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ADHD - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder typically are overactive, unable to pay attention, and impulsive. They also tend to be accident prone. Children or adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may not do well in school or even fail, despite normal or above-normal intelligence. Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is sometimes referred to as ADHD.

 What are the Signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

There are three different types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, each with different symptoms. The types are referred to as inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

 Children with Inattentive Type:

• Have short attention spans;

• Are easily distracted;

• Do not pay attention to details;

• Make lots of mistakes;

• Fail to finish things;

• Are forgetful;

• Don't seem to listen; and

• Cannot stay organized.

Children with Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:

• Fidget and squirm;
• Are unable to stay seated or play quietly;
• Run or climb too much when they should not;
• Talk too much or when they should not;
• Blurt out answers before questions are completed;
• Have trouble taking turns; and
• Interrupt others.

 Combined Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, the most common type, is a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

 A diagnosis of one of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders is made when a child has a number of the above symptoms, and the symptoms began before the age of 7 and lasted at least 6 months. Generally, symptoms have to be seen in at least two different settings (for example, at home and at school) before a diagnosis is made.

 What Causes Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Many causes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been studied, but no one cause seems to apply to all young people with the disorder. There is strong evidence that genetic factors are important. But other factors such as viruses, harmful chemicals in the environment, problems during pregnancy or delivery, or other things that impair brain development may play a role as well.

 What Help is Available for Families?

Many treatments-some with good scientific basis, some without-have been recommended for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The best proven treatments are medication and behavior treatments.

Medication

The most widely used drugs for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are stimulants, such as  amphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Desoxyn), methylphenidite (Ritalin), and pemoline (Cylert). Stimulants increase the activity in parts of the brain that are underactive in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Experts believe that this is why stimulants improve attention and reduce impulsive, hyperactive, or aggressive behavior. Individuals may respond better to one medication than to another. For example, clonidine (Catapres) is often used, although its effectiveness has not been clearly shown. A few antidepressants may also work for some consumers. Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first non-stimulant approved for the treatment of ADHD.

 Behavior Treatment

• Behavior treatments include:

• Teaching parents and teachers to help modify the child/adolescents behavior through positive reward;

• A daily report card to link the home and school efforts;

• Summer and Saturday programs;

• Special classrooms that use intensive behavior modification; and

• Specially trained classroom aides.

 Parents Can Also…

When it comes to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, parents and other caregivers should be careful not to jump to conclusions. A high energy level alone in a child or adolescent does not mean that he or she has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The diagnosis depends on whether the child or adolescent can focus well enough to complete tasks that suit his or her age and intelligence. This ability is most likely to be noticed by a teacher. Therefore, input from teachers should be taken seriously.

If parents or caregivers suspect a child has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, they should:

• Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, psychologist, child neurologist, or behavioral pediatrician for an evaluation.
• If the young person is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, be patient. The disorder may take a long time to improve.
• Instill a sense of competence in the child or adolescent. Promote his or her strengths, talents, and feelings of self worth.
• Remember that failure, frustration, discouragement, low self-esteem, and depression, in many cases, cause more problems than the disorder itself.
• Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines, or behavioral health providers.
• Ask questions about treatments and services.
• Talk with other families in the community.
• Find family network organizations.

ADHD - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Reference: National Mental Health Association  - *Licensure granted to re-print above information obtained from the National Mental Health Association on 1/29/03.

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