ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Kathleen & Kendra

 What is ADHD?
ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or
development.
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health
Is ADHD an American Disorder?
•The United States has the
highest rate of diagnosed ADHD
Why do you think the United States
at around 9%
has such a high prevalence of
•A majority of European
countries, along with Brazil and ADHD?
China, have a diagnosis rate of
less than 5%
What Causes ADHD?
The Genetic Basis
→ There are genetic characteristics that seem
to be passed down in families
•If a parent has ADHD, a child has more
than a 60% chance of developing the
disorder
•If an older sibling has ADHD, a child has
more than a 30% chance of developing
the disorder
→ Mechanism of action is not completely
understood
The Environmental Basis
→ Prenatal Factors
•Smoking or drinking during pregnancy
•Exposure to lead or pesticides
→ Perinatal factors
•Low birth weight or premature birth
•Increased rate of pregnancy
complications
→ Postnatal factors
•Malnutrition (imbalance of essential fatty
acids intake and/or iron deficiency)
•Early deprivation of social environment
What Causes ADHD?
Neurobiological Basis What DOESN’T Cause ADHD

→ Increased levels of dopamine → There are two common myths about what
•Linked to movement, sleep, mood, causes ADHD:
attention, and learning
•Eating too much sugar
→ Reduced volume in the prefrontal cortex,
•Excessive screen time (typically
basal ganglia, and the cerebellum
watching too much TV)
•These areas are typically responsible
for impulse control, voluntary
→ There is no research that backs up either of
movements, habit formation, planning,
these statements, but many parents believe
procedural learning, emotional
this to be true due to false information on the
regulation, and cognition
internet
What Does ADHD look like?

What does INATTENTION look like? What does HYPERACTIVITY look like?

● Child has trouble holding attention,
during tasks or play activities
● Child has difficulty remaining organized
● Child often loses required tools such as
books, pencils, etc.
● Child has excessive motor activity
such as inability to remain seated
● A child who is constantly moving,
roaming , touching things, squirming
or fidgeting

What does IMPULSIVITY look like?

● Child who speaks or acts without thinking about the
consequences of their actions
● Child who has difficulty waiting their turn and displays
emotion without restraint
 H D
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3 Types of ADHD
Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur:

Inattentive Combined
Hyperactivity
● Formerly known ● Child shows some ● Most common
as ADD attentional control form of ADHD
● The child shows ● Child struggles with
BUT demonstrates a
significant paying attention as
great number of well as regulating
inattention across deficits with activity behavior.
multiple domains level and/ or impulse
control.
Treatment
Behavioral Therapy
● Goals of behavior therapy: learn or strengthen positive

behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors,

increases self control & self esteem

● Behavior therapy can include behavior therapy training for

parents, behavior therapy with children, or a combination.

● Teachers can also use behavior therapy to help reduce problem

behaviors in the classroom.

● Works as well as medication for ADHD in young children.

Treatment
● Stimulants ● Antidepressants
○ First medication option ○ Given if multiple stimulants are not
○ 1 in 10 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with effective
ADHD and about 50% of those are on ○ Tricyclic Antidepressants (Pamelor,
stimulants Tofranil, Norpramin)
○ Methylphenidate (Ritalin) / Amphetamine ○ “Off-Label”
(Adderall) ○ Mostly prescribed to adults with
■ Short acting medications ADHD
○ Side effects: ○ Side effects:
■ Decreased appetite/ weight loss ■ Headaches
■ Headaches ■ Dry Mouth
■ Stomachaches
■ Sleeping problems
■ Sleeping problems
■ Irritability
National Institute of Mental Health
ADHD in Adults
•Adults with ADHD tend to have
problems with memory and
attention rather than with
hyperactivity.
•Stimulants are considered
first-line medications for adults
with ADHD
•Psychotherapy is often an
essential adjunct, helping patients
gain skills and improve their
ability to function at home, work, National Institute of Mental Health

and socially
Treatment in Schools
To meet the needs of children with ADHD, schools may offer

● Behavioral classroom management

○ This approach encourages a students positive behaviors through a reward system, and
discourages negative behaviors
● Organizational training
○ Teaches time management, planning skills,and organization skills in order to help reduce
distractions
● Special education services
○ An individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
● Accommodations to lessen the effect of ADHD on their learning such as
○ Extra time on tests;
○ Instruction and assignments tailored to the child;
○ Positive reinforcement and feedback;
○ Allowing breaks or time to move around;
How to Teach Children with ADHD
School Counselors, How Do We Help?
● Evidence-based interventions (EBIs)

○ Peer mediation groups

○ Address motivation & self-efficacy

● Address all aspects of the ADHD Circle (on right)

● Collaborating with teachers to deliver instruction,

manage behavior, and facilitate classroom
accommodations
● Communicating with parents about student
progress and challenges The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019

● Understanding common ADHD medications and

their effects on children
References
Aghili, S. (2016). America’s ADHD nation. Berkeley Political Review. Retrieved from:
https://bpr.berkeley.edu/2016/11/19/americas-adhd-nation/

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. Arlington, VA.,
American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. 27 August 2019. Accessed 19
September 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Accessed 21 September 2019. Retrieved from:
https://chadd.org

Curatolo, P., D’Agati, E., & Moavero, R. (2010). The neurobiological basis of ADHD. National Center for Biotechnology
Information. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016271/

Grashow, L. (2015). How to teach children with ADHD. eHowHealth. Retrieved on 22 September 2019 from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=JEAYVMFZLM4

National Institute of Mental Health. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. November 2017. Accessed 20
September 2019. Retrieved from:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd.shtml
 Kahoot!

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