Tanya Froehlich

Last updated
Tanya Froehlich
Born
Pennsylvania
Academic background
EducationMD, Yale University School of Medicine
MS, Epidemiology, 2007, University of Cincinnati
Thesis ADHD-related executive functions: interactions of a DRD4 polymorphism, lead, and sex (2007)
Academic work
Institutions University of Cincinnati

Tanya Elizabeth Froehlich is an American pediatrician. She is an associate professor of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Froehlich's research focus is to help doctors properly prescribe ADHD medication for children and focus on how marginalized and disadvantaged youth deal with ADHD compared to their wealthier companions.

Contents

Early life and education

Originally from northwestern Pennsylvania, Froehlich earned her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. [1] She graduated from Yale with the New England Pediatric Society Prize [2] and was placed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for her residency. [3] Upon completing her residency, she accepted a fellowship at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and earned her Master's degree at the affiliated institute, the University of Cincinnati. [1] Her thesis was published in 2007 and titled ADHD-related Executive Functions: Interactions of a DRD4 Polymorphism, Lead, and Sex. [4]

Career

Upon earning her master's degree, Froehlich became a physician at the medical center and continued to focus on developmental and behavioral pediatrics. In September 2007, she led a study that found that 8.7 percent of children in the United States have no been diagnosed or medically treated for ADHD despite meeting the medically accepted definition. It was also realized that children who lacked health insurance were less likely to be diagnosed or receive consistent treatment. [5] To reach this conclusion, she collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and based their ADHD criteria on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. [6] As a result, she received the 2008 Child Health Research Career Development Award. [7] Two years later, Froehlich published a study in the journal Pediatrics that found a direct link between exposure to lead and tobacco smoke and ADHD. Her research team found that eliminating environmental exposure to lead and tobacco smoke could lead to a reduction in ADHD cases in children between the ages of eight and 15. [8]

Building off of her previous research, Froehlich began to study ways to help doctors properly prescribe ADHD medication for children. In 2010, she led the first-ever placebo-controlled pharmacogenetic drug trial for ADHD in school-age children (between the ages of 7 and 11) to evaluate variants of the DRD4 dopamine receptor gene using teacher ratings of children's symptoms. [9] The following year, she published a study which concluded that children with specific variants of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) genes reacted more positively to methylphenidate. [10] Beyond examining environmental factors, Froehlich also focused on how marginalized and disadvantaged youth dealt with ADHD compared to their wealthier companions. [11] In 2013, she led a study which found that psychotropic drug prescriptions for preschoolers were highest amongst boys, white children, and those without private insurance. [12]

Froehlich was later influential in the establishment of new guidelines for the standard care for children and teens with complex ADHD symptoms, which was published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics . When speaking of the new guidelines, she said "unlike the American Academy of Pediatrics ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline, which focuses on more straightforward cases of ADHD, the SDBP guideline focuses on the care of children with ADHD who have complicating coexisting developmental and mental health disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, anxiety, and depression. As such, the SDBP Complex ADHD guideline addresses a long neglected clinical care gap and provides a valuable new resource for pediatric health care providers." [13] She also helped establish a free range of quality improvement technology to help pediatricians, parents and educators improve the quality of care for those with ADHD. [14]

Related Research Articles

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Neurodevelopmental disorder marked by difficulty focusing, or excessive activity and impulsive behavior

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, or excessive activity and impulsivity, which are otherwise not appropriate for a person's age. Some individuals with ADHD also display difficulty regulating emotions or problems with executive function. For a diagnosis, the symptoms have to be present for more than six months, and cause problems in at least two settings. In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. Additionally, it is associated with other mental disorders and substance use disorders. Although it causes impairment, particularly in modern society, many people with ADHD can have sustained attention for tasks they find interesting or rewarding.

Methylphenidate Medication of the stimulant class

Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin among others, is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a first-line medication for ADHD. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect.

Dextroamphetamine Chemical Compound

Dextroamphetamine (D-AMP) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and an amphetamine enantiomer that is prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is also used as an athletic performance and cognitive enhancer, and recreationally as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. Dextroamphetamine was also used in the past by some countries' military forces to fight fatigue during extended combat operations.

Adderall Drug mixture used mainly to treat ADHD and narcolepsy

Adderall and Mydayis are trade names for a combination drug containing four salts of amphetamine. The mixture is composed of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which produces a (3:1) ratio between dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, the two enantiomers of amphetamine. Both enantiomers are stimulants, but differ enough to give Adderall an effects profile distinct from those of racemic amphetamine or dextroamphetamine, which are marketed as Evekeo and Dexedrine/Zenzedi, respectively. Adderall is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is also used as an athletic performance enhancer, cognitive enhancer, appetite suppressant, and recreationally as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine class.

Dopamine receptor

Dopamine receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that are prominent in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). Dopamine receptors activate different effectors through not only G-protein coupling, but also signaling through different protein interactions. The neurotransmitter dopamine is the primary endogenous ligand for dopamine receptors.

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder The neurobiological condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the psychiatric condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. About one-third to two-thirds of children with symptoms from early childhood continue to demonstrate ADHD symptoms throughout life.

The Burlo Garofolo Pediatric Institute is a children's hospital located in Trieste, Italy.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive, is one of the three presentations of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In 1987–1994, there were no subtypes and thus it was not distinguished from hyperactive ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III-R).

