ADHD

ADHD is a medical label given to a person displaying a batch of symptoms that may well overlap with other medical conditions like; Aspergers Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, OCD and similar neurological differences. You may well get diagnosed with one of these conditions with one consultant only to find you get diagnosed with a different label by different consultant. While we are left wondering which condition we really have or do we have more than one?


Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a sub-type of ADHD.

Common symptoms of ADHD include:
  • a short attention span
  • restlessness or constant fidgeting
  • being easily distracted

ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability. However, many people with ADHD also have learning difficulties. They may also have additional problems such as sleep disorders.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be first noticed at an early age, and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as starting school.

Young children are naturally active and easily distracted. However, if these features are excessive for a child's age and general developmental level and affecting their daily life, they may indicate ADHD.

 
Diagnosing ADHD

ADHD is normally diagnosed between the ages of three to seven, although in some cases it may not be until much later. It is more commonly diagnosed in boys.

There are several criteria that must be met for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD. Adults are harder to diagnose because there is no definitive set of age-appropriate symptoms.

 
How common is ADHD?

ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in the UK. It is estimated the condition affects 2-5% of school-aged children and young people.

ADHD can be a lifelong condition, and many children continue to have symptoms as a teenager and adult.

It is estimated that more than 2 out of 3 children diagnosed with ADHD will still have symptoms as teenagers. It is then estimated that 2 out of 3 of these teenagers will show symptoms as adults.

It is uncertain whether ADHD can occur in adults without first appearing in childhood.
Treating ADHD

There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and the individual, and medication if necessary.


Living with a child with ADHD can be challenging but it is important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.

Some issues that may arise in day to day life include:
  • getting your child to sleep at night
  • arriving at school on time
  • listening to and carrying out instructions
  • social occasions
  • shopping



Websites for advice and support:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Treatment.aspx

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_parents/worried_about_your_child/adhd_children?gclid=CM359u-w6bECFQ3bfAodJkYAXg

http://www.addiss.co.uk/