Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Dr. Rick McCendie

About this workshop series Feb 8th – What is ADHD Feb 15th - Solutions for the College student with ADHD Feb 22nd - Question & Answer session

Workshop Outline What is ADHD? Symptoms Associated problems What if left untreated? How does ADHD affect the College student?

ADHD -Definition ADHD is a specific developmental disorder seen in both children and adults that is comprised of deficits in behavioural inhibition, sustained attention and resistance to distraction, and the regulation of one’s activity level to the demands of a situation (hyperactivity or restlessness). – Dr. Russell Barkley

DSM-IV Diagnostic Categories Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Disruptive Behavior Disorders Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Conduct Disorder (CD)

Major Symptoms of ADHD Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Symptoms of Inattention Six or more of the following: • often fails to give close attention to details • often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities • often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly • often does not follow through on instructions

Symptoms of Inattention (cont’d) Often has difficulty organizing tasks Often avoids, dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort Often loses things needed for tasks Often easily distracted by stimuli Often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of Hyperactivity Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Often leaves seat in classroom Often runs about or climbs excessively Often has difficulty playing quietly Often on the go Often talks excessively

Symptoms of Impulsivity Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed Often has difficulty awaiting turn Often interrupts or intrudes on others

Subtypes of ADHD ADHD Inattentive type ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive type ADHD Combined type

Developmental Course Usually diagnosed in childhood around grade 1 or 2 Some are diagnosed at the start of high school or later 2/3 of children with ADHD will continue to have clinical-level symptoms into adulthood

Associated Problems Social problems Oppositional/defiant behaviour Aggression Learning disabilities

Some facts about ADHD Developmental disorder Lifespan disorder – affects children, adolescents and adults 3-7% of school-aged population 3-5% of adults Male to females 4:1 to 9:1 Neurobiological disorder – inherited ADHD is not caused by poor parenting

What if left untreated? Life filled with failure and underachievement, low self-esteem 30-50% fail grade 1 35% fail to complete high school 50% social relationships affected 60% serious defiant behavior

What if left untreated (cont’d) Depression, conduct disorder Failed relationships Underachievement in the workplace Substance abuse

Consequences of ADHD for the College Student Poor organization & time management skills Reading problems resulting from difficulty concentrating & focusing Poor note taking and writing skills Difficulty keeping current with assignments & readings

Consequences (cont’d) High frustration levels Inappropriate social skills Too much time socializing Confusion about goals & future Lack of perseverance or procrastination Lack of sleep & difficulty getting up in morning

Education about ADHD & ODD Barkley – Taking charge of ADHD Barkley – Your defiant child Additude Magazine WWW.NIMH.GOV WWW.HELP4ADHD.ORG

Next Week Practical solutions for assisting the college student with ADHD!