Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Who was Heinrich Hoffmann?

A 19th-century German physician who wrote a children’s book; his character "fidgety Phil" illustrates ADHD symptoms.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, defined by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

What are the three types of ADHD?

Inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.

What is criterion (A) for ADHD diagnosis in the DSM-V?

Six or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

How long must symptoms be present for an ADHD diagnosis?

Symptoms must cause impairment for at least 6 months and be present before age 12.

What settings must show impairment for ADHD diagnosis according to the DSM-V?

Impairment must be present in two or more settings (e.g., school and home).

Name two symptoms of inattention in ADHD.

Often fails to give close attention to details, often forgetful in daily activities.

Give an example of hyperactivity/impulsivity in ADHD.

Often fidgets or squirms, talks excessively, blurts out answers.

At what age does ADHD typically onset?

Between 3 and 4 years old.

What is the male-to-female ratio in ADHD?

4:1 for hyperactive-impulsive type; 2:1 for inattentive type.

Does ADHD persist into adulthood?

Yes, for about 30-50% of individuals.

What increases the likelihood of persistent ADHD?

Having comorbid disorders.

How much more at risk are siblings of those with ADHD?

Siblings are 3 to 5 times more at risk.

Which neurotransmitter systems are associated with candidate genes for ADHD?

Dopaminergic (e.g., DAT-1 and DRD4) and serotonergic systems.

What maternal factors during pregnancy are linked to ADHD?

Alcohol and nicotine use, low birth weight, maternal stress.

What are endophenotypes in ADHD?

Heritable vulnerability traits that indicate a risk for ADHD.

Name three cognitive theories of ADHD.

Inhibition, reward processing, arousal state regulation.

What is a key deficit in ADHD according to Barkley (1997)?

Weak inhibitory control.

How do people with ADHD typically respond in reward discounting tasks?

They prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards (delay aversion).

What is the delayed brain maturation hypothesis?

Suggests that ADHD symptoms may reflect a delay in brain maturation, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.

What brain regions show reduced white matter in ADHD?

Frontal, parietal, temporal lobes, caudate, and cerebellum.

What role does the default mode network play in ADHD?

Persistent activity in this network may cause attention lapses.

What type of medication is commonly used to treat ADHD?

Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin), which enhance dopamine and noradrenaline activity.