Paediatrics: ADHD: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common neurodevelopmental disorder in children – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, significantly interfering with functioning or development. Symptoms start before age 12 and persist in multiple settings.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Strong genetic component (family history, twin studies)• Environmental: prenatal exposure to smoking/alcohol, low birth weight, prematurity, brain injury• Lead exposure, maternal mental health or substance misuse, social/environmental stress• Associated with other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions• Mnemonic: “Genetics + Gestation + Growing up = ADHD risk”📌 Pathophysiology• Imbalance/dysregulation of neurotransmitters (mainly dopamine and norepinephrine)• Altered brain network activity – particularly prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia• Disrupted signalling leads to impaired executive function, self-control, and attention📌 Symptoms• Inattention: distractibility, disorganisation, forgetfulness, avoids effortful tasks• Hyperactivity: fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, “on the go”• Impulsivity: blurting out answers, difficulty waiting, interrupting• Mnemonic: “A HI FIVE” – Attention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Forgetfulness, Incompletion, Verbal excess, Executive dysfunction📌 Differential Diagnosis• Anxiety or mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar)• Autism spectrum disorder• Oppositional defiant or conduct disorder• Learning difficulties, intellectual disability• Thyroid dysfunction, sleep disorders, substance misuse, Tourette’s, fetal alcohol syndrome📌 Diagnosis• Clinical assessment by a specialist (psychiatrist, paediatrician)• DSM-5/ICD-10 criteria• Input from parents/teachers (questionnaires like Conners, SDQ)• Symptoms present in ≥2 settings, not better explained by another condition• Assess for coexisting conditions📌 Management• Psychoeducation for family/school; address stigma and support strengths• Behavioural interventions: parent training, school support, structure/routines• Medication (for moderate/severe cases): – First line: methylphenidate – Others: lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine• Monitor growth, blood pressure, pulse; regular reviews and shared care• Consider CBT for older children/adults• NICE: Individualised, multi-modal approach; medication only when impairment is significant📌 Complications• Academic underachievement• Social/relationship difficulties• Low self-esteem• Accidents/injuries• Higher risk of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, legal problems if untreated📌 Prognosis• Many improve with time and appropriate support, but symptoms often persist into adulthood• Early intervention and holistic care improve outcomes• Prognosis worsens with comorbidities or lack of support📎 More MSRA Resources for ADHD📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-rapid-quiz/🎯 Practice Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #ADHD #AttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorder