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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Symptoms:
Inattention
· unable to consistently focus, remember, and organize
· careless, hard time starting, and completing tasks that are boring, repetitive, or challenging
Impulsiveness
· frequently act before thinking
· not make sound judgment or solve problem well
· trouble developing and maintaining personal relationship
· adult may keep the same job for long or spend wisely
Hyperactivity
· not able to sit still for even a short time
· adult/teenagers often feel restless and fidgety and are not able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities
Types of ADHD
Combined type ADHD
· signs of both hyperactivity and attention problems
Predominantly hyperactive
· impulsive type ADHD
· children have significant problems with hyperactivity and impulsiveness and fewer problems with attention
Predominantly inattentive ADHD
· children mainly have problems with inattention and fewer problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity
Symptoms can be mild to severe.
Other conditions that are mistaken as ADHD:
· learning disabilities
· depression
· anxiety disorder
· oppositional defiant disorder
Diagnose: 6-12 years old children
· through medical examination to rule out other conditions
· evaluation by physician, pediatrician, family doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist
· observation of child’s behavior documented by parents, classroom teachers, others who have regular contact with the child
Treatment: No cure but treatment can help control symptoms
· Stimulant medications
- amphetamines
Dexedrine
Adderall
- methylphenidate
Ritalin
Concerta
Metadale CD
· Non stimulant medications – alternative when stimulant medication are not effective or not well tolerated
- atomoxetine
Strattera
Effective therapy:
· medication plus behavioral therapy
· extra support from home, school, and counseling
Side effects of medications:
· loss of appedtite
· headaches
· stomach aches
· tics and twitches
· problem sleeping
Adult ADHD:
· hard to focus, organize or finishtasks
· forgetful, absent-minded
· some
- learn to manage their lives and career which they can use their strength for intellectual curiosity and creativity
· many
- difficulties at home and work
- have higher divorce rates
- more likely to smoke
- more substance abuses
- peer problem – few enter college and few graduate
Treatment: · medication
· counseling
· behavioral therapy
Published: October 28, 2007
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