Case, Part 1
D. is a 7-yo male that you are seeing for a yearly checkup. As you ask about things at home, mother reports that he is an extremely active, spirited child, and it is extremely frustrating at home. He has troubles listening, and parents have to repeat themselves over and over. You ask about things at school, and she tells you, “He’s been having problems at school this year too.” Parents are exhausted… “Why can't he just be like his younger brother who listens and obeys?"
Epidemiology
Prevalence ~ 5% of children/adolescents.
Gender: Males > females
Clinical Presentation
Child/youth who presents with
- School or academic problems
- Behavioral problems such as oppositionality, defiance, aggression, social/emotional “immaturity”)
- Inattention / distractibility such as problems paying attention at home/school
- Hyperactivity such as troubles sitting still in class
- Impulsivity such as problems doing things without thinking through the consequences
Interviewing Questions for ADHD Symptoms
Is it a younger child? Direct most question to parents.
Is it an older child or teenager? Direct most questions to the teenager, while maintaining eye contact with parents to see if parents have different opinion.
Inattention |
For parents
For child/youth
|
Hyperactivity |
Parents
Child/Youth
|
Impulsivity |
For parents
Child/youth
|
High need for stimulation |
For parents
For child/youth
|
Disorganization |
For parents:
For child/youth
|
Rating Scales for ADHD
-
Permission To Use Public Domain Download Link http://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/ftpdir/adhd/6Q_ASRS_English.pdf Alternate Link Produced By World Health Organization Conditions Addressed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Ages Served 16 years and up Website http://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.... Complete this survey on eMentalHealth.ca
Adult ADHD Self-Report (ASRS) (6-question screener)
-
Permission To Use Copyright, but free to use Alternate Link Produced By Dr. James Swanson and colleagues Conditions Addressed Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Ages Served All ages
SNAP-IV 18-item Teacher and Parent
-
Permission To Use Copyright, but free to use Download Link http://www.caddra.ca/pdfs/caddraGuidelines2011SNAP.pdf Alternate Link Produced By Dr. James Swanson Conditions Addressed Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Ages Served 6 - 18 years Website http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...
SNAP-IV Rating Scale Revised (SNAP-IV-R)
-
Permission To Use Copyright, but free to use Alternate Link Produced By Dr. M. Wolraich, Vanderbilt University Conditions Addressed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Ages Served 6 - 12 years Website http://www.brightfutures.org
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale
-
Permission To Use Copyright, but free to use Alternate Link Produced By Dr. M. Wolraich, Vanderbilt University Conditions Addressed Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Ages Served All ages Website http://www.brightfutures.org
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria with 3 types, depending on the types of symptoms present in last 6-months
ADHD, Combined |
Inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity |
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive |
Inattention |
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive |
Hyperactivity-impulsivity were present |
DSM-5 Criteria
A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development:
1. Inattention: Symptoms inappropriate for the developmental level present for at least 6 months, as manifested by:
≥ 6 symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or
≥ 5 or more for aged 17+
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Symptoms inappropriate for the developmental level present for at least 6 months, as manifested by:
≥ SIX symptoms hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16,
≥ FIVE for aged 17+
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
- Symptoms present before age 12 years.
- Symptoms are present in two or more setting, (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
- Symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
- Symptoms not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder), nor present only during psychotic episode.
Three Types of ADHD depending on the types of symptoms present in last 6-months
ADHD, Combined |
Symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present |
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive |
Sufficient symptoms of inattention were present |
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive |
Sufficient symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity were present |
Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.
DDx and Comorbid Conditions
Many conditions can cause symptoms such as inattention, thus mimicking ADHD.
- Addressing the underlying condition may result in elimination of ADHD symptoms, e.g. treating iron deficiency anemia may improve inattention.
Many conditions may be comorbid in addition to underlying ADHD
- Addressing any comorbid condition is important, such as anxiety disorder. Anxiety can worsen attention, and treating anxiety (e.g. psychotherapy or SSRI) can thus improve attention.
