AD/HD: NOTHING BUT THE FACTSA.L.E.R.T. GROUP

WHAT IS AD/HD?• Definition: A persistent pattern of inattention and/or

hyperactivity that significantly interferes with functioning or development.

• Occurs in about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults• MUST be substantial evidence of symptoms before age 12• Disorder/symptoms must be present in multiple areas of

life (school, social, professional)• 3 Types of AD/HD

• Predominantly inattentive presentation• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation• Combined presentation

SYMPTOMS OF AD/HD

ASSOCIATED ISSUES

• Other learning disorders (19-26%)

• Learning problems (non-clinical)

• Disruptive Behavior• Negative emotions• Social Impairment• Achievement/Occupational

INFORMAL SYMPTOMS• 4x more likely to have a traffic accident• Strong dislike of reading• Negativity due to frequent failures• Hyperfocus

• Can be VERY focused on things that are interesting• Legal difficulties• Injuries (especially as children)• Seek stimulation across all areas of life

• Exciting/dangerous relationships• On-the-go job waiter, not desk clerk• Active hobbies sports, not chess

MENTAL DEFICITS• ADHD – More Than an Attention Problem

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQC-Nk5OOfE

• Overall lack of “executive functioning”• Response inhibition• Working memory• Regulating emotions• Sustaining attention• Starting tasks• Planning• Organization• Time-Management• Goal-oriented Persistence• Flexibility• Metacognition (thinking about how you think)

AD/HD STRENGTHS• Leadership• Athleticism• Hyperfocus• Enjoy change• Creativity

• AD/HD Is Not a Gift• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xpEBE9VDWw

AD/HD IN COLLEGE STUDENTS• 2%-8% of college students in U.S. have AD/HD (may be

inflated)• Academic

• Low GPA• More likely to be on academic probation• Less confident about academics, goals• Have to read material repeatedly to understand it• Difficulty finishing timed tests (common accommodation),

completing assignments• Difficulties with motivation, effort, performance, time-

management, concentration and memory• Struggle with studying/organization

AD/HD IN COLLEGE STUDENTS• Social/Romantic Functioning

• Difficulties with:• Social adjustment• Social skills• Self-esteem• Steady romantic relationships• Assertiveness in relationships• More likely to be physically/sexually aggressive within

relationships• These studies are limited and have mixed results

AD/HD IN COLLEGE STUDENTS• Substance and Alcohol Use

• Greater alcohol and substance use than peers• Higher frequency of use and quantity consumed• Feel less in control of their drinking• Some evidence of more blackouts, relationships difficulties

• 2.5x more likely to have used marijuana in past year• 6x more likely to have used other drugs• Unsure as to the role of other disorders (especially

conduct problems) in use of substances and acting out

TREATMENTS FOR AD/HD

• Medication• Stimulants

• Best known• Work for 70%-80%

• Non-Stimulants• Approved in 2003• Fewer side-effects• Can last up to 24

hours

TREATMENTS FOR AD/HD• Therapeutic

• Behavioral Coaching/ADHD Coaching

• Create routine, get organized, avoid distractions, use goals and rewards, study skills, utilize strengths

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Depression, anxiety, self-esteem

TREATMENTS FOR AD/HD

• Alternative• Neurofeedback• Herbal remedies• Dietary changes• Supplements