How do you know your child has adhd

The Signs of ADHD in Children and Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect your ability to function in many different aspects of your life, such as at school, at work, and even at home.

Although ADHD can cause visible challenges in everyday life, the symptoms in children and adults vary and are sometimes difficult to recognize.

ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teenagers, with the average age for moderate ADHD diagnosis being 7 years old. Adults with ADHD may have exhibited elaborate symptoms early in life that were overlooked, leading to a late diagnosis later in life.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the common signs and symptoms of ADHD in children and adults, as well as tips for living with ADHD and where to find support.

ADHD primarily causes symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both.

With ADHD, someone may experience difficulties paying attention and staying organized, excess fidgeting or restlessness, and trouble with self-control or impulsive behaviors.

In children or toddlers with ADHD, this can lead to symptoms at home, in day care, or at school, such as:

trouble focusing on activities and becoming easily distracted
low attention span while playing or doing schoolwork
fidgeting, squirming, or otherwise having trouble sitting still
constantly needing movement or frequently running around
engaging in activities loudly or disruptively
excess talking and interrupting other people

Symptoms of ADHD in teenagers

As children with ADHD get older, the symptoms they experience may change. In some cases, certain symptoms seen in childhood may become less problematic in adolescence, while new symptoms can arise amidst the changing responsibilities that accompany growing older.

In adolescents and teenagers with ADHD, other symptoms that may appear can include:

difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other work
frequently making mistakes while doing work
trouble finishing tasks, especially schoolwork or chores
trouble with task organization and time management
frequently forgetting things or losing personal items
frequently avoiding mentally taxing tasks
experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity
trouble navigating social and familial relationships
increased conflict with parents due to ADHD symptoms affecting the home life

It’s important to understand that while these symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can sometimes cause adolescents and teenagers with this condition to appear “immature,” they are simply a part of ADHD and have nothing to do with a child’s maturity level.

Although most people with ADHD receive a diagnosis during childhood, sometimes the signs and symptoms of this condition are overlooked or misinterpreted.

But as long as the symptoms of ADHD have been present for that individual before 12 years of age, they can still receive a diagnosis in adulthood.

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can appear different than those in adolescence or childhood due to the different responsibilities someone may have in adulthood. According to the literature, adults tend to experience:

difficulties at college or work
trouble passing classes or completing work
issues with self-esteem and overall mental well-being
substance misuse issues, especially with alcohol
relationship challenges with partners, family, or co-workers
frequent accidents or injuries

While ADHD affects people of all ages and genders, research suggests that ADHD is roughly four times as prevalent in males as it is in females.

The differences in ADHD between sex and genders are not just refined to the prevalence. In fact, ADHD can present differently in women than in men, which can further contribute to the reduced rate of diagnosis in women and girls.

A recent article published in BMC Psychiatry reviewed the research on different symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and the level of functioning in females who have ADHD.

According to the research, females often experience a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, many of which are less severe than their male counterparts, especially in the hyperactive-impulsive category.

Other notable differences in ADHD presentation in women and girls are:

more severe difficulties with mood changes and emotional regulation
a higher likelihood of severe social problems, especially with bullying
an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy due to an increased number of sexual partners
more severe challenges in the areas of academics and self-esteem
increased behaviors used to compensate for difficulties at home, school, or work

In addition, ADHD symptoms seem to become more severe with age and during periods of transition, such as puberty and adulthood.

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can also cause an increase or worsening of ADHD symptoms.

ADHD in the transgender community

Most of the sources used in this article do not delineate between (and sometimes conflate) sex and gender and can be assumed to have primarily cisgender participants.

While research on ADHD within the transgender community is new, recent surveys state that transgender individuals are “significantly more likely” to report an ADHD diagnosis.

One study in Australia reports that ADHD is four times more common among transgender people than the cisgender population.

At the time of publication, no research could be found that discussed the breakdown of symptoms between trans men, trans women, and gender nonconforming people. Intersex people were also not represented.

When we look at the presentation of ADHD symptoms, age seems to be the biggest factor for differences in symptoms between individuals. However, ethnic and cultural differences can also play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

According to research, differences in beliefs, values, and even medical approaches can impact the way that certain behaviors — many of which are the direct result of ADHD — are viewed.

