ADHD

WHAT IS ADHD?

‘ADHD’ stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Hyperkinetic Disorder’. Until 1994 ADHD was known as ‘ADD’ (Attention Deficit Disorder) which did not refer to hyperactivity.

'ADHD' is a developmental and behavioural medical disorder, often caused by environmental or genetic factors that result in certain neurological differences. ADHD is often characterised by poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness which are considered inappropriate for the child's age.

ADHD is thought to be caused due to a lack of chemicals in the key areas in the brain which are responsible for organising thoughts. An estimated 1.7% of children in the UK have been diagnosed with ADHD (in the United States it is thought to be 8- 10 %) . It is more often found in males than females.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD are generally categorised in three ways as follows:-

Inattentive ADHD

This is where there is often an inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in work or other activities. Symptoms may include:-

• Difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities;
• Apparent listening problems;
• Difficulty following instructions;
• Problems with organisation;
• Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort;
• Tendency to lose things;
• Distractibility;
• Forgetfulness in daily activities.

Hyperactive - Impulsive ADHD

This is where a child displays symptoms such as:

• Fidgeting or squirming;
• Difficulty remaining seated;
• Excessive activity;
• Difficulty playing quietly;
• Always seeming to be ‘on the go’;
• Excessive talking;
• Blurting out answers before hearing the full question;
• Difficulty waiting for a turn or in line;
• Problems with interrupting or intruding.

Combined inattentive ADHD and Hyperactive - Impulsive ADHD

This type involves a combination of the first two types of ADHD and is actually the most common form of ADHD. Symptoms are often present over a long period of time and occur in different settings, such as home and school. Often they will impair a child's ability to function socially, academically and domestically.

HOW IS ADHD DIAGNOSED?

ADHD needs to be diagnosed by a qualified healthcare practitioner. However, there can sometimes be difficulties in diagnosing ADHD for a number of reasons. For example there are no clear physical signs that accompany ADHD and there is currently no test that can determine the presence of ADHD. ADHD can only be identified by looking for certain characteristic behaviors which vary from person to person.

ADHD is also often found in conjunction with other disorders, such as:-

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)

Where children may display behavioural difficulties such as stubbornness, outbursts of temper and acts of defiance and rule breaking.

• Mood Disorders (including depression)

Where children often feel isolated, inadequate to their peers, frustrated by school failures and social problems and also have low levels of self esteem.

• Anxiety Disorders

Where children may worry, panic excessively or be unduly fearful which in turn can lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea.

ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Children with ADHD may also have other learning difficulties as a secondary condition such as Dyslexia where they may experience difficulties with reading and writing. Although ADHD is not categorized as a learning disability it can interfere with a child’s concentration levels

Children with ADHD are often regulated by medication such as Ritalin (the generic form is called methylphenidate) . Ritalin increases the brain's ability to inhibit it self, allowing the brain to focus and not become distracted. Children prescribed Ritalin will often become more attentive to class work; activity levels can decline to within normal limits and impulsivity can be substantially reduced.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.