Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Inattentiveness? Impulsivity? Hyperactivity?

YOUR CONCERN IS REAL!

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is extremely frustrating and confusing for the family, the school, the child, and the untreated adult.

ADHD can occur with or without hyperactivity.

A Neurological Problem NOT a Result of bad parenting.

It is now widely accepted that ADHD is a neurochemical disorder. This means that part of the brain is not effectively working with sustaining attention and controlling impulses.

• 35% of ADHD children have learning disabilities.
• 40% of ADHD children have at least one parent who has ADHD.
• It is now believed that ADHD is genetic.
• About 5% of the population suffers from mild to severe ADHD.
• ADHD has previously been believed to be more common in boys.

ADHD is not the result of poor parenting and should not be treated as if it were the result of an emotional problem. However, it is important to note that emotional problems can result if ADHD is not diagnosed and treated. If undiagnosed and untreated, frustration, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems are likely to develop.

Assessment

• A good developmental history from the caretaker(s).
• Symptoms must appear in a variety of settings.
• Clinical interview with the person: child/adult .
• Medical and School records.
• Behavioral rating scales. . .
  • * For children—from parents and teachers.
  • ** For Adults — from self, spouse/friend, & coworker/employer. Untreated ADHD adults may experience problems in employment and relationships.
• Cognitive Testing: Learning disabilities should also be evaluated, especially if the person has performed poorly in school.
• Personality & Emotional testing: It is important to investigate all possible causes of attention and behavioral difficulties because other disorders can look like ADHD.

ADHD often looks somewhat different between boys and girls. What may go unnoticed at a young age often will be more evident later in life as a child’s compensation strategies fail.

Treatment

1. Well maintained and monitored medication.
2. Parental behavior management training. ADHD children are often difficult to discipline and require extra motivation and incentives.
3. Structuring the child’s school environment. Minimizing distractions, posting rules and daily schedules, giving one instruction at a time, and providing preferential seating.
4. Teaching time/organizational management.
5. Individual & family therapy, as well as support groups.
6. Additional effective interventions: Relaxation, social skills, and study skills training.

MEDICATION:

The preferred class of medication for ADHD is stimulant medication:

• Methylphenidate
  • (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, etc.)
• Adderall
• Dexidrine

One of these may help a person with ADHD to sustain focus and increase attention with tasks. A physician, pediatrician, or psychiatrist familiar with the treatment and monitoring of ADHD should be consulted about medication.

A thorough evaluation needs to be conducted to rule out other disorders which can mimic ADHD.