Question 1

A specific learning disorder is defined as
A) academic performance that is substantially below the level predicted by the individual's age, IQ, and education.
B) a complete inability to learn in a given academic subject.
C) substandard IQ score in comparison to the individual's family and educational background.
D) the existence of a neurological deficit that interferes with the individual's ability to assimilate new information.

Accepted Answer

A specific learning disorder is characterized by significant difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills (e.g. reading, writing, math) that are not due to other intellectual or developmental disabilities, medical conditions, or environmental factors. Academic performance is substantially below what would be expected based on the individual's age, IQ, and educational background. Therefore, choice A is the best answer as it accurately describes this definition.

Question 2

Recent research has found the following with regard to causes of ADHD:
A) Food colors and additives, which for years were thought to cause ADHD, then later refuted, now appear to have a small but measurable impact on increased levels of hyperactivity.
B) Pesticides found in foods may be a contributing factor to an increased risk of ADHD.
C) Both a and b
D) Neither a or b

Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that both food colors and additives, as well as pesticides found in foods, may be contributing factors to an increased risk of ADHD. While the impact of food colors and additives is small, it is still measurable. Meanwhile, pesticide exposure has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD, particularly in children who consume non-organic fruits and vegetables.

Question 3

Why would it be incorrect to say that individuals diagnosed with specific learning disorders are not intelligent?
A) It would confuse specific learning disorders with giftedness.
B) The concept of specific learning disorder has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence.
C) Specific learning disorders can be diagnosed in people of any intelligence, since they are partially determined by academic performance that falls substantially below IQ-based expectations.
D) Specific learning disorders are only diagnosed in people of high intelligence.

Accepted Answer

Specific learning disorders are determined by academic performance, not intelligence, so individuals with any level of intelligence can be diagnosed with a specific learning disorder if they exhibit significant difficulties in certain academic areas.

Question 4

Which of the following is not one of the medications that has been found to reduce the core symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improving concentration, in those with ADHD?
A) Ritalin
B) Adderall
C) Strattera
D) Haldol

Accepted Answer

Haldol is not a medication that has been found to reduce the core symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity or improve concentration in those with ADHD. Ritalin, Adderall, and Strattera are commonly prescribed medications for ADHD.

Question 5

Which of the following environmental influences has been found to contribute to the development of ADHD?
A) Exercise while pregnant
B) High socio-economic status
C) Parental marital instability and discord
D) Not eating green vegetables during pregnancy

Accepted Answer

Research has demonstrated a link between parental marital instability and discord and the development of ADHD in children. Other environmental factors that have been associated with ADHD include prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol, low birth weight, and premature birth, but none of the options given in the question.

Question 6

Stimulant medications seem to treat ADHD because they
A) reinforce the brain's ability to focus attention.
B) decrease emotional response.
C) distribute attention.
D) increase dream sleep.

Accepted Answer

Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall) increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reinforce the brain's ability to focus attention.

Question 7

All of the following side effects EXCEPT treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
A) insomnia
B) drowsiness
C) irritability
D) weight gain

Accepted Answer

The side effects of insomnia, drowsiness, and irritability are often associated with treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), whereas weight gain is not typically a side effect. Therefore, the choice that does not treat ADHD is D, weight gain.

Question 8

Recent research has shown that
A) ADHD is found equally among boys and girls.
B) ADHD is caused by a single gene called DAT 1.
C) the brains of children with ADHD are 3% to 4% smaller than children without ADHD.
D) the same medications used to treat depressive symptoms are the most effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD.

Accepted Answer

Recent research has shown that the brains of children with ADHD are 3% to 4% smaller than children without ADHD. The other options are incorrect - A is not entirely true, ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls; B is incorrect, while genetics may play a role in ADHD, it is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors; and D is incorrect, while some medications used to treat depressive symptoms may also be used for ADHD, they are not considered the most effective treatment options.

Question 9

Recent ADHD research has focused on endophenotypic correlates of
A) specific attentional characteristics.
B) emotional control.
C) extraverted characteristics.
D) environmental factors.

Accepted Answer

Recent ADHD research has focused on identifying specific attentional characteristics that may serve as endophenotypic correlates of the disorder. These characteristics include attentional lapses, sustained attention, working memory, and response inhibition.

Answer: B
 Another area of research has focused on emotional control as a possible endophenotypic correlate of ADHD. This includes difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and irritability.

Answer: C and D
 While certain personality traits such as extraversion have been associated with ADHD, they are not considered endophenotypic correlates of the disorder. Environmental factors can contribute to the development of ADHD, but they are not considered endophenotypic correlates either.

Question 10

Non-medication treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder usually involve
A) interpersonal therapy.
B) behavioral programs and social skills training.
C) brief, inpatient treatment at a specialty hospital.
D) cognitive behavioral therapy and diet control.

Accepted Answer

Non-medication treatments for ADHD often involve behavioral programs and social skills training, as these focus on helping individuals with ADHD improve their ability to control their behavior and develop better coping strategies. Interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and diet control may also be helpful, but behavioral programs and social skills training are generally considered more effective. Brief, inpatient treatments at specialty hospitals may be used for extreme cases, but are not a common form of treatment for ADHD.

Question 11

Seven-year-old Jess has been diagnosed with ADHD. Which of the following is NOT a reason for Jess's parents to put her on medication?
A) Medication can cure ADHD.
B) Stimulants help the brain develop in more typical ways.
C) Medication manages the symptoms of ADHD and helps children focus while learning.
D) ADHD medication is one important aspect of treatment for ASD.

