ADHD ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Understanding ADHDADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
By Vanessa Rasmussen, © 2006-2008, All rights reserved.
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It is estimated that from 3 to 10 percent of the population has a condition
known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD). This disorder is thought to affect between 3 and 5% of the
school age population. In general ADHD is estimated to be 3 or 4 times more
common in boys. For some the condition improves as they grow older and reach
puberty but for others the condition, if untreated, continues to impair their
adult life.
Symptoms of ADHD In Infants:
extreme restlessness, crying, poor sleep patterns, difficult to feed
constant thirst, frequent tantrums, head banging and rocking the cot
In older children: poor concentration and short attention span, hyper-activity,
spontaneous behavior, takes undue risks and are not afraid of consequences, lack
of co-ordination, inadequate short term memory, stubbornness, lacks self esteem,
sleep and appetite problems, normal or high IQ but often under-perform at
school.
Not all infants and children with ADHD have all the features of the condition
and there are different degrees of severity. There is no formal test to diagnose
ADHD, so the collection of information, observations and evaluations from
parents, teachers, physicians, mental-health professionals and the child is
vital.
Part of a child's treatment may mean parenting and teaching styles. Performance
evaluation should be adapted to assist the child in compensating for weaknesses.
Selective use of medication therapy is another avenue of treatment.
Expectations, limitations and potential side effects of the specific medication
should be presented. Remember, medication will not cause miracles and completely
cure this disorder.
Research shows that some children with ADD/ADHD will eventually improve their
ability to pay attention and concentrate whether they receive treatment or not.
Their ability for self-control also improves and often children will require
less medication as they get older. This may mean that the brain gradually is
able to produce more of the needed neurotransmitters on its own without the help
of medicine. However, there is some difficulty with academic achievement as well
since in higher grades children are required to possess better skills of
organization and planning which they don’t have. It is not possible to predict
how a child’s Attention Deficit Disorder will progress, it is important that
children who have difficulties with attention, concentration and impulse
control, receive early intervention.
Copyright 2001, 2006-2008. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in
whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited.
For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner:
Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D,
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