ADHD is a Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This neurological condition is characterized by a constant pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in children.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, such symptoms must be observed frequently or severely for at least six months in a child before the age of 7. ADHD strikes adults as well. According to estimates, nearly one-third of children with ADHD still observe these symptoms as adults, as they affect their lives, jobs, and social relationships.
ADHD is partly associated with the brain’s chemistry and anatomy. It is a developmental and behavioral disorder, usually persisting throughout a person’s lifetime, beginning during childhood and continuing into adulthood. Currently it is estimated that 4% to 6% of the American population suffers from ADHD.
The most common ADHD features are:
* Distractibility (poor attention span)
* Impulsivity (impaired impulse control)
* Hyperactivity (excessive activity and/or restlessness)
It is essential to remember that the nature and severity of ADHD is different for each person. Almost one-third of people with ADHD do not show symptoms of hyperactivity.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADD & ADHD?
There is a difference in terminology. ADD which stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, is used by many as a kind of generic term for all types of ADHD.
This term is quite popular among the public, and is widely used by the specialists. ADD was the name given to ADHD in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association, and in 1994 it was changed to current “official and clinical” term of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This change of name was a result of scientific advances and careful clinical examinations.
Currently, the scientists support the position that ADHD is not a specific disorder with different variations.
It is divided into 3 subtypes, based upon the symptoms of inattentiveness/distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity:
* Combined Type,
* Predominantly Inattentive Type,
* Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
In other words, ADD and ADHD are basically referring to the same thing.
SYMPTOMS
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptoms of ADHD can be divided into 3 categories: Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and a combination of the 2: Inattention Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. ADHD symptoms are different in childhood and adulthood, and vary from mild to severe.
Children with ADHD often reveal the following symptoms:
* Restlessness and impulsivity
* Daydreaming
* They are easily distracted
* They are unable to focus for long periods
* They complete tasks slowly
Adults with ADHD have less obvious symptoms, such as:
* Inattentiveness, impulsivity or hyperactivity
* Impairment in at least 2 of the 3 areas- work, home life and social interaction
* A history of childhood symptoms
Other common symptoms of ADHD are:
* lack of attention to details
* careless mistakes
* difficulty sustaining or maintaining attention
* lack of ability to follow instructions carefully
* not listening when spoken to directly;
* problems with organizing tasks
* losing and forgetting important things
* fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming
* running or climbing excessively
* talking excessively;
* impatience such as blurting out answers before hearing the whole question;
* difficulty awaiting turn
* runs and climbs in inappropriate situations or wanders
* exhibits disruptive behavior
* interrupts others
* sleep problems
The symptoms mentioned above usualy begin by the age of 3, and can cause people with ADHD to become social outcasts or loners, who often show no regard for their own safety. Their behavior is not modified by reward or punishment and they may have some problems with learning.
CAUSES
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the specialists are now able to prove that there are obvious changes in the brains of people with this condition. A lot of research still must be conducted to find out what causes this disorder.
It is relevant to remember that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, home or school situations, poor teachers, too much TV, food allergies, or too much sugar. According to researchers, ADHSD is likely caused by certain biological factors influencing neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain, with a strong genetic basis.
PREVENTION
ADHD is a very complex problem, impossible to prevent. However, with a combination of medicines (if and when needed), therapy and counseling, most children and adults with ADHD can enjoy relatively normal lives.
TREATMENTS
There are a few types of treatments available to help control the symptoms of ADHD:
* Stimulant medications (or psychostimulants) – they have been used for many years now to treat both serious and moderate symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children (over age 6).
* Stimulants used to treat ADHD are: Adderall, Concerta, Cyclert, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Ritalin and Ritalin LA. Stimulants are dangerous as they are highly addictive.
* Nonstimulant Therapy – In 2003, the FDA approved Strattera as the first nonstimulant treatment for ADHD. Unlike the above mentioned stimulants, Strattera it is not a controlled substance and people are less prone to abuse or become dependant on it.
* Antidepressant Therapy – This treatment is used in children and adults suffering from considerable depression along with ADHD.
* Other medications– Catapres and guanfacine, usually taken to treat hypertension, have been shown to be of some benefit for people with ADHD when used alone or in combination with stimulant medications.
* Behavior Management– Behavior Management is probably the most important and beneficial way of treating ADHD symptoms. Most specialists agree that combining medication with extended behavior management techniques is the most effective way to help both adults and children with ADHD.
