Behavior disorder
affecting as many as
5% of all children.
Developmentally inappropriate
behaviors involving difficulty
paying attention or focusing on
tasks.
Diagnosed when
hyperactivity
interferes w/normal
play, social, or
learning.
Child may be fidgety,
impulsive, interrupt
more, and talk
excessively during
developmental years.
Social growth is delayed,
Activity lvl more overt in
boys; girls show less
impulsiveness &
aggression but more
anxiety, mood swings,
social withdrawal, and
cognitive & language
delays.
Girls also tend
to be older at
time of
diagnosis.
Even gifted children
may have trouble in
school b/c they have
difficulty following a
conventional routine.
Discipline may
be a problem.
Etiology largely unknown.
Lead, prenatal exposure to
drugs and alcohol, genetics,
and environment may all
be factors.
Sugars, chocolate,
high-carb foods and
beverages, and
certain additives
have been blamed,
but that has been
refuted.
Deficit or dysfunction of
dopamine, norpeinephrine,
or serotonin in the reticular
activating system may be
cause.
Families of these
children must be
educated about
behavioral strategies
for their children.
From an early age, the
child must be educated
about the disorder and
understand there's
consequences for
actions.
Self-esteem should also be
fostered so self-worth can
develop.
Know importance of
meds management &
compliance.
1/3-1/2 of ADHD
children have it as
adults.
Looks similar to a mood disorder
May have problems with keeping jobs, drug &
alcohol abuse
Left untreated, it can cause low
self-esteem, diminished social success,
and criminal or violent behavior.
Pharmacotherapy
Main treatment is CNS
stimulants.
These reverse many of the
symptoms, helping pt. focus.
May cause paradoxical
hyperactivity.
Side effects include
insomnia, nervousness,
anorexia, weight loss,
dizziness, depression,
irritability, nausea, or
abdominal pain.
All are schedule II
Methylphenidate
(Ritalin) abuse is
increasing in teens
who want to stay
awake or lose weight.
Non-CNS stimulants.
Less efficacy when taken
alone, but good for
adjunctive therapy.
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
selectively inhibits
presynaptic release of
norepinephrine
Some of these drugs
work for 24 hr w/few
and tolerable adverse
effects.
Similar efficacy to
methylphenidate,
Side effects include headache, insomnia,
upper abdominal pain, anorexia, and cough.