What is the definition of ADHD?
Developmentally inappropriate hyperactivity, impulsivity &/or inattention, leading to impairment in social, behavioural &/or academic
What are the 3 subtypes of ADHD?
Describe the “Inattention” symptom group of ADHD?
Describe the “Hyperactivity” symptom group of ADHD?
Describe the “Impulsivity” symptom group of ADHD?
What are the additional co-morbidities/co-occuring problems associated with ADHD?
What are the functional impairments of ADHD diagnosis?
What is the global prevalence of ADHD?
~5%
What is the “administrative prevalence” of ADHD in Scotland?
0.5%
What is the male/female ratio of ADHD?
- 10:1 in clinics
What is increased prevalence of ADHD associated with?
Lower socioeconomic status
What studies is there evidence of core symptoms of ADHD being highly heritable?
What does linkage data for ADHD suggest?
It’s associated with widely distributed
markers e.g. at chromosomes 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 16, & 17
What does association analysis for ADHD suggest?
Linkage with various dopamine receptor & transporter
genes, serotonin transport genes & others (Faraone et al 2005)
What are the ante/peri-natal potential factors contributing to ADHD causation?
What are the postnatal potential factors contributing to ADHD causation?
Where are the “Anterior attentional pathways” for ADHD?
Where are the “posterior attentional pathways” for ADHD?
- Cerebellum
What does the imaging evidence base for ADHD show?
What does the neuropharmacology evidence base for ADHD show?
Improved core symptoms in response to drugs which modify release & reuptake of key neurotransmitters (Dopamine & Noradrenaline), region specific for key brain pathways for self regulation & attention
What does the neuropsychology evidence base for ADHD show?
Identifiable alterations & deficiencies in frontal lobe functions ie. working memory, executive function, focus, distractibility
What is ADHD linked to?
Malfunctioning prefrontal cortex
What prefrontal regions cause the 3 classical symptoms associated with ADHD?
What is the role of Dopamine & Norepinephrine in information processing?
- Too much/little DA/NE input disruptive in regulating cortical info processing