Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Diagnosis

00:01 Let's move on now and talk a little bit about ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

00:07 This is defined as at least six symptoms involving inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or both that have persisted for at least a 6-month period. Inattention means problems listening, concentrating, paying attention to details, organizing tasks, or being easily distracted or forgetful.

00:28 Hyperactivity and impulsivity requires blurting out or interrupting others, fidgeting, leaving one's seat, or talking excessively. The onset is before age 7 and the behavior is inconsistent with the age of development. Now, let's take a look at ADHD, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. So two-thirds of children with ADHD will actually also have either a conduct disorder or ODD. There's a 3-5% prevalence in school-age children and it is far more common in boys to have ADHD than in girls.

01:06 There's also an increased incidence of personality disorders, mood disorders, conduct disorders, and oppositional defiance. Most cases remit in adolescence but 20% of people will have symptoms that persist well into adulthood. Also worth noting, there is an adult variant of ADHD.

01:26 So what causes it? Well, there are genetic factors, maybe exposure to prenatal trauma or toxins, neurochemical factors, neuropsychological, and psychosocial factors.

01:39 The treatment again is multimodal, involving pharmacotherapy, often stimulants or antidepressants.

01:47 So when it comes to treating ADHD, there's a medication that was initially formed as an antidepressant called atomoxetine which is actually now useful in the treatment of ADHD.

02:00 Similarly, buproprion a classic antidepressant is used for the treatment of ADHD and then be on that stimulant medications such Ritalin and Adderall can be very helpful.

02:13 Psychotherapy can also be useful, parent counseling and group therapy.

02:18 Never overlook the importance of encouraging the child or your patient to organize their tasks better and be a little bit more aware of their surroundings and develop organizational skills. This can go a long way in helping with their ADHD symptoms.