In fact, various studies have shown that children who belong to marginalized ethnic groups are less likely to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment they need for their ADHD.

Other cultural factors that can influence the perception, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD include:

lack of knowledge about the condition
fear of the stigma surrounding the condition
lack of trust in the medical system
reduced ability to recognize when symptoms are problematic
differences in the way certain behaviors are viewed between genders
language barriers for non-native English speakers
no access or limited access to insurance or healthcare services
lack of healthcare professionals who are culturally competent

All of these factors can play a role in the way that ADHD symptoms are viewed and can lead to barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in historically marginalized communities.

Without treatment, ADHD can make it difficult to function at your best in your home life, at work or school, or even within your relationships.

If you believe that you, your child, or someone close to you is displaying signs of ADHD, reach out to a doctor or psychologist to ask about a potential diagnosis and start on the path to treatment.

If you’ve received an ADHD diagnosis, you might find the following treatment options can reduce symptoms and help you function better in your everyday life:

Therapy. Behavioral therapy is one of the most beneficial types of therapy for ADHD, especially for children and adolescents, because it helps identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are having the most impact.
- In younger children with ADHD, behavioral therapies that focus on parent training, classroom management, and peer interventions are most effective.
- In adolescents and adults, a type of behavioral therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be helpful.
Medication. Medications can be used alone or in conjunction with behavioral therapy to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults.
- According to research, psychostimulants — which are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system — are the first-line medication for ADHD.
- Other nonstimulant medication options for ADHD can include certain high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes for ADHD involve strategies that can help you work through the inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that the condition causes. Here are some helpful ways to create structure for yourself if you have ADHD:
- Fine tune your study skills.
- Create organizational techniques.
- Implement time management strategies.

Getting support

It can feel overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but the most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. If you’re looking for more support after your diagnosis, here are a few resources to get you started:

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). CHADD is an organization that focuses on providing information about ADHD, as well as resources related to support and advocacy for people with ADHD.
ADHD Foundation. The ADHD Foundation is a U.K.-based organization that provides education and resources for people living with ADHD, while also providing information for caretakers and professionals who care for individuals with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). The ADDA is another organization that provides resources for people with ADHD, including a list of virtual support programs for different groups, such as People of Color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and more.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes a person to experience inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a mixture of both.

In children, ADHD symptoms can sometimes be misunderstood by parents and caretakers, while untreated ADHD in adults can cause symptoms that significantly interfere with daily functioning.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can learn to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.

ADHD (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.

What Are the Signs of ADHD?

All kids struggle at times to pay attention, listen and follow directions, sit still, or wait their turn. But for kids with ADHD, the struggles are harder and happen more often.

Kids with ADHD can show signs in any or all these areas:

Inattentive. Kids who are inattentive (easily distracted) have trouble focusing their attention, concentrating, and staying on task. They may not listen well to directions, may miss important details, and may not finish what they start. They may daydream or dawdle too much. They may seem absent-minded or forgetful, and lose track of their things.
Hyperactive. Kids who are hyperactive are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. They may climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn't. Without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others.
Impulsive. Kids who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They often interrupt, might push or grab, and find it hard to wait. They may do things without asking for permission, take things that aren't theirs, or act in ways that are risky. They may have emotional reactions that seem too intense for the situation.

Sometimes parents and teachers notice signs of ADHD when a child is very young. But it's normal for little kids to be distracted, restless, impatient, or impulsive — these things don't always mean that a child has ADHD.

Attention, activity, and self-control develop little by little, as children grow. Kids learn these skills with help from parents and teachers. But some kids don't get much better at paying attention, settling down, listening, or waiting. When these things continue and begin to cause problems at school, home, and with friends, it may be ADHD.

What Causes ADHD?

It's not clear what causes the brain differences of ADHD. There’s strong evidence that ADHD is mostly inherited. Many kids who have ADHD have a parent or relative with it. Kids also can be more at risk for it if they were born early, are exposed to environmental toxins, or their mothers used drugs during pregnancy.

ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, poor parenting, or eating too much sugar.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

If you think your child has ADHD, make an appointment with your child's doctor. They will do a checkup, including a vision and hearing check, to be sure something else isn't causing the symptoms.

