ADHD Research: Symptoms, Causes, Presentations & Management

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Symptoms, Causes, Presentations & Management

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• What is ADHD?
• Causes of ADHD
• ADHD Presentations
• Management and Treatment

1

What is ADHD?

Neurodevelopmental Disorder Overview

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• Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation
• Excessive and pervasive, impairing multiple contexts
• Developmentally inappropriate
• Arise from executive dysfunction

• Poor professional performance & relationship difficulties
• Numerous health risks
• Diminished quality of life & reduced life expectancy
• Associated with other mental & non-psychiatric disorders
• Hyperfocus: perseveration leading to addiction risks

> ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation that are excessive and pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts.

— Wikipedia Summary

• Difficulty interrupting ongoing actions
• Perseveration despite context changes
• Linked to addiction and risk behaviors

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2

Causes of ADHD

Genetic & Environmental Factors

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• 70-80%: Heritability Rate
• Prenatal: Main Risk Period
• Rare: Single Event Causes (e.g. TBI)

• Primarily genetic with high heritability
• Environmental risks: prenatal/early postnatal, accumulative
• Not due to social/familial factors
• Rare cases: traumatic brain injury, pregnancy biohazards, major mutations
• No distinct adult-onset except post-TBI

3

ADHD Presentations

Predominantly Inattentive Focus

Key Symptoms Difficulty sustaining attention Procrastination Hesitation in task initiation Frequent forgetfulness Lethargy/fatigue possible

Distinctions Fewer/no hyperactivity & impulsivity Distinct from hyperactive-impulsive/combined Not cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) Presentations can change over time (DSM-5)

4

Management & Treatment

Evidence-Based Strategies

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• 4-5 yrs: Parent/teacher behavioral interventions first; add methylphenidate if moderate-severe issues persist
• 6-11 yrs: Medication (esp. stimulants) + behavioral therapy
• 12-17 yrs: Medication + psychosocial interventions
• FDA-approved meds & psychosocial improve core symptoms

| Stimulants | Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) Amphetamine salts (Adderall) Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) | | Non-Stimulants | Atomoxetine (Strattera) Viloxazine (Qelbree) Guanfacine (Intuniv) Clonidine (Kapvay) |

ADHD: Neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic basis (70-80% heritability) Managed effectively with meds (stimulants strongest evidence) & behavioral therapies Early, tailored intervention key to better outcomes

Questions? Thank you!

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