Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common Mental Health Clinic disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur at the moment without thought).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Many ADHD symptoms, such as high activity levels, difficulty remaining still for long periods of time and limited attention spans, are common to young children in general. The difference in children with ADHD is that their hyperactivity and inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age and cause distress and/or problems functioning at home, at school or with friends.
ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type or combined type. A diagnosis is based on the symptoms that have occurred over the past six months.
Inattentive type has the following symptoms can occur frequently:
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.
- Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to.
- Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties.
- Has problems organizing tasks and work.
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.
- Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.
- Is easily distracted.
- Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.
Hyperactive/impulsive type has the following symptoms occur frequently:
- Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in their seats.
- Not able to stay seated.
- Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate.
- Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
- Always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor.
- Talks too much.
- Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished.
- Has difficulty waiting his or her turn, such as while waiting in line.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others. Older teens and adults may take over what others are doing.
There is no lab test to diagnose ADHD Diagnosis involves gathering information from parents, teachers and others, filling out checklists and having a medical evaluation to rule out other medical problems. The symptoms are not the result of a person being defiant or hostile or unable to understand a task or instructions.
Causes
Scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD. There is evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD. For example, three out of four children with ADHD have a relative with the disorder. Other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD include being born prematurely, brain injury and the mother smoking, using alcohol or having extreme stress during pregnancy.
Treatment
Behavioral therapy and medication can improve the symptoms of ADHD Treatment Clinic. A combination of behavioral therapy and medication works best for most people, particularly those with moderate to severe ADHD.
Parenting
Children who have ADHD tend to benefit from structure, routines and clear expectations. The following may be helpful:
- Make clear schedules.
- Maintain routines.
- Make sure instructions are understood.
- Focus on your child when talking to him/her. Avoid multitasking.
- Supervise. Children with ADHD may require more supervision than their peers.
- Maintain communication with the child’s teacher.
- Model calm behavior.
- Focus on effort and reward good behavior.
ADHD and the School-Aged Child
Teachers and school staff can provide parents and doctors with information to help evaluate behavior and learning problems, and can assist with behavioral training. However, school staff cannot diagnose ADHD, make decisions about treatment or require that a student take medication to attend school. Only parents and guardians can make those decisions with the child’s physician.
ADHD and Adults
Many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder. A comprehensive evaluation typically includes a review of past and current symptoms, a medical exam and history, and use of adult rating scales or checklists. Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavior management strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization, and involving immediate family members can also be helpful.
FAQs
- Is ADHD a bad thing?
Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and have short attention spans, which can make it harder to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and in other aspects of life.
- Is ADHD a serious mental illness?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a severe mental illness, associated with major impairment and a high comorbidity rate. Particularly undiagnosed ADHD in adulthood has serious consequences. Thus, a valid diagnosis is important.
- Are people with ADHD lazy?
People with ADHD are lazy and unmotivated. They have trouble doing activities they don’t enjoy. This happens even if the tasks are necessary. For example, a child with ADHD may have trouble completing homework assignments in an uninteresting subject.
- Does ADHD go away?
ADHD doesn’t disappear just because symptoms become less obvious as its effect on the brain lingers. Some adults who had milder symptom levels of ADHD as children may have developed coping skills that address their symptoms well enough to prevent ADHD from interfering with their daily lives.
- Can ADHD be cured?
There’s no known cure for ADHD, but several options can help your child manage their symptoms. Treatments range from behavioral intervention to prescription medication. In many cases, medication alone is an effective treatment for ADHD.