ADHD

What is AD/HD?

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 5% to 10% of school-age children.
Boys are three times more affected than girls
Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing.


WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AD/HD?

HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE TYPE

fidgeting or squirming
excessive running or climbing
difficulty remaining seated
always seeming to be "on the go"
difficulty playing quietly
excessive talking
blurting out answers before hearing the full question
difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
problems with interrupting or intruding
INATTENTIVE TYPE

distractibility
inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
difficulty following instructions
avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
problems with organization
tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
forgetfulness in daily activities
COMBINED TYPE

involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common
WHAT CAUSES AD/HD?

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines.
Experts have found that certain areas of the brain are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity in children with ADHD.
ADHD has biological origins that aren't yet clearly understood.
Recent research also links smoking/alcoholism during pregnancy to later ADHD in a child.
Other risk factors may include premature delivery, very low birth weight, and injuries to the brain at birth.
Some studies have even suggested a link between excessive early television watching and future attention problems.
WHAT ARE SOME RELATED PROBLEMS?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)
Mood Disorders (such as depression)
Anxiety Disorders
Learning Disabilities
HOW IS AD/HD DIAGNOSED?

a child must display behaviors from one of the three subtypes before age 7
these behaviors must be more severe than in other kids the same age
the behaviors must last for at least 6 months
the behaviors must occur in and negatively affect at least two areas of a child's life (such as school, home, day-care settings, or friendships)
The behaviors must also not be linked to stress, depression, or anxiety at home.
How Is AD/HD Treated?

Medications
Stimulants
Nonstimulants
Antidepressants
Behavioral Therapy