PSYCH 115 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Adderall, Methylphenidate, Abnormal Psychology
Psy 115
Abnormal psychology
Fall 2019
ADHD: Prevalence, Gender Factors
● Prevalence is somewhere between 3-11% (higher in states with high-risk testing
standards)
○ Teachers refer for assessment to get child moved to different type of educational
program
● 3x as prevalent in boys than in girls
● ADHD symptoms in adolescence do not remit as much as originally thought
○ Easily distracted, blurts out answers in class, doesn’t follow instructions, etc.
● Linked to social problems and difficulties at work for adults
Etiology
Genetically linked (70-80% genetic in some cases)
Brain structure different for children with ADHD vs those without ADHD
Environmental Factors
1. Lead: maybe?
2. Sugar: Nope!
3. Smoking: sort of?!
Treatment
Medications
1. Stimulants: ritalin, adderall, strattera, & concerta
2. Surge (50%) in use between 2008-2012
3. Side effects: transient loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, reduction in height, and
sleep problems
Behavior Therapies
1. Intensive behavioral therapy works best
2. Operant conditioning based
a. Reward points and stickers
Conduct Disorders
Defined by the impact of the child’s behavior on people and surroundings
Document Summary
Prevalence is somewhere between 3-11% (higher in states with high-risk testing standards) Teachers refer for assessment to get child moved to different type of educational program. 3x as prevalent in boys than in girls. Adhd symptoms in adolescence do not remit as much as originally thought. Easily distracted, blurts out answers in class, doesn"t follow instructions, etc. Linked to social problems and difficulties at work for adults. Brain structure different for children with adhd vs those without adhd. Medications: stimulants: ritalin, adderall, strattera, & concerta, surge (50%) in use between 2008-2012, side effects: transient loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, reduction in height, and sleep problems. Behavior therapies: intensive behavioral therapy works best, operant conditioning based, reward points and stickers. Defined by the impact of the child"s behavior on people and surroundings. Aggressive behaviors (e. g. physical cruelty to people or animals, serious rule violations (truancy)) property destruction, and deceitfulness.
