Chronicling the life long journey of people with ADHD
ADHD, or attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health disorder and its effects can last a lifetime. In fact, at least 60% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD, continue to experience symptoms as adults. The effects of ADHD can also impact the entire family. It is important for families to work together to implement strategies that can help children achieve their goals as they get older.
For an in- depth look into the lifecycle of ADHD, Psychiatrist and Director of possibilitiesclinic.com, Dr. Doron Almagor, and Heidi Bernhardt, President of the Centre For ADHD Awareness, Canada ( CADDAC), provide insights into common misconceptions of ADHD and explain how individuals are affected through every stage of life.
Q Is ADHD a condition that affects adults as well as children?
According to Dr. Almagor, ADHD definitely affects adults. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not indicative of a character flaw. It is a neurological disorder caused by a difference in how the brain functions. Although commonly thought of as a disorder that only affects children, most of the time ADHD does not disappear with age.
There are different presentations of ADHD. On one hand, the hyperactive- impulsive symptoms, more commonly associated with ADHD during childhood, are disruptive making them easily recognizable to educators and parents. However, most children and adults with ADHD also present with impairments in attention, that are less noticeable to others. Because adults are less likely to show symptoms of hyperactivity, they may be more familiar with the term ADD, or attention deficit disorder. ADD is not a different disorder, but is an older term that was used to classify people with ADHD that presented with inattentive symptoms.
People presenting with symptoms of inattention have difficulty regulating attention. This means that they have trouble focusing, prioritizing, and switching tasks. Some individuals may also over- focus on tasks, a term called “hyperfocusing.” This occurs when an individual spends too much time engaged in one activity, such as playing video games continuously for six hours. It is a common misconception that people who are hyperfocused cannot have ADHD.
Most females with ADHD present with symptoms of inattention and are typically underdiagnosed. In fact, studies show that females with ADHD are five times more likely to be diagnosed with depression and three times more likely to be treated for depression before their ADHD diagnosis, compared to their male counterparts.
Both male and females who experience symptoms of inattention are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression while the underlying cause may be ADHD, which is often undetected. This can have devastating consequences. These individuals are often unable to complete tasks so they underperform at school or work. This lack of achievement becomes internalized and can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
Q How do symptoms of ADHD change or evolve throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood?
Although there are common symptoms of ADHD, no two cases are exactly alike, says Dr. Almagor. “Generally speaking, ADHD symptoms prevalent in children include being easily distracted, difficulty staying focused on one activity, difficulty completing tasks without being reminded and sometimes behavioural issues (such as acting before considering the consequence) if they present with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
During childhood, parents are likely to compensate for their child’s impairments with additional support. This behavior is known as ‘ scaffolding.’”
Although ADHD symptoms related to hyperactivity may decrease with age, impairments in executive functions ( such as organization, planning and time management) can become more prominent with age. Transitioning to adolescence presents new challenges as individuals navigate their way through high school and eventually to a post-secondary institution. Young adults with ADHD struggle undertaking day- to- day tasks relating to self-care while also managing their education and financial responsibilities. As the demands on their executive functioning increase with age, parental support and scaffolding decrease when it is needed most.
Q How can parents support their children through each stage and what resources are available?
According to Bernhardt, the first step that parents should take once their child has been diagnosed with ADHD is to educate themselves and their child. It is equally important to understand what ADHD is, and what it isn’t. Once parents have a general understanding, they can begin to recognize how ADHD affects their own child on a personal level.
It is not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed, adds Dr. Almagor. With the wealth of inaccurate information about ADHD that is available online along with non-expert advice often provided by friends and family, parents should consult with their healthcare professional to identify trusted and scientifically-based resources.
The CADDAC website offers an abundance of information about ADHD geared to children, adolescents and adults with ADHD as well as parents and caregivers. CADDAC also offers webinars, workshops, videos and information that includes other useful resources and strategies for managing ADHD in both the home and school settings.
Heidi Bernhardt stressed that it is also important for parents to understand how to advocate for their children’s needs in school. Special accommodations within the school system can be implemented and be maintained as children with ADHD transition from primary school through to a post-secondary institution.
Q What care should parents and children expect from their healthcare professionals through each transition?
The key is to identify ADHD as early as possible in school-age children, says Dr. Almagor.
Although ADHD can be managed, it is severely undertreated.
The earlier ADHD is diagnosed and behavioural therapy is started, the more likely it is the child will experience positive outcomes as they transition into adulthood.
According to Bernhardt, if ADHD is suspected in a child, he or she may be referred to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a developmental pediatrician who will assess, diagnose and speak with the parents about a treatment plan that includes home and school management strategies, as well as possible pharmacological intervention.
Success with ADHD is not only possible – it is attainable. Families and their healthcare team can work together to put strategies in place to help manage their children’s ADHD now, an important step that can help to provide a foundation for their future.
Remember that early identification is key. Don’t let ADHDGO unnoticed.