Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Kathy Scott-Gurnell
University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut
The most common diagnosis for a child exhibiting hyperactivity or impulsivity is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, a thorough evaluation to exclude other psychiatric and medical diagnoses on the differential is paramount. Psychiatric diagnoses that can present with symptoms similar to those of hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD include other disruptive behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, adjustment disorders, developmental, speech and language disorders, as well as other medical disorders. ADHD is one of the most controversial diagnoses amongst child psychiatry. ADHD includes same two domains in DSM-V as in DSM-IV which are inattentive and hyperactivity/ impulsivity. Each domain contains at least 6 symptoms which are required for the diagnosis. Genetic studies showed that ADHD is a highly inheritable disease. ADHD shows high incidence amongst identical twins (50-80%) when compared to fraternal twins (35%). Children must have 6 symptoms between the three clusters such as inattentive, hyperactivity and impulsivity.But older teens and adults must have 5 symptoms. These symptoms must occur in 2 settings and present at least 6 months. Diagnosis of ADHD for children must be before 12 as per DSM-V which is 7years in DSM-IV. ADHD affects 5% of all children, 4% of all adults. Boys are affected more often than girls with a ratio range from: 2:1 to 4:1.Most ADHD symptoms are identified by parents, teachers, and peers. Children are commonly diagnosed by Pediatrician, Psychotherapist, Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Treatment modalities of ADHD include Classroom Modifications, Individual Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Parent Training, Diet Observations and Medications. Pharmacotherapy includes stimulants and other psychotropic medications. Stimulants work in 50-80% of children with ADHD. Untreated ADHD can result in academic failure, conduct disturbances, antisocial or criminal behavior. Objectives: 1. Review symptomatology of ADHD shared by other medical and psychiatric conditions in the pediatric populations 2. To identify the most common comorbidities seen in the pediatric population with ADHD 3. Identify changes in the DSM V for ADHD in pediatric populations 4. Review best practices regarding use of stimulants with pediatric population 5. Case presentation to discuss and identify interventions for children with ADHD 6. Review when is it time to consult a Child Psychiatrist?
Email: kathygurnell@gmail.com