Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder (ADHD)

BY MICHAEL PELSTER AND

SARAH LEGGETT
 Some Basics

 ADHD = ADD
 Global prevalence is approximately 5%.
 Boys vs. Girls?
 Considered to be a chronic disease (30%-50%)
 Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)

 Diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

(cautionary statement)
 A. Either (1) or (2):
(1) inattention: six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have
persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with
developmental level:
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work,
chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to
understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained
mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments,
pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
 Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV), continued…
 (2) hyperactivity-impulsivity: six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6
months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to
subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively

Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
 B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
 C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
 D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
 E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other
Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder,
Dissociative Disorders, or a Personality Disorder).
 Code based on type:
 314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type: if both Criteria A1 and A2 are met for the past 6
months
314.00 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if Criterion A1 is met but Criterion
A2 is not met for the past 6 months
314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion A2 is met
but Criterion A1 is not met for the past 6 months
 Causes

 Genetics?

 Pre-natal Environment?

 Diet?

 Environmental/Social Factors?
 Criticism

 Hunter vs. Farmer Theory

 Neurodiversity / Social Construct

 Why is it so controversial? (from McMaster U.)

 1. No precise test
 2. Frequently-changing diagnostic standards
 3. Not able to be cured
 ??? (flawed)

 4. Type of therapy (stimulants)

 5. Diagnostic rates differ by country.
 Pharmacological Treatment

 Stimulants: Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate)

 Adderall: inhibits mono-amine transporters (increasing levels
of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) and MAO’s at
high doses
 Ritalin (methylphenidate): norepinephrine and domanine
reuptake inhibitor
 -closest pharmaceutical analog to cocaine; however, cocaine has a
higher infinity for the dopamine transporter, contributing to
euphoria; the method of ingestion is almost important here.
 Pharmacological Treatment

 Non-stimulant: Strattera (atomoxetine)

 Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

 Lower abuse potential, but not as effective

 Potential Side Effects

 Common side effects of stimulants for ADD & ADHD:

 Feeling restless and jittery
 Difficulty sleeping
 Loss of appetite
 Headaches
 Upset stomach
 Irritability, mood swings
 Depression
 Dizziness
 Racing heartbeat
 Tics
 Stimulant medications may also cause personality changes. Some
people become withdrawn, listless, rigid, or less spontaneous and
talkative. Others develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
 Potential Side Effects (continued…)

 Stimulant safety concerns

 Beyond the potential side effects, there are a number of safety concerns associated with the
stimulant medications for ADD / ADHD.
 Effect on the developing brain — The long-term impact of ADD / ADHD medication on the
youthful, developing brain is not yet known. Some researchers are concerned that the use of
drugs such as Ritalin in children and teens might interfere with normal brain development.
 Heart-related problems — ADD / ADHD stimulant medications have been found to cause
sudden death in children and adults with heart conditions. The American Heart Association
recommends that all individuals, including children, have a cardiac evaluation prior to starting
a stimulant. An electrocardiogram is recommended if the person has a history of heart
problems.
 Psychiatric problems — Stimulants for ADD / ADHD can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of
hostility, aggression, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. People with a personal or family history
of suicide, depression, or bipolar disorder are at a particularly high risk, and should be carefully
monitored when taking stimulants.
 Potential for abuse — Stimulant abuse is a growing problem, particularly among teens and
young adults. College students take them for a boost when cramming for exams or pulling all-
nighters. Others abuse stimulant meds for their weight-loss properties. If your child is taking
stimulants, make sure he or she isn’t sharing the pills or selling them.
 From today’s NY Times

 “A small study of children with attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder last year found that walks outdoors appeared to
improve scores on tests of attention and concentration. Notably,
children who took walks in natural settings did better than those
who walked in urban areas, according to the report, published
online in August in The Journal of Attention Disorders. The
researchers found that a dose of nature worked as well as a dose
of medication to improve concentration, or even better.
 Andrea Faber Taylor, a child environment and behavior
researcher at the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory at
the University of Illinois, says other research suggests that all
children, not just those with attention problems, can benefit
from spending time in nature during the school day. In another
study of children who live in public housing, girls who had
access to green courtyards scored better on concentration tests
than those who did not.”