Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The Most Important Facts:
- Only qualified and licensed mental health professionals should diagnose ADHD.
- ADHD can be successfully and efficiently treated.
- ADHD is diagnosed four to nine times more often in boys than in girls.
- ADHD without the hyperactivity part is under-treated and untreated.
- ADHD runs in families.
- ADHD effects approximately 4% to 6% of the USA population.
What is ADHD
- ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain behavior over a period of time. The most common features of this behavior are distractibility (inability to stay focused on tasks), impulsivity (impaired impulse control) and hyperactivity (physical restlessness).
- ADHD is diagnosed only if these behaviors are excessive, long term and pervasive.
- ADHD is diagnosed only if these behaviors appear before age 7 and continue for at least 6 months.
- ADHD is diagnosed only if these behaviors create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, school, home, work or social interaction.
- ADHD is thought of as a brain disorder.
- ADHD is often also called Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD).
ADHD is not!
- ADHD is not a behavior that could be "corrected" through punishment, scolding or discipline.
- ADHD is not a childhood condition that children outgrow.
- ADHD is not a condition developed because of bad parenting, absence of parental attention or lack of discipline.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD manifests itself in three major ways: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Inattention Symptoms:
- Failure to pay attention to details
- Difficulties in sustaining tasks or play activities
- Difficulties in listening to others
- Failure to follow through on instructions
- Failure to finish schoolwork, chores or duties at work
- Difficulties in organizing
- Forgetfulness
- Distractibility
- Impulsivity Symptoms:
- Frequent interruptions of others’ activities
- Frequent intrusions on others
- Difficulties in awaiting turns
- Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
- Hyperactivity Symptoms:
- Frequent fidgeting
- Frequent behavior or/and feelings of restlessness
- Difficulties in remaining calm and quiet
- Constantly "on the go".
- Excessive speech.
What are the Types of ADHD?
There are 3 types of ADHD disorders:
- ADHD, Inattentive Type: This disorder is characterized mainly by the inattention symptoms
- ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: this disorder is characterized mainly by the Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
- ADHD, Combined Type: This disorder is characterized by combination of the two types of symptoms
What is the Cause of ADHD?
- Biologically based
- Brain chemistry
- Genetics (ADHD runs in families)
What is the Treatment for ADHD?
Medication alone or a combination of medication and psychotherapy are effective in relieving the symptoms of ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is treatable with stimulant medications (Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall). These medications allow the brain and the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body more effectively and to normalize the rate of thoughts and actions.
Psychotherapy
Two different kinds of psychotherapy have been successfully used for treating ADHD:
- Behavioral Therapy
This approach focuses on modification of certain behaviors caused by the ADHD - Supportive Psycho-education approach
This therapy focuses on psycho-education and development of coping skills with ADHD.
What to do if you Suspect That Your Child Suffers From ADHD:
If you think you need help, here are some options:
- Talk to your child’s pediatrician.
- Call the HIP Mental Health Center near you.
- Call the HIP Behavioral Health Hot Line 1-888 447-2526.
- Talk to your child’s teachers. Learn about your child’s behavior at school.
- Remember that one can not "grow out" of ADHD.
- Realize that ADHD is a disorder that requires treatment.
- Communicate with your child’s teachers. It is important that you and your child’s teachers are "on the same page" regarding your child.
Information About Support Groups and Online Support
Support groups can be tremendously helpful to people with ADHD.These groups can help in many ways. First, they convey the message that in spite of the feelings evoked by the illness one is not alone. They give one the unique opportunity to meet and interact with others with the same illness and learn about different ways of coping with it.Support groups also provide important information about the illness.
For more information visit http://www.maaddsg.org[ back to top ]
