Time For More Attention To ADHD – for Mar. 22, 2010

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Published: March 22, 2010

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Attention 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.

Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, And Salvador Dali All Had ADHD And No One Would Call Them Lazy!

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.

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Marie Berry

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Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in health and education.

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