Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often abbreviated to ADHD or AD/HD; it is considered a disruptive behaviour disorder which affects school-aged children. ADHD is characteried by constant impulsiveness and inattention; it causes cannot-sit-still behaviour. Dulcan M, from ACAD Children Adolescent Psychiatry found that ADHA is twice as common in boys.

An experiment by Lerner M, Wigal T showed that ADHD can continue throughout adulthood but those with ADHD develop coping mechanisms to balance their behaviour and impulsive control as they mature.

It is hard to diagnose ADHD, it is believed that many children are misdiagnosed while many suffer from ADHD and don't know. The diagnosis can only be made after a range of information is collected, especially from parents and teachers as the symptoms must be obvious in most areas of the children's life. Diagnosis isn't a single test.

ADHD causes difficulty concentrating and problems with attention spans. These symptoms occur due to the way the brain functioning works. The Parenting and Children's Health Website estimates that between 5% and 10% of primary school aged children suffer from ADD or ADHD, these are four times more likely to be boys than girls

The symptoms for ADHD are:

Impulsiveness: acting before thinking, jumping, moving quickly from activity to activity, disorganisation and interrupting

Hyperactivity: restlessness, unable to sit still, fidgeting, squirming, yawning, stretching, climbing and restless sleep

Inattention: distracted, not finishing tasks, not listening, daydreaming and talking out of turn.

The cause for ADHD is still unknown. Treatment for ADHD is very controversial; methods of treatment for ADHD usually involve a combination of medications which are used to change behaviour and lifestyle whilst working with counseling. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that stimulant medications and behavior therapy are appropriate and generally safe treatments for ADHD, although treatment for pre-school children is not recommended.

In conjunction with medication, or alone, numerous tips from Better Health Victoria, have been suggested to parents and teachers to help those suffering from ADHD, these include: taking regular breaks, developing routines and simple clear rules and instructions. It is also important to ignore minor irritating behaviour and be clear about discipline if the activity is unacceptable, whilst always providing praise if the child does something good. It is important to remember those with ADHD do not intend to be difficult.

Benton D found that eliminating colourings and preservatives provided a statistically significant benefit in children with ADHD.

Pliszka S. found in July 2007 that 25% of children with ADHD have bipolar disorder; children with the combination may be more aggressive and have worse behavioral problems than those with ADHD alone. Pliszka S. also believes that ADHD shares a genetic component with ADHD which is why they share many characteristics.


Help and more information regarding ADHD is available from your doctor, pediatrician and the Department of Health.