Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

1. www.hi2u.org/adhd_hi2u.htm Attention Deficit Disorder in Children www.energywave.com/.../add-adhd-dyslexia.htm

2. Statistics Two Million children in the US have ADHD.(NINDS) ADHD occurs in 3-10% of the American population. (Monastra 10) Estimates indicate that the rate of diagnosis has jumped up 400% since 1988.(Webb 5) Bipolar and Depression occur in 20% of children with ADHD.(Gottlieb 25) 57% of adults with ADHD have a child with the disorder. (Monastra 10) If you have a child with ADHD, the chance of having another with the disorder is 33%. (Monastra 10) ADHD comprises 3-7% of the school ages population.(Diagnosis and Treatment, NRCA) Boys outnumber girls 3-1. .(Diagnosis and Treatment, NRCA) Studies indicate that 25% of the close relatives in the families of ADHD children also have ADHD.(WebMd) 4.7 million children ages 3-17 diagnosed.(CDC) More than 70 percent of the individuals who have ADHD in childhood continue to have it in adolescence. Up to 50 percent will continue to have it in adulthood. (http://www.additudemag.com/additude/article/873.html)

3. Symptoms • There are 3 different types of ADHD: Inattention type, Hyperactivity type, and Impulsivity type. • Inattention Type • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork and or chores. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities . .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework). .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Is often forgetful in daily activities. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm)

4. Symptoms cont. • Hyperactivity Type • Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly. • Often talks excessively..(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Impulsivity Type • Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed. • Often has difficulty awaiting turn. .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm) • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games). .(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm)

5. Diagnosis • To be diagnosed with ADD / ADHD, your child must exhibit multiple symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm) • The symptoms must be more frequent or severe than in other children the same age. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm) • Some of the symptoms must have been present before age 7. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm) • The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm) • The symptoms must have a negative impact on the individual’s school, family and/or social life. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm) • The symptoms must be present in multiple settings, such as home, social settings, and school. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm)

6. Treatment • ADHD is usually treated with the aid of stimulant drugs like Ritalin. Concerta and with non-stimulant Straterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) • These medications improve symptoms in about 70% of children who have the condition. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) • Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) • After this initial dosage is set there may be a need for your doctor to increase or curb the dosage for the drug to have the desired effect. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) • Side effects of this treatment could be weight loss, appetite changes, insomnia, and nervous tics. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) These side effects usually decrease after a few weeks on the medication, or the dosage can be lowered to offset them. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) • Treatment should include tutoring. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) Studies have linked treatment with stimulants to short term improvements in school. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview) Drugs have shown long term effects even after treatment has stopped. (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-treatment-overview)

7. Myths About ADHD • MYTH: Children naturally outgrow Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). • FACT:In some children, hyperactive behavior goes away during the teen years. But inattention can become worse. This can happen during early high school years when teens must organize homework and do complex projects. In adulthood, some people do not feel any ADHD symptoms. Or, some find they have fewer symptoms. Others have no change in their symptoms at all. They are still having problems with their ADHD. (http://www.focalinxr.com/info/caregivers/adhd_myths.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119519805346323) • MYTH: Poor parenting is responsible for ADHD. • FACT:ADHD is a medical disorder. It is caused by differences in how the brain works. Things that make a child anxious, such as family conflicts, may make symptoms worse. But they do not cause it. (http://www.focalinxr.com/info/caregivers/adhd_myths.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119519805346323) • MYTH:ADHD affects boys more than girls. • FACT:ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls. However, recent research suggests that girls may have different symptoms than boys. Girls tend to be more inattentive and boys are more hyperactive and disruptive. Because of this, girls are less likely to be diagnosed. (http://www.focalinxr.com/info/caregivers/adhd_myths.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119519805346323) • Myth: Children treated with stimulant medications will become addicted or will be more likely to abuse other drugs. • FACT: Stimulant medications are not addictive when used as directed. Studies have shown adequate treatment of ADHD may reduce the risk of substance abuse. (http://www.adhdinfo.com/info/faqs/myths.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119519805346323)

8. Video • (http://health.msn.com/health-topics/adhd/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100064323)