This document provides an overview of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including myths and facts about the condition, potential causes, diagnosis criteria, impacts at different life stages, epidemiology, classification, treatment options, and ongoing research studies. It defines ADHD and distinguishes it from related conditions. Key points include that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental contributors, it can be diagnosed based on DSM-IV criteria of inattentive and hyperactive behaviors, and treatment often involves medication and behavioral therapies to reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

3. NatureNature
Myth vs. FactMyth vs. Fact
CausesCauses
Diagnose (S&S)Diagnose (S&S)
ImpactsImpacts
EpidemiologyEpidemiology
ClassificationClassification
TreatmentTreatment
Active StudyActive Study
ReferencesReferences
CONTENTSCONTENTS

5.  Termed: Attention deficit, hyperactivity
disorder
 ADD is no different from ADHD but it refers
to adults in the Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
 ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and
adults who consistently display certain
behaviors such as distractibility, impulsivity,
and hyperactivity over a period of time.

7.  Myth: ADHD is caused by
bad parenting.
 Myth: Children who have
ADHD will eventually grow
out of it.
 Myth: ADHD is not a
medical condition.
 Fact: ADHD is a
neurobehavioural disorder
 Fact: 80% of children who
have ADHD will continue to
have enough symptoms to
qualify for diagnosis as an
adolescent and over 60%
of adults will maintain core
symptoms of ADHD.
 Fact: ADHD is a biological
brain based condition
officially recognized by
leading medical experts
and institutions

9.  Specific cause is unknown
 Twin studies showed that 75% of ADHD cases
are genetically inherited
 Twin studies also suggested that 9-20% is also
due to environmental factors
 Pregnancy: smoking, alcohol, and premature birth
 Diet: European Food and Safety Authority
(EFSA) conclude in their study that food additive
such as artificial food coloring and preservative
significantly affects children with ADHD
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/what-causes-adhd.shtml

10.  Dopamine: research study suggests that
various genes affect the neurotransmitter
dopamine:
 Dopamine activation is a reward for the
brain
 ADHD individuals dopamine receptors are
not as efficient as a normal person’s
therefore they have a lower dopamine level

11. Delayed in frontal and temporal lobe
Accelerated maturity of the motor
cortex
SPECT shows reduce circulation
Pet Scan shows a decrease glucose
metabolism during activity

14.  DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:
A. 6 or more of the following symptoms of
inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a
point that is disruptive and inappropriate for
developmental level:
Inattention: poor attention to detail, keeping up with
tasks, doesn’t listen when spoken to, forgetful, easily
distracted, avoid things that take effort to perform, lose
things needed for a task, often does not follow
instructions
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm

15. DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-
impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an
extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental
level:
 Hyperactivity: Often fidgety or squirms in seat, often runs
about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate, act
loudly, driven (always on the go), often talks excessively.

16. Impulsivity
 blurts out answers before questions have been
finished
 trouble waiting one's turn.
 interrupts or intrudes on others
 Some symptoms that cause impairment were present
before age 7 years.
 Some impairment from the symptoms are present in
two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at
home).
 There must be clear evidence of significant
impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

18.  Based on the these criteria, three
types of ADHD are identified:
1. ADHD, CombinedType: if both
criteriaA and B are met for the
past 6 months.
Tigger type-Hyperactive,
restelessness, disorganized,
inattention, impulsivity

19.  2. ADHD,
Predominantly
InattentiveType: if
criterion A is met but
criterion B is not met for
the past six months
 Pooh type- Inattentive,
sluggish, slow-moving,
unmotivated, daydreamer

20.  3. ADHD,
Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Type: if Criterion B is
met but Criterion A is
not met for the past six
months.
 RabbitType- over
focused, obsessive,
argumentative

22.  developmental disorder
 behavior disorder
 disruptive behavior disorder
 oppositional defiant disorder
 conduct disorder
 antisocial disorder

25.  Preschool (3-5) - Disruptive behavior,
aggression towards other children,
hyperactivity, conduct problems, inattentive
and overactive
 Middle Childhood (6-12) - Unfinished tasks
(unfinished games, uncovered toothpaste),
trouble with school work, criticism from
parents/teachers/peers, low self esteem.
Depression and conduct disorders can develop
here.

26.  Adolescence (13-19) - higher rates of anxiety,
depression, oppositional behavior, social
failure, substance abuse
 Adulthood (20 above) - trouble at work,
relationships, difficulty following directions,
remembering, and concentrating, emotional
and social problems

28.  CDC estimates 4.4 million youth ages 4-17
have been diagnosed with ADHD
 In 2003, 2.5 million youth ages 4-17 are
currently receiving medication treatment for
the disorder.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ADHD/

30. treatment focuses on reducing
the symptoms of ADHD and
improving functioning through
medications, behavioral
therapies, and psychotherapy.