Conditions |
History / Screening questions |
Investigations / Management |
Anxiety and depression |
Any problems feeling anxious? Any problems with depression? Before the anxiety/depression, were there significant problems paying attention? Or did the significant problems with attention mainly start since the anxiety/depression? |
If significant issues with anxiety/depression, consider referral to mental health professional. |
Developmental conditions |
|
|
* Learning / language disorders |
Does the school-aged child have much lower grades in a specific subject, compared to others? E.g. Passing most subjects, but is failing math (i.e. math disorder) |
Psychoeducational assessment for school-aged children |
* Intellectual disability |
Young child: Problems in various developmental domains such as speech/language? Older child: Is the patient behind that of peers in all areas? |
Developmental paediatrics consult Psychoeducational assessment for school-aged children |
* Developmental coordination disorder |
Fine motor problems? E.g. tying shoelaces, doing buttons/zippers, printing/writing? Gross motor problems? E.g. clumsy in general, troubles with learning to ride bike, throw a ball, do sports |
Occupational therapy (OT) or physiotherapy (PT) consult |
* Genetic conditions (e.g. Fragile X, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) |
Any dysmorphic facies? Any signs of intellectual disability? |
Genetics consult |
Neurological conditions |
|
|
* Tics or Tourette’s syndrome |
Any involuntarily motor movements? |
Neurology consult |
* Seizure Disorder, such as absence seizures |
Any periods of unresponsiveness? |
Neurology consult |
Sleep disorder |
|
|
* Restless legs |
Any problems sleeping due restless legs? Are sensations worse at night? Are sensations relieved by movement? |
Neurology consult |
* Periodic limb movement disorder |
Do spouses or others notice that the patient moves during the night? Problems staying asleep? Problems with excessive daytime sleepiness? |
Neurology consult |
Metabolic/Endocrine |
|
|
* Thyroid problems |
Any problems with fatigue, weight changes, problems tolerating heat or cold? |
Thyroid indices |
* Anemia such as iron deficiency anemia |
Any problems with low energy? |
CBC to rule out anemia B12 / folate Iron |
* Toxins (e.g. lead) |
Does the patient live in an old home? Anyone in the family involved in occupations with lead exposure? |
Serum lead (or other heavy metals) if concerns about lead or other heavy metal toxicity |
Sensory issues |
|
|
* Visual |
Any visual issues? E.g. troubles reading |
Optometry / Opthalmology consult |
* Visual stress
|
Any signs of visual stress, such as problems reading due to eye strain? Words moving on the page? Preference for dim lighting? |
Optometry consult for visual stress, scotopic sensitivity (aka Irlen syndrome) |
* Convergence insufficiency disorder |
Diplopia makes it hard to see and read, which can make patient appear distractible / inattentive |
Optometry / Opthalmology consult |
* Auditory |
Auditory processing issues, such as troubles understanding other people when it is noisy in the background, or if a lot of people? Getting overwhelmed when there is background noise? |
Audiology consult for auditory processing issues |
* Sensory processing issues |
Are there troubles with processing sensory input, such as hypersensitivity to sound, touch or visual input? |
Occupational therapy (OT) consult to help with sensory regulation and/or rule out sensory processing issues |
Physical Exam (Px)
The physical exam in ADHD should be normal.
Baseline Vitals (BP, HR, RR)
|
In the event medications are started, baseline measures are important |
General observations |
Any hyperactivity - impulsivity? There may be walking around the room; pacing; climbing / jumping. Other patients may be able to sit still, but need to fidget with hands / legs, chewing on things. Any dysmorphic features that might suggest fetal alcohol, or genetic syndromes? (which may lead to ADHD symptoms) Excessively pale? Might suggest anemia? |
Skin
|
Dry skin, eczema, brittle nails, may indicate possible omega 3 fatty deficiency, which may lead to ADHD symptoms |
Thyroid |
Any signs of hyper or hypothyroid? (which may imitate symptoms of ADHD) |
Cardiovascular exam |
Do a cardiovascular exam to establish baseline and to exclude cardiovascular conditions that might contraindicate potential stimulant medication treatment |
Neurological exam |
ADHD is due to functional changes (rather than structural) and thus the neurologic exam should not should any signs of structural issues |
Investigations
There are no investigations that are diagnostic for ADHD, however investigations may play a role in helping rule out contributory or comorbid conditions.
