Advanced Pathophysiology Guide |Q&A| Grade A| 100%
Correct (Accurate Solutions)- Regis
Q. Stimulant Medications: Methylphenidate
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
Q. Stimulant Medications: Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
ANSWER
-Available in IR and ER
-More potent than Ritalin
-High risk of adverse effects
Q. Stimulant Medications: Amphetamine (Adzenys)
ANSWER
-available in orally disintegrating ER formula for children who cannot swallow pills
-Avoid prescribing when an MAOI has been used within 14 days
Q. Stimulant Medications: Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
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
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,Q. Stimulant Medications: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
ANSWER
-Biologically inactive until metabolized by the body (Prodrug)
-Less abuse & diversion potential than other stimulants
-Higher-cost medication
Q. Non-stimulant medication: Atomoxetine (Strattera)
ANSWER
-Noradrenergic (NRI)
-Initial drug of choice for adults with ADHD
-no abuse potential
-tolerated well when prescribed in BID dosing
-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
Q. Non-stimulant medication: Clonidine
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
Q. Non-stimulant medication: guanfacine
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
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,Q. Non-stimulant medication: Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
ANSWER
-Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor
-off-label use for ADHD in adults
-appropriate for clients with concurrent depression or tobacco abuse
Q. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ANSWER
-one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders
-approximately 9.4% of children in the U.S.
-more frequently males than females, ratio 2:1
-symptom burden mild to severe
-characterized by consistent pattern of inattention &/or hyperactivity & impulsivity that interferes with
functioning & development
• affect development of proper cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, & academic function
-hyperactivity and impulsivity ADHD subtype symptoms: excessive fidgeting or talking, feelings of restlessness
and impatience, frequent interruption, and difficultly playing quietly
-inattentive ADHD subtype symptoms: difficulty organizing tasks, maintaining a routine, and paying attention
to detail
• may not be distinguishable until eight or nine years of age
-primarily disrupts neuronal connections within the frontal lobe & prefrontal cortex
Q. Without early identification and proper treatment, ADHD can cause disruptions in:
ANSWER
academic performance
family stress
difficulties in social relationships
accidental injuries
Q. ADHD is associated with:
ANSWER
increased rates of depression & SUD
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, Q. Symptoms of ADHD
ANSWER
-Selective Attention
• Lack of attention to detail
• Careless mistakes
• Not listening
• Losing things
• Diverting attention
• Forgetfulness
-Lack of Sustained Attention
• Poor problem solving
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Disorganization
• Difficulty sustaining mental effort
-Impulsivity
• Excessive talking
• Blurting things out
• Not waiting for one's turn
• Interrupting
-Hyperactivity
• Fidgeting
• Leaving one's seat
• Running, climbing
• Trouble playing quietly
Q. When is ADHD most often diagnosed
ANSWER
-preschool and elementary school
• inattentive features become more prominent
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