Accepted Answer

ADHD cannot be cured by medication. While medication can help manage symptoms, it is not a cure.

Question 12

The drug Strattera (atomoxetine) appears effective for some children with ADHD, and according to recent research, does not cause the same as stimulant medication when used in larger doses.
A) intolerance
B) withdrawal symptoms
C) "high"
D) academic disturbance

Accepted Answer

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD and does not produce the "high" associated with stimulant medications, even at larger doses. This makes it less likely to be abused compared to stimulant medications.

Question 13

Ron is a 9-year-old boy recently diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His parents have chosen a combined approach to treatment. If their approach is based on what research suggests is most effective, it will most likely involve
A) new experimental medications and behavior therapy.
B) no medication but a combination of behavioral therapy and parent training.
C) medication such as Ritalin and behavior therapy.
D) medication such as Ritalin and psychoanalysis.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that a combined approach of medication and behavior therapy is the most effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Ritalin is a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, and behavior therapy can help children learn coping strategies and develop social skills. Psychoanalysis is not a typical treatment for ADHD. Parent training may also be helpful in teaching parents how to manage their child's behavior.

Question 14

Which best describes the way attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develops as children grow into adulthood?
A) Children tend to outgrow ADHD.
B) ADHD tends to evolve into more severe forms of pathology.
C) Symptoms remain relatively stable throughout the lifespan for most individuals.
D) Manifestations of ADHD tend to change over time but many problems often persist.

Accepted Answer

While some children may outgrow ADHD or experience a decrease in symptoms as they mature, for many individuals, the manifestations of ADHD tend to change as they grow into adulthood, but many problems often persist. Symptoms such as hyperactivity may decrease, while others like inattention and impulsivity may continue to affect daily functioning. However, proper treatment and management can help individuals with ADHD lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Question 15

Current estimates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013) are that approximately children in the United States are being treated with stimulant medications.
A) 1 million
B) 4 million
C) 10 million
D) 14.5 million

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2013, approximately 4 million children in the United States were being treated with stimulant medications.

Question 16

Ritalin and Adderall, medications generally used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, are classified as ____________.
A) minor sedatives
B) depressants
C) stimulants
D) antidepressants

Accepted Answer

Ritalin and Adderall are classified as stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This increased activity can improve attention and focus in individuals with ADHD.

Question 17

Clorinda is very concerned about giving her son Mario medication to treat his hyperactivity. She read that the use of prescription medications to treat ADHD places children at increased risk for later substance abuse. If she were to treat her son with medication, which would be the best one to give him that would address these concerns?
A) Ritalin
B) Cylert
C) Adderall
D) Strattera

Accepted Answer

Strattera is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, making it less likely to be abused. Additionally, research has shown that Strattera does not increase the risk of substance abuse in children with ADHD.

Question 18

One common misunderstanding about ADHD medication is that:
A) they cannot be taken with food.
B) they impact a woman's ability to get pregnant later.
C) they are regularly misused to improve focus in people without ADHD.
D) all of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

While all of the choices may have some level of misconception, option C is the most common and impactful one. ADHD medication is often misused by people who do not have ADHD to improve focus and productivity, which can lead to dependence and other negative impacts. It is important to use medication only as prescribed by a medical professional.

Question 19

Neurotransmitters implicated in the cause of ADHD include all of the following EXCEPT .
A) dopamine
B) glutamate
C) norepinephrine
D) GABA

Accepted Answer

The answer of Neurotransmitters implicated in the cause of ADHD...

Question 20

The study of how your genetic makeup influences your response to certain drugs is called .
A) behavior genetics
B) psychopharmocology
C) psychopharmocogenetics
D) psychogenetics

Accepted Answer

The term for the study of how genetic makeup affects an individual's response to drugs is psychopharmacogenetics. This field looks at how genetic variations can impact the effectiveness of different medications, as well as influence the likelihood of adverse reactions or side effects. Behavior genetics, psychopharmacology, and psychogenetics all relate to the intersection of genetics and psychology, but do not specifically address drug responses in the same way.

Quiz 14: Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A specific learning disorder is defined as

Recent research has found the following with regard to causes of ADHD:

Why would it be incorrect to say that individuals diagnosed with specific learning disorders are not intelligent?

Which of the following is not one of the medications that has been found to reduce the core symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improving concentration, in those with ADHD?

Which of the following environmental influences has been found to contribute to the development of ADHD?

Stimulant medications seem to treat ADHD because they

All of the following side effects EXCEPT treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Recent research has shown that

Recent ADHD research has focused on endophenotypic correlates of

Non-medication treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder usually involve

Seven-year-old Jess has been diagnosed with ADHD. Which of the following is NOT a reason for Jess's parents to put her on medication?

The drug Strattera (atomoxetine) appears effective for some children with ADHD, and according to recent research, does not cause the same as stimulant medication when used in larger doses.

Ron is a 9-year-old boy recently diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His parents have chosen a combined approach to treatment. If their approach is based on what research suggests is most effective, it will most likely involve

Which best describes the way attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develops as children grow into adulthood?

Current estimates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013) are that approximately children in the United States are being treated with stimulant medications.

Ritalin and Adderall, medications generally used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, are classified as ____________.

One common misunderstanding about ADHD medication is that:

Neurotransmitters implicated in the cause of ADHD include all of the following EXCEPT .

The study of how your genetic makeup influences your response to certain drugs is called .