What is Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
 |
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”
|
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.
|
|
ADHD is just about hyperactivity
“They’re just out of control”
|
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.
|
|
ADHD in adults
|
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.
|
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.
|
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 |
|
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 pursued as an additional therapy. Diet modification
in itself is not a treatment for ADHD.
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
ADHD affects between 3% and 7%
of school-aged children. In a proportion of children, the condition will
persist into their adult life.
ADHD is thought to result from
underlying abnormalities in the way the brain integrates its many functions.
The changes lead to difficulties with concentration, as well as impulsivity
and hyperactivity. The consequences for learning, social relationships and
family life can be severe.
Treatment of ADHD includes
educational and psychological approaches and medication when appropriate. An
individual treatment plan is required for each person with ADHD, to ensure
the most effective combination of therapy is provided
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