Chapter 8 – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), highlighting its characteristics, diagnostic criteria, common comorbidities, and treatment implications.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning.

Core symptoms of ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which must be developmentally inappropriate and cause impairment in multiple settings.

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD

Requires symptoms to persist for at least 6 months, be present before age 12, occur in two or more settings, and cause significant impairment.

Inattention symptoms of ADHD

Includes difficulty sustaining attention, careless mistakes, trouble organizing tasks, and forgetfulness.

Hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD

Includes fidgeting, leaving seat in class, excessive movement, and acting as if 'driven by a motor'.

Impulsivity symptoms of ADHD

Includes blurting out answers, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting turns.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Characterized by distractibility, poor organization, and difficulty completing tasks.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Characterized by excessive movement, impulsive actions, and difficulty remaining seated.

Combined Presentation of ADHD

The most common presentation, where children exhibit both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.

Prevalence of ADHD

Affects roughly 5-7% of school-age children worldwide.

Gender differences in ADHD

ADHD is more common in boys, with a typical ratio of 2-3 boys for every girl; boys often show hyperactivity, while girls often show inattentive symptoms.

Common comorbidities with ADHD

Includes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), learning disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Working Memory

The ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily; often reduced in children with ADHD.

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on relevant stimuli while ignoring distractions; often challenging for children with ADHD.

Sustained Attention

Maintaining focus over extended periods; children with ADHD often struggle with this.

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)

A pattern characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental fogginess, and low motivation associated with inattentive ADHD symptoms.

Positive Illusory Bias

A tendency for children with ADHD to demonstrate overly positive self-perceptions despite difficulties in performance.

Genetic influences on ADHD

ADHD is highly heritable, with strong genetic findings in twin studies indicating increased risk among relatives.

Environmental influences on ADHD

Factors like prenatal exposure to substances, low birth weight, and family stress can increase vulnerability to ADHD.

Developmental course of ADHD

ADHD symptoms typically appear in early childhood and continue into adolescence and adulthood for about 50-70% of individuals.

Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA)

A large clinical trial that found combined treatment (medication + behavioral therapy) produces the best outcomes.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A disorder characterized by defiant and oppositional behavior toward authority, commonly co-occurring with ADHD.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

A disorder involving serious violations of rules and the rights of others, often seen in children with ADHD.

Treatment implications for ADHD with comorbidities

Treatment must address both ADHD symptoms and associated behavioral issues like ODD or CD.