:
Most school-age children with ADHD have (…).

Both combined type and inattentive individuals with ADHD are significantly more impaired than those presenting with only hyperactivity on (…).

Answer 4

• significant difficulties with academic performance and/or peer relationships
• measures of academic functioning

Question 5

School-age children:
Upon school entry, children with ADHD are likely to lag behind in (…).

Approximately 30% of children with ADHD have (…), and a large majority (…).

Moreover, children with ADHD are more likely to be (…).

Answer 5

• basic math concepts, pre-reading skills, and fine motor abilities.
• a learning disability, underachieve academically
• expelled, suspended, or repeat a grade, compared with controls

Question 6

School-age children:
Social impairments and difficulty with peer relations are often described as (…).

Dysfunctional social behaviour seen in ADHD children also includes (…) .

Answer 6

• difficulty in attaining and keeping friends, resolving conflicts, and managing anger and frustration
• excessive talkativeness, noisiness, noncompliance, and physical aggression toward peers

Question 7

School-age children:
As a result of impaired social relationships and school performance, the development of (…) is of particular concern in this age group.

Answer 7

• low self-esteem

Question 8

School-age children:
Poor self-esteem is thought to be a mediating factor of future adverse outcomes, such as (…).

Answer 8

• depression, deviant peer choices, and substance abuse in children with ADHD

Question 9

Adolescents:
As the (…) increase during middle and high school, (…) that might have been less problematic, or effectively managed during elementary school, may become a significant issue in adolescence

Answer 9

• cognitive demands
• academic problems

Question 10

Adolescents:
Peer problems, such as (…), become more evident as social interactions assume greater relevance during teenage years

Answer 10

• fewer close friendships and greater peer rejection

Question 11

Adolescents:
Several studies have demonstrated that adolescents with ADHD are at risk for (…).

Risks are higher where there is an association between (…).

Answer 11

• early initiation of cigarette smoking and illicit drug use
• conduct and attentional problems