Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common childhood disorder. People who are affected can have trouble with paying attention, sitting still and controlling their impulses. There are three types of ADHD. The most common type of ADHD is when people have difficulties with both attention and hyperactivity. This is called ADHD combined type. Some people only have difficulty with attention and organization. This is ADHD inattentive subtype or previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Other people have only the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This is ADHD hyperactive subtype.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD occurs in an estimated 3 to 5 percent of preschool and school-age children. Therefore, in a class of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one student will have this condition. ADHD begins in childhood, but it often lasts into adulthood. Several studies done in recent years estimate that 30 to 65 percent of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.

The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD.

In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

1. Brain injury

2. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age

3. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy

4. Premature delivery

5. Low birth weight

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.

A child with ADHD often shows some of the following:

Difficulties with attention:

1. trouble paying attention

2. inattention to details and makes careless mistakes

3. easily distracted

4. losing things such as school supplies

5. forgetting to turn in homework

6. trouble finishing class work and homework

7. trouble listening

8. trouble following multiple adult commands

9. difficulty playing quietly

Hyperactivity:

1. fidgeting

2. inability to stay seated

3. running or climbing excessively

4. always "on the go"

Impulsivity:

1. talks too much and interrupts or intrudes on others

2. blurts out answers

3. impatience

The good news is that effective treatment is available. The first step is to have a careful and thorough evaluation with your child’s primary care doctor or with a qualified mental health professional. With the right treatment, children with ADHD can improve their ability to pay attention and control their behavior. The right care can help them grow, learn, and feel better about themselves.

Medications: Most children with ADHD benefit from taking medication. Medications do not cure ADHD. Medications can help a child control his or her symptoms on the day that the pills are taken.

Medications for ADHD are well established and effective. There are two main types: stimulant and non-stimulant medications. For more information about the medications used to treat ADHD, please see the Parent Med Guide.

Therapy and Other Support: A Licensed Professional Counseling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist can help a child with ADHD. The psychotherapy should focus on helping parents provide structure and positive reinforcement for good behavior. In addition, individual therapy can help children gain a better self-image. The therapist can help the child identify his or her strengths and build on them. Therapy can also help a child with ADHD cope with daily problems, pay better attention, and learn to control aggression.

A therapist may use one or more of the following approaches: Behavior therapy, Talk therapy, Social skills training, Family support groups.

Studies suggest that without treatment, a child with ADHD may fall behind in school and have trouble with friendships. Family life may also suffer. Untreated ADHD can increase strain between parents and children. Parents often blame themselves when they can't communicate with their child. The sense of losing control can be very frustrating. Teenagers with ADHD are at increased risk for driving accidents and drug abuse. Adults with untreated ADHD have higher rates of divorce and job loss, compared with the general population. Luckily, safe and effective treatments are available which can help children and adults help control the symptoms of ADHD and prevent the unwanted consequences.