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Behavioural Disorders
Interactive
ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sit quietly and excessive or inappropriate movements like fidgeting and squirming. Also known as hyperkinetic disorder, ADHD affects more children than adults and more boys than girls; many do grow out of it!
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves all the problems characteristic of ADD but with hyperactivity as well. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder. About 1.7 per cent of the UK population, mostly children, have ADD or ADHD. Boys are more likely to be affected.
Symptoms
These include:
difficulty playing quietly
inability to stay sitting down in classroom or other required situations
fidgeting and squirming on seat
blurting out answers before the questions have been completed
inability to wait in queues or await turn in games or group situations
interrupting and butting into others conversations or games
talking excessively without appropriate response to social restraint.
Causes
The child's temperament, as this contributes to their attitude and personality.
Studies of twins suggest a genetic link to ADHD. Recent research also suggests there is a greater chance of inheriting the condition from male relatives such as grandfathers and uncles.
Brain injuries due to birth trauma or pre-birth problems.
Family stress.
Educational difficulties.
Diagnosis
ADHD requires a medical diagnosis by a doctor, usually a child or adolescent psychiatrist, a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist or a GP.
Treatment
Treatment depends on a child's exact diagnosis. It should take into account any specific difficulties and those strengths that may aid their improvement.
Both parents and teachers can follow general guidelines to manage a child's problematic behaviour but they may need specialist support and advice, e.g. from a psychologist.
US research suggests that medication such as Ritalin and Dexedrine is the best treatment for true ADHD. Ritalin reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness and helps to focus a child's attention. However, there is growing concern about the use of Ritalin to treat ADHD. Like amphetamines, Ritalin is classified as a class A drug. Many parents and professionals are worried about alleged side effects, including damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Other forms of treatment may include anxiety management, cognitive therapy, individual psychotherapy and social skills training.
Long term
Many children simply outgrow ADHD. About half of those affected appear to function normally by young adulthood, but a significant number will have problems that persist into adult life. These may take the form of depression, irritability, antisocial behaviour and attention problems.