Test | Rationale |
CBC | To rule out anemia |
Electrolytes | |
Kidney / renal
| Not absolutely necessary for ADHD workup. May be helpful for ruling out other medical contributors (e.g. diabetes that might affect renal function). |
Liver enzymes | Not absolutely necessary for ADHD workup, however can be helpful for establishing a baseline in the event other medications (e.g. Risperidone) might be used later on. |
Nutritional | |
| Iron deficiency can lead to anemia |
| Low B12/folate can lead to all manner of similar symptoms. |
| Low magnesium can cause fatigue, weakness, inattention, along with muscle twitches. |
| Low vitamin D can lead to inattention and fatigue. |
Endocrine | |
| Thyroid issues as hyper- or hypothyroidism can have similar symptoms to ADHD. |
Toxicity | |
| Classic reasons to order include living in substandard housing with lead paint, or poverty. Unfortunately, many schools have been shown to have elevated lead in drinking water. |
Substance screening | |
| New onset symptoms of inattention, impulsivity may be related to new onset recreational drug use. |
Other tests
- Sleep studies: Are there concerns about a sleep disorder?
- Psychoeducational Testing for all children/youth with ADHD (recommended by CADDRA)
- Audiology assessment to rule out hearing problems
- Optometry assessment to rule out visual problems
Management
For preschool-aged children aged 4-5 years
-
1st line
- Evidence-based parent and/or teacher-administered behavior (i.e. non medication) strategies
- Examples include parent education, parent management training such as Triple P, Incredible Years
-
2nd line
- Should those be ineffective, consider methylphenidate
For children/youth (age 6-18)
-
1st line
- ADHD medication alone are more effective than behavior treatment alone (MTA Study)
- Many parents prefer to start with non-medication interventions prior to initiating medication, thus:
- Consider offering non-medication intervention first (e.g. school accommodations)
- Ask parents if they would agree to re-consider medications at a later visit if ADHD symptoms persist
For all ages
- Education about ADHD
-
Recommend self-help and advocacy organizations such as
- ADHD Advocacy and Support Groups such as
- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) www.caddac.ca
-
Local, Provincial or National Learning Disability Organizations such as
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada www.ldac-acta.ca
Medication Treatment
Step 1
- Start with one of the first-line medications (e.g. long acting methylphenidate) .
Step 2
- Are there problems with the first-line medication? Switch to a different class (e.g. long acting dextroamphetamine).
Step 3
- Still having problems? Switch to a Second-Line Medication (i.e. Atomoxetine, Guanfacine XR, etc.)
