A Brief Introduction to ADHD
ADHD is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Children who suffer from ADHD will be unable to control their behavior or pay attention during these years.
ADHD was first detected by Dr.
Heinrich Hoffman in 1845.
Sir George F.
Still published a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians in England in which he described a group of impulsive children with significant behavioral problems, caused by a genetic dysfunction.
A child with ADHD faces a difficult task ahead, to achieve his or her full potential; he or she should receive help from their parents, guidance counselors, and the public education system.
ADHD often continues into adulthood.
Diagnosis of ADHD The principal characteristics of ADHD are lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
These symptoms tend to appear early in a child's life.
Different symptoms may appear in different situations, depending on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control.
A child who is disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer is often overlooked.
The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just to have a "discipline issue," while children who are passive may be viewed as merely unmotivated.
Hence both children may be suffering from different types of ADHD.
ADHD is a syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas: 1.
Span of Attention 2.
Uncontrolled Impulse 3.
Hyperactive (sometimes) Attention Span Criteria: o Tends to pay little attention to details and often makes careless mistakes o Has a very short attention span o Doesn't listen when spoken to directly o Doesn't follow instructions; fails to finish tasks o Has a deep difficulty organizing tasks o Skips tasks that require sustained mental effort o Loses things and is easily distracted o Is pretty forgetful in daily activities Hyperactivity Criteria: o Leaves seat in classroom when remaining seated is expected o Often runs or climbs excessively at inappropriate times o Has difficulty playing quietly and talks excessively o Having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns Impulsivity Criteria: o Blurts out answers before questions are even completed o Has difficulty awaiting turn o Often interrupts or intrudes on others Teaching children with ADHD Teaching children with acute ADHD can be very difficult and often requires one to one teaching or the attendance of an alternative school for children with learning disabilities.
Before the commencement of any educational program the child should have counseling to rule out emotional problems due to an unstable home life or any other issues they may have and to improve their self image.
A nutritionist should also be employed to ensure the child is provided with a well balanced diet.
All stimulants such as caffeine should be removed from the child's diet.
Brain training video games have also been found to be beneficial to sufferers of ADHD.
Special software and techniques can also be used to improve a child's concentration and to reduce daydreaming.
Pros and Cons of Medication for ADHD Pros Medication may make it possible for children to have normal social, cognitive and emotional developmental milestones.
Medication may make it possible for children to benefit from cognitive or behavioral therapy and may improve the length and quality of sleep.
Medication may prevent suicide (depression) or accidental death/injury (mania/impulsivity) also reduces the long-term chronic and severity of the illness.
(Kindling effect.
) Medication to control anxiety and depression may prevent deterioration of the organs in the stress axis (hippocampus, adrenal glands, etc.
) Medicating a chronically unhappy or disruptive child also reduces stress for the other members of the family, especially siblings.
Cons The child needs to be monitored very closely for medication compliance, for side-effects, including mania, suicidal tendencies, delusions, and hallucinations and serious physical problems.
Other side effects are headache, stomach ache, dry mouth, constipation, gas, weight gain/loss, acne.
During trials, school performance and attendance may fluctuate.
Schools need to be prepared for this, and special accommodations should be planned.
It may be embarrassing for the child to have to take medication, especially if the dose is administered at in school.
Dry mouth, a side effect of some medicines, may increase dental problems.
If diagnosis of childhood-onset bipolar disorder (COBP) is left out, antidepressants or stimulants may trigger a manic episode.
Therefore it is crucial that childhood-onset bipolar disorder be ruled out before ADHD or major depression is treated.
Children who suffer from ADHD will be unable to control their behavior or pay attention during these years.
ADHD was first detected by Dr.
Heinrich Hoffman in 1845.
Sir George F.
Still published a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians in England in which he described a group of impulsive children with significant behavioral problems, caused by a genetic dysfunction.
A child with ADHD faces a difficult task ahead, to achieve his or her full potential; he or she should receive help from their parents, guidance counselors, and the public education system.
ADHD often continues into adulthood.
Diagnosis of ADHD The principal characteristics of ADHD are lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
These symptoms tend to appear early in a child's life.
Different symptoms may appear in different situations, depending on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control.
A child who is disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer is often overlooked.
The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just to have a "discipline issue," while children who are passive may be viewed as merely unmotivated.
Hence both children may be suffering from different types of ADHD.
ADHD is a syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas: 1.
Span of Attention 2.
Uncontrolled Impulse 3.
Hyperactive (sometimes) Attention Span Criteria: o Tends to pay little attention to details and often makes careless mistakes o Has a very short attention span o Doesn't listen when spoken to directly o Doesn't follow instructions; fails to finish tasks o Has a deep difficulty organizing tasks o Skips tasks that require sustained mental effort o Loses things and is easily distracted o Is pretty forgetful in daily activities Hyperactivity Criteria: o Leaves seat in classroom when remaining seated is expected o Often runs or climbs excessively at inappropriate times o Has difficulty playing quietly and talks excessively o Having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns Impulsivity Criteria: o Blurts out answers before questions are even completed o Has difficulty awaiting turn o Often interrupts or intrudes on others Teaching children with ADHD Teaching children with acute ADHD can be very difficult and often requires one to one teaching or the attendance of an alternative school for children with learning disabilities.
Before the commencement of any educational program the child should have counseling to rule out emotional problems due to an unstable home life or any other issues they may have and to improve their self image.
A nutritionist should also be employed to ensure the child is provided with a well balanced diet.
All stimulants such as caffeine should be removed from the child's diet.
Brain training video games have also been found to be beneficial to sufferers of ADHD.
Special software and techniques can also be used to improve a child's concentration and to reduce daydreaming.
Pros and Cons of Medication for ADHD Pros Medication may make it possible for children to have normal social, cognitive and emotional developmental milestones.
Medication may make it possible for children to benefit from cognitive or behavioral therapy and may improve the length and quality of sleep.
Medication may prevent suicide (depression) or accidental death/injury (mania/impulsivity) also reduces the long-term chronic and severity of the illness.
(Kindling effect.
) Medication to control anxiety and depression may prevent deterioration of the organs in the stress axis (hippocampus, adrenal glands, etc.
) Medicating a chronically unhappy or disruptive child also reduces stress for the other members of the family, especially siblings.
Cons The child needs to be monitored very closely for medication compliance, for side-effects, including mania, suicidal tendencies, delusions, and hallucinations and serious physical problems.
Other side effects are headache, stomach ache, dry mouth, constipation, gas, weight gain/loss, acne.
During trials, school performance and attendance may fluctuate.
Schools need to be prepared for this, and special accommodations should be planned.
It may be embarrassing for the child to have to take medication, especially if the dose is administered at in school.
Dry mouth, a side effect of some medicines, may increase dental problems.
If diagnosis of childhood-onset bipolar disorder (COBP) is left out, antidepressants or stimulants may trigger a manic episode.
Therefore it is crucial that childhood-onset bipolar disorder be ruled out before ADHD or major depression is treated.
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