Answers
What is the DSM-5 definition of ADHD? - answerA persistent pattern of selective
attention and/or hyperactivity and or impulsivity that interferes with functioning or
development. The patient should usually have 6 or more symptoms of selective
attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity for 6 months or longer.
Symptoms interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning
symptoms are present in two or more setting
What are some s/s of selective attention (refers to the ability to focus on specific
information or stimuli while actively filtering out irrelevant distractions, essentially
choosing what to pay attention to) within children with ADHD? - answerlack of attention
to detail, carelesnessness, not listening, losing things, diverting attention, forgetfulness.
What are some s/s of impulsivity? - answerNot waiting your turn, blurting things out,
interrupting, excessive talking
What are some s/s of hyperactivity? - answertrouble playing quietly, leaving ones set,
running/climbing, fidgeting
What are some s/s of lack of sustained attention? - answerpoor problem solving,
difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, difficulty sustaining mental effort
When is ADHD usually diagnosed and what gender does it mainly affect? - answerIt is
diagnosed within early childhood to adolescents.
ADHD has a 2:1 male to female ratio.
What is the importance of early ADHD diagnosis and treatment? - answerADHD
symptoms may be mild or so severe and persistent that they interfere with virtually all
aspects of a person's life.
Without early identification and proper treatment, ADHD can cause disruptions in
academic performance, family stress, difficulties in social relationships, and accidental
injuries.
What are the lasting consequences of non-treatment of ADHD in children? -
answerChildren with ADHD may experience delays in speech, motor, and social
development. They often demonstrate reduced behavioral inhibition, emotional dys-
regulation or impulsivity, and negative emotionality. Some children with ADHD have
challenges with working memory.
ADHD typically presents with_________ IN EARLY CHILDHOOD. -
answerHYPERACTIVITY
,What is the difficult about diagnosing ADHD in children under the age of 4? - answerIt
can be hard to distinguish actually ADHD symptoms from normal neurotypical children.
_______ FEATURES become more prominent in PRESCHOOL and ELEMENTARY
school, which is when ADHD is most often diagnosed. - answerInattentive.
Young children can experience developmental delays and may engage in behaviors
that are less mature than their peers.
In adolescence, signs of hyperactivity become less common, but some adolescents
experience a worsening of the condition with development of _______ behaviors. -
answerAnti-social
Teens with ADHD are at risk for poor academic performance, problems with driving,
difficulties with social situations, risky sexual behavior, and substance abuse.-
Particularly untreated
As clients reach adolescence, hyperactive symptoms may decline and become less
apparent to others, but adolescents and adults with ADHD may still struggle with
executive function, attention, and working memory, which can create problems with day-
to-day functioning, performance at work, and relationships. - answer
How would you as a PMHNP screen or diagnose ADHD? - answerTo make an informed
diagnosis, it is essential to gather data from multiple sources, including the client,
parents, and teachers of children and adolescents. Several instruments are available,
either free or for a fee, to assist in diagnosis, as well as to monitor changes in
symptoms during treatment.
You can use the Vanderbilt scale- FREE
Connor Scale- not free
What are some co-morbidities of ADHD? - answerSubstance use disorder, depression,
anxiety, OCD, Bipolar
Common co-occurring conditions include learning disabilities, conduct disorders, tics,
anxiety, depression, and language disorders; adolescents are at increased risk of
substance use disorders.
Consideration must be given to whether the presenting symptoms are attributed to
ADHD, another disorder, or to both disorders to make an accurate diagnosis and
treatment plan.
How is treatment typically handled when a child has ADHD AND a co-existing mental
health ailment? - answerChildren with co-occurring conditions are often treated first for
ADHD and then for comorbidities, as treating ADHD symptoms first may help reduce
overall stress levels and provide a clearer picture of the comorbid symptoms
, What is the first-line treatment for ADHD? - answerA stimulant medication.
A non-stimulant is used if a stimulant is contraindicated or if a stimulant is not effective.
However remember that treatment of ADHD is multi-modal, often requiring medical,
educational, behavioral, and psychological intervention.
________ can help lower distractibility and improve attention, working memory, and
impulsivity. - answerNon-stimulants
How would you treat a patient who is having argumentative or oppositional symptoms? -
answerA combination of stimulants and non-stimulants can be used
What cardiac considerations should be considered before starting any patients on a
stimulant? - answerA cardiac workup should be completed.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is required if cardiac history is present in a first-degree
relative. (it can help identify potential underlying heart conditions that could be adversely
affected by the medication, even if the patient appears healthy, as stimulants can
slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing complications in
individuals with undiagnosed heart issues; this practice is recommended by the
American Heart Association (AHA) to prioritize patient safety. ) and ensure to document
this.
What bio-metric considerations should be considered before starting any patients on a
stimulant? - answerMonitor BP, height and weight during every appointment. (ensure
the child is not experiencing abnormal BP, ensure stimulant is not affecting the child's
growth and development. Ensure the medication is not cause anorexia within the
patient. Stimulants decrease appetite.
What mental health considerations should be considered before starting any patients on
a stimulant? - answer- Assess all clients for bipolar disorder before treatment.
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants may cause psychotic or manic symptoms in
clients with no prior history or may exacerbate behavior disturbance symptoms and
thought disorders in clients with pre-existing psychosis.
- CNS stimulants may exacerbate comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders.
What are two teaching points for patients if they begin to complain of insomnia while on
a stimulant? - answerTake the medication AT NIGHT or do not take the medication past
a certain time.
Increased irritability and insomnia can be treated with a low dose of nonstimulant
medication which will allow the client to fall asleep.