Abnormal Psychology

Childhood Disorders 665

with ADHD than in control families (Pressman et al., 2006). However, do family

environments that are higher in conflict contribute to ADHD in those who are

vulnerable? Or do the symptoms of the disorder—inattention, hyperactivity, or

impulsivity—create more tension in the family? Or do diffi culties associated with the

disorder, such as diffi culty in recognizing angry or sad facial expressions, increase

family tension? It may be that all these possible infl uences occur.

Figure 14.4g44

Affect

Stressful Life Events Family

NeuroPsychoSocial NeuroPsychoSocial

Easily

distressed

Mental Processes and

Mental Contents

Difficulty focusing and

sustaining attention

Low self-esteem

Difficulty recognizing

facial expression of

anger and sadness

Maladaptive

attributional style

Family conflict

Gender/Culture

No known major

contribution

Behavior

Impulsive and/or

hyperactive

behaviors

NeuroPsychoSocial

Genetics

Inherited vulnerability

for ADHD and related

temperaments

Brain Systems

Frontal lobes

Abnormalities that

arise from exposure

to teratogens

Underresponsive

autonomic nervous

system

Neural Communication

Dopamine

Multiple neurotransmitters

Interpersonal problems

14.4 • Feedback Loops in Action: Attention-Defi cit/Hyperactivity Disorder