Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: A Case Study
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Your Name*
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: A Case Study
- Nurse Practitioner Presentation
Speaker Notes Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition. However, many adults continue to experience symptoms of ADHD into adulthood. This presentation will explore a case study of an adult with ADHD and discuss the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options available.
Slide 2: Subjective Data
- Chief Complaint: Difficulty concentrating at work and forgetting important tasks.
- Demographics:
- Name: John Smith
- Age: 35
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Software Engineer
- History of Present Illness (HPI):
- John reports difficulty concentrating on tasks at work for the past year. He frequently forgets important deadlines and meetings.
- He also describes feeling restless and fidgety, often tapping his feet or doodling during meetings.
- John states that these symptoms have impacted his work performance and caused him significant stress.
Speaker Notes John’s chief complaint highlights the challenges he’s facing at work due to difficulty concentrating and forgetting tasks. The demographic information provides context about the patient. The HPI details the onset, duration, and severity of John’s symptoms, including the impact on his daily life.
Slide 3: Subjective Data (Continued)
- Review of Systems (ROS):
- No significant findings in the review of systems by body system.
Speaker Notes The ROS helps identify any physical symptoms that might be contributing to John’s presentation. In this case, no concerning physical symptoms were identified.
Slide 4: Objective Data
- Medications: None
- Allergies: No known allergies
- Past Medical History: No significant past medical history
- Family History: Father diagnosed with ADHD
- Past Surgical History: None
- Social History: Married with two young children. Works full-time and reports occasional alcohol use on weekends.
- Labs: Within normal limits
- Vital Signs: Within normal limits
- Physical Exam: Normal physical exam, including neurological exam
Speaker Notes The objective data includes a review of medications, allergies, past medical history, family history, past surgical history, social history, labs, vital signs, and physical exam. In this case, no significant abnormalities were found in the objective data, supporting the possibility of ADHD as the primary diagnosis.
Slide 5: Assessment
- Primary Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (DSM-5 criteria met)
- Differential Diagnosis:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
Speaker Notes Based on the subjective and objective data, John’s primary diagnosis is ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation. This diagnosis aligns with the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, including symptoms of inattention that have persisted for at least six months and are causing impairment in daily life. Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders were considered as differential diagnoses but ruled out due to the absence of their specific symptoms.
Slide 6: Diagnostic Testing
- Standardized ADHD Rating Scales (e.g., Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS))
Speaker Notes Standardized ADHD rating scales can be used to help confirm the diagnosis of ADHD in adults. These scales provide a quantitative assessment of symptoms and can be helpful for tracking treatment progress.
Slide 7: Pharmacologic Treatment Plan
- Stimulant medication (e.g., methylphenidate) may be considered, starting at a low dose and titrating up to achieve optimal symptom control with minimal side effects.
Speaker Notes Stimulant medications are a first-line treatment option for adults with ADHD. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve focus, concentration, and organization. The specific medication and dosage will be
