ADHD Flashcards
What is ADHD characterized by?
Inattention
Hyperactivity
impulsivity
Early clinical features of ADHD?
Observable in infancy sensitive to external cues Very active and sleep little Explosible irritable emotionally labile -dont dx before the age of 5
What are some of the characteristics of ADHD?
Disorders of executive function Disorders of self-regulation - coordination deficit -disorders of memory and thinking - specific learning disabilities - disorders of speech and hearing - poor socialization - low self esteem
What are females of ADHD commonly dx’ed with first?
Depression because they tend to internalize their symptoms
What parts of the brain are affected by ADHD?
Prefrontal cortex
Basal ganglia
Cerebellum
- delayed 2-3 years of development shows reduced white matter volume
what neurotransmitters and receptors are involved with ADHD?
DA and NE
- lower quantity, low firing and fewer receptors
What does the BG do that is important for ADHD symptoms?
selection of appropriate behaviors
- voluntary motor control
Emotional functions
What is the Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)?
- Regulates selective attn
- Little attn to detail-no motivation
- careless mistakes- dont listen
- Loses things- distract- forget
What is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex?
Regulates sustain attn and problem solving, executive function and mental effort
- follow through and finish- organization
What is the prefrontal motor cortex?
Regulates motor hyperactivity
- fidget and leaves seat
- on the go/driven
- difficulty playing quietly
What is the orbital frontal cortex?
Regulates impulsivity and social and emotional responses?
- talks excessively- blurts
- non waiting - interrupts
Etiology of ADHD?
Unknown
- obstetrical problems
- chromosome 6- DA transporter/receptor gene
What is the M:F in Adult ADHD?
1: 1
- about 50% from childhood ADHD
- 84% of adults with ADHD have at least 1 child with the disorder
Bipolar and ADHD?
20-25% with BPD have ADHD
only 7% with ADHD have BPD
