Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Attention deficit (DEF-i-sit) hyperactivity (hi-per-ak-TIV-i-te) disorder, also called ADHD, is a condition where there is a problem with your behavior. Most people with ADHD have behavioral problems since childhood. With ADHD, you may be overactive and restless most of the time. You may also have a hard time paying attention, concentrating, and controlling your actions. ADHD interferes with how you function in your day-to-day activities at work, school, or at home. ADHD may also cause you to have problems getting along with your friends and relatives. Your behavior may seem different from other people of your age. With proper treatment and care, your ADHD may be controlled and quality of life improved.

What are the causes of ADHD?

ADHD usually starts during childhood and may continue during adulthood. The exact cause of ADHD is not known. Caregivers believe that there may be a problem on how your brain works. The following are possible causes and conditions which may increase your chance of having ADHD:

• Being born prematurely (born earlier than expected).
  
  
• Having a close family member with ADHD.
  
  
• Heavy cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, or use of illegal drugs.
  
  
• History of head injury.
  
  
• Infections of the brain caused by germs, such as bacteria and viruses.
  
  
• Mental problems, such as Tourette's syndrome, depression, or learning and memory problems.
  
  
• Too much exposure to toxic chemicals, such as 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 you have.

• Inattention:
  
  
  • Avoids chores or activities that need full attention.
    
    
  • Does not follow or easily forgets instructions or directions.
    
    
  • Does not listen or drifts away when spoken to directly.
    
    
  • Fails to give close attention to orders and makes careless mistakes in school or at work.
    
    
  • Forgets daily activities. Loses things, such as books, paperwork, office reports, or tools.
    
    
  • Gets easily distracted or has a hard time focusing at work.
    
    
  • Problems organizing tasks or chores and managing time or schedule.
  
  
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity:
  
  
  • Always on the go or fast driven. Becomes easily bored and put tasks off before completing them.
    
    
  • Blurts out answers even without letting the question to be finished. Talks a lot and finds it hard to stop talking or moving. Interrupts, intrudes, or butts into conversations or games.
    
    
  • Changes school or work too much. Moves from one thing to another and does not finish jobs.
    
    
  • Feels stressed, nervous, or worried much of the time.
    
    
  • Has problems doing quiet fun or leisure activities. Tends to have an addictive behavior where you do some things and cannot stop. These include alcohol drinking, use of illegal drugs, shopping, eating, or working too much.
    
    
  • Has problems waiting turns or often tends to speed when driving.
    
    
  • Paces back and forth, taps fingers, or moves around while sitting especially during meetings.
  
  
• Combined type: This is the most common type of ADHD and is a combination of the other two types.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

• Psychiatric assessment: Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.
  
  
• Tests, scales and guides: There is no single lab test that can diagnose ADHD. Your caregiver may order certain tests, or use rating scales to learn more about your behavior. Caregivers use a guide to diagnose ADHD. You have ADHD if you have at least six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. These symptoms are often beyond what would be expected for your 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 at home, work, or in school. Some symptoms must be present since you were a child.

How is ADHD treated?

The aim of treatment is to help you learn how to control your own behavior. Caregivers will also work with your family, friends, classmates, or co-workers so you may know how to cope with your ADHD. You may need any of the following:

• Behavior therapy: With a therapist, you will learn how to control your actions and improve your behavior. This is done by teaching you how to change your behavior by looking at the results of your actions. You may learn that certain behaviors have good or bad results. These results may make you feel either good or bad about yourself. Good behaviors will be rewarded and encouraged, while unwanted or bad behaviors will be discouraged. Ask your 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 and your family. These meetings can help everyone better understand ADHD. Your caregiver may also include your teachers, or people who are close to you during these talks.
  
  
• Medicines: Ask your caregivers before using any of the following medicines:
  
  
  • Non-stimulants: Caregivers may suggest any of the following non-stimulant medicines to help you control your 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 you feel calmer, more focused, and less irritable.
      
      
    • 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 caregiver for more information on SNRI.
    
    
  • Stimulants: This medicine is given to help you pay attention, concentrate better, and improve energy.

Where can I find support and more information?

Having ADHD is a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that you have ADHD may be hard. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. Your caregiver can help you and your family better understand how to support you. You and your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who may also have 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 care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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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