ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work and they are much more active and/or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behavior. For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as having behavior problems. The research found out that ADHD is more common in boys than in girls.


What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive/inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:

• Appears not to listen
• Doesn't pay close attention to details
• Seems disorganized 
• Has difficulty following instructions
• Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home
• Loses things needed for activities at school and at home
• Problems with interrupting or intruding 
• Can't stay in seat
• Talks too much
• Is always on the go
• Has trouble waiting his or her turn
• Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
• Forgets things
• Is easily distracted
• Blurts out answers before hearing the full question
• Fidgety or squirming
• Runs or climbs inappropriately
• Can't play quietly  
• Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort 

Diagnosis
There is no test that can determine the presence of ADHD. A diagnosis depends on a complete evaluation. Many children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD are evaluated and treated by primary care doctors including pediatricians and family practitioners, but your child may also be referred to one of several different specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists) especially when the diagnosis is in doubt, or if there are other concerns, such as Tourette syndrome, a learning disability, anxiety, or depression.

To be considered for a diagnosis of ADHD:

• a child must display behaviors from one of the three subtypes before age 7

• these behaviors must be more severe than in other kids the same age

• the behaviors must last for at least 6 months

• the behaviors must occur in and negatively affect at least two areas of a child's life (such as school, home, day-care settings, or friendships)

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting though a disorganized home life and school environment can make symptoms worse

ADHD has biological origins that aren't yet clearly understood. No single cause has been identified, but researchers are exploring a number of possible genetic and environmental links. Studies have shown that many kids with ADHD have a close relative who also has the disorder.

Although experts are unsure whether this is a cause of the disorder, they have found that certain areas of the brain are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity in kids with ADHD. Chemical changes in the brain also have been found.

Recent research also links smoking and other substance abuse during pregnancy to later ADHD in a child. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, can also be a factor. Other risk factors may include premature delivery, very low birth weight, and injuries to the brain at birth.

Things that don't cause ADHD:

-Bad parenting

-Too much sugar

-Too little sugar

-Aspartame (one brand name: NutraSweet)

-Food allergies or other allergies

-Lack of vitamins

-Fluorescent lights

However, some studies have even suggested a link between excessive early television watching and future attention problems. Parents should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) guidelines, which say that children under 2 years old should not have any "screen time" (TV, DVDs or videotapes, computers, or video games) and that kids 2 years and older should be limited to 1 to 2 hours per day, or less, of quality television


Coexisting Conditions

One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that it's often found in conjunction with other problems. These are called coexisting conditions, and about two thirds of kids with ADHD have one. The most common coexisting conditions are:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD).

At least 35% of kids with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by stubbornness, outbursts of temper, and acts of defiance and rule breaking. Conduct disorder is similar but features more severe hostility and aggression. Kids who have conduct disorder are more likely to get in trouble with authority figures and, later, possibly with the law. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are seen most commonly with the hyperactive and combined subtypes of ADHD.

Mood Disorders

About 18% of kids with ADHD, particularly the inattentive subtype, also experience depression. They may feel inadequate, isolated, frustrated by school failures and social problems, and have low self-esteem.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders affect about 25% of kids with ADHD. Symptoms include excessive worry, fear, or panic, which can also lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea. Other forms of anxiety that can accompany ADHD are obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome, as well as motor or vocal tics (movements or sounds that are repeated over and over). A child who has symptoms of these other conditions should be evaluated by a specialist.

Learning Disabilities

About half of all kids with ADHD also have a specific learning disability. The most common learning problems are with reading (dyslexia) and handwriting. Although ADHD isn't categorized as a learning disability, its interference with concentration and attention can make it even more difficult for a child to perform well in school.



Will my child outgrow ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD often get better as children grow older and learn to adjust. Hyperactivity usually stops in the late teenage years. But about half of children who have ADHD continue to be easily distracted, have mood swings, hot tempers and are unable to complete tasks. Children who have loving, supportive parents who work together with school staff, mental health workers and their doctor have the best chance of becoming well-adjusted adults.