What is ADD/ADHD?

What is ADD and what is ADHD? and to do with a child dealing with ADD or ADHD? Learn about it here!

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and the related Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurological condition in children, affecting roughly 3-5% of the school-age population. Brain scans of children with ADD/ADHD show that these children’s brains develop along regular lines but are somewhat delayed, especially in areas of the brain that are linked to planning, focusing and thinking. Other areas of the brain show delayed growth and abnormal communication patterns.

For people living with ADD/ADHD, the symptoms have genuine consequences. ADD is characterized by daydreaming, being fidgety, or the inability to focus on activities. Children with ADD describe being unable to filter out other stimuli and decide what is essential to pay attention to. Children with ADHD are described in psychiatric literature as seeming to always be on the go, as though driven by a motor.

ADD, and ADHD sometimes continue into adulthood, and life can be frustrating for those who are not diagnosed and not treated. Planning and organization can be overwhelming. Paying bills on time, remembering appointments, and doing other everyday activities can be affected. Adults with ADD can be prone to depression or other mood disorders and may self-medicate. A diagnosis of ADD can sometimes be a relief, and beginning treatment at any age can have immediate benefits.

Causes of ADD

It is not known conclusively what causes ADD or ADHD in children, although studies suggest that genetics plays a significant role. Some combination of factors and genetics likely triggers brain development changes. Studies are regularly conducted to investigate links to other environmental causes, but no conclusive links to anyone cause have been established.

Genetics

ADD has been shown to run in families, and geneticists are looking at several genes linked to the development of ADHD. One gene seems to be responsible for the reduced thickness of the brain covering around the area of the brain connected to focus activities in children with ADD. The brain covering normalizes as these children grow up, and the ADD symptoms appear to decrease.

Environmental factors

Several myths about ADD have been ruled out as causes, such as watching too much TV, lousy parenting, poor schools, and other negative images of ADD. Lead exposure through old pipes or lead paint may also contribute to some children. There does appear to be a link between drinking alcohol while pregnant and a child developing ADD.

ADD/ADHD Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADD or ADHD can’t be made based on just one test. The experienced healthcare professional looks at surveys from the child’s teacher, conduct interviews with parents and the child about whether the behavior is average compared to children who do not have ADD, assesses the severity of any symptoms and the impact they have on the child’s life; and determines whether a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD is appropriate.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychological Association, requires meeting six or more symptoms from the list of inattention symptoms, hyperactivity symptoms or both. Those ADD symptoms include:

Inattention

  • The inability to sustain attention during work or play activities
  • Careless mistakes in schoolwork or activities, failure to catch details
  • Not able to plan tasks or organize thoughts
  • Loses things, forgetful. Can’t find or organize things necessary for tasks, papers, school supplies.
  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Doesn’t appear to listen
  • Avoids activities that require sustained mental effort

Hyperactivity

  • Constantly fidgets; can’t seem to sit still.
  • Leaves seat when expected to remain seated, climbing about when inappropriate.
  • Difficulty playing or engaging in quiet activities.
  • Excessively talkative interrupts others blurt out answers without waiting for the question.
  • Difficulty taking turns

Diagnostic Tools

To quantify ADHD symptoms and provide a more objective measurement tool for diagnosing, doctors use surveys of teachers and parents to score a patient’s symptoms. The most popular of these ADD tests is the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS). The Vanderbilt survey also helps doctors spot other potential factors that frequently manifest in children with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety and oppositional/defiance behaviors. The Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) might also be requested by your child’s doctor, as well as other questionnaires used to help doctors diagnose ADD or ADHD.

Excluding Other Causes

When you or your doctor suspect a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, your child’s pediatrician will likely want to conduct a complete physical to eliminate other potential problems that may cause ADD and ADHD symptoms. Some of the issues that might mimic ADD/ADHD might be surprising:

  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Sleep disorders
  • Depression or anxiety disorders
  • Thyroid problems
  • Language or developmental problems
  • Seizure disorders
  • Tourette’s Syndrome

Treatments for ADD/ADHD

There is no cure for ADD or ADHD. Current treatments focus on reducing symptoms of the disorder and improving the functionality of the sufferer. While some people with ADD seem to grow out of some symptoms, for many, the disorder’s symptoms continue through adulthood. Long-term strategies for management and maintenance are essential to developing.

Medical interventions

The use of ADD medication classed as stimulants help up to 90% of children improve performance in school and manage symptoms of ADD and ADHD, but these medications are not without controversy. There is the worry that the increasing rate of ADD diagnoses may lead to children being misdiagnosed, and consequently, medications may be overprescribed.

Another concern is that the reliance on stimulants for managing symptoms will prevent children from learning other problem-solving and coping skills to manage the symptoms without medications. Overall, however, children’s positive response to taking stimulant medications often outweighs the risks. In addition to improved school performance, children often report being happier and more confident.

Other medical treatments for ADD symptoms may also include antidepressants such as Strattera and Wellbutrin. These drugs take longer to work and require a constant dosage to remain effective. Still, they may also be a good alternative if stimulant medications are not an option because of other medical risk factors.