CADDRA Guidelines
Name |
Availability |
Starting dose |
Titration schedule per week (CADDRA) |
Maximum dose/daily (CADDRA) |
First Line Long Acting |
|
|
|
|
Amphetamine mixed salts (Adderall XR) |
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mg cap |
Children/adults: |
5 mg /week |
Child: 30 mg Adults 30 mg |
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) |
20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mg cap |
20-30 mg mornings |
10 mg / week |
Child: 60 mg Youth/Adults: 70 mg |
Methylphenidate (Biphentin) |
10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 mg cap |
10-20 mg mornings |
10 mg /week |
Child: 60 mg Youth/Adults 80 mg daily |
Methylphenidate OROS (Concerta) |
18, 27, 36, 54 mg tab |
18 mg mornings |
9-18 mg/week |
Child: 72 mg Youth: 90 mg Adults 80 mg |
Second-Line /Adjunctive |
|
|
|
|
Strattera (Atomoxetine) |
10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg cap |
Child: 0.5 mg/kg/ day x at least 3-days Adult: Start 40 mg daily |
Child: Usual target dosage is 1.2 mg/kg/day Adult: Usual target 80 mg daily |
Child: Max 1.4 mg/kg/day Youth/Adults: 100 mg
|
Guanfacine (Intuniv XR) |
1, 2, 3, 4 mg tab |
1 mg |
1 mg every 7-14 days |
Child: 4 mg Youth/Adults 7 mg |
Second Line Agents
Name |
Availability |
Starting dose |
Titration schedule per week (CADDRA) |
Maximum dose/daily (CADDRA) |
Intermediate Acting Stimulants |
|
|
|
|
Ritalin SR (Methylphenidate) |
20 mg tab |
20 mg morning |
20 mg / week |
100 mg daily |
Dexedrine spansules |
10,15 mg spansule |
10 mg daily |
10 mg daily |
Child/Youth: 20-30 mg Adults: 50 mg |
Methylphenidate short acting (Ritalin) |
10-20 mg |
5 mg bid-tid Adult: up to qid |
5-10 mg weekly
|
Child/Youth 60 mg Adults: 100 mg |
Dexedrine |
5 mg |
2.5-5 mg bid |
5 mg weekly |
Child: 40 mg daily Adult: 50 mg daily |
Third Line Agents
-
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Antagonists (Clonidine [Catapres], Guanfacine [Intuniv])
- Better for aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity
- Less effective for inattention, poor concentration
- Prescribed as adjuncts with stimulants for aggression, tics, co-morbid ODD
-
May be given at night-time to address aggressiveness in the evening (as it can be sedating rather than interfere with sleep as stimulants would).
-
Antidepressants (Desipramine, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Bupropion, Venlafaxine)
- Considered as 3rd line agents or adjunctive treatment especially when co-‐morbid mood/anxiety, substance use disorders
- Less well studied; not thought to be as effective for core symptoms
Common Side Effects and Management Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Psychoeducation and Psychosocial Interventions
-
Educate key individuals (e.g. child, family, educators) about ADHD
- Teach child about ADHD
- Family / Home
- Teaching parents and family members about ADHD, so that they may understand how to best approach a person with ADHD
- Parenting approaches need to provide appropriate nurturing and affection, but also appropriate structure and consistency
- Visual supports/strategies particularly helpful
-
Educators / School
- Students with ADHD may benefit for accommodations / modifications for ADHD
- Write a letter to the school mentioning the diagnosis so that the school can initiate accommodations/modifications
- Example of an ADHD letter
Parenting Skills Training for Parenting the Child with ADHD
Evidence-based parenting approaches generally include features such as:
- Explain to parents that parenting a child with ADHD requires an approach that takes into account the child's ADHD
- Spending regular positive 1:1 time with your child with ADHD, which may mean more physically active activities
- Using praise to encourage positive behaviours, with an emphasis on ensuring that there is more praise than criticism
-
When talking to your child with ADHD, keep things brief and to the point
- When making requests to a child with ADHD
- One or two simple, clear instructions should be given at a time (as opposed to simply telling multiple instructions to your child).
- The child should repeat the instructions back to ensure comprehension.
- Consider using visual reinforcement, e.g. writing down your request
-
Structured home environment
- Consistent daily routines (e.g. the same wakeup, mealtime and bedtime routines)
- Provide consistent schedules and routines with forewarning of any upcoming changes.
- Clear expectations
- Consistent responding
- Positive attention for appropriate behaviors
-
Family rules
- Clear, concise rules should be provided for the behavior of all family members, with consistent followthrough of appropriate consequences and rewards.
-
Discipline
-
Decrease inappropriate behavior by allowing:
- natural consequences to the child's actions,
- logical consequences linked to the offending behavior
- When giving consequences, do so in a calm, business like manner, without showing anger.
- Ensure appropriate consequences for maladaptive behaviors; with ADHD, short-term, immediate consequences are better than long-term consequences
- E.g. If the ADHD child has positive behaviours, acknowledge or reward them as soon as possible, as opposed to waiting too long
- Showing anger may stop behaviours in the short run, but it damages the parent-child relationship in the long-run
- In the long run, having a strong parent-child relationship is the best motivator for positive behaviour.
