Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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One of the most common disorders that affects children is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can continue to impact the person even on into adulthood. The primary symptoms include hyperactivity (being overly active), problems paying attention and maintaining focus, and problems controlling impulses and behavior.
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
• Predominantly inattentive
• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
The type most frequently diagnosed in children is the combined type, although most children have some degree of attention difficulties and hyperactivity.
ADHD afflicts millions of children, adolescents and adults today. The disorder can wreak havoc in one’s life, affecting relationships, school performance and work performance. There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can significantly help with symptoms. In fact, most children who have ADHD become high-functioning, successful adults.
Sometimes ADHD is referred to as merely “hyperactivity” or ADD (for attention-deficit disorder). Typically, the symptoms of the disorder are apparent before a child turns 7, and may be observed when they are infants.
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Symptoms of ADHD
Following are the symptoms which may be indicative of ADHD:
Symptoms pertaining to attention problems:
• Failure to give close attention to details; often makes mistakes which appear careless in nature
• Finds it difficult to maintain focused while playing or performing tasks
• Has difficulties following directions
• Fails to finish projects, including homework, chores at home, or other tasks
• Often appears to not be listening, even when a person is talking to him directly
• Has difficulties organizing activities or tasks
• Often forgets things
• Is readily distracted
• Often loses things, such as toys or books
• Doesn’t like to do things which require sustained focus, like homework
Symptoms pertaining to hyperactivity and impulsivity:
• Is always “on the go”
• Has difficulties sitting still or staying seated when he’s supposed to sit
• Tends to be fidgety
• Has difficulties playing quietly
• Is extremely talkative
• Has a hard time waiting his turn
• Tends to interrupt others
• Will often blurt out an answer without waiting for the question to be finished
• Runs or climbs all over the place when he’s not supposed to
• If an adolescent, may feel restless all the time
Boys with ADHD tend to display more hyperactive behavior, while girls typically have more problems paying attention. With regards to attention problems, boys are more inclined to engage in aimless play, whereas girls tend to daydream. ADHD is often more conspicuous in boys as they tend to comply less with teachers and other authority figures.
Causes of ADHD
Experts don’t know exactly what causes ADHD. However, several different factors may contribute to the development of this disorder:
• Heredity – ADHD appears to have a genetic component. A person is more likely to have ADHD if there is a family history or relatives with the disorder.
• Brain structure and activity- brain imaging of individuals with ADHD show differences when compared to the brains of individuals who do not have the disorder.
• Environmental factors – things such as the mother smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy; exposure to toxins, such as lead, early in childhood; and fetal exposure to toxins such as PCBs all increase the risk of developing ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD
While there isn’t a cure for ADHD, various types of treatment such as medication, skills training, psychotherapy, family therapy, and support groups can all help an individual with ADHD lead a more productive life. Medications for ADHD often include stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert or Dexedrine. A non-stimulant medication, Strattera, is also prescribed for the treatment of ADHD.
Stimulant medications seem to benefit the balance and activity of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain. They help improve problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The down side is that they quickly wear off. Finding the best treatment combination for your child can make a dramatic difference in his or her life.
Complications of ADHD
ADHD can lead to other problems in a person’s life. For example, if untreated, failure at school or work may occur. Also, individuals with ADHD or more prone to accidents, have more difficulties in social interactions, and are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Children with ADHD have a high risk of engaging in delinquent behavior.