To diagnose ADHD, doctors start by asking about a child's health, behavior, and activity. They talk with parents and kids about the things they have noticed. Your doctor might ask you to complete checklists about your child's behavior, and might ask you to give your child's teacher a checklist too.

After gettng this information, doctors diagnose ADHD if it's clear that:

A child's trouble with paying attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity go beyond what's usual for their age.
The behaviors have been going on since the child was young.
The behaviors affect the child at school and at home.
A health check shows that another health or learning issue isn't causing the problems.

Many kids with ADHD also have learning problems, oppositional and defiant behaviors, or mood and anxiety problems. Doctors usually treat these along with the ADHD.

The doctor can refer you to a child psychologist or psychiatrist, if needed.

How Is ADHD Treated?

Treatment for ADHD usually includes:

Medicine. This activates the brain's ability to pay attention, slow down, and use more self-control.
Behavior therapy. Therapists can help kids develop the social, emotional, and planning skills that are lagging with ADHD.
Parent coaching. Through coaching, parents learn the best ways to respond to behavior problems that are part of ADHD.
School support. Teachers can help kids with ADHD do well and enjoy school more.

The right treatment helps ADHD improve. Parents and teachers can teach younger kids to get better at managing their attention, behavior, and emotions. As they grow older, kids should learn to improve their own attention and self-control.

When ADHD is not treated, it can be hard for kids to succeed. This may lead to low self-esteem, depression, oppositional behavior, school failure, risk-taking behavior, or family conflict.

How Can Parents Help?

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD:

Be involved. Learn all you can about ADHD. Follow the treatment your child's health care provider recommends. Go to all recommended therapy visits.
Give medicines safely. If your child is taking ADHD medicine, always give it at the recommended time and dose. Keep medicines in a safe place.
Work with your child's school. Ask teachers if your child should have an IEP or 504 plan. Meet often with teachers to find out how your child is doing. Work together to help your child do well
Parent with purpose and warmth. Learn what parenting approaches are best for a child with ADHD — and which can make ADHD worse. Talk openly and supportively about ADHD with your child. Focus on your child's strengths and positive qualities.
Connect with others for support and awareness. Join a support group like CHADD for ADHD to get updates on treatment and other information.

ADHD can improve when kids get treatment, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and exercise, and have supportive parents who know how to respond to ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - where the most unbearable bullies come from and what to do about it / Sudo Null IT News .

But there is still an opinion, and even among doctors, that this is a "fashionable made-up diagnosis."

Therefore, one must learn to distinguish between "what got into him?" (that is, episodic difficulties) from, in fact, attention deficit. To put ADHD, there are few problems with studies or bad behavior. It is not enough to skip tasks in the textbook because something distracted. It is not enough to "count the crows" in the lesson. It happens to everyone from time to time, but for some people the problems are so widespread and serious that they interfere with several aspects of their life at once: communication at home, success in school, fulfillment at work. nine0003

So ADHD is either restlessness, impulsiveness in making any decisions, inability to restrain emotions and more or less control one's behavior, or pathological inattention, forgetfulness, avoidance of activities that require constant mental effort. And often all together. That is, this is behavior that does not fit into the framework of age norms.

For example, the maximum duration of active attention in children aged five to seven is 15 minutes. When a child at the age of three is restless, noisy and cannot concentrate on any one thing for more than 10 minutes, this is normal. If the same thing happens to a child 9-10 years is already a violation.

Here are the data for other ages:

at 7-10 years old - 20 minutes;
at 10-12 years old - 25 minutes;
at 12-15 years old - 30 minutes.

By the way, it was on these norms that they relied when developing the SanPiN for organizing class time in schools and preschool institutions.

Causes of ADHD

There is no single cause of the syndrome, the etiology is considered multifactorial. nine0003

Apparently, genetic predisposition has the strongest influence, ADHD has a very high heritability - up to 74-76%. There are several genes that correlate very strongly with ADHD, such as the DAT1 and DRD4 genes. However, there are a number of risk factors that can be important predictors of ADHD. Prospective studies have repeatedly linked smoking during pregnancy to ADHD and, to a lesser extent, to fetal exposure to alcohol and psychotropic drugs. Premature birth and low birth weight may also contribute. nine0003

Finally, there is evidence that maternal stress and psychosocial distress during pregnancy contribute to the development of this condition.

