Attention Deficit Disorders
Original Editors - Students from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
Top Contributors - James Vardeman, Nathan Smith, Kim Jackson, Shaimaa Eldib, Rucha Gadgil, Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Vidya Acharya, Shreya Pavaskar, Elaine Lonnemann, 127.0.0.1, WikiSysop, Simisola Ajeyalemi and Eugenie Lamprecht
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as “a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development”1. In adults, this disorder may cause trouble getting organized, remembering appointments, or even have trouble keeping a job. Activities of Daily Living are affected due to the inability to keep attention on one task at a time.2 Chronic condition affecting millions of children and often continues into adulthood. Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and poor performance in school. Symptoms experienced by these individuals sometimes diminish as one ages. For those who's symptoms persists, coping strategies can be learned in order to be successful. 3
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
ADHD symptoms start before age of 12, and sometimes as noticeable as young as 3 y.o. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can continue into adulthood. 7
In children, symptoms include:8, 10
•Excessive daydreaming •Forgetfulness •Squirming/fidgeting excessively •Talking excessively •Trouble getting along with peers •Poor academic performance •Trouble with organizing tasks and activities •Easily distracted
ADHD usually presents in 3 different ways in children:8 •Predominantly Inattentive: wandering off task, difficulty sustaining focus, disorganized •Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Hyoeractivity means a person moves constantly, or is restless; impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment •Combined In order to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, several factors must be taken into account. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, four factors must be taken into consideration:9, 10 •Several symptoms must be present before the age of twelve. •A person must have at least five symptoms of either inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. •The symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as at home and at work •There must be evidence the symptoms interfere with the person’s functioning in these settings.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults include: •Failure to pay attention to details/makes careless mistakes •Difficulty keeping attention on tasks •Difficulty organizing tasks and activities •Avoids activities requiring sustained mental effort •Easily distracted •Forgetfulness in activities of daily living •Fidgety/squirms •Unable to remain still for extended periods of time
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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