OPTA 222 (ADHD)
Diagnosis
- Persistent symptoms for ≥ 6 months in ≥ 2 settings (e.g., school, home, church)
- Several symptoms of ADHD present prior to age 12
- Symptoms that are not better accounted for by a different psychiatric disorder (e.g., anxiety) and do not occur exclusively during a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
- Several symptoms that significantly disrupt your functioning at work/school, with family, or socially
The three different types of ADHD include:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Hyperactive-impulsive type; and
- Combined type
Your type of ADHD is then determined based on your most predominant symptoms.
Sign and Symptoms inattentive
- Overlook or miss details and make seemingly careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities
-Have difficulty sustaining attention during play or tasks, such as conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading
Not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Find it hard to follow through on instructions or finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or may start tasks but lose focus and get easily sidetracked
- Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities, doing tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, managing time, and meeting deadlines
- Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers
- Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones
- Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments
Signs and Symptoms Hyper active
- Fidget and squirm while seated
- Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office
- Run, dash around, or climb at inappropriate times or, in teens and adults, often feel restless
- Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
- Be constantly in motion or on the go, or act as if driven by a motor
- Talk excessively
- Answer questions before they are fully asked, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in a conversation
- Have difficulty waiting one’s turn
- Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities
Diagnosable vs. Non-Diagnosable
Many of us show signs or symptoms of ADHD but what is the difference between someone who shows some signs or symptoms and someone who is diagnosed with ADHD?
- Symptoms cause an impairment in functioning
- Symptoms are more severe
- Symptoms occur more frequently
Risk Factors
The cause of ADHD is unknown, however, the following are considered risk factors:
- Genetic
- Cigarette, alcohol or drug exposure during pregnancy
- Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy
- Lead exposure at young age
- Brain injury
- Low birth weight
When is ADHD diagnosed?
- Can be diagnosed across the lifespan:Age dependent on clinician discretion
- If diagnosed in teens or adulthood, the person must have had symptoms prior to age 12
What are the possible negative effects on the live of those with ADHD?
- relationship problems
- school preformance
- impulsive
- focusing
- make decisions
Treatment
Medication: Decrease hyperactivity, increase attension
Behavior Therapy: imroving social skills, learning organization, learning sharing
TA Role
- Organization
- Parental skills
- Stress management
- Techniques for school (fidget toys etc.)