- ADHD is estimated to affect 5 to15 percent of school-age
children and often continues into adolescence and adulthood. Two to three
times more boys than girls are affected.
- ADHD often co-occurs with other
disorders such as the following: learning disabilities, oppositional defiant
disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety or mood disorders, language and communication
disorders, and Tourette’s
disorder.
- Fully one-third of those diagnosed with ADHD are later diagnosed
with Depression or Bipolar Disorder.
- A child must have at least six of
these symptoms, lasting at least six months, with some symptoms having
started before age seven. These behaviors must also significantly interfere
with at least two areas of life, such as school and home.
Symptoms
- Fidgets with hands or feet
- Squirms in seat or feels restless
- Has difficulty remaining seated when required to do so
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty awaiting turn in games or group situations
- Blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed
- Difficulty following through on instructions from others
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- Shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Talks excessively
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
- Does not seem to listen to what is being said to him/her
- Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Engages in physically dangerous activities without
considering possible consequences
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
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Causes
- ADHD is a biological disorder that appears to be genetically
or developmentally based.
- The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) frequently begin at birth, as seen in feeding or sleeping
problems.
- Researchers believe that there may be either a chemical
or electrical problem in the brain caused by abnormalities in the development
of the brain or genetic differences. For example, it appears that a lower
level of activity in some parts of the brain may cause inattention.
- Environmental
factors such as viruses, harmful chemicals, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco
during pregnancy are also considered as possible causes of ADHD. These
factors may affect normal brain development, which lead to the development
of symptoms associated with ADHD.
Treatments
- If ADHD is suspected, an assessment or evaluation may initially
be done by a school psychologist, family physician, or pediatrician. This
individual may then refer a family to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist
and/or psychologist.
- Medications such as Ritalin, Cylert, Dexedrine, Strattera,
and Adderall are commonly used for treatment. These stimulants increase
activity in the parts of the brain that are underactive in youth with ADHD.
Approximately two-thirds of children with ADHD will respond to one of these
medications.
- Behavioral therapy in combination with medication has also
been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. This approach often involves
strategies such as rewarding positive behavior changes and communicating
clear and consistent expectations. It is important to initiate a consistent
behavior management program in all areas of life (i.e., school and home).
- It may be necessary and beneficial to provide a child with ADHD with
special accommodations at school that help him/her to succeed. For example,
a teacher may seat the child in an area with few distractions or may allow
the child extra time on tests. If accommodations in a regular education
classroom are not effective, a special education classroom should be made
available.
- Educating parents and children is very valuable, as well
as, in helping to manage this disorder.
Suggested Readings
Survival Strategies for Parenting
Your ADD Child by Lynn,
G. T.
The Hyperactive Child, Adolescent,
and Adult: ADD thru the Lifespan by Wenderg, Paul H.
Maybe You Know My Kid: A Parent‘s Guide
to Identifying, Understanding, and Helping your Child with ADHD by Fowler,
M.
Shelly the Hyperactive Turtle by Moss D. (ages 3-7)
Learning
to Slow Down and Pay Attention by Nadeau, K., & Dixon, E.
(ages 6-12)
The “Putting on the Brakes” Activity Book
for Young People with ADHD by Quinn, M.D., Patricia O. & Stern, M.A., Judith
(ages 8-12)
Other Resources:
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit
Disorders (CHADD),
8181 Professional Place, Suite 150, Landover MD 20785,
(800) 233-4050. To find the local Chapter near you go to http://www.chadd.org/findchap2.cfm?cat_id=36&state=ia
CHADD is a nonprofit parent-based organization that provides family support,
education, and advocacy.
Attention Deficit Information Network (Ad-IN), 58
Prince Street, Needham MA 02492, (781) 458-9895 or www.addinfonetwork.com
Source:
NIMH website, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.htm
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
