ADHD

Question 1

What are the 3 main domains of symptoms in ADHD?

Answer 1

Excessive levels of:

1. Hyperactivity
2. Impulsive behaviour
3. Inattentive behaviour

Question 2

These symptoms can be part of normal development. Name the 6 criteria that are used to diagnose someone with ADHD

Answer 2

1. Symptoms started before 7 years
2. They must be maladaptive and excessive for their age and development
3. They must have persisted for over 6 months
4. Been evident in more than 1 setting (home, play, school etc)
5. Cause significant functional impairment
6. Have no obvious other explanation (e.g. mental disorder)

Question 3

Can a GP diagnose ADHD?

Answer 3

No, must be by a specialist (because it’s a very difficult diagnosis to make)

Question 4

Name the 5 components of the assessment for ADHD

Answer 4

1. PMx and development
2. Psychosocial evaluation of child + family
3. See how it fits into culture of family/community
4. Seek out Ddxs
5. Identify comorbid diseases (autism, ODD etc)

Question 5

Name 2 forms of management of ADHD

Answer 5

Psychological counselling

Pharmacological - stimulants

Question 6

Name 2 SE of stimulant medications

Answer 6

Generally well tolerated, but include sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, headache, abdo pain.