ADHD

Question 1

Unique aspects of
attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Answer 1

Consistently shows high levels of inattention and/or
hyperactivity‐impulsivity that are maladaptive, with at least six
symptoms of inattention
Symptoms were evident before the age of 12
● Symptoms occur in two or more settings
● Symptoms interfere with or impair academic, social, or occupational
abilities
● Symptoms are not better accounted for by another major mental
disorder
● Specify type:
○ Combined presentation (both inattentive and
hyperactive‐impulsive)
○ Predominantly inattentive presentation
○ Predominantly hyperactive‐impulsive presentation
● Can specify severity (mild, moderate, or severe).

Question 2

Issues regarding age

Answer 2

1- youth 16 years old and younger are required to show at least six symptoms of hyperactivity‐impulsivity or inattention, whereas individuals 17 years and older are only required to show five or more symptoms.
Some meet the criteria because of their age and not their symptom presentation
2- showing early signs of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is important because it shows the chronicity of ADHD

Question 3

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, combined presentation

Answer 3

hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention

Question 4

attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation

Answer 4

children who have problems with inattention but do not show inappropriate levels of hyperactivity or impulsivity

Question 5

attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive‐impulsive presentation

Answer 5

focuses on children who have problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but do not appear to have problems with attention or concentration.

Question 6

Comorbidity Internalizing disorders

Answer 6

Higher between ADHD and
conduct disorder
Boys > girls

Question 7

Comorbidity Externalizing disorders

Answer 7

Lower between ADHD and
anxiety disorders
Girls > boys

Question 8

Course of the disorders

Answer 8

Early onset of ADHD:
● Greater problems with cognitive functioning
● Higher rates of comorbidity
● High degree of stability in symptoms
Later onset of ADHD:
● Symptoms after developing a reading disorder
● Better prognosis
Heterotypic continuity:
● Specific symptoms change over time but the behavior is still
dysfunctional

Question 9

Family-genetic risk factors

Answer 9

● Parents of children with ADHD are more likely to meet criteria of ADHD
● Evidence from twin and adoption studies:
○ ADHD has at least a partial genetic component
○ Contribute to the development and maintenance of symptoms
○ High variance in symptoms

Question 10

Neurobiological factors:

Answer 10

● Patterns of neurotransmitters:
○ Dopamine
○ Norepinephrine
● Biomarkers
● Brain structures and brain
functioning

Question 11

Primary treatments:

Answer 11

● Medication
● Behavioral therapy
○ Within the family → behavioral parent training, parent support
groups
○ Within the school system→ contingency management strategies,
academic interventions

Question 12

Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with
ADHD (MTA Study):

Answer 12

● Initial findings show significant improvements
● Longitudinal findings show no major differences

Question 13

Unique Aspects of Schizophrenia