ADHD What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The term ADHD refers to
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition that makes it difficult for children to pay attention and/or control their behavior. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Onsets before age seven
The main symptoms are
- inattention - hyperactivity - and impulsivity. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The condition often becomes
apparent when children are in preschool or when they are in their early school years.
An estimated 3-5% of children
have ADHD. ADHD: What does it look like?
What does “inattention” look like?
• A child who has difficulty keeping their mind on a task, or
who gets bored of a task easily.
• A child who jumps from one task to another without
completing the first task.
• A child who is easily distracted or doesn’t follow
instructions carefully.
• A child who forgets and loses things that they need to
complete a task. ADHD: What does it look like?
What does “hyperactivity” look like?
• A child who can’t seem to sit still and who is constantly moving, roaming, touching things, squirming or fidgeting.
What does “impulsivity” look like?
• A child who speaks or acts without thinking about the consequences
of that act.
• A child who blurts out inappropriate comments, has difficulty waiting
their turn, and displays their emotions without restraint. ADHD: Getting a diagnosis A child who is inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive does NOT necessarily have ADHD
Many normal children have some of
these symptoms (especially young children!).
AND, the symptoms could be caused
by another disorder entirely. ADHD: Getting a diagnosis It is VERY important that children are examined and diagnosed by a qualified professional who will use strict diagnostic guidelines to determine whether the behaviors are inappropriate for the child’s age, and whether the symptoms indicate ADHD or not.
Talking to your family physician might
be a good start. ADHD: Accompanying disorders Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.
Some children with ADHD also have BD. Differentiating
Bipolar between ADHD and BD in childhood can be difficult, Disorder however, as some symptoms are present in both disorders.
A small proportion of children with ADHD also have this
Tourette neurological disorder, which can be controlled with Syndrome medication. Symptoms include nervous tics and repetitive mannerisms.
About 20-30% of children with ADHD also have a
Learning specific LD. It is a good idea to have your child with Disabilities ADHD assessed for a learning disability. ADHD: Accompanying disorders Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.
As many as 1/3 to 1/2 of children with ADHD also
Oppositional have ODD. Children with ODD are defiant, non- Defiant Disorder compliant, belligerent, and stubborn.
About 20-40% of children with ADHD will develop
CD, which is a more serious pattern of antisocial Conduct behavior. Children with CD are aggressive and Disorder destructive, and are at great risk of getting into trouble at school or with the police.
If co-occurring anxiety or depression is recognized
Anxiety & and treated, children will be better able to handle Depression the problems that accompany ADHD. What causes ADHD? The cause of ADHD remains unknown, but most research suggests that the cause lies in neurobiology (some parts of the brain are smaller in children with ADHD) or genetics (ADHD tends to run in families, so there are likely genetic influences).
Although environmental and social
factors (like child-rearing style) can influence the severity of the disorder, they do not cause the disorder. What causes ADHD?
BUT… some studies have shown a relationship
between alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy and the risk for ADHD in the baby.
So, these activities should be
avoided while pregnant! Treatment for ADHD
Medications have been used to treat ADHD for decades.
Stimulants (like methylphenidate or “Ritalin”) seem to be
the most effective class of medication, and are usually considered quite safe.
They do not make children feel “high” and there is no
evidence that stimulants (when used for the treatment of ADHD) cause drug abuse or dependence. Treatment for ADHD
In many people, stimulants reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity, and improve the ability to focus, work and learn. About 10% of children are not helped by stimulants, even after trying several medications at several doses.
Recently, at least one non-stimulant medication has
shown great potential for reducing the symptoms of ADHD (atomoxetine or “Strattera”). Choosing a Treatment for ADHD
What does the research show?
Medication seems to be essential for children with ADHD.
The most intensive ADHD treatment study to date found
that long-term management with medication or a combination treatment of medication and behavioral treatment are superior to behavioral treatments alone. Which treatment will be most effective for my child?
Because no two children are alike, this question
must be answered by each family in consultation with their health care professional. BUT… no one treatment is the answer for every child!
Although medication works
well for many children, it can cause undesirable side effects in others, making it an unacceptable treatment.
Each child’s needs and
personal history must be carefully considered. ADHD: What else can we do?
If you need more help..
Medication can help a child
control the behavior problems that have led to trouble with parents and siblings, but it can take a long time to undo the frustration, blame and anger that may have gone on for so long. Children AND parents might need special help to develop techniques for managing the patterns of behaviour.
Many intervention approaches are available, including:
psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, social skills training, support groups and parenting skills training. ADHD: What else can we do? Try these simple tips…!
• Schedule - have the same routine every day, and
post the schedule in the kitchen.
• Organize needed everyday items - have a place for
everything, and keep everything in its place.
(1) Use homework/notebook organizers - stress the
importance of writing down assignments and bringing home needed books.