Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Attention deficit (DEF-i-sit) hyperactivity (hi-per-ak-TIV-i-te) disorder, also called ADHD, is a common behavior problem seen in school-aged children. With ADHD, your child may be overactive and restless most of the time. He may also have a hard time paying attention, concentrating, and controlling his actions. These may make it difficult for your child to do well at home or in school. ADHD may also cause your child to have problems getting along with his friends and relatives. You may notice that your child's behavior may seem different from other children of his age. ADHD usually starts before your child is seven years of age and is more common among boys. With proper treatment and care, your child's ADHD may be controlled and his quality of life improved.

What are the causes of ADHD? The exact cause of ADHD is not known. Caregivers believe that there may be a problem with how your child's brain works. Some babies may be already overactive even when they were still inside their mothers' wombs. Children who have ADHD are often fussy and difficult to quiet as babies. The following are possible causes and conditions which may increase your child's chance of having ADHD:

• Being born prematurely (born earlier than expected).
  
  
• Having a close family member with ADHD.
  
  
• History of head injury, especially during his birth.
  
  
• Infections of the brain caused by germs, such as bacteria and viruses.
  
  
• Mental problems, such as depression or learning and memory problems.
  
  
• Mother was a cigarette smoker, alcohol drinker, or drug user during pregnancy.
  
  
• Too much exposure of your child to toxic chemicals at a young age or while inside your womb. The toxic chemicals may include lead which is often found in paints.

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD? ADHD is grouped into three types. The signs and symptoms of ADHD will depend on the type of ADHD he has.

• Inattention:
  
  
  • Avoids chores or activities that need full attention.
    
    
  • Does not follow or easily forgets instructions or directions.
    
    
  • Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
    
    
  • Fails to give close attention to orders and makes careless mistakes in school work.
    
    
  • Gets easily distracted.
    
    
  • Has a hard time focusing.
    
    
  • Has problems organizing tasks or chores.
    
    
  • Loses things, such as pencils, books, homework, or toys.
  
  
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity:
  
  
  • Always on the go or fast driven.
    
    
  • Blurts out answers even without letting the question to be finished.
    
    
  • Has problems doing quiet fun or leisure activities.
    
    
  • Has problems waiting turns or waiting in line.
    
    
  • Interrupts or intrudes.
    
    
  • Leaves his seat frequently.
    
    
  • Moves hands or wiggles feet often.
    
    
  • Runs about or climbs too much.
    
    
  • Talks a lot.
  
  
• Combined type: This is the most common type of ADHD and is a combination of the other two types.

How is ADHD diagnosed? There is no lab test that can diagnose ADHD. Caregivers use a guide to diagnose ADHD. Your child has ADHD if he has at least six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. These symptoms are often beyond what would be expected for your child's age. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months and not be caused by other problems. These symptoms must be severe (bad) enough to cause problems in two or more settings. These settings may include those in school or at home. Some symptoms must be present before the age of seven.

How is ADHD treated? The aim of treatment is to help your child learn how to control his own behavior. Caregivers will also work with you so you may know how to cope with your child's ADHD. Your child may need any of the following:

• Behavior therapy: With a therapist, your child will learn how to control his actions and improve his behavior. This is done by teaching him how to change his behavior by looking at the results of his actions. He may learn that certain behaviors have good or bad results. These results may make him feel either good or bad about himself. Good behaviors will be rewarded and encouraged, while unwanted or bad behaviors will be discouraged. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about behavior therapy.
  
  
• Psychotherapy: This is also called talk therapy. These talks are usually in a series of meetings. Meetings or talks may be held for you, your child, and your family. These meetings can help everyone better understand ADHD. Your caregiver may also include your child's teachers or people that are close to him during these talks.
  
  
• Medicines: Ask your child's caregivers before using any of the following medicines:
  
  
  • Non-stimulants: Caregivers may suggest any of the following non-stimulant medicines to help your child control his behavior:
    
    
    • Anti-depressants: These medicines are given to decrease or prevent the symptoms of depression. It can also be used to treat other behavior problems.
      
      
    • Blood pressure medicines: These medicines are usually used to control high blood pressure. They may also be used to help decrease motor tics (uncontrolled movements). Blood pressure medicines may help your child feel calmer, more focused, and less irritable. It may be given by mouth or as a sticky patch put on your child's skin.
      
      
    • Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: This class of medicine, also called SNRI, works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control behavior. Ask your child' s caregiver for more information on SNRI.
    
    
  • Stimulants: This medicine is given to help your child pay attention, concentrate better, and help improve his energy.

Where can I find support and more information? Having a child with ADHD is a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that your child has ADHD may be hard. Talk to your child's caregiver, your family, or friends about your feelings. Encourage those close to your child to talk to him about how things are at home or school. Your child's caregiver can help you and your family better understand how to support a child with ADHD. You and your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who may also have children with ADHD. Contact the following organizations for more information:

• Attention Deficit Disorder Association
  PO Box 543
  Pottstown, PA 19464
  Phone: 1-484-945-2101
  Web Address: http://www.add.org/
  

• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
  8181 Professional Place, Suite 201
  Landover, MD 20785
  Phone: 1-800-233-4050
  Web Address: http://www.chadd.org
  

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Public Information & Communication Branch
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
  Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
  Phone: 1-301-443-4513
  Phone: 1-866-615-6464
  Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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