Clinical psychologyLesson 5 of 5 in the course Learning disabilities

ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, Assessment, and Management

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces ADHD, its core features, and the ways symptoms can appear across ages and settings. Understanding that ADHD involves persistent impairment—not simply occasional distraction or restlessness—helps distinguish the disorder from ordinary variation.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are excessive for a person's developmental level and interfere with functioning. Emotional dysregulation is also commonly associated with ADHD, although it is not an official core symptom in diagnostic manuals.

All flashcards

What is ADHD?
A neurodevelopmental disorder involving persistent, developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that causes impairment. Difficulties with regulating attention and behavior are central.
What are executive functions?
Mental processes used to guide goal-directed behavior, including planning, task initiation, organization, inhibition, working memory, and monitoring progress.
Name the three ADHD presentations.
Predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. A person's presentation may change over time.
What is hyperfocus?
A reported state of prolonged, narrow concentration on an engaging activity. It is not a formal diagnostic symptom, and difficulty disengaging may interfere with other tasks or needs.
What is mind wandering?
Attention drifting away from the main task toward personal inner thoughts. It is frequently reported alongside ADHD symptoms and is being studied in relation to learning and attention.

Quiz questions

  1. Under DSM-5 criteria, how long must ADHD symptoms generally persist?Answer: At least six months
  2. What role do standardized rating scales play in an ADHD assessment?Answer: They organize observations but do not replace clinical judgment.
  3. Which medication group commonly serves as an initial pharmacological treatment for ADHD?Answer: Methylphenidate- or amphetamine-based stimulants
  4. What does an ADHD heritability estimate of 70–80% describe?Answer: Population variation associated with genetic differences
  5. Which statement best describes brain imaging findings related to ADHD?Answer: Group-level differences are reported, but scans do not diagnose an individual.

Based on the Wikipedia article Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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