And the problem is also aggravated by a difficult emotional background in the family, low social status, and ADHD in parents.

How does it work biologically?

Source

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has a biological basis.

The brain, in fact, is a huge electrical system, consisting of many subsystems that need to constantly interact with each other in order to do something. These are the so-called neural networks. Researchers have identified several major networks that work differently in people with ADHD than in people without the problem. These networks are involved in reward, concentration, planning, attention, task switching, and movement. nine0003

There is evidence that some parts of the brain of a person with ADHD, such as the basal ganglia, ventromedial frontal areas, the hippocampus, are smaller in volume compared to standard sizes.

Neurotransmitter deficiency in the brain of a person with ADHD

In order for information to be transmitted from one neuron to another and from one network to another, neurotransmitters are needed. These are biologically active chemicals that, through the synaptic space, help nerve cells communicate and reproduce electrical impulses. nine0003

Dopamine and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that may play a role in the development of ADHD. This syndrome was the first disorder in which noradrenaline deficiency was found and the first disorder to respond to drugs to correct this underlying deficiency. Like all neurotransmitters, norepinephrine is synthesized in the brain. The basic building block of every norepinephrine molecule is dopa: this tiny molecule is converted into dopamine, which in turn is converted into norepinephrine. nine0003

ADHD appears to be associated with impaired neurotransmitter activity in four functional areas of the brain: the frontal cortex, the limbic system, the basal ganglia, and the reticular activating system.

These four areas interact with each other, so a deficiency in one of them can cause a problem in one or more other areas.

By the way, certain neurotransmitter deficiencies underlie many common disorders, including anxiety, mood disorders, anger control problems, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. nine0003

Maybe it's just temperament and lack of upbringing?

Unfortunately no. ADHD differs from bad behavior in that the child actually suffers and becomes unsuccessful in various areas. When it comes to temperament, a person can quite control himself. Let with constant reminders, but - maybe. ADHD greatly interferes with this control: at home, at school, in communication with peers - everywhere.

And no, it's not mental retardation. It happens, of course, that these two diagnoses are adjacent to each other, but still, in the vast majority of cases, the intelligence of children with ADHD is completely preserved. It is adaptation in the world, family and society that suffers. nine0003

How do you know if a child has ADHD?

There are diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association DSM-5. There is an international document ICD 10.

Both here and there, attention is drawn to the fact that the symptoms must be severe, last at least six months, appear in all areas of life and start before the age of seven. And it is also very important to exclude other mental disorders.

It is very difficult for a child with ADHD to pay attention to tasks, to follow instructions, to sit without fidgeting, and to do work that requires mental effort for a long time. He often doesn't listen when spoken to, constantly loses things, gets easily distracted, runs away when asked to stay, and obsessively interferes in other people's conversations. nine0003

Symptoms and manifestations may change over time. But, modified, they remain even in adulthood.

Such children are very dependent on stimulating bonuses and mild dopamine. Collecting a favorite designer or reading a particularly interesting book for a long time is not a problem for them. Problems begin only when you need to force yourself to do something boring, keep the body calm and the brain active. Therefore, although ADHD is noticeable even at an early age for a specialist, by school it becomes impossible for anyone to ignore it. nine0003

People with ADHD tend to be disorganized. Children have disorder in the rooms; adults have cluttered tables; daily activities tend to be chaotic. Attics and basements are likely to be filled with partially completed sewing or renovation projects; desk drawers will be crammed with sketches and project plans. Many people with this disorder are smart, but tend to miss out because they can't focus or maintain interest. This often leads to disappointment in the family, failure at work, failure within the work team and among friends. nine0003

ADHD can develop in different ways. But mostly it gets easier as you get older. Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity decrease significantly during the school years. But the symptoms of inattention are more stable and decrease more slowly with age.

Overall, studies have shown that about 1/3 of children with ADHD go into remission in adulthood, while the remainder retain either the complete syndrome (up to 15%) or severe symptoms that do not meet full diagnostic criteria. nine0003

Does the syndrome occur only in children?

No, statistics say that this syndrome occurs in 2. 5-4% of adults. That is, in fact, it is a lifelong diagnosis. But it can also happen that a person has lived his whole life and only then found out that he, it turns out, has ADHD. Did not diagnose in time, did not pay attention. Did not know.

