 |
Forms and Instructions
|
 |
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavior disorder that is diagnosed in children. It is estimated that approximately 4 to 10 % of school-aged children have ADHD. It will continue into the teenage years and adulthood in up to 60% of children with this diagnosis. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls because they more frequently have hyperactivity with attention deficit. About equal numbers of boys and girls are diagnosed with inattention only ADHD.
ADHD is sometimes portrayed as a controversial diagnosis by the popular media and general public because all children at times have difficulty paying attention, are impulsive, or have difficulty sitting still. The difference in children with ADHD is that their symptoms occur so frequently and are so severe that it significantly affects a child’s daily activities both at home and at school.
ADHD is felt to have a genetic component, as there are often other family members who have this as well. It is now recognized that there is a chemical component to ADHD where the chemical signals between nerve cells in certain parts of the brain do not maintain an adequate connection. The idea that poor parenting causes ADHD is not true. Likewise a poor diet, too much sugar, or food additives/dyes have not been shown to cause ADHD in studies.
Parents will often comment that their child can play video games for hours so they can’t have ADHD. Video games are very action packed and they change quickly. They are highly stimulating for most kids. Because they do not ask a child to pay attention to one focused task for a period of time (such as reading, writing a paper, or listening to a teacher talk) many kids with ADHD will play video games because they are constantly stimulated by the ever-changing games while playing.
Inattentive type ADHD is usually diagnosed at a later age than the hyperactive type of ADHD. This is because these kids are typically not disruptive in class or at home. Common signs of this form of ADHD might include a child who is always daydreaming. They often seem to lose things. They often forget to turn in their homework even though it is in their backpack. It may take them 2 hours to finish homework that should only take 30 minutes. When they go to clean up their room they forget and end up playing with their toys instead. They may have studied hard for a test and seemed to know it the night before and yet the next day they seemed to forget everything that they had reviewed.
Kids with hyperactive type ADHD are often described as constantly moving; they never seem to slow down. They may not be able to sit still at the table and are always getting out of their chair. They can’t sit still at their desk and can’t stay quiet in class. They always seem to be fidgeting. They may not think before they act. They may run out into the middle of street without looking even though there are cars around. They may have difficulty keeping friends and taking turns.
The best treatment for ADHD involves both medications and behavioral therapy. The stimulant class of medications is very effective and considered first line treatment. Most children with ADHD respond very well to these medicines. The stimulant class of medications has been around for a long time and is very safe at the recommended dosages. They are not habit forming in people with ADHD but they do have the potential to be misused by others. They come in long acting forms which only need to be given once in the morning. There are now 2 other medications, which are not stimulants that have been approved for ADHD. They are considered second line therapy if the stimulants are not tolerated or are ineffective.
From a behavior standpoint, kids with ADHD benefit from being given one task at time to complete. Parents should try to minimize other distractions, i.e. turn off the TV or move to a quieter place, and make good eye contact when talking with their child. Use lists and/or a daily planner. Try to keep a regular schedule. Give clear commands in a firm voice but not yelling when trying to stop a behavior. Praising good behavior is very important for children especially for children with ADD who often seem to get more negative responses from parents and teachers. Working with a counselor or therapist is often very helpful to institute a behavior plan for families.
Good resources on ADHD can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics website (www. aap.org), The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), or talk with your child’s physician.
Dr. Mark Schane is a board certified pediatrician at Longmont Clinic. He can be reached at 720-494-3133.
|
|
 |