lecture recording on 17 February 2025 at 10.50.16 AM

Exam Review and Structure

• Exam Performance:

  • Positive feedback on the first exam, average score in this class was 83.

  • Students are encouraged to reach out to Megan for exam reviews and appointments.

• Final Exam Structure:

  • Not entirely cumulative.

  • Cumulative questions will include basic concepts such as HBA3 criteria and differences between signs and symptoms.

  • Focus will primarily be on material from the second exam onward.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Heritability of ADHD:

  • Heritability rates range from 0.70 to 0.80, indicating a strong genetic component.

  • Comparison: Most disorders have a heritability rate around 0.25.

• Dopamine and ADHD:

  • Dopamine is crucial for focus, working memory, and is heavily regulated in the prefrontal cortex.

  • The DAT1 gene is responsible for removing dopamine, leading to attention difficulties.

  • Stimulants are often prescribed due to their effects on dopamine availability but should not be the first line of treatment.

• Lifestyle Modifications:

  • Focus on diet and exercise to manage ADHD symptoms.

  • Sugar intake should be minimized; ADHD patients often crave sugar despite its negative effects.

• Cognitive Offloading Techniques:

  • Use visual reminders or cards for daily tasks to aid memory and processing.

  • Example: Cards for routine tasks to help children with ADHD focus on one task at a time.

• Neurobiological Correlates:

  • Smaller brain volume may indicate less connectivity between reward centers and the prefrontal cortex, explaining difficulties with long-term goals.

  • Inactivity in the frontal cortex affects self-regulation and decision-making.

  • The basal ganglia are involved in motor function; disruptions can result in fidgeting or restlessness.

• Gut Microbiota Influence on ADHD:

  • Altered gut microbiota has been linked to ADHD. Probiotics and a balanced diet may assist in treatment.

  • Individuals with ADHD often exhibit higher ratios of omega-6 fatty acids, leading to chronic inflammation.

Social and Emotional Aspects of ADHD

• Social Rejection Sensitivity:

  • Kids with ADHD may face negative perceptions and social rejection, which can lead to anticipatory anxiety and low self-esteem.

• Comorbidity:

  • High rates of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and substance use problems are noted among individuals with ADHD.

  • Substance use may be an attempt to cope with social rejection or emotional dysregulation.

• Diet and ADHD Symptoms:

  • Excessive sugar does not cause ADHD but can worsen symptoms. Lifestyle factors, such as gaming or poor dietary habits, may not directly cause ADHD but can complicate the condition.

Treatment Approaches for ADHD

• Non-Medication Strategies:

  • Behavioral techniques, checklists, and organizational aids for adults and children.

  • Encourage physical activities or fidget tools that do not disrupt social settings.

• Medication:

  • Common medications include stimulants; however, these can affect sleep quality and appetite, leading to lower body weight.

  • Discussion surrounding the risks of ADHD medication potentially leading to substance abuse later in life, emphasizing that it is more so linked to the ADHD itself rather than the medication usage incidental.

Transition to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Understanding Autism Spectrum:

  • ASD shares some overlapping traits with ADHD, including communication and social interaction difficulties.

  • It is considered more pervasive and chronic, with symptoms not diminishing over time.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Challenges in social cues and interaction, need for sameness, and resistance to change.

  • May see issues with emotional expression, leading to disconnect from peers, particularly during adolescence.

• Current Research Trends:

  • Ongoing debate about the nature of neurodiversity and the validity of separating ADHD from ASD and sensory processing disorders.

  • Research emphasizes the importance of understanding social deficits as well as cognitive and emotional processing in these conditions.