ADHD may be masked in adults. For example, inattention and impulsivity eventually develop into difficulty concentrating or mental restlessness, working memory deficits, etc.

Treatment in adults is usually aimed at relieving symptoms.

Forecasts for life depend very much on intra-family factors. But in general, people with ADHD can be quite successful doctors, engineers, programmers, whatever.

For example, this is how an adult patient with ADHD describes his situation: “My teachers, family and friends called me a “space cadet” because I was always lost in my thoughts, lost things, etc. I felt different and unworthy . In adulthood, the feeling of inferiority remained, but now it was mixed with impulsiveness and obsession, which damaged my relationship. Only when I turned 39years, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

There are two ways to solve this problem

The main role is played by the correct approach to education and training.

Accept the child as he is. Recognize that he does not do nasty things out of spite. Build a certain supporting environment around it.

It is important to consider the following:

Children with ADHD have a disturbed sense of time. They are not able to correctly estimate how many minutes they need for some action, how much has already passed and how much is left. Stimulant drugs, by the way, do not affect this feature in any way. So a clear schedule for which the child lives is very important. And, in addition, external supports: alarm clocks, diaries, checklists. nine0016
Children with ADHD are very dependent on dopamine, so it is important to introduce a clear visualized reward system. For example: brought "5" in mathematics - received a sticker. I collected 15 stickers - we are going to the zoo at the weekend. That is, we need short, clear tasks with quick bonuses in order to constantly maintain motivation at a sufficiently high level. All rewards and punishments are only here and now. Promises like "If you're good, you'll get a bike for your birthday" don't work. And even more so, phrases like: “If you don’t study, you won’t be able to find a good job when you grow up” don’t work. nine0016
Praise is insanely important. For every little thing. If a child constantly hears only criticism addressed to him, then his self-esteem falls and the desire to do anything disappears.
Physical contact works better than words. Played out - stop, hug, take by the hand. No belt, please!

A separate issue is the teacher education program. Unfortunately, they often, not understanding what is happening, scold such children, consider them hooligans, and send them to the last desk. Sometimes they are even humiliated. Or, on the contrary, they wave their hand and completely ignore, they say, do what you want. And a child with ADHD, of course, without proper control completely loses the banks. nine0003

But if the teacher understands what kind of disorder it is and what rules are needed, then such children become much more successful and manageable.

Well, a completely ideal option is a private school or family classes, where the teacher is more loyal and less demanding, ready to select interesting tasks and pause.

The chance to do without drugs is very, very high.

Speaking of medicines. Drugs that are used for ADHD can be divided into several groups. nine0003

Source

Psychostimulants: methylphenidate, amphetamine and its salts, dexamphetamine

Pros

These drugs stimulate the brain and increase and balance neurotransmitter levels.

A person becomes calmer and more attentive, better controls his behavior.

Methylphenidate promotes the reuptake of much-needed noradrenaline and dopamine from the synaptic space (that is, the place where neurons communicate via neurotransmitters to transmit signals) to presynaptic neurons. nine0003

Amphetamine does not affect reuptake in any way, but it stimulates the release of large amounts of catecholamines (that is, dopamine and norepinephrine) into the synaptic cleft.

In this case, amphetamine consists of a mixture of mirror stereoisomers. To optimize the therapeutic effect, a highly purified dextrorotatory stereoisomer of dexamphetamine is sometimes used.

It has a stronger interaction with dopamine receptors. After the levels of neurotransmitters rise, it becomes easier for the patient to concentrate. This improves the quality of life. nine0003

Unfortunately, amphetamine and its derivatives can be used "recreational" and addictive. With regular use in high doses, this psychostimulant leads to exhaustion and amphetamine psychosis. Therefore, the drug is allowed in a limited number of countries and is strictly controlled.

