About ADHD
About ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity. While occasional distractibility and impulsivity are normal, these behaviors are excessive, long-term, and pervasive in people with ADHD. If untreated, ADHD can cause significant difficulties in school, home, work or social settings which often leads to co- existing conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is caused by biological factors that influence neurotransmitter activity in the prefrontal regions of the brain that activates, organizes, integrates and manages other functions. ADHD is usually hereditary, but has also been thought to be caused by difficulties during pregnancy or postnatal injury to the head.
What are the symptoms?
Science recognizes three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/ impulsive and combined. A diagnosis of one type or another depends on the specific symptoms or diagnostic criteria that person has.
Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD is characterized by:
- Short attention span
- Difficulty focusing or following directions
- Distractibility and forgetfulness
- Appearing not to listen
- Frequently losing things
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD is characterized by:
- Fidgeting and excessive activity
- Excessive talking and interrupting
- Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns
An individual that has symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may have Combination ADHD.
What are the treatments?
Treatment includes stimulant and non-stimulant medications to normalize brain function. Behavior therapy and cognitive therapy are often helpful to modify certain behaviors and to deal with the emotional effects of ADHD. The most successful treatment usually will include a combination of medication and therapy.
Can ADHD be prevented?
No, but it can be treated and managed. The sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated, the less of an impact it will have on a person’s life.
Who is at risk?
Anyone with a family history of ADHD, who experienced any of a variety of prenatal conditions or who suffered a post-natal injury to the prefrontal region of the brain is at risk.
To find out more about ADHD:
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): www.add.org
Children and Adults with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): www.chadd.org
Alissa is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with extensive experience in clinical research across pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. As an Investigator at PRA, she leverages her expertise to support diverse areas of clinical trials to support advancements in healthcare.
Paige began working as a clinical research coordinator at Peninsula Research Associates in 2020. Since joining our team, she has worked on various clinical trials, including COVID-19 antibody treatment studies, a phase II recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine study, a phase I mRNA COVID-19 vaccine study and a phase III pneumococcal vaccine study. Paige is passionate about helping patients receive quality healthcare through clinical research.
Kristen joined the PRA team as a clinical research coordinator in 2018. She primarily works with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) food allergy trials, including peanut and egg allergy studies. Her study on Palforzia just got approved by the FDA! She will soon be leading a study involving OIT multi-food allergies. Additionally, Kristen’s areas of research include asthma, atopic dermatitis, COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 antibody treatments, and pneumococcal vaccines.
Heather has been working as a clinical research coordinator at Peninsula Research Associates since 2017. She currently devotes her time to PRA’s phase III trials, focusing primarily on asthma, atopic dermatitis and diabetes studies. Heather helps maintain a high level of patient care while ensuring our research goals are being met.
Monika manages the research coordinators and research assistants at Peninsula Research Associates. She also currently works on PRA’s trials in the following areas; COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 Vaccines, COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies, Quality of Life/Exercise Capacity asthma, atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis. She helps the PRA team maintain a high level of patient care while ensuring our research goals are being met.
Debbie Cappy began working with Dr. Sher in 1991 and has played a key role in over 300 clinical research trials. Debbie’s areas of expertise include allergic rhinitis, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, infectious diseases, otitis media, pain management, sleep disorders, vaccinations, women’s health, and, most recently, COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments.
As Chief Financial Officer, Renée manages all cost, managerial, and financial accounting for Peninsula Research Associates. She is responsible for the day-to-day administration of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, benefits, and human resources. In addition to assisting management with important financial decisions, Renée also prepares forecasts, budgets, and financial statements. Renée’s expertise includes determining ways to reduce costs and meeting the legal requirements to keep the financial state of Peninsula Research Associates in good standing.
Leigh Ann is a board licensed family nurse practitioner. She serves as a research sub-investigator for many of our studies at Peninsula Research Associates. Her primary focus is on food allergy treatments, eczema, asthma and COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
Dr. Sher completed his medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine (1983) and residency in pediatrics (1987) and fellowship in allergy and immunology at the University of California Los Angeles.