COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ANSWERS
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“Stimulant Medications: Methylphenidate - CORRECT ANSWER -Low risk of adverse
effects
-Available formulations:
• Ritalin - available in immediate release (IR) and extended release (XR) available in beads
that may be sprinkled on food for children who cannot swallow pills
• Concerta biphasic - combined immediate and delayed release in one medication
• Daytrana - patch applied in AM and removed after 9 hour"
"Stimulant Medications: Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) - CORRECT ANSWER -Available
in IR and ER
-More potent than Ritalin
-High risk of adverse effects"
"Stimulant Medications: Amphetamine (Adzenys) - CORRECT ANSWER -available in
orally disintegrating ER formula for children who cannot swallow pills
-Avoid prescribing when an MAOI has been used within 14 days"
"Stimulant Medications: Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) - CORRECT ANSWER -
Available in IR and extended-release formulations
-Often dosed in morning (IR or XR) with an evening or evening prn (IR) dose if med effects
diminish prior to end of school, study or the workday
-Most abused & diverted prescription stimulant"
"Stimulant Medications: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) - CORRECT ANSWER -
Biologically inactive until metabolized by the body (Prodrug)
-Less abuse & diversion potential than other stimulants
-Higher-cost medication"
"Non-stimulant medication: Atomoxetine (Strattera) - CORRECT ANSWER -
Noradrenergic (NRI)
-Initial drug of choice for adults with ADHD
-no abuse potential
-tolerated well when prescribed in BID dosing
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,-appropriate choice for comorbid substance abuse
-may augment the effects of antidepressants & antianxiety meds
-can be dosed at bedtime if fatigue is noted
-unlikely to worsen tics"
"Non-stimulant medication: Clonidine - CORRECT ANSWER -α 2 agonist
• May be taken as monotherapy or with stimulant medications
-enhances precortical function for better mental focus
-appetite neutral
-may help with sleep disturbances, administer at bedtime
-adverse effects:
• sedation, brain fog
-monitor of BP closely during initial titration, risk of hypotension
-tapered to avoid rebound hypertension post discontinuation"
"Non-stimulant medication: guanfacine - CORRECT ANSWER -α 2 agonist
• May be taken as monotherapy or with stimulant medications
-may also be used for children with tics, sleep disturbances, or aggression
-tolerability & convenience enhanced by once-daily oral controlled-release formulation
-adverse effects:
• sedation, headache, decreased appetite
-reduced side-effect profile comparable to clonidine
-bedtime administration to avoid daytime sedation"
"Non-stimulant medication: Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - CORRECT ANSWER -
Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor
-off-label use for ADHD in adults
-appropriate for clients with concurrent depression or tobacco abuse"
"Rating scales for ADHD - CORRECT ANSWER -ADHD Rating Scales (ADHD-RS-IV and
5)
-Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP) scale
-Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS)
-Vanderbilt scales
-Conners' scales"
"ADHD Comorbidities - CORRECT ANSWER >2/3 of children dx'd with ADHD have at
least one coexisting psychiatric condition
-learning disabilities
-conduct disorders
-tics
-anxiety
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,-depression
-language disorders
-SUD's
• adolescents at increased risk
*often tx ADHD 1st then comorbidities, may reduce overall stress levels, provide clearer
picture of comorbid symptoms"
"Tenzing is a 15-year-old who presents with restlessness, distractability, impulsive
behavior, and inattention at school. He sleeps very little most nights and is often irritable.
His parents describe him as "moody" and state that the smallest changes cause his mood to
shift. He has had these symptoms for a few years, but recently the symptoms have gotten
worse. The PMHNP diagnoses Tenzing with ADHD. Which of the following is the most likely
comorbid diagnosis for Tenzing?
bipolar disorder (BPD)
unipolar depression
generalized anxiety disorder - CORRECT ANSWER bipolar disorder (BPD)
Rationale: After beginning medication for ADHD, Tenzing's remaining symptoms are
consistent with bipolar disorder. Although mood dysregulation is common in clients with
ADHD, mood changes are typically situational. Bipolar disorder presents with more
random and cyclical mood changes. Both ADHD and BPD can present with irritability, sleep
issues, restlessness, and impulsive behavior."
"Onyenna is a 12-year-old whose teacher has concerns related to her school performance.
She makes careless mistakes with her work and has difficulty listening in class and
following directions. She frequently forgets to bring homework assignments and misplaces
her personal belongings. She appears fatigued most days and complains of being tired
frequently. Onyenna's parents endorse that she always seems irritable and disorganized at
home, and they often have to ask her to complete tasks more than once. Onyenna states
that she has no interest in school or extracurricular activities and does not care that she is
not doing well in her classes. The PMHNP diagnoses Onyenna with ADHD and prescribes
atomoxetine 25 mg once daily. Which of the following is the most likely comorbid diagnosis
for Onyenna?
bipolar disorder (BPD)
unipolar depression
generalized anxiety disorder
learning disability - CORRECT ANSWER unipolar depression
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, Rationale: After beginning medication for ADHD, Onyenna's remaining symptoms are
consistent with unipolar depression. In children, depression often presents with irritability,
fatigue, and a decreased interest in school or peer activities. Both ADHD and depression
can cause diminished concentration and attention. Forgetfulness, carelessness, difficulty
following directions and disorganization are common symptoms of ADHD with a
predominantly inattentive presentation."
"Addison is a 9-year-old who was diagnosed with ADHD predominantly combined
presentation and was prescribed methylphenidate extended-release chewable tablets 20
mg once daily. Since she has started taking the medication, her appetite has decreased. She
is 51 inches tall, and her initial weight was 58 lbs. She has lost 8 lbs. since beginning
treatment.
Which of the following medication adjustments is appropriate for Addison?
implement stimulant holidays on weekends and non-school days
decrease the dosage of methylphenidate extended-release to 10 mg daily
switch to methylphenidate immediate-release 20 mg once daily
switch to atomoxetine 25 mg once daily - CORRECT ANSWER implement stimulant
holidays on weekends and non-school days
Rationale: Stimulant holidays combined with caloric supplementation and monitoring can
help offset stimulant-related weight loss. Switching to a non-stimulant medication may be
warranted if drug holidays do not provide the desired result of weight stabilization."
"ADHD nonpharmacologic tx - CORRECT ANSWER -Schools
• educational support, behavioral interventions in the classroom, and accommodations
-Psychotherapy
• CBT
• social and organizational skill training
• family therapy.
• Under age 6
➣American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior
management as a first-line intervention"
"ADHD parent training in behavior management - CORRECT ANSWER -What parents
learn:
• Positive Communication
• Positive Reinforcement
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