ADHD PDF

ADHD Common disorder that affects about 10% of school-age children What is it? Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or focus on detai...

ADHD Common disorder that affects about 10% of school-age children What is it? Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or focus on details Many kids act this way, but the difference with ADHD symptoms is that they are present over a longer period of time and happen in different settings They hurt a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home Category of the Disorder There is not a particular or single test to diagnose ADHD The "American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic," which is a manual, is used by mental health professionals to help diagnose ADHD The manual helps ensure that people are appropriately diagnosed and treated Using the same standard across communities will help determine how many children have ADHD, and how public health is impacted by this condition Variations of the Disorder - Inattention - Hyperactivity - Impulsivity An inattentive type: - Trouble paying attention to details - Tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities -Difficulty staying focused on tasks or play activities -Apparent listening problems -Difficulty following instructions - Problems with organization - Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort - Tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework - Forgetfulness in daily activities A hyperactivity type:  Fidgeting and squirming  Problems remaining seated  Talking excessively and at inappropriate times  Often running or climbing  Stands instead of sitting at the table  Unable to settle into a quiet activity  Constantly on the go  Frequently handling or touching objects An impulsivity type:  Butting into conversations  Blurting out answers in the classroom  Beginning work before instructions are given  Disturbing others who are playing  Grabbing others belongings  Touching, grabbing, hitting others  Problems waiting for turn or standing in line  Making impulsive decisions Requirements for Diagnosis for symptoms In children/teens, symptoms must be more frequent or severe compared to other children of their age In adults, symptoms must create significant difficulty in at least two areas of life:  home  social settings  school  work Causation & Risk Factors ADHD  Strong genetic component  Common behaviours during pregnancy such as smoking and drinking  Babies with low birth rate may have increased risk of ADHD  Head injuries, particularly one in the frontal lobe  Children who are exposed to lead/environmental toxins Prevalence  5% of children have ADHD  In Canada, less than 3% of people have ADHD For those children who do  for boys - 4%  for girls - 1%  school-aged children - 5%  Between 1998-2007, pre-schoolers' prevalence stayed stable, while school-aged children increased nearly 2%  Amount of medications & ADHD Diagnosis strengthened during 2000s greater number of medications were used for children with ADHD (From 43% in 2000 to 59% in 2007) Approximate Prevalence Distribution of the Subtypes of ADHD  Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type  Predominantly Inattentive Type  Combined Type Other Disorders / Conditions Related to ADHD  Learning Disabilities  Tourette Syndrome  Oppositional Defiant Disorder  Conduct Disorder  Anxiety/Depression  Bipolar Disorder Treatment What parents can do:  Create a routine  Get them organized  Make them avoid distractions  Limit choices  Change interactions with child  Use goals/rewards  Help child discover a talent What professionals can do:  Use stimulants - improves 70% of symptoms Examples  Methylin  Adderall  Dexedrine  Use non-stimulants  has fewer side effects Common Misconceptions "ADHD only occurs in children" "ADHD stimulants lead to addiction" "Everyone has some ADHD these days" "Only kids who are hyper have ADHD" "ADHD is a result of a child eating too much sugar" Interesting Facts  Males are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females  The average age of being diagnosed with ADHD is 7 years old  During their lifetime, 12.9% of men will be diagnosed, while only 4.9% of woman will be.  Medication cannot fix ADHD.  Some celebrities who have ADHD include Jim Carrey, Ryan Gosling, Paris Hilton, Adam Levine, and Will Smith.  Many people with ADHD struggle with short-term memory.  Many people with ADHD have trouble sticking to healthy routines.  ADHD is a life-long condition. What does ADHD stand for?  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder What are the 3 types of ADHD?  Inattention  Hyperactivity  Impulsivity Name a stimulant used to help with ADIHD. Examples:  Methylin  Adderall  Dexedrine