A behavioural disorder characterised by hyperactivity
neuro
inattention and impulsivity
Pathophysiology
Not well understood but links have been made of
structural and functional changes in the brain as well
as changes in neurotransmission
e.g Dopamine
It also has a genetic component twin studies have
shown
heritability of 881
Clinical features diagnosis
Guidance for diagnosis is based on ICD 10 or DSM V
criteria
ICD 10 criteria specifies that symptoms must be
of onset c 6 old and present for some
early yrs
time for must be present in 2
a
diagnosis They
Settings e.g home and school and out of context
for the child's
age
3 cardinal ADHD features
Hyperactivity
Inattention
Impulsivity
, Dsm V criteria Splits ADHD into 3 Subtypes
A Combined B Predominant inattentive
c Predominant impulsivity hyperactive type
Inattention criteria
Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Forgetful on daily activities
Difficulty sustaining attention
Hyperactivity criteria
often fidgets with hands feet or squirms in seat
talks excessively
often on the
go
Impulsivity criteria
often has turn
difficulty waiting
often interrupts
Diagnosis At least 6 criteria from either category
are met
Symptoms present before the age of 12 for
at least 6 months and present in 2 or
settings
It should impair function
neuro
inattention and impulsivity
Pathophysiology
Not well understood but links have been made of
structural and functional changes in the brain as well
as changes in neurotransmission
e.g Dopamine
It also has a genetic component twin studies have
shown
heritability of 881
Clinical features diagnosis
Guidance for diagnosis is based on ICD 10 or DSM V
criteria
ICD 10 criteria specifies that symptoms must be
of onset c 6 old and present for some
early yrs
time for must be present in 2
a
diagnosis They
Settings e.g home and school and out of context
for the child's
age
3 cardinal ADHD features
Hyperactivity
Inattention
Impulsivity
, Dsm V criteria Splits ADHD into 3 Subtypes
A Combined B Predominant inattentive
c Predominant impulsivity hyperactive type
Inattention criteria
Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Forgetful on daily activities
Difficulty sustaining attention
Hyperactivity criteria
often fidgets with hands feet or squirms in seat
talks excessively
often on the
go
Impulsivity criteria
often has turn
difficulty waiting
often interrupts
Diagnosis At least 6 criteria from either category
are met
Symptoms present before the age of 12 for
at least 6 months and present in 2 or
settings
It should impair function
