What is Attention Deficit
Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
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A definition of ADHD
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ADHD is a
Neurobiological condition associated with an imbalance of the brain’s
neurotransmitters (substances used to convey messaged between nerve cells)
and differences in brain anatomy.
There is a
common perception that ADHD is a childhood condition. In reality, ADHD is a
condition that affects all ages: children, adolescents and adults.
There are three
types of behaviours
1.
Inattention
2.
Hyperactivity
3.
Impulsivity
The Symptoms
of ADHD as lasted in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV).
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Signs of Inattention
Can include: |
Hyperactivity can involve: |
Impulsivity |
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·
Not paying close
attention to details or making careless mistakes;
·
Not appearing to
listen when spoken to directly;
·
Not following
through on instructions;
·
Difficulty
organising tasks;
·
Avoiding tasks
that need sustained mental effort;
·
Being easily
distracted; and
·
Being forgetful
in daily activities. |
·
Fidgeting with
the hands or feet or squirming in a chair;
·
Moving about
excessively when it is not appropriate;
·
Having difficulty
playing quietly;
·
Being ‘on the go’
all the time; and
·
Talking
excessively. |
Impulsivity means appearing to act without thinking in advance, for
example:
·
Blurting out
answers before a question is completed;
·
Having trouble
waiting for a turn; and
·
Butting into
other people’s conversations or games. |
Most people
will be able to identify with one or several of these symptoms in their own
life. For people with ADHD however, these symptoms cause significant
impairment in important areas of their life e.g academic performance,
forming friendships, family functioning and in the workplace.
There are 3
main sub-types of ADHD:
·
ADHD predominantly
inattentive
(requires 6 symptoms of inattention
to be present)
·
ADHD
hyperactive/impulsive
(requires 6 symptoms of
hyperactivity/impulsivity to be present)
·
ADHD combined
(requires 6 symptoms from
inattentive and 6 symptoms from hyperactivity/impulsivity to be present; a
total of 12 symptoms)
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Some of the Myths about ADHD
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Perception |
Reality |
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ADHD is
not a real disorder
“We
never heard of ADHD when I was a kid” |
ADHD is
a hereditary condition and has been recognised since the early 1900s.
In the
past it was know by other names such as minimal brain dysfunction and
hyperactivity disorder. |
|
Bad
parenting is responsible for ADHD
“They
need to be disciplined”
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Poor
parenting skills can lead to bad behaviour in any child, but it cannot
cause ADHD.
Parenting children with ADHD is challenging, however, family support
and education can provide valuable aid in the effective management of
ADHD. |
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ADHD is
just about hyperactivity
“They’re
just out of control”
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Not all
children with ADHD are hyperactive. Remember the ‘AD’ part of ‘ADHD’
stands for Attention Deficit.
Difficulties concentrating in a ‘quiet’ child can lead to serious
problems with schooling and relationships, even though the child might
not attract attention through hyperactivity.
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It’s
just a childhood disorder |
Many
people believe that children with grow out of ADHD. In fact, when not
treated appropriately those with ADHD are at a much greater risk of
failures in school, employment, social relationships and developing
low self-esteem. They are also at double the risk of forming a
substance abuse. |
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Poor
diet causes ADHD
“It’s
too much red cordial” |
Food
sensitivities can often produce symptoms similar to ADHD but do not
cause the disorder.
People
with ADHD and food sensitivities can experience a worsening of their
symptoms if they consume certain foods.
Dietary
management can be a complementary therapy in conjunction with
recommended treatments. |
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ADHD in adults
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To be
diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the symptoms must be present from
childhood.
As children
mature into adulthood, some develop strategies to better cope with their
symptoms. Many children however, will carry symptoms of ADHD through to
adulthood and if untreated, these result in significant impairment in their
ability to study, work and manage their lives.
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How
is ADHD diagnosed? |
ADHD can only be diagnosed by a
qualified health professional. A full history and evaluation is carried out
and symptoms are checked against a set of diagnostic criteria.
A range of
tests to exclude other causes of symptoms, eg hearing and sight should be
carried out before ADHD is diagnosed.
It is vital,
that an accurate diagnosed is made so the most effective treatment and
support can be provided.
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How is ADHD treated? |
The most
effective treatment of ADHD involves a range of interventions often referred
to as the ‘multi-modal’ approach.
Depending on
individual need, treatment may include the following:
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Educational support |
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Medication |
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Counselling/behavioural
management |
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Occupational therapy |
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Speech and language therapy |
Note:
For people with food sensitivities in addition to their ADHD, diet
modification can be sued as an additional therapy. Diet modification in
itself is not a treatment for ADHD.
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Where do I go for
additional information?
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