What is ADHD and how do you spot the signs? I
T’S normal for children to get distracted, forget their homework, get fidgety, or tune out from time to time. But how do you know when inattention and hyperactivity is a sign that something more is going on?
Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioural disorder in children. About 5% of children worldwide are diagnosed with ADHD, and if left untreated, the disorder can cause significant mental health problems, issues with work or education, and unnecessary distress.
ADHD is something lots of parents worry about, but plenty of successful people with the disorder have gone on to achieve great things – but early diagnosis, say experts, is key to managing it. (priorygroup.com), “but it has a large hereditary component.”
She explains that a big clue lies in your genes – ADHD often runs in families, and a child who is displaying the symptoms may well have a parent or sibling with ADHD too.
It’s primarily a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means certain aspects of brain development are slightly altered in those with ADHD. “There is evidence that some areas of the brain involved in attention and concentration may be less active, or even slightly smaller in children with ADHD than those without,” explains Dr Zwanenberg. ONE of the biggest myths about ADHD is that it’s a result of ‘bad parenting’. “This is simply not the case,” says Dr Maite Ferrin, a consultant child psychiatrist from Re:Cognition Health (recognitionhealth.com). “Evidence shows that ADHD is a highly heritable condition, mostly a combination of certain susceptibility genes and environmental risks factors during pregnancy and early childhood.” not listening.
Sitting still can often be a challenge for children with ADHD, and they may talk excessively, interrupt frequently, or have trouble waiting patiently for their turn.
You may also find they struggle to organise themselves, often lose things or forget what they’re supposed to be doing. Experiencing these symptoms can, understandably, be frustrating for a child, leading to feelings of upset, anger or irritability. MANY children go through stages of restlessness, but if you’re concerned, it’s worth speaking to your child’s teacher to find out whether behavioural issues are also presenting themselves at school.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must have been displaying symptoms since before age 12, and continuously for at least six months. They must also be displaying six or more specific symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity on a regular basis and in at least two settings – such as at home and at school.
Usually, a diagnosis is made by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a specially trained paediatrician. Your GP can refer you to one of these specialists, either via the NHS or privately. “THE first thing to know is that ADHD cannot be cured,” says Dr Zwanenberg. “Often, symptoms change or reduce as time goes on and both medical and psychological treatments can help your child to control their symptoms.
“The NHS estimates that around one third of children seem to grow out of their disorder during adolescence, but others find their ADHD persists into adult life,” she continues. “At times, just giving some strategies to schools and parents to help the young person is enough to make a difference.”
ADHD can be treated using medication or therapy, but the NHS recommends a combination of both. Talking therapies like CBT, psychoeducation and social skills training are particularly useful for helping young people to understand how to alter some of the behaviours related to ADHD.
Medication for ADHD is not a ‘cure’. Instead, some young people find taking medication can help to put them back on a level playing field with their peers.
Providing a healthy, balanced diet is key, and some people may notice a link between things like sugar, food colouring, additives and caffeine and worsening ADHD symptoms.