ADHD

1
ADHD

• Abnormal Psychology

• http//www.tvfinternational.com/video/9a12f8312126
  6f6e86c576a030cc42de_video.wmv

2
What is ADHD

• Significant problems with
• Attention
• ___________
• Hyperactivity
• Is the most common reason for _________ in the US

3
Prevalence of ADHD

• Approximately 3 - 5 in the US
• 1/20 children.
• Boys outnumber girls ___
• 50 of children dx w/ ADHD show sxs in adulthood.

4
Comorbidity

• _____ meet another dx
• Examples
• ODD
• CD
• Tourettes

5
Thoughts on Causes of ADHD

• Primary cause ___________
• Chronic low levels of lead
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Pre-maturity
• Obstetrical complications during the pregnancy
• Infectious diseases

6
Past thoughts on Etiology

• Allergic/toxic reactions
• Diet
• Environmental causes
• Poor ___________

7
Symptoms

• Begins in childhood but may persist into adult
  life
• Childhood hyperactivity / impulsivity
• Adulthood ___________

8
Symptoms of ADHD

• INNATTENTION
• _______________ in school work/ other
  activities.
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Doesnt seem to listen
• Doesnt follow through with instructions
• Avoid/ dislike tasks that require sustained
  mental effort.
• Difficulty with organization
• Often looses things needed for tasks or
  activities.
• Easily distracted
• Is often forgetful.

9
Symptoms Continued

• HYPERACTIVITY
• Often fidgets or squirms
• Often leaves seat in classroom when remaining in
  seat is expected.
• Often runs or climbs excessively when its not
  appropriate.
• Often has difficulty playing ___________
• Often talks excessively
• Often on the go or acts as if driven by a
  motor

10
Symptoms Continued

• IMPULSIVITY
• ___________ answers
• Difficulty waiting his/ her turn
• ___________ or intrudes on others by butting into
  conversations

11
Diagnosing ADHD

• No one is sure that it's a neurochemical
  imbalance ... There is no blood test, no PET
  scan, no physical exam that can determine who has
  it and who does not.
• In general, children are said to have ADHD if
  they show 6 or more sxs from each category for at
  least 6 mos

12
Prevalence in Females vs Males

• Females more likely to be seen as day dreamers,
  spacey, social butterflies
• Males - hyperactivity and impulsivity signs of
  ADHD

13
Treatments of ADHD

• The best treatment for ADHD is a matter of
  debate.
• ______________ drugs are the most common
  treatment.
• Drugs Stimulants drugs such as Ritalin,
  Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall or Antidepressants
  such as, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Risperdal.
• The use of drugs is becoming of more concern w/in
  the science community.

14
Other Possible Treatments

• Diet ___________
• Behavior modification Token reward systems /
  punishments,
• Counseling, special accommodations in the
  classroom, family and community support.
• THE BEST APPROACH TEAM APPROACH

15
A Common Misconceptions Regarding Psychostimulants

• Myth - That Ritalin has the ___________ effect on
  people w/o ADHD.
• Fact - Stimulants can temporarily sharpen almost
  ___________ focus.

16
Research on Stimulants

• Ritalin which is the primary medication used
  seems to increase levels of dopamine in the
  brain.
• All these medications may help alleviate the core
  symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.
• Problem - stimulants can be given to children as
  young as 2 to 4 years of age.

17
Side Effects of Psycostimulants in Children

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• ___________
• problems sleeping.
• Small percentage of children may develop jerky
  muscle movements

18
Side Effects Continued

• Ritalin may be associated with a slightly
  reduced ___________ rate in children
• Adderall has raised concerns because of reports
  of sudden unexplained deaths in children taking
  the medication.

19
Side Effects of Psychostimulants on Adults

• Increases in blood pressure
• Risk of ______________ may be greater.
• Adults are far more likely to be given
  antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
  Therefore increased side effects are
• Dry mouth,
• Urinary retention,
• Weight gain,
• Drowsiness
• Sexual dysfunction.