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In-Depth Notes on ADHD and Related Disorders

Overview of ADHD

  • ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

  • Characterized by persistent problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

  • Symptoms must emerge before age 12 and occur across various contexts (e.g., home, school).

Key Symptoms of ADHD

  • Inattention:

    • Difficulty sustaining focus.

    • Frequently makes careless mistakes on schoolwork.

    • Easily distracted, forgetful, fails to follow instructions.

  • Hyperactivity:

    • Fidgeting, running around in inappropriate situations, excessive talking.

    • Children often seem to be "constantly on the go."

  • Impulsivity:

    • Interrupting conversations, difficulty waiting turns, acting without thinking.

Diagnosis Criteria

  • Symptoms must persist for a minimum of six months.

  • Must cause impairment across multiple settings, not just at home or school.

Prevalence of ADHD

  • Affects approximately 6% of children globally, with higher rates in the US (~11%).

  • More commonly diagnosed in boys (3:1 ratio of boys to girls).

ADHD and Development

  • ADHD is not just a childhood disorder; 70% of diagnosed children continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

  • Symptoms can lead to significant impairments in adult life.

Risk Factors for Developing ADHD

  1. Biological and Prenatal Factors:

    • Premature birth, low birth weight, prenatal exposure to drugs or tobacco.

  2. Childhood Adversity:

    • Abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction increasing ADHD risk.

  3. Genetics:

    • Heritability estimates range from 40% to 70%.

Treatment Options for ADHD

  • Medications:

    • Mainly stimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall).

    • Stimulants have a calming effect by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, aiding motivation and attention.

  • Expected Outcomes:

    • Improved academic performance and reduced risk of depression.

Conclusion and Transition

  • Next topics involved dealing with anxiety-related disorders.

  • A discussion includes identifying Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, specific phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as they relate to ADHD.