Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

(ADHD)

By: Tabitha Covington

OverviewDefinition (including three subtypes)Signs & Symptoms (separated by subtype)CausesDiagnosisTreatmentSteps to takeChild’s rights in schoolsHelping your child deal with ADHD

DefinitionAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is

commonly referred to as ADHD.

ADHD is one of the leading childhood disorders, as well as an issue for adults.

There are three subtypes of ADHD: Predominately hyperactive-impulsive Predominately inattentive Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Signs and SymptomsThere are three

general behaviors related to ADHD:InattentionHyperactivityImpulsivity

Signs and Symptoms: Inattention

A child may…. Be easily distracted Miss details Forget things Frequently switch from one ask

to another Have difficulty focusing on one

specific thing Become bored with an activity

very quickly, unless it is something they strongly enjoy

Have difficulty paying attention to organization

Have trouble learning something new

Have trouble finishing homework

Lose things frequently (pencils, homework, toys, etc.)

Not listen when someone speaks to them

Daydream Become easily confused Move slowly Have trouble processing

information as accurately and quickly as other children

Struggle following directions

Signs and Symptoms:Hyperactivity

A child may….Fidget and squirm around

in their seats Talk continuously Run around while

touching or playing with everything possible in sight

Have trouble sitting still (during school & at home)

Be constantly movingHave trouble participating

in any quiet activities

Signs and Symptoms:Impulsivity

A child may….Be extremely impatient Shout out inappropriate

commentsShow their emotions

without controlAct without considering

possible consequences Have difficulty waiting

(especially in taking turns)Interrupt conversations

and activities of others quite frequently

The Three Subtypes of ADHDPredominantly hyperactive-impulsive

The majority of symptoms (6 +) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.

There are less than 6 symptoms of inattention; however, inattention can still be existent to a certain extent.

Predominantly inattentive Most of symptoms (6 +) are part of the inattention category and there are

usually less than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity; however, hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be persistent to a certain extent.

Children with this subtype are not as likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may also sit quietly; but, they are usually not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, it is common with this subtype for the child to be unnoticed; because the teacher and parents don’t recognize it.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive There are 6 or more symptoms and signs of inattention and hyperactivity-

impulsivity present. This is the most common subtype for children.

CausesScientists are not completely sure what

causes ADHD.Possible causes and factors include:

GenesEnvironmental exposureSocial environmentBrain injuriesNutritionPremature birth and/or low birth weightSmoking or using alcohol during pregnancy

Causes—In detailScientists are not completely sure what causes ADHD.Many studies propose that genes play a large role in ADHD.

Study results show that ADHD tends to run in the family. Children diagnosed with ADHD carry a particular type of a certain

gene which causes thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention.

They are also researching other causes such as: environmental factors, social environment, brain injuries, and nutrition.

Studies show a potential connection between smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol during pregnancy and ADHD found in children.

Children who suffer from a brain injury sometimes show behaviors similar to those of ADHD; however, only a small fraction of kids who have ADHD have actually suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Other research shows that the consumption of certain food additives, such as artificial colors or preservatives, results in an increase in activity.

Diagnosis--Facts ADHD symptoms usually appear early in

childhood when the child is about 3-6 years old.

This disorder is very hard to diagnose due to a variety of possible symptoms; as well as the fact that a “n0rmal” child may show symptoms, but not actually have ADHD.

Parents usually observe their child and say they are out-of-control.

Surprisingly teachers usually notice the child's symptoms first.

Diagnosis--StepsA qualified health professional usually collects

information about the child and his/her behavior and environment.

Pediatricians can evaluate the child; but, most of them refer children to a mental health specialist who has had experience with childhood mental disorders, such as ADHD.

Either way, the first step for the doctor is to try to rule out other possibilities for the symptoms. This assures that the behavior of the child is not caused

by a certain occurrence that previously happened or a health condition, which could appear to be symptoms of ADHD.

Diagnosis—Steps (cont’d.)The child's pediatrician and specialist will determine if

a child:Is having unnoticed seizures, which could be associated

with other medical conditions Has an ear infection, which could cause hearing problems Has any hearing or vision problems that were not knownHas any health problems that influence thinking/behaviorHas any learning disabilities Has anxiety or depression, or other psychiatric problems

that might cause ADHD-like symptoms Has been affected by a significant and sudden change,

such as the death of a family member, a divorce, or parent's job loss.

Diagnosis—Steps (cont’d.)The specialist will also look at behaviors and

environment in order to find out what the possible causes are.

In most cases, the child will go through several testing procedures after they have a basic overview.

The testing will include placing the child in a variety of situations to check for symptoms.

Based on the input from various people who interact with the child (teachers, coaches, parents, etc.), testing, and observations, the specialist will then make the diagnosis if necessary.

TreatmentThere is NO cure for ADHD.The only treatments existing simply reduce

symptoms for many people.Treatments include:

Medication Stimulants Non-stimulants

Many types of psychotherapyEducation and/or training

Treatment--MedicationsTrade Name Generic Name Approved Age

Adderall amphetamine 3 and older

Adderall XRamphetamine (extended release)

6 and older

Concertamethylphenidate (long acting)

6 and older

Daytranamethylphenidate patch

6 and older

Desoxynmethamphetamine hydrochloride

6 and older

Dexedrine dextroamphetamine 3 and older

Dextrostat dextroamphetamine 3 and older

Focalin dexmethylphenidate 6 and older

Focalin XRdexmethylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Metadate ERmethylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Metadate CDmethylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Methylinmethylphenidate (oral solution and chewable tablets)

6 and older

Ritalin methylphenidate 6 and older

Ritalin SRmethylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Ritalin LAmethylphenidate (long acting)

6 and older

Strattera atomoxetine 6 and older

Vyvanselisdexamfetamine dimesylate

6 and older

To the right are the most common medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD.

Steps to take Seek help! Talk to your child’s pediatrician and discuss further options. Be informed as a parent. Understanding the disorder and having patience with your

child is key.

To help children with organization and following directions: Have a regular schedule Change in a child’s day can really intensify their

ADHD. Follow the same routine every day Take into account time to do homework, play, and other activities. Hang the schedule on your refrigerator, door, or in the child's room. Whenever a change is needed, post is as soon as possible.

Organize, organize, organize. Have a special place for everything and keep it there!

Use organizers for school. Organizers for homework and notebooks can significantly help children. Encourage your child to always right down their homework; and, bring home the necessary

materials. Be clear and consistent as a parent.

Just like with schedules, children with ADHD need a consistent rules. Praise and reward your child.

Children with ADHD are often criticized more than praised. Always reward and commend your child when they are on their best behavior.

A child’s rights in schoolsSchools can often perform an evaluation on your

child to see if they have a special need or disorder.Every state has a “Parent Training and Information

Center and a Protection and Advocacy Agency.”Disabilities Education Act: requires public schools

to provide all eligible children who have disabilities with a free, suitable public education in the least restrictive atmosphere that suits their individual needs.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: allows children a “free appropriate education” which is available to all children with special needs.

Helping your child deal with ADHD

Be patient and understanding.Seek as much help as possible.Communicate with teacher and guidance

counselors at your child’s school.Accept your child and their disability of

ADHD.Take every step you can to help your child

stay on track, organized, focused, and responsible.

My Personal OpinionI was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12

years old.I currently take Adderall XR every day.This really helps me to concentrate and stay

on task.My parents and family have also been very

supportive with my disorder.ADHD is curable today, but someday there

will be a cure of more treatment!!

Works Cited http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-

disorder/complete-index.shtml http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor65310

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