31.  Most are treated with stimulant such as
RITALIN (methylphenidate HCl) but non-
stimulants are also used
 Medication help to improve focus, thinking,
ability to learn and work.
 It also reduces symptoms of hyperactivity,
impulsivity, and inattention.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorder/medications.shtml

33. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/medications.shtml

34.  Goal: change/monitor child behaviors
 Intervention includes:
practical assistance with organizing tasks or
completing schoolwork, or working through
emotionally difficult events
allow child to give oneself praise or rewards for
acting in a desired way
Parents and teachers also can give positive or
negative feedback for certain behaviors.
Set clear rules, chore lists, and other structured
routines can help a child control his or her
behavior
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/psychotherapy.shtml

35. Carbohydrate/Protein-balancedDiet
ManagementofFoodSensitivitiesinADHDPatients
NutritionalSupplementationforADHD
MineralDeficienciesinADHD
EssentialFattyAcidsMayBeDeficientinADHD
DisturbancesinAminoAcidMetabolisminADHD
Heavy-MetalToxicityinADHD
http://www.healing-arts.org/children/ADHD/treatments.htm

36.  Schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to
bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor
activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin
board in the kitchen.Write changes on the schedule as far in
advance as possible.
 Organize everyday items. Have a place for everything, and keep
everything in its place.This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.
 Use homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers for
school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance
of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary
books.
 Be clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent
rules they can understand and follow.
 Give praise or rewards when rules are followed. Children with
ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior,
and praise it.

37. NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)
 MTA (MultimodalTreatment Study of ADHD) –
complete,
Purpose: evaluate the leading treatments for
ADHD, including various forms of behavior therapy
and medications
 PATS (Preschool ADHDTreatment Study) - complete
The study found that low doses of the stimulant
methylphenidate are safe and effective for
preschoolers but requires monitoring due to side
effects
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/what-efforts-are-under-way-to-improve-
treatment.shtml

38.  Efficacy of Concerta inTreating ADHD in Mothers of
ChildrenWith ADHD
- involves trial of Concerta™ methylphenidate
for mothers & children with ADHD
- purpose: assess the efficacy of Concerta™ in
improving adult ADHD symptoms and impairments
-The researchers hypothesize that Concerta™
will significantly decrease mothers ADHD
symptoms and impairment, as well as improve
observed and reported parenting
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=ADHD

40.  Study of Atomoxetine and OROS
Methylphenidate toTreat Children and
Adolescents Ages 6-17With ADHD
- purpose: is to evaluate the safety,
effectiveness, and tolerability of atomoxetine
and OROS methylphenidate, taken together,
in the treatment of ADHD in children and
adolescents ages 6-17
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=ADHD

41. Atomoxetine (brand name: Strattera) is a drug
approved for the treatment of
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It
is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

42.  (2009). ADHD Across the Lifespan. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from myADHD.comWeb site:
http://www.myadhd.com/adhdacrosslifespan.html
 (2008). ADHD ScreeningTest. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from ScribDWeb site:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2281389/ADHD-Screening-Test-PDF
 (2007). NCP Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD . Retrieved February 15, 2009, from Nursing Care PlanWeb
site: http://nursingcareplan.blogspot.com/2007/05/ncp-attention-deficit-hyperactivity.html
 Goodman, Gordon (2008). Bugs,Taz, and ADHD. Retrieved February 15, 2009, fromYouTube Web site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJNu5eUJO04
 (January 23, 2009). What Cause ADHD? Retrieved Febraury 15, 2009 from NIMH.Website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/what-causes-adhd.shtml
 (September 20th
, s005). ADHD. Retrieved February 15, 2009 from CDC.Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm
 (September 20th
, s005). ADHD. Retrieved February 15, 2009 from CDC.Website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ADHD/
 (January 23, 2009). What Cause ADHD? Retrieved Febraury 15, 2009 from NIMH.Website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/medications.shtml
 (January 23, 2009). What Cause ADHD? Retrieved Febraury 15, 2009 from NIMH.Website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/psychotherapy.shtml
 (January 23, 2009). What Cause ADHD? Retrieved Febraury 15, 2009 from NIMH.Website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/psychotherapy.shtml
 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=ADHD
 (February 12, 2009). Efficacy of Concerta inTreating ADHD in Mothers of ChildrenWith ADHD. Retrieved february 15, 2009
from clinicalTrial.gov.Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00318981?term=ADHD&rank=4

43. Proverbs 12:15 – The way of fools seems Proverbs 12:15 – The way of fools seems
right to them, but the wise listen to advice.right to them, but the wise listen to advice.