What Is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

 

ADHD is a neurobiological disability that interferes with a person's ability to sustain attention of focus on a task and to delay impulsive behavior.  ADHD affects approximately 5% of American children.  Many symptoms of ADHD continue into adulthood for approximately 60% of individuals with the disorder.

What Are The Symptoms of ADHD?

Symptoms of Inattention

•  fails to pay close attention
•  has difficulty maintaining attention on tasks
•  does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
•  has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
•  avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
•  loses things necessary for tasks or activities
•  is easily distracted
•  is often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

•  fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
•  leaves seat in classroom
•  runs or climbs excessively when inappropriate
•  is always on the go or acts as if "driven by a motor"
•  often talks excessively

Symptoms of Impulsivity

• blurts out answers
• has difficulty waiting in turn
• interrupts or intrudes on others

How Do I Have My Child Tested?

There is no single objective test to determine if someone has ADD/ADHD.  A comprehensive evaluation is usually conducted and can include the following:

•  physical evaluation
•  parent-rated child behavior scales
•  teacher-rated child behavior scales
•  parent and child interviews
•  review of school and medical records
•  intelligence testing (IQ tests) and educational achievement testing

Based on the evaluation, the individual can be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder: -Inattentive Type; -Hyperactivity Type; or Combined Type.  The criteria for these are set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

What Treatments Are Available?

Recommended treatment for ADD is a multimodal approach, consisting of the following:

• Parent training in behavior management;
• An appropriate educational program;
• Individual and Family counseling, when needed;
• Medication when required.  Psychostimulants are the most widely used medication for the management of ADD symptoms.  Approximately 70-80% of children with ADD respond positively to medications.

Although ADD can be a debilitating, it is important to know that help is available and ADD is treatable. 

For more information, read the article What Every Parent Needs to Know About ADHD by Rhonda Grunther, MSW.