PsychMD.info - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms:

inattention: a child who daydreams or seems to be in another world, is sidetracked by what is going on around him or her; easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds; failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes; rarely following instructions carefully and completely losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task; often skipping from one uncompleted activity to another
hyperactivity: a child who can't sit still, walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated, feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated; has difficulty waiting in line or taking turns; talks when others are talking, or blurts out answers before hearing the whole question
impulsiveness: a child who acts quickly without thinking first

How common is ADHD?

About 3-5% of U.S. children (= 2 million children) have ADHD during the course of a given year.

Treatment (combination of psychotherapy and medication(s) may be helpful):

behavioral therapy: helps people develop more effective ways to work on immediate issues. Rather than helping the child understand his or her feelings and actions, it helps directly in changing their thinking and coping and thus may lead to changes in behavior.
social skills training: helps children learn new behaviors. In social skills training, the therapist discusses and models appropriate behaviors important in developing and maintaining social relationships, like waiting for a turn, sharing toys, asking for help, or responding to teasing, then gives children a chance to practice.
support groups: help parents connect with other people who have similar problems and concerns with their ADHD children. Sharing experiences with others who have similar problems helps people know that they aren't alone.
parenting skills training: gives parents tools and techniques for managing their child's behavior. One such technique is the use of token or point systems for immediately rewarding good behavior or work. Another is the use of "time-out" or isolation to a chair or bedroom when the child becomes too unruly or out of control.
medications: some of the medications that have been used to treat ADHD include:
- amphetamine (Adderall)
- methylphenidate (Concerta)
- pemoline (Cylert)
- dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- dextroamphetamine (Dextrostat)
- dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- methylphenidate (Metadate ER)
- methylphenidate (Metadate CD)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin SR)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin LA)
- atomoxetine (Strattera)

Before taking medication for ADHD:

Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the medication he or she is prescribing.
Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications your child is using.
Ask your doctor when and how the medication will be stopped. Some medications cannot safely be discontinued abruptly; they have to be tapered slowly under a physician's supervision.
Be aware that some medications are effective only as long as they are taken regularly, and symptoms may occur again when the medications are discontinued.
Work together with your doctor to determine the right dosage of the right medication to treat ADHD.

Reference: National Institute of Mental Health