PAYAM Ashena: ADHD in Children & Adults ADHD in Children & Adults ================================================================================ Farnaz Rahimi, PhDADHD on 18/10/2010 03:32:00 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurologic developmental disorder. ADHD Children ADD was renamed ADHD in 1994. The name ADHD can be misleading because many children diagnosed with ADHD are not hyperactive, have no behavioral problems, but have significant problems with staying focused, being easily distracted, and completing tasks without being monitored. The disorder is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls. Children with ADHD may continue to struggle with the "inattentive" symptoms into adulthood and are at increased risk for academic underachievement, resultant low self esteem, car accidents, alcohol/substance abuse, and relationship problems. Core Symptoms of ADHD ADHD (Inattentive type) • Inattention • Easily Distracted • Difficulty finishing tasks such as homework without supervision • Poor short term memory ( i.e. difficultly following a series of instructions) ADHD (combined type including hyperactivity and impulsivity) • Inattentive symptoms (as listed above) • Impulsive (acting without thinking of the consequences) • Hyperactive (fidgety and/or difficulty sitting still) Proper Diagnostics Are Essential For Proper Non Drug ADHD Treatment Historically, the diagnosis of ADHD in children is based on a cluster of clinical symptoms without looking at brain functioning, though the symptoms are neurologically based. ADHD in children is not a single disorder and the diagnosis itself tells you nothing about the origin of the symptoms. Only studying brain functioning can provide those answers. Why Can't My Child Stay Focused? The frontal region of the brain generates energy/neural activity so you can concentrate for as long as you need to in order to complete a task. In ADHD the frontal region of the brain is typically under activated (thus under functioning). As a result the child is not able to generate enough energy in the frontal area of the brain to sustain concentration on routine, mundane tasks which include academic tasks. However, stimulating activities (video games, TV) can hold their attention for two hours without the frontal region of the brain being activated. Unfortunately, most academic tasks are not so stimulating, thus the ADHD child is unable to sustain concentration on them effectively. So, the ADHD child can be significantly disadvantaged in school though they may be very intelligent. ADHD Adult ADHD in adults is a real and treatable medical condition. Common characteristics of ADHD include inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors. Adults with ADHD can experience one of these symptoms, while others may experience all of them. The symptoms of ADHD can impact everyday life—at home, at work, and socially. Over the years, the term "Attention Deficit Disorder" or "ADD" has been used to describe the condition. While some still refer to it as ADD, this term is no longer in widespread use. ADHD is the clinical term most medical experts use today as it most accurately describes all aspects of the condition. One of the common misconceptions about ADHD is that it occurs only in children. But the truth is that ADHD can affect people of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults. It's estimated that in the United States alone, nearly eight- million adults have ADHD. The condition affects both men and women, including adults from all races and cultural backgrounds. ADHD is thought to be a biological condition that affects certain types of brain functioning. The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, but scientists have focused their research on the brain's chemical messengers: dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors such as attention and movement. Much like height or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. Studies suggest that seventy-six percent of ADHD is linked to family genetics. So the condition is more common among people who have a close relative with ADHD. Interestingly, many adults don't even realize they have ADHD until their own child is diagnosed with ADHD. Most adults experience inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors from time to time. You misplace your keys. Get distracted at work. Every once in a while you may even blurt out something you didn't mean to say. But, for adults with ADHD, these symptoms appear more often, which can create difficulties managing day-to-day responsibilities. The reality is that many adults don't even know they have ADHD. According to a study, only twenty-five percent of adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. Some may seek professional help for depression or anxiety and find out they have ADHD. Adults with ADHD may have other conditions in addition to ADHD. Often, adults first recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD in themselves when their child is diagnosed. ADHD has been linked to family genetics. Studies have shown that seventeen to forty-four percent of fathers of children with ADHD also have ADHD. And eleven percent to thirty-eight percents of mothers of children with ADHD also had the condition. There's no single laboratory test used to determine an ADHD diagnosis. Rather, your healthcare professional will likely follow a standardized ADHD checklist. You may be asked questions about your family's medical history, as well as your past and present experiences at school, work, and in social settings. For some adults, being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a sense of relief. They can begin to see the connection between their behavior and the symptoms of the condition and understand that their symptoms can be significantly improved with the right diagnosis and treatment. Adults can successfully manage their ADHD symptoms with the right treatment. To do so takes a comprehensive approach. This includes pre scri ption medicine and behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can include support groups, counseling, and changes you make in how you go about your daily life. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your healthcare professional may prescribe a medication to meet your needs. There is no cure for ADHD, and no one treatment is right for everyone. So your healthcare professional will tailor a treatment plan, weighing the benefits and risks of each treatment with your personal medical history. To date, the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD are from a class of drugs called stimulants. Stimulants can dramatically improve ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity. These include methylphenidate and amphetamines. Doctors have been prescribing stimulants to treat ADHD since 1960. Stimulants are believed to enhance the availability of the brain's chemical messengers: dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers play a role in behaviors such as attention and movement. Most of the medicines used to treat ADD, ADHD are stimulants. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. Various drugs such as Concerta(R), Metadate CD(R), Metadate ER(R), Ritalin LA(R), Ritalin SR(R) all contain Methylphenidate in an extended release formulation. Other medications being used are: Adderall, Adderall XR, Daytrana (methylphenidate HCl), Detxroamphetamine, Focalin XR, Methylphenidate, Methylin Chewable Tablets, Strattera.