1. Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Dr. Rick McCendie

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

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

4. 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

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

6. Major Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. Associated Problems Social problems Oppositional/defiant behaviour
Aggression
Learning disabilities

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Education about ADHD & ODD
Barkley – Taking charge of ADHD
Barkley – Your defiant child
Additude Magazine

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