ADHD in Adults Full lecture with video clips can be found on our main site www.asktheneurologist.com/Adult-ADHD.html

1. ADHD in Adults Written for AskTheNeurologist.Com by ADHDNeuroMD

5. DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD I. Either A or B: A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has trouble organizing activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted. Often forgetful in daily activities. B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless ). Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly . Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor". Often talks excessively. Impulsiveness Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished. Often has trouble waiting one's turn . Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games). II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years. III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home). IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning. V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

6. “ Has trouble waiting one's turn” S ocially acceptable? …depends where ? “ Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected " Click to play

9. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ?

10. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus

11. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus

12. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus

13. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus “ Environment” can be internal (“ADD”) or external (“ADHD”)

16. Interesting or important ? Still interesting or important ? Dependent on reward pathways in brain Interesting or important = “Rewarding”

19. “ But doesn’t everybody focus more when the material is interesting? ”

20. “ But doesn’t everybody focus more when the material is interesting? ” YES ! Everyone pays attention less when bored and more when interested. But…

21. Those with ADHD do much, much better when interested! In te re sti ng Boring

24. Genetic studies of families with ADHD:- People with ADHD have receptors that “don’t grab so well” ….so they get “paid” less. This rule only applies to “smaller” payments. Substances such as caffeine & ritalin “add a bonus” to each payment.

26. “ Avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time " Easily distracted Inappropriate comments Can be highly effective when motivated Click to play

28. Or you can choose to do only stuff you find really interesting

29. Companies actively recruiting “ADHD-type thinkers” Click to play

30. Some get a job where they only have to do things they consider to be “important”

31. Some people dislike their job

32. Some are forced to do jobs that are just not for them (army is typical situation) Does not follow instructions ! Click to play

33. Has trouble focussing?

35. “ Non ADHD thinking” “ ADHD thinking”

36. Narrower focus = bigger shadow

37. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .

38. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .

39. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .

40. Distractions (non – ADHD) x x x x .

41. Distractions (non – ADHD) x x x x .

42. Distractions In other words, when some-one with ADHD gets “distracted” they lose the ability to keep their (hyper) focus on what they were doing and need to “lock-on” again once the distraction has passed (they may have to take time to reconstruct complex thoughts or ideas which can be very frustrating…therefore they may “snap” at people when they get distracted.) Those without ADHD are able to “attend to a distraction” without losing their “lock” on their initial focus. x x x x . x x x x .

46. May compensate for susceptibility to distractions with “obsessive tidiness”

52. Use the force Thanks for your attention !

53. THE END For presentation requests and downloads please visit AskTheNeurologist.Com