Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic behavioral disorder. It is behavior that is hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive. These must persist for at least six months and be present in two environments (home, work, or school). ADHD affects children, adolescents, and adults.
The cause of ADHD is unknown. It most likely is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There also appears to be a genetic factor since ADHD can run in families.
All children display some of the symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD have symptoms that are more severe and consistent. They often have difficulty in school and with their family and peers.
ADHD can last into adulthood. It can cause problems with relationships, job performance, and job retention.
There are three types of ADHD:
Combined ADHD is the most common type.
Many people with ADHD also often have:
There is no standard test to diagnose ADHD. It is done by a trained mental health professional. Family and teachers are involved, as well.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the following guidelines be used for diagnosis in children 6-12 years of age:
The goal is to improve the child's ability to function. Doctors should work together with parents and school staff. Together, they can set realistic goals and evaluate the child's response.
Treatments include:
Medications can help control behavior and increase attention span. Stimulants are the most common choice for ADHD. They increase activity in parts of the brain that appear to be less active in children with ADHD. Stimulant medications include:
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about ADHD medication. There are possible risks with these medications, including cardiovascular events (eg, stroke , heart attack ) and psychiatric problems (eg, hearing voices, becoming manic).
Because of the rare risk of serious heart problems, the American Heart Association suggests that children have an electrocardiogram (ECG) before starting stimulant medication for ADHD. *¹
Other drugs include:
Children who take medication and go to therapy do better than those who just use medication. Therapy sessions focus on practicing social and problem-solving skills. Counselors will also teach parents and teachers to help the child through positive reinforcement. This could involve changes in the classroom, as well as in parenting style. Often, daily report cards are exchanged between parents and teachers.
Other tools, like the Disc'O'Sit cushion, may be helpful in improving children's attention in class. *³ The Disc'O'Sit is a dome-shaped cushion filled with air that the child balances on.
RESOURCES:
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
http://www.add.org/
Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
http://www.addresources.org/
Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
http://www.chadd.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org/
References:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 4th ed. Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association;2000.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#treat . Accessed February 9, 2008.
Children's Health Topics. American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org/ . Accessed June 24, 2008.
Fact sheet ADHD. The National Mental Health Association website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/ . Accessed June 24, 2008.
FDA directs ADHD drug manufacturers to notify patients about cardiovascular adverse events and psychiatric adverse events. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01568.html . Accessed on February 13, 2008.
Methylphenidate and clonidine help children with ADHD and tics. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_articles/news_article_adhd.htm . Accessed February 13, 2008.
Rappley M. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. NEJM . 2005;352:165-173.
Risks for ADHD drugs outlined in patient guides. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/adhd042307.html . Updated April 2007. Accessed on June 27, 2008.
The Truth About Diagnosing and Treating ADHD. American Psychiatric Association website. Available at: http://www.psych.org/ . Accessed June 24, 2008.
Your child—ADHD. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website. Available at: http://www.aacap.org/ . Accessed June 24, 2008.
*¹ 4/30/2008 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Vetter V, Elia J, Erickson C, et al. Cardiovascular monitoring of children and adolescents with heart disease receiving stimulant drugs. Circulation. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.189473 . Accessed April 30, 2008.
*² 4/30/2008 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : FDA approval letter. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/appletter/2008/021977s001ltr.pdf . Accessed April 30, 2008.
*³ 4/30/2008 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Pfeiffer B, Henry A, Miller S, Witherell S. Effectiveness of Disc 'O' Sit cushions on attention to task in second-grade students with attention difficulties. Am J Occup Ther. 2008;62:274-281.
Last reviewed March 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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