A brief presentation of ADHD for Mental, Emotional, and Behavior Disorders at Virginia Commonwealth University.

1. Jacqueline Corcoran, Ph.D.
from: Corcoran, J., & Walsh, J. (2012 2nd ed.). Mental
Health in Social Work: A Casebook on Diagnosis and
Strengths-Based Assessment. Boston: Allyn & Bacon and
updated with DSM-5.

2. DSM-5
Classified as a neurodevelopmental
disorder
Persistent pattern of impulsive,
hyperactive and/or inattentive behavior
6 mos.
Before 12 years
Can be hyperactive, combined
presentation or inattentive only

3. Conceptualization
cognitive or neuro-psychological
impairment that is manifested in terms
of self-regulation, behavior inhibition,
and self-control

4. Prevalence
7.8% among children aged 4-17
The lifetime prevalence rate in adults is
8.1%
more prominent among boys by a 2.5:1
ratio

5. Co-morbidity
Multi-Modal Treatment Study of Children
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder - only 31.8% of the participants
had a diagnosis of ADHD alone

6. Course
About a third (36%) of childhood cases continue into adulthood

7. Genetic influence
70-90%

8. Behavioral Therapy
Children learn pro-social behavior
through positive reinforcement
Parents are taught to respond to
children’s negative behaviors by
ignoring or punishing
Parents are taught through didactic
instruction, behavioral rehearsal,
modeling, and role plays.
12 sessions in either individual or group
Psychoeducation

9. Medication
Primary psychostimulant drugs are
methylphenidate, the amphetamines,
and pemoline
majority of children (71%) with ADHD
take methylphenidate (Ritalin)

10. Alternatives
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Atomoxetine (Strattera), a selective
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

11. Concerns with medication
Benefit not diagnostic
Young children’s prefrontal cortex not developed
does not appear to alter the adolescent or adult
outcome of ADHD
a majority of participants (64%) experienced any side
effect, and a proportion (14%) suffered moderate-to-severe
side effects
negative effect of stimulant treatment on growth
for non-stimulant medications, short-term safety data
are lacking
lack of long-term evidence that medication is safe
when taken over a number of years.

12. Criteria’s relevance to girls
GPs often involved with diagnosis
Drug company involvement
Prevalence rates higher in US than other developed
countries