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder controversies Controversies relating to ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) controversies include concerns about causes, perceived overdiagnosis, and methods of treatment, especially with the use of stimulant medications in children. These controversies have surrounded the subject since at least the 1970s.

Adolescent medicine also known as adolescent and young adult medicine is a medical subspecialty that focuses on care of patients who are in the adolescent period of development. This period begins at puberty and lasts until growth has stopped, at which time adulthood begins. Typically, patients in this age range will be in the last years of middle school up until college graduation. In developed nations, the psychosocial period of adolescence is extended both by an earlier start, as the onset of puberty begins earlier, and a later end, as patients require more years of education or training before they reach economic independence from their parents.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder management options are evidence-based practices with established treatment efficacy for ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends different treatment paradigms depending on the age of the person being treated. For those aged 4–5, the Academy recommends evidence-based parent- and/or teacher-administered behavior therapy, with the addition of methylphenidate only if there is continuing moderate-to-severe functional disturbances. For those aged 6–11, the use of medication in combination with behavior therapy is recommended, with the evidence for stimulant medications being stronger than that for other classes. For those aged 12–18, medication should be prescribed with the consent of the treated adolescent, preferably in combination with behavioral therapy. The evidence for the utility of behavioral interventions in this aged group was rated only "C" quality, however.

F. Xavier Castellanos, M.D. is the Director of Research at the NYU Child Study Center. His work aims at elucidating the neuroscience of ADHD through structural and functional brain imaging studies, collaborating on molecular genetic studies, and coordinating an interdisciplinary network of translational investigators. Dr. Castellanos chaired the NIH ‘Initial Review Group’ on Developmental Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities from 2005–2007 and is chairing the revision of the diagnostic criteria for externalizing disorders for the forthcoming edition of DSM-V, projected for 2012. He continues to make significant contributions to research into the neurobiological substrates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Martin Whitely

Martin Paul Whitely, is a mental health researcher, author and was a Labor member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from February 2001 until he retired from state politics in March 2013. During his parliamentary and research career Whitely has been a prominent critic of increasing child mental health medication prescribing rates.

Metadoxine

Metadoxine, also known as pyridoxine-pyrrolidone carboxylate, is a drug used to treat chronic and acute alcohol intoxication. Metadoxine accelerates alcohol clearance from the blood.

Nicole Rinehart is a Professor in Clinical Psychology, Director of the Deakin Child Study Centre (DCSC) and Director of Clinical and Community Partnerships at Deakin University. She established the Deakin Child Study Centre in 2013 to create a new platform in the community for researchers and industry to come together and make a real difference in the lives of children who face developmental challenges. She is located in Victoria, Australia.

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) is a psychological assessment tool for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and their effects on behavior and academic performance in children ages 6–12. This measure was developed by Mark Wolraich at the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and includes items related to oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression, disorders often comorbid with ADHD.

Sherry L. Thornton is an American biologist. She is a field service associate professor at University of Cincinnati in the department of pediatrics. Thornton is the director of the Research Flow Cytometry Core.

Wendy Ross is an American developmental and behavioral pediatrician with a specific focus on autism. Ross founded Autism Inclusion Resources, a non-profit organization dedicated to help children with autism participate in every day activities in their communities. Currently, Ross serves as the director of the new Center for Autism and Neurodiversity at Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University.

Samir S. Shah is an American pediatric hospital medicine and pediatric infectious disease physician. Shah’s research has focused on improved management of patients with common childhood infections, particularly pneumonia and meningitis.

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References

  1. 1 2 Wang, Paul; Berger, Susan; Shalowitz, Madeleine (2012). "Research Profile: Tanya Froelich". sdbp.org. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  2. ↑ "At commencement, candidate Dole addresses health care concerns". medicine.yale.edu. 1999. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  3. ↑ "1999 residency placements for Yale medical students". medicine.yale.edu. 1999. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  4. ↑ "ADHD-related Executive Functions: Interactions of a DRD4 Polymorphism, Lead, and Sex". etd.ohiolink.edu. 2007. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  5. ↑ Shelton, Robyn (September 4, 2007). "Study: 2.4 million kids have ADHD". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Majority of 2.4 Million U.S. Children with ADHD Not Diagnosed or Consistently Treated, According to New "Gold Standard" Cincinnati Children's Study". cincinnatichildrens.org. September 7, 2007. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Child Health Research Career Development Award". cincinnatichildrens.org. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Exposure to lead, tobacco smoke raises risk of ADHD". sciencedaily.com. November 23, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Research Helps End Guesswork in Prescribing ADHD Drug". cincinnatichildrens.org. May 1, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Children with certain dopamine system gene variants respond better to ADHD drug". sciencedaily.com. October 24, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Diagnosis Is Key to Helping Kids with A.D.H.D." The New York Times. February 1, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  12. ↑ Boyles, Salynn (September 30, 2013). "Young Kids Seem to Be Getting Fewer Psychotropics". medpagetoday.com. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  13. ↑ "New Guidelines Published for Treating Complex ADHD". cincinnatichildrens.org. January 31, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Free Tool Helps Providers Implement New ADHD Guidelines". newswise.com. October 2, 2019. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
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