Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, And Salvador Dali All Had ADHD And No One Would Call Them Lazy!
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ttention deficit disorder is more than
just hyperactivity. More accurately
called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
ADHD affects about three to five
per cent of children seven years of age.
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Its onset is about age three although a diagnosis
is not usually made until school starts. While ADHD
used to be considered a learning disability, today it
is a recognized psychiatric disorder that can affect a
child s education and socialization skills.
While you may think that hyperactivity is
always a symptom of ADHD, not everyone with
ADHD may be hyperactive. Daydreaming, not
seeming to listen, a short attention span, being easily
distracted, and forgetting things are also symptoms
along with the more recognized symptoms
which include constant motion, a hard time paying
attention, talking too much, and acting and speaking
without thinking.
No single test can confirm ADHD, and a
detailed medical history is needed for a diagnosis.
The physical cause is thought to be an imbalance
in neurochemicals in the nervous system
which results in the inappropriate behaviour. The
drugs used in ADHD target this imbalance. Stimulants
such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine
seem to boost and balance neurochemical
levels. These drugs are usually given early in the
day to avoid sleep disturbances. The nonstimulant,
atomoxetine, also affects neurochemicals, but does
not cause sleep problems. Antidepressants work by
altering various neurochemical levels and may help
some children.
Unfortunately, there is no way to check neurochemical
levels and often several different drugs
and even combinations are tried before improvement
is seen, which can be frustrating for both
children and parents.
One of the myths about ADHD is that it is not
a disorder, but rather created by pharmaceutical
companies to sell medication. This perception
results from the fact that drug therapy alone may
not be successful in treating ADHD. Psychotherapy,
behaviour therapy, family therapy, social skill training,
support groups, and the like are also essential.
As well, drugs are not able to cure the disease, but
rather only control the symptoms.
Often you may hear about the overdiagnosis,
misdiagnosis, or even underdiagnosis of ADHD.
The disease is difficult to diagnose and often coexists
with other conditions such as mood disorders,
learning disabilities, seizure conditions, too high
thyroid levels, extreme shyness, hearing problems,
or even boredom. Sorting through the symptoms
to make a correct diagnosis is difficult. Perhaps, it
is improved diagnosis that is needed so that other
conditions are not mistaken for ADHD.
You have probably heard that children grow
out of ADHD, but 30 to 70 per cent of children
continue to have symptoms into adulthood. In
adults the symptoms include problems with organization,
inability to concentrate, lapses in memory,
substance abuse, and a hot temper.
About twice as many boys than girls are
affected, however, it is thought that symptoms are
overlooked in girls.
ADHD has a family tendency which may be
linked to an inherited difference in nervous systems.
While you cannot change your genetic background,
you can make changes in other factors that
may increase the risk. Alcohol use and smoking
during pregnancy seem to increase the risk as do
premature birth and low birth weight. Environmental
exposure to chemicals such as lead may contribute
to the condition, and diets high in refined sugar
and/or food additives have been implicated.
Children who have experienced a head injury
also have a greater chance of having ADHD. It
always is a good idea to wear a properly fitting helmet
when playing sports or biking.
The myth that ADHD is caused by poor parenting
or lazy children is just unfounded. Genes, a
common environment, and common diet may give
the impression, but children with ADHD are no
different than other children and may contribute
greatly to society.
Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in
health care and education.
