Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood (biological) disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood if left untreated (NIMH). Symptoms include difficulty staying on task and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior (disruptive behavior,) and hyperactivity (over-activity) may lead to frequent minor injuries and falls.

As the Child grows there is need to successfully complete each (age specific) developmental task (Social, Educational, ETC) from infancy to Childhood, to latency, to preadolescent, to Adolescent and early Adulthood and so on so forth. ADHD can be a big obstacle in the way of achieving this success.

ADHD Symptoms usually appear between 3 year old to 6 year old and can continue later if not treated. (More common in Boys than girls)

Inattention part of ADHD can compromise the learning process, maintaining good school grades, following directions, hence leading to frequent negative feedback from the parents, teachers, and in other social settings.

Hyperactivity part of ADHD can lead to moving too much, not able to sit where it is required, jumping from place to place, may have minor frequent injuries or falls, resulting negative feedback can lead to many psychological issues, ranging from low self esteem, lack of confidence, poor school performance, and anxiety and depression. (Symptoms’ of Children having ADHD may varies)

Impulsive part of ADHD can lead to impulsively acting out with out prior thinking, making mistakes and get embraced, or suffer injuries.

Good news is it is treatable and in good hands it has very positive treatment outcome.

Facts about ADHD

Approximately 3-7% of school-aged children have the disorder. Prevalence rates seem to vary by community, with some research indicating that larger cities may have rates as high as 10-15%.

General Symptoms

• Failure to pay attention or  failure to retain learned information
• Fidgeting or restless behavior
• Excessive activity or talking
• The appearance of being physically driven or compelled to constantly move
• Inability to sit quietly, even when motivated to do so
• (Seems like driven by a motor)
• Engaging in activity without thinking before hand
• Constantly interrupting others or changing the subject
• Poor peers relationship
• Difficulty sustaining focused attention
• Distractibility, Forgetfulness or absentmindedness
• Continual impatience
• Low frustration tolerance
• When focused attention is required, it is experienced as unpleasant
• Frequent shifts from one activity to another
• Careless or messy approach to assignments or tasks
• Failure to complete activities
• Difficulty organizing or prioritizing activities or possessions

 

Inattention during infancy can include

• Symptoms of Inattention
• Difficult to soothe
• Less babbling speech the first year
• Poor sucking or crying during feeding
• Smiles less often
• May not enjoy soft touch

 

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during infancy can include

• An aversion to being cuddled or held
• Strained/negative mother /child relationship
• More frequent crying

 

Symptoms of Impulsivity during infancy can include

• Frequent crying and colic (painful bowel problems)
• Frequent infections, more allergies, etc

 

Inattention during Pre school years can include

• Strong will; unresponsive to discipline
• Some language difficulties
• Difficulties with structured play
• Toilet training problems

Inattention during adolescence can include

• Frequently shifting from one uncompleted task to another
• Difficulty organizing activities
• Serious academic inconsistencies
• Ongoing underachievement
• Difficulties with household activities (cleaning, paying bills, etc.)
• Often viewed as lazy or disinterested
• Associated mood or behavior problems become more pronounced

 

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during adolescence can include

• Increased hyperactivity
• Pronounced feelings of restlessness
• Low self-esteem
• Intense need to stay busy and/or to do several things at once.
• Discipline problems
• High-risk behavior

 

Symptoms of Impulsivity during Adolescence can include

Continued poor peers relationships

• Low self-esteem
• Discipline problems
• Continued frequent arguments
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Risk-taking behavior
• Impulsive spending, leading to financial difficulties

 

Treatment options:

Currently available treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.

Psychotherapy:

• Behavioral therapy aims to help a child change his or her behavior in positive direction.
• It involves practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events.
• It teaches a child how to monitor his or her own behavior.
• Praising or rewarding for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.
• Parents and teachers also can give positive or negative feedback depending upon the behavior.
• In addition, clear rules, chore lists, and other structured routines can help a child control his or her behavior.
• Teaching children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing.
• Learning to read facial expressions and the tone of voice of others, hence modify ones’ behavior.
• Learning how to respond? Appropriate to certain situation.
• Children with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents and teachers to reach their full potential in their life.

Medication:

• Medication treatment if needed is safe and can be discussed with Child Psychiatrist.
• Discuss the risk/benefits of taking the medications.
• Know about the side effects and pre requisite to start the medications. (like ECG, Labs etc)
• Usually medications used called (stimulant medications) Like, Ritalin, Concerta, Adderal, vyvance,Methylephenidate, Pristique  and Focalin to name a few.
• In group of ADHD Children who can not tolerate (stimulant medications) can benefit from medications (non stimulant), Like Tenex, Strettera, Wellbutrin and Clonidine ETC.
• Research Shows Combination treatment (psychotherapy and medications) is superior to individual treatment approach.
• Medications does not cure ADHD but it treat the symptoms

Reference

• DSM-IV-TR workgroup. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.Washington,DC: American Psychiatric Association.
• Mick E, Biederman J, Faraone SV, Sayer J, Kleinman S. Case-control study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and maternal smoking, alcohol use, and drug use during pregnancy. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2002 Apr; 41(4):378-385.
• Khan SA, Faraone SV. The genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A literature review of 2005. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2006 Oct; 8:393-397.
• www.nimh.nih.gov.