Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), alsodiagnosis ADHD.
known as hyperactivity or attention deficit disorderIf no physical disorder is found, the child may be
(ADD), is a common condition in children.referred to a specialist in childhood development
Children with ADHD generally have problems payingdisorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist
attention or concentrating, can't seem to followor psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental
directions, and are easily bored and/or frustrated withpediatrician, or another health professional who is
tasks. They also tend to move constantly and arespecially trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. The
impulsive (do not think before they act). Although thesedoctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's
behaviors are in general common in children, theysymptoms and behavior. The doctor often seeks input
occur more often than usual and are more severe in afrom the child's parents, teachers and other adults who
child with ADHD. These behaviors interfere with theare familiar with the child's symptoms.
child's ability to function at school and at home.How Is ADHD Treated?
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?ADHD cannot be cured, but many of the symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD are generally grouped into threethat interfere with functioning and cause distress can
categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.be controlled. Treatment for ADHD often includes a
Inattentioncombination of medication and various psychosocial
• Is easily distracted.therapies.
• Does not follow directions or finish tasks.Medication: Certain medications called stimulants may
• Does not appear to be listening whenbe used to help control hyperactivity and impulsive
someone is speaking.behavior and increase attention span. Commonly used
• Does not pay attention and makes carelessstimulants include Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin,
mistakes.Metadate, Methylin and Ritalin. Some children with
• Is forgetful about daily activities.ADHD respond to antidepressant medications such as
• Has problems organizing daily tasks.Wellbutrin.
• Avoids or dislikes activities that requireAnother ADHD medication, Cylert, was withdrawn
sitting still or a sustained effort.from the market in March of 2005. Its use had been
• Often loses things, including personal items.declining due to problems with liver damage in some
• Has a tendency to daydream.who were taking the medication.
HyperactivityPsychosocial therapies: These are treatment
• Often squirms, fidgets or bounces whenapproaches that focus on the behavioral, psychological,
sitting.social and work/school problems associated with the
• Does not stay seated as expected.illness. Psychosocial therapies that may be used for
• Has difficulty playing quietly.ADHD include:
• Is always moving, such as running or• Special education: This is a type of
climbing on things. (In teens and adults, this is moreeducation that is structured to meet the child's unique
commonly described as a sense of restlessness.)educational needs. Children with ADHD generally
• Talks excessively.benefit most from a highly structured environment and
Impulsivityuse of routines.
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn.• Behavior modification: This includes
• Blurts out answers before the question hasstrategies for supporting good behavior and
been completed.decreasing problem behavior by the child.
• Often interrupts others.• Psychotherapy (counseling): Psychotherapy
What Causes ADHD?can help a person with ADHD learn better ways to
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, althoughhandle their emotions and frustration, and improve their
researchers continue to study the brain for clues. Theyself-esteem. Counseling also may help family members
suspect that there are several factors that maybetter understand the child's disorder and cope with
contribute to the condition, including:the challenges of living with a child who has ADHD.
• Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run• Social skills training: This can help the child
in families suggests that children may inherit alearn new behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing,
tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.that will enable him or her to better function in social
• Chemical imbalance: Experts believe ansituations.
imbalance of the chemicals that help nerve cells in the• Support groups: Support groups are
brain communicate with each other, calledgenerally made up of people with similar problems and
neurotransmitters, may be a factor in the developmentneeds, which can help with acceptance and support.
of symptoms.Groups also can provide a forum for learning more
• Brain changes: Areas of the brain thatabout a disorder and the latest approaches to
control attention are less active in children with ADHDtreatment. These groups are helpful for adults with
than in children without the disorder.ADHD or parents of children with the disorder.
The following are other factors that may contribute toWhat Are the Side Effects of Treatment?
the development of ADHD or that may triggerThe medications used to treat ADHD are generally
symptoms:safe and well-tolerated. However, certain side effects
• Poor nutrition, infections and substancemay occur. Common side effects of stimulants include:
abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) during• Loss of appetite
pregnancy may be contributing factors, since they can• Trouble sleeping
affect the development of the baby's brain.Common side effects of antidepressants include:
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead, in early• Dry mouth
childhood can also affect brain development.• Sleepiness
• Injury to the brain or a brain disorder.• Irregular heartbeat
It is important to note that eating too much sugar onWhat Is the Outlook for Children With ADHD?
the part of the child does not cause ADHD. However,It is very important that children with symptoms of
a proper diet is essential for normal development inADHD seek care. Without treatment, ADHD can
children. ADHD is also not caused by watching toointerfere with a child's performance in school as well
much TV, a poor home life, poor schools or foodas their ability to make and keep friends, which can
allergies.negatively impact the child's self-esteem. In addition,
How Common Is ADHD?children with ADHD are at risk for developing conduct
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mentaldisorder, depression or an anxiety disorder. They are
disorder of children. It is estimated to affect 3%-7% ofalso more likely to have a learning disorder. Teens with
children (more than 2 million American children) and isADHD are at greater risk for car accidents, early
more common in boys than in girls. It most often ispregnancy, tobacco and alcohol use.
discovered during the early school years, when a childBut, when treated, most people with ADHD (between
begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can70% and 80%) experience at least some relief of
continue into the teen years and adulthood.symptoms. Many of the symptoms of ADHD diminish
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?by early adulthood. However, up to 50% of people
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin anwith ADHD as children continue to have some
evaluation by performing a complete medical historyproblems as adults.
and physical examination. Although there are noCan ADHD Be Prevented?
laboratory tests for ADHD, the doctor may useADHD cannot be prevented or cured. However, early
various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- toidentification and diagnosis, as well as a carefully
determine if there is a physical disorder causing thedesigned treatment and education plan, can help a child
symptoms.with ADHD adjust to the disorder. Many people with
Certain mental illnesses, such as depression andADHD learn to focus their attention, develop their
anxiety disorders, have some symptoms that arepersonal strengths, minimize disruptive behavior, and
similar to those of ADHD. For that reason, a completebecome productive and successful.
psychiatric assessment is needed to accurately