Question 1

Why is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder most often diagnosed during early school years?

Accepted Answer

School presents new demands such as sitting still, following instructions, and completing tasks, which can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable and lead to diagnosis.

Question 2

Using the more rigorous definition of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, how many school-age children in a sample of 1,000 would be expected to meet the criteria for this disorder?

Accepted Answer

According to the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, the prevalence of ADHD among children ages 6-12 is approximately 7%. Therefore, in a sample of 1,000 school-age children, approximately 70 would be expected to meet the criteria for ADHD.

Question 3

What is the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorder in childhood?

Accepted Answer

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorder in childhood, affecting approximately 5-10% of children. It is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While social phobia, conduct disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are also common childhood disorders, they are not as frequently diagnosed as ADHD.

Question 4

The Child Guidance Clinic completed its annual report on the number of children treated and their diagnoses. When a reporter is given a copy
 of the report, she notices several interesting findings, especially the sex
 difference in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. What is the ratio of
 boys to girls?

Accepted Answer

Boys are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) more frequently than girls, often at a ratio that significantly leans towards boys, such as 9:1 or 90:10, reflecting a common finding in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Question 5

What is the estimated prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among school-age children in the general population?

Accepted Answer

The estimated prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among school-age children in the general population is approximately 7%. This figure is widely accepted in the medical and psychological communities based on various epidemiological studies.

Question 6

Why are girls less likely to be referred for ADHD than boys?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that boys with ADHD are more likely to exhibit aggressive-impulsive behaviors, while girls with ADHD are more likely to display symptoms of inattention. Because teachers and other professionals are more likely to recognize and refer children with disruptive behavior, boys with ADHD are often referred for evaluation and diagnosis more frequently than girls with ADHD. Girls with ADHD may go unnoticed or may be misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may also contribute to the gender gap in referrals for ADHD.

Question 7

A diagnosis of ADHD depends on:

Accepted Answer

A diagnosis of ADHD depends on the frame of reference used in the evaluation of behavior, such as the diagnostic criteria outlined by the DSM-5 or ICD-10. It also relies on a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical and developmental history, observations, as well as input from parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Testing may be used to support the diagnosis, but it is not the sole factor. The theoretical approach may inform the conceptualization of the behavior but does not determine the diagnosis. The type of medication prescribed is based on the diagnosis, but it does not determine the diagnosis itself.

Question 8

A group of psychologists is interested in evaluating the diagnosis of hyperactivity, so they ask parents and teachers to use questionnaires and make observations to assess the presence of the symptoms. What are they likely to find?

Accepted Answer

There is often limited agreement across different evaluators and methods of assessment when it comes to diagnosing hyperactivity. This is because hyperactivity is a complex condition that can manifest in different ways depending on the environment and situation. Additionally, different evaluators may have different criteria or standards for what they consider to be hyperactive behavior. Therefore, it is important to use multiple sources of information and to consider a range of factors when diagnosing hyperactivity.

Question 9

What is one example of the effect of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on social development?

Accepted Answer

Children with ADHD are known to display impulsive, hyperactive, and sometimes aggressive behaviors, which may elicit negative reactions from their peers. This can lead to difficulties in socializing and making friends, and ultimately affect their social development.

Question 10

What do family and twins studies suggest about the potential genetic influences on ADHD?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do family and twins studies suggest...

Question 11

Each of the subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a different pattern of comorbidity. What have researchers concluded from this observation?

Accepted Answer

The different patterns of comorbidity suggest that multiple gene locations are involved in producing the behaviors associated with ADHD.

Question 12

What is the most common treatment for hyperactive children?

Accepted Answer

The most common treatment for hyperactive children is a combination of stimulant medication and behavior therapy. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall can help improve attention and impulse control, while behavior therapy can help improve social and emotional functioning, as well as teach coping strategies for managing hyperactivity. It is important to note that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.

Question 13

What percentage of children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are treated with stimulant drugs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What percentage of children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity...

Question 14

A pediatrician has prescribed a trial of stimulant medication to deal with eight-year-old Sal's problems in paying attention in school. When his parents ask about the expected time frame for the effects, what will they be told?

Accepted Answer

Stimulant medications used to treat attention problems, such as ADHD, typically begin to work within 30 minutes to an hour after taking them and their effects last for approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on the specific medication and the individual's metabolism.

Question 15

A pediatrician is reviewing treatment options for a child whose ADHD has not responded to stimulant medication. Before writing the prescription, what question will the pediatrician ask the parents of this child?

Accepted Answer

The pediatrician needs to ask about any history of mood disorders or suicide in the family because some non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, such as antidepressants, carry a small risk of increasing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in children and adolescents. By knowing this information, the pediatrician can choose the most appropriate treatment option while also monitoring the child closely for any potential adverse effects. A, B, and D are not directly relevant to selecting ADHD treatment options for this child.

Question 16

Which of the following drugs has been used recently in the treatment of ADHD?

Accepted Answer

All three drugs (Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Cylert) have been used in the treatment of ADHD. They are known as CNS stimulants that increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve attention, focus, and behavior in individuals with ADHD. However, the choice of medication and dosage will depend on various factors like age, severity of symptoms, and individual response to the medication. It is, therefore, essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication for ADHD.

Question 17

The use of stimulant medications in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is associated with improved academic performance because of its effect on

Accepted Answer

Stimulant medications are known to increase time on-task and help individuals with ADHD maintain focus for longer periods of time, which can lead to improved academic performance. While memory, reading speed, and abstract reasoning are all important factors in academic performance, research suggests that improvements in time on-task are a primary reason for the benefits of stimulant medication for individuals with ADHD.

Question 18

What is the most prominent impact of stimulant medications on the social behaviors of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Accepted Answer

The most prominent impact of stimulant medications on the social behaviors of children with ADHD is that it reduces in-class disruption and increases on-task performance. While stimulant medications may also improve one-to-one play with other children or one-to-one interactions with adults, the primary benefit of these medications is in improving classroom behavior and academic performance.

Question 19

A group of children with ADHD were put on stimulant medication. After several months, physicians had teachers and independent observers check their progress. Which of the following is likely to be the most significant effect of the drug treatment?

Accepted Answer

Stimulant medication is commonly used to treat ADHD and has been shown to improve academic accuracy and productivity in children with ADHD. While it may also have some positive effects on behavior and social interactions, the most significant effect of the drug treatment is typically seen in academic performance. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 20

Seven-year-old Mike was put on a behavior modification program for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the program, an independent observer completes a questionnaire describing Mike's behavior. Which aspect of Mike's behavior would be expected to be most responsive to this program?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Seven-year-old Mike was put on a behavior...

Quiz 15: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence