Understanding ADHD and Executive Functioning

Nov 2, 2024

Notes on ADHD Lecture

Introduction

  • Speaker: Former psychology major, Air Force veteran, returned from Vietnam.
  • Fondness for the campus due to formative education and mentors.
  • Purpose of the seminar: Discuss ADHD, executive functioning, and self-regulation.

Acknowledgments

  • Thanks to sponsors, especially Teresa Matlin, for organizing the event.
  • Importance of the workshop for various audiences: faculty, students, and families.

Seminar Goals

  1. Understanding ADHD
    • Definition and characteristics of ADHD.
  2. Executive Functioning (EF)
    • Relationship between ADHD and executive functioning.
    • Importance of self-regulation.
  3. Practical Implications
    • Application of ADHD understanding in clinical practice and daily life.
    • Shift in view of ADHD from attention disorder to EF disorder.

ADHD Overview

  • ADHD as a Developmental Disorder

    • Not a psychopathology; involves developmental lag in neuropsychological traits.
    • Symptoms typically appear by age seven; some may recognize symptoms earlier.

  • Domains of ADHD

    • Inattention: Problems sustaining attention over time.
    • Impulsivity: Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
    • Emotional dysregulation: Quick and raw emotional responses.

  • Impairments

    • Must interfere with major life activities (e.g., self-care, family functioning, education).
    • ADHD is not just a high number of symptoms; it leads to significant impairment.

Misconceptions about ADHD

  • ADHD often misunderstood as insignificant compared to other disorders.
  • The name "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" may diminish perceived severity.
  • ADHD impacts daily living significantly, often leading to job loss, relationship issues, and more.

Executive Functioning and ADHD

  • Definition: Executive functions (EF) are cognitive processes that help with organization, planning, and self-regulation.
  • ADHD can be classified as an Executive Functioning Deficit Disorder (EFDD).
  • Distinctions between symptoms of ADHD and broader executive function impairments.

Importance of Emotional Regulation in ADHD

  • Emotional impulsivity is a significant issue, often overlooked in traditional ADHD assessments.
  • Impaired emotional regulation leads to social difficulties, financial problems, and relationship issues.

ADHD Across the Lifespan

  • Symptoms may decline with age, particularly hyperactivity.
  • Adults with ADHD may not exhibit outward hyperactivity but may feel restless internally.

Attention Types and ADHD

  • Inattention is not just about lack of attention but involves specific deficits in future-directed tasks.
  • ADHD individuals can often focus on immediate tasks but struggle with persistence toward future goals.

The Role of Context in ADHD

  • ADHD symptoms may fluctuate based on context; individuals may perform well in engaging settings (e.g., video games) but poorly in less stimulating environments (e.g., homework).
  • Misinterpretation of behavior can lead to blame for willful disobedience.

Neuroanatomy of ADHD

  • ADHD affects specific brain structures associated with executive functioning, particularly within the frontal lobe.
  • Neuroanatomical differences can be identified, including size and activity levels in ADHD brains.

Testing and Measurement Challenges

  • Critique of current testing practices for ADHD and executive function assessments.
  • Issues with validity, reliability, and correlation with real-life functioning in existing tests.
  • Rating scales by teachers and family members provide better insight into daily functioning.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • The seminar will continue to explore the implications of ADHD and executive functioning.
  • A discussion on how to reconcile the differences between traditional assessments and real-world performance will follow the break.