Neuropsychiatric Disorders: ADHD & ADD Lecture Notes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the definition, prevalence, pathophysiology, etiology, and management of ADHD and ADD based on the PHOL 488 lecture.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A disorder characterized by inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity or both.

ADHD Prevalence in US Adults

$3 - 5\%$ of adults, totaling approximately $15.5$ million individuals.

ADHD Prevalence in US Children

$5 - 7\%$ of children, totaling approximately $6.5$ million individuals.

Inattention Domain

A domain of ADHD symptoms characterized by poor focus, disorganization, and careless mistakes.

Hyperactivity Domain

A domain of ADHD symptoms characterized by restlessness, difficulty staying still, and excessive talking.

Impulsivity Domain

A domain of ADHD symptoms characterized by lack of patience, poor emotional control, and impulsive decision-making.

ADHD Heritability

The degree of inheritance found in twin studies, estimated at $70 - 80\%$, with a five to tenfold increased risk if a parent or sibling has the disorder.

Environmental Risk Factors for ADHD

Maternal smoking or alcohol use, low birth weight, premature birth, and exposure to toxins such as Lead, Zinc, Organophosphate pesticides, and Polychlorinated biphenyls.

Clinical Progression: Prodrome

The developmental stage in preschool years involving hyperactivity and problems with speech, language, and motor coordination.

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

The specific region of the brain involved in working memory functions.

Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

The brain region involved in complex decision making and strategic planning.

Parietal cortex

The brain region linked specifically to the orientation of attention.

Frontostriatal cortex

A brain structure formed by the anterior cingulate cortex and the basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and putamen).

Dopaminergic signaling

Signaling involved in planning and initiation of motor responses, activation, switching, reaction to novelty, and processing of reward.

Noradrenergic signaling

Signaling that influences arousal, signal to noise ratios in cortical areas, state-dependent cognitive processes, and cognitive preparation of urgent stimuli.

Executive Control and Corticocerebellar Networks

Networks that coordinate planning, goal-directed behavior, inhibition, working memory, and flexible adaptation to context.

Alerting Network

Interaction between the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, and thalamus that is notably weaker in individuals with ADHD.

Default-mode network (DMN)

A network involving the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, lateral parietal cortex, and medial temporal lobe that fluctuates out of phase with task-activated networks.

ADHD Management: Education

Informing patients and families about causes, associated morbidity, rationale for treatment, and plans for life transitions.

Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Pharmacological interventions including Amphetamine and Methylphenidate.

Non-stimulant Medications for ADHD

Pharmacological interventions including Atomoxetine and 2-adrenergic medications like Guanfacine and Clonidine.