ADD/ADHD

ADHD Treatments

Causes of ADHD

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Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating, can't seem to follow directions, and are easily bored and/or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive (do not think before they act). Although these behaviors are in general common in children, they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD. These behaviors interfere with the child's ability to function at school and at home.

Symptoms of ADHD are generally grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

• Is easily distracted.
• Does not follow directions or finish tasks.
• Does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking.
• Does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes.
• Is forgetful about daily activities.
• Has problems organizing daily tasks.
• Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort.
• Often loses things, including personal items.
• Has a tendency to daydream.

• Often squirms, fidgets or bounces when sitting.
• Does not stay seated as expected.
• Has difficulty playing quietly.
• Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things. (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as a sense of restlessness.)
• Talks excessively.

• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn.
• Blurts out answers before the question has been completed.
• Often interrupts others.

ADHD cannot be cured, but many of the symptoms that interfere with functioning and cause distress can be controlled. Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication and various psychosocial therapies.

Another ADHD medication, Cylert, was withdrawn from the market in March of 2005. Its use had been declining due to problems with liver damage in some who were taking the medication.

Psychosocial therapies: These are treatment approaches that focus on the behavioral, psychological, social and work/school problems associated with the illness. Psychosocial therapies that may be used for ADHD include:

• Special education: This is a type of education that is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs. Children with ADHD generally benefit most from a highly structured environment and use of routines.
• Behavior modification: This includes strategies for supporting good behavior and decreasing problem behavior by the child.
• Psychotherapy (counseling): Psychotherapy can help a person with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration, and improve their self-esteem. Counseling also may help family members better understand the child's disorder and cope with the challenges of living with a child who has ADHD.
• Social skills training: This can help the child learn new behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing, that will enable him or her to better function in social situations.
• Support groups: Support groups are generally made up of people with similar problems and needs, which can help with acceptance and support. Groups also can provide a forum for learning more about a disorder and the latest approaches to treatment. These groups are helpful for adults with ADHD or parents of children with the disorder.

The medications used to treat ADHD are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, certain side effects may occur. Common side effects of stimulants include:

• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Irregular heartbeat

It is very important that children with symptoms of ADHD seek care. Without treatment, ADHD can interfere with a child's performance in school as well as their ability to make and keep friends, which can negatively impact the child's self-esteem. In addition, children with ADHD are at risk for developing conduct disorder, depression or an anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have a learning disorder. Teens with ADHD are at greater risk for car accidents, early pregnancy, tobacco and alcohol use.

But, when treated, most people with ADHD (between 70% and 80%) experience at least some relief of symptoms. Many of the symptoms of ADHD diminish by early adulthood. However, up to 50% of people with ADHD as children continue to have some problems as adults.

ADHD cannot be prevented or cured. However, early identification and diagnosis, as well as a carefully designed treatment and education plan, can help a child with ADHD adjust to the disorder. Many people with ADHD learn to focus their attention, develop their personal strengths, minimize disruptive behavior, and become productive and successful.

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:

• Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.
• Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of the chemicals that help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other, called neurotransmitters, may be a factor in the development of symptoms.
• Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without the disorder.

• Poor nutrition, infections and substance abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) during pregnancy may be contributing factors, since they can affect the development of the baby's brain.
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead, in early childhood can also affect brain development.
• Injury to the brain or a brain disorder.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. It is estimated to affect 3%-7% of children (more than 2 million American children) and is more common in boys than in girls. It most often is discovered during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can continue into the teen years and adulthood.

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests for ADHD, the doctor may use various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms.

Certain mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, have some symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. For that reason, a complete psychiatric assessment is needed to accurately diagnosis ADHD.

If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's symptoms and behavior. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.

Source WebMD.com