Side Effects of Medications for ADD

The psycho-stimulants used to treat ADD include methylphenidate and amphetamines. These medications are prescribed under the strict control of the prescribing physician because of the possibility of severe side effects such as:

  • Difficulty falling asleep, sleep disturbances.
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss
  • In rare cases, some children may experience heart problems taking stimulant medications.
  • Increased risk of suicide might be a possible side effect of antidepressant medications used to treat ADD.

Alternatives to Drug Intervention

There are several alternatives and complementary treatments for children with ADD, some of which can prove very successful for some children with ADD. But not all treatments are created equally. Consult with your child’s pediatrician or primary healthcare provider before making any decisions about treatment options. Consider who will be providing treatment and what studies and research back up the claims.

Psycho-therapeutic Interventions

Often children who experience ADD symptoms can benefit from talking about their thoughts and feelings with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Often, children with ADD have difficulty relating to peers or making friends. A therapist can help a child learn strategies for handling interpersonal relationships. Families can also benefit from speaking with an expert counselor to help alleviate family issues and learn to cope with this neurological disorder as a family.

Behavioral Treatments

There are several treatments developed to help children develop areas of the brain that may assist in dealing with symptoms of ADD. Some of those treatments include:

  • Sensory Integration Training: Developed by occupational therapists for children who have sensory integration disorders to help them learn to cope with sensory overload. The evidence for this therapy is anecdotal, with no research to show its efficacy in treating ADD. The theory behind the application for children with ADD is that the experience of some children is similar to sensory overload.
  • Interactive Metronome Training: This treatment involves the child listening to a metronome and attempting to mimic the rhythm by clapping or tapping the foot. It is thought this type of training activates portions of the brain involved in planning and timing. One well-conducted study of metronome training on boys with ADHD showed improvement in symptoms, so that this treatment method may show promise with further study.
  • EEG Biofeedback Training: Based on the principle that a focused, aware brain will emit different brain wave patterns than a brain that is daydreaming or unfocused. By providing aural feedback of EEG patterns, the patient increases periods of attentive brain patterns. To date, six studies have been published or in progress that show positive results for EEG feedback treatment.

Nutritional Interventions

There is no scientifically established link between sugar or food additives and ADD symptoms; however, some children who have ADD may have sensitivities to food dyes or additives, and eliminating dyes and additives from a child’s diet has anecdotal support for relieving symptoms in some children. Usually, these dietary interventions take one of two forms:

  • Elimination diets: This involves eliminating things from a child’s diet to find a potential cause of ADD symptoms in the diet. Common suspected culprits are refined sugars, artificial dyes, food additives, and gluten. No scientific studies support the connection between these factors and an increased risk of ADD; however, those with allergies or sensitivities may find symptom relief from a strict diet.
  • Nutritional Supplements: There are numerous supplements on the market that promise to treat ADD and ADHD. However, no rigid scientific study supports these claims.

Parenting and ADD/ADHD

Parenting a child with ADD can be a challenge. Children with ADD often suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble relating with their peers. Parents feel stress over children who don’t appear to listen and display inappropriate behavior. Even providing help with schoolwork can be difficult.

Parents raising children with ADD can help kids by advocating for them with the school system and teachers. School budgets are increasingly strained, demanding special education departments and teachers. In addition, the National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends the following tips for parents:

  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Create and maintain a structured environment
  • Communicate rules and expectations.
  • Encourage good exercise and sleep habits.
  • Focus on social skills

Parents of kids with ADD also need to take care of themselves. Consider counselling or support groups, and reach out to resources for help. One such group is Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). There are also online magazines and social groups for people who have ADD.

Adults and ADD

For some, ADD symptoms seem to diminish with age, but that is not the case for everyone. For many people, the symptoms of ADD continue through adulthood. Undiagnosed and untreated ADD in adults can lead to numerous interpersonal problems, work performance problems, depression and other problems.

Adults with ADD often find work-life a challenge. Even things as seemingly simple as getting ready for work on time can prove to be a big challenge. These people are often known but often feel that their professional accomplishments do not meet their abilities. It might even be difficult for the person to keep a job in extreme cases. Personal relationships often suffer for people with ADD, as well.

Diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADD are similar to that for children. A licensed health care provider will want to do a complete medical workup to eliminate other causes for symptoms. To reach a diagnosis of ADD, the patient must have symptoms of ADD beginning in childhood and continuing through adulthood. Statistical tests provide doctors with the tool to determine a diagnosis of ADD and to quantify the severity of ADD in adult patients.

Getting Support for ADD and ADHD patients

Having ADD or ADHD can be a struggle for the people who suffer from this neurological disorder and the people around them. Several organizations provide support and information for ADD patients, such as ADD.org and CHADD.org.

Finding help and emotional support from other people who understand the challenges of ADD and ADHD can be beneficial. People with ADD can feel isolated and frustrated; professional help and support can be invaluable. Depression is a genuine concern for people with ADD, but no one has to suffer alone. Diagnosis and treatment can make a massive difference in people’s lives with ADD/ADHD.

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