5010 ADHD sam lecture

DSM 5

Classification system for ADHD, based on patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Executive Control

Refers to how in control an individual is with their own behavior, often measured by psychologists to assess inhibition and planning abilities.

ADHD Pride

Concept highlighting the positive aspects of ADHD, such as drive and determination, which are often overlooked in favor of focusing solely on deficits.

ADHD Epidemiology

Study of which types of people tend to have ADHD, including factors like gender, age, comorbidities, and genetics.

Heritability of ADHD

Twin studies indicate that ADHD has a heritability of 70-80%, with identical twins showing a higher concordance rate compared to non-identical twins.

Twin Studies

Research method comparing identical (monozygotic) and non-identical (dizygotic) twins to assess the genetic and environmental influences on conditions like ADHD.

Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS)

A study that looks for genetic variations across the entire genome to identify genes associated with a particular trait or disorder.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder characterized by behavioral deficits such as impulsivity and inattention.

Theory of mind deficit

Previously suggested explanation for autism, indicating difficulty in understanding others' mental states, now considered too simplistic.

Behavioral inhibition

Ability to control impulses and regulate behavior, often found to be impaired in individuals with ADHD.

Go no go task

Cognitive task assessing inhibitory control where participants must respond or withhold responses based on specific cues.

Neuroimaging

Technique used to study brain structure and function, revealing atypicalities across various brain regions in individuals with ADHD.

Brain development

Research suggests that children with ADHD may exhibit delayed brain maturation, but not all show complete catch-up in development.

Inhibition Theory of ADHD

Russell Barkley's theory suggesting that inhibition difficulties are at the core of ADHD, leading to predictions that training inhibition could potentially alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

A commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, believed to work by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters, although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.

ADHD Symptoms

Behavioral manifestations influenced by complex interactions of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Pharmacogenetics

The study of how genetic variations influence individual responses to medications.

Funnel in problem

Multiple ways of disrupting brain function can lead to attention-related issues converging on one problem over time.

Funnel out problem

A single initial problem can result in various issues over time, affecting different aspects like language learning and attention.

Rapid attention shifting in autism

Children with autism may struggle to quickly shift attention, impacting language learning and overall attention in various settings.

Developmental disorders complexity

Studying developmental disorders is challenging due to the interconnected nature of problems, making simple explanations difficult to formulate.

Diagnostic fluidity

Individuals often move between different diagnostic categories over their lifetime, indicating the complexity and variability of mental health conditions.

Impact of screen media

Increased screen media usage has led to faster-paced visual storytelling, frequent cuts, and camera movements, potentially affecting attention and cognitive processing.

Attention Capture

Refers to the phenomenon where external stimuli such as movement and noise automatically attract and hold one's attention, often without conscious effort.

Bottom-Up Attention

Describes attention driven by external properties in the environment, such as movement and noise, influencing where one directs their focus.

Concentration

Involves the deliberate act of choosing to pay attention to a specific stimulus while ignoring others, primarily controlled by the frontal cortex.

Fight or Flight Stress System

A physiological response that readies the body to cope with physical danger by increasing heart rate, releasing energy, and preparing for action.

Screen Time and Stress

Prolonged exposure to screens, especially those depicting danger or fast-paced information, can trigger the fight or flight stress response in children, impacting their physiological state and attention levels.

Bottom-up attention

Attention capture by screen media like TV, mainly driven by external stimuli.

Top-down attention

The ability to focus and concentrate voluntarily, potentially impacted by screen media exposure.

Research methods

Addressing the challenge of establishing causality in studies and the importance of controlling for confounding variables to draw accurate conclusions.

Autism and Shyness

Shyness in children can sometimes be mistaken for autism, making it challenging to differentiate between the two without continuous observation over several days.

PTSD Diagnosis

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis can only be made after a certain amount of time has passed since the traumatic event, as many individuals experience symptoms initially.