Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refers to a range of problem behaviours
associated with poor attention span. About 1.7 per cent of the UK population, mostly children, have ADD or ADHD. Boys are
more likely to be affected.
Symptoms
The symptoms may include impulsiveness, restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness, and often prevent children
from learning and socialising well. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder.
Attention difficulties
A child must have exhibited at least six of the following symptoms for at least six months
to an extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Fails to pay close attention to detail or makes careless errors during work or play.
- Fails to finish tasks or sustain attention in play activities.
- Seems not to listen to what is said to him or her.
- Fails to follow through instructions or to finish homework or chores
- Disorganised about tasks and activities.
- Avoids tasks like homework that require sustained mental effort.
- Loses things necessary for certain tasks or activities, such as pencils, books or toys.
- Easily distracted.
- Forgetful in the course of daily activities.
Hyperactivity
A child must have exhibited at least three of the following symptoms for at least six months to an
extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Runs around or excessively climbs over things. (In adolescents or adults only feelings of restlessness may occur.)
- Unduly noisy in playing, or has difficulty in engaging in quiet leisure activities.
- Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations where remaining seated is expected
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms on seat.
Impulsivity
At least one of the following symptoms must have persisted at least for six months to an extent that
is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Blurts out answers before the questions have been completed.
- Fails to wait in lines or wait their turn.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others, e.g. butts into others conversations or games.
- Talks excessively without appropriate response to social restraint.
- Pervasiveness of attention difficulties and hyperactivity
For a diagnosis or description of ADHD a child would be expected to show the above difficulties in more than one
setting, e.g. at school and at home.
Causes
The causes of ADND are still unclear it is thought that there may be both biological and environmental factors,
Biological factors
- The child's temperament, as this contributes to their attitude and personality.
- Studies of twins suggest a genetic link to ADHD. In 80-90 per cent of identical twins where one has ADHD so does the other.
Recent research also suggests there is a greater chance of inheriting the condition from male relatives such as grandfathers
and uncles.
- Brain injuries due to birth trauma or pre-birth problems. The brain structures believed to be linked to the development
of ADHD are vulnerable to hypoxic damage during birth. The damage is caused by inadequate oxygen reaching parts of the brain
while blood flow is reduced.
Environmental factors
- Family stress.
- Educational difficulties.
Diagnosis
ADHD requires a medical diagnosis by a doctor, usually a child or
adolescent psychiatrist, a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist or a GP.
It will often be appropriate for other
professionals such as psychologists, speech therapists, teachers and health visitors to contribute their observations to the
assessment of a child with possible ADHD. There is no single diagnostic test for ADHD so different sorts of information needs
to be gathered
Treatment
The treatment given to a child with ADHD will vary depending on the individual child. It can sometimes be difficult
to live or cope with a child with ADHD. Both parents and teachers can follow general guidelines to manage a child's problematic
behaviour but most need specialist support and advice to ensure that each child is being given the best treatment for
their needs.
Behavioural Management
Behavioural management techniques are always important as is anxiety management, cognitive therapy, individual psychotherapy
and social skills training. Every child is different and therefore the theraphies used are different for each child
Medication
The most common and effective medications are amphetamine-like stimulants mainly Ritalin. Ritalin reduces hyperactivity
and impulsiveness and helps to focus a child's attention. They become less aggressive, seem to comply with requests, and become
less forgetful. Many parents say their child's behaviour has vastly improved as a result of Ritalin. Some of our parents sware
by Ritalin others say it made the situation worse, finding the right treatment is a case of trial and error and persevering
untill you find something that helps your child.
Diet
Research suggests that diet is not a significant factor in ADHD for most children. Some children have particular food allergies
that need investigation. Dietary changes need to be supervised by a doctor and nutritionist. In this approach all foods suspected
of causing behavioural problems are removed from the diet then gradually reintroduced while the child's behaviour is monitored
by the psychologist. However many of our parents have noticed an improvement in their children’s behaviour when they
have introduced a fish oil supplement, some have said that it has change their child sufficiently that no other coarse of
action was necessary, sounds amazing but there is little scientific evidence to back the claims, the one thing that can be
said is that it can not harm them so it has got to be worth a try. Equally removing all the artificial additives and preservatives
from a child's diet has help some children improve hugely.
For more information and support try www.adders.org or try this forum www.addforums.com/forums/index.php