-
Decrease inappropriate behavior by allowing:
-
Sleep
- Create consistent sleep habits and a restful sleep environment.
- Distraction-free zones
- Have a special quiet spot with few distracting influences for doing homework or working on projects.
-
Collaborative problem-solving
-
When possible, rather than simply telling the child what to do, give the child some choices within set limits so that the child has a sense of some control
- E.g. Parent: "Everyone has to contribute by helping out at dinner. What would you like to help out with?"
- E.g. Parent: "When you have done your homework, then we can do something fun together. For example, we can go to the park together, go swimming, or do something else... What do you want to do after your homework is done?"
-
Externalize the problem
- Make sure the child knows his or her behavior is the issue or problem, not the child himself or herself.
- Parent: "I love you, and it hurts me to see this behavour."
-
For negative behaviours
- Utilize differential social attention to decrease ADHD behaviors that are not aggressive or dangerous to self, others or property. You can do this by ignoring behaviors like interrupting others, wherein you provide no attention (e.g., eye contact, verbal, smiling at them, etc.) to the problem behavior (e.g., "Thanks for being quiet while I finished talking to my friend"). This strategy is often taught in parent training programs.
-
When possible, rather than simply telling the child what to do, give the child some choices within set limits so that the child has a sense of some control
- Incorporate prevention strategies such as visuals (e.g., timers, posted hour rules, etc.) to promote on-task and adaptive behaviors.
-
Be a role model for your children
- Remember that your children absorb whatever they observe in others, such as their parents
- Ensure that you are similarly showing appropriate coping methods in front of children so they can learn positive methods to channel their frustrations
-
For example
- Talk about your feelings, e.g. "I feel... "
-
Ensure that you have social support
- Keep up your connections with close family members and friends for support
When and Where to Refer
Consider referral to
- Behavioural pediatrician for:
- ADHD with comorbid conditions that require additional treatment such as mental health issues
- When first-line treatment options (i.e. first line medications) have been unsuccessful.
- Neurology for query neurologic conditions (e.g. tics)
- Cardiology if there are possible cardiac issues that might be contraindications for ADHD medication.
- Psychology to help with Psychoeducational Assessment and/or strategies for learning issues
-
OT /PT if sensory issues or developmental coordination disorder
- Speech language pathology (SLP) if significant social skills issues
Case, Part 2
You give them a standardized questionnaire to fill out, and it shows significant levels of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. You review the clinical symptoms of ADHD with them, and confirm that he does have clinically significant levels of inattention and impulsivity-hyperactivity at school and home.
You write a letter to the school stating your concerns about ADHD, so that the school can initiate appropriate accommodations/modifications. You ask them to come back in a month or two in order to review whether or not medications might be required…
References
Diagnosis and Management of ADHD, Ninth Edition, March 2012, Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (www.icsi.org)
Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA): Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, Fourth Edition, Toronto ON; CADDRA, 2018.
Retrieved Jan 22, 2022 from https://www.caddra.ca/wp-conte...
Polanczyk G, de Lima MS, Horta BL, Biederman J, Rohde LA. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry 2007;164(6):942-948.
About this Document
Written by the members of the eMentalHealth.ca Primary Care Team, which includes Drs. Mireille St-Jean (Family Physician, Ottawa Hospital), Eric Wooltorton (Family Physician, Ottawa Hospital), Farhad Motamedi (Family Physician, Ottawa Hospital) and Dr. Michael Cheng (Psychiatrist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). Special thanks to Dr. Sinthuja Suntharalingam (Psychiatrist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario).
Disclaimer
Information in this pamphlet is offered ‘as is' and is meant only to provide general information that supplements, but does not replace the information from a qualified expert or health professional. Always contact a qualified expert or health professional for further information in your specific situation or circumstance.
Creative Commons License
You are free to copy and distribute this material in its entirety as long as 1) this material is not used in any way that suggests we endorse you or your use of the material, 2) this material is not used for commercial purposes (non-commercial), 3) this material is not altered in any way (no derivative works). View full license at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/