Cons

With uncontrolled intake of drugs, the effect of euphoria occurs. According to recent data, the abuse of stimulant drugs among students and adolescents with and without ADHD is steadily increasing. Psychostimulants help them concentrate, improve their memory and speed up their reactions in exchange for sleep disturbances, panic disorders, suicidal thoughts and loss of touch with reality. nine0003

There is also an interesting story in America related to the drug Adderall, which consists of several amphetamine salts. Statistics say that between 2002 and 2010, the number of prescriptions for which women aged 26 to 39 received it increased by as much as 750%. And some even stole these pills from their children. They all needed Adderall to be those perfect social media supermoms. Keep the brand. Lead an active life, build a career, keep the house almost sterile, actively lose weight (the drug has such an effect) and do everything. nine0003

It only remains to add that in the United States these drugs are classified as psychotropic substances subject to control, while in Russia they are equated with drugs and are strictly prohibited. Therefore, this direction of therapy is not available for patients in our country.

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Atomoxetine (in Russia the main trade drug is Strattera)

Pluses

Controls symptoms at the time of admission. Pretty good.

Cons

Again, a long list of side effects: nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, insomnia, abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, and so on. According to my observations, about 30% of children stop taking it because of these side effects.

Adrenoceptor antagonists: guanfacine and clonidine (you all heard its second name - clonidine)

Pluses

These drugs remove the excessive reaction of the nervous system.

Cons

They are not as efficient as we would like. They have their own extensive list of side effects, including severe sedation, dizziness, irritability, orthostatic hypotension, dry mucous membranes, and constipation. nine0003

And drowsiness is so strong that it interferes with learning.

In addition, since the dashing 90s, clonidine (under the trade name "Clonidine") has been infamous. Guanfacine is impossible to find on Russian shelves.

Norepinephrine reuptake antidepressants: nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, bupropion banned in Russia

Pros

Normalization of mood and reduction of feelings of anxiety. The effect of drugs on neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin. nine0003

Cons

A fairly large list of side effects and limitations. Limited use in children. At the same time, SSRIs do not affect the reuptake of dopamine, which plays an important role in this syndrome.

I would also like to say a few words about our “expensive” nootropics, neutrotrophics and others like them (pantogam, phenibut, cortexin, cerebrolysin). These drugs do not have any serious evidence base and should not be prescribed in principle and in children with ADHD - in particular. nine0003

If a decision is made to correct ADHD with drugs, then all of them are selected individually, as carefully and slowly as possible, with an eye to effectiveness and side effects.

But still, we try to adapt children without medicines where possible.

How are medicines selected?

To move from psychological support to drug therapy, very clear indications are needed.

It is generally undesirable for preschool children. For them, first-line therapy is a parenting education program. nine0011 For schoolchildren and young adults with mild disabilities, cognitive behavioral therapy is added to these programs.

Pharmacological treatment is prescribed for:

children with severe symptoms and disorders;
those who refuse non-drug interventions;

For adults with moderate or severe disabilities, medications also come first. And only on the second - psychotherapy. nine0003

In any case, treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs and current level of symptom severity.

Comorbidities

About 70% of children with ADHD have at least one other comorbid disorder. The most common comorbidities are oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning and speech disorders.

ADHD is also common in children with autism and mental retardation. nine0003

The neighborhood of ADHD, autism, low intelligence and increased aggressiveness is a very clear factor in a poor prognosis for life. It is difficult for such people to manage themselves, they often fall into bad company, especially if for some reason parents cannot take care of children and accept them as they are.

Can I have a genetic test for ADHD?

Not yet. Such studies have begun to be conducted quite recently, and the results are not yet available. The same is true with autism. nine0003

With ADHD, such clear reasons have not yet been identified. We now know only the factors that are often encountered when evaluating the questionnaires of children with this syndrome, and that's it.

Who should I contact if ADHD is suspected?

The first step is to contact a neurologist. He will give you to fill out certain questionnaires, conduct tests, make a diagnosis, and understand the essence of the disorder. Can prescribe drugs from the small arsenal that we have.

But the condition is usually not corrected in polyclinics, since it is absolutely impossible to collect a full anamnesis and tell patients about the essence of the problem (and it needs to be told there for a long time and in detail) in 15 minutes of admission. nine0003

If the diagnosis of ADHD has been made, it is necessary to teach the parents how to behave properly with the child, the psychologist can give some autoregulation techniques and recommendations for organizing everyday life.

If there are concomitant problems such as dysgraphia or dyslexia, then classes with a speech therapist are needed.

Neuropsychologists also have their own approaches. True, they still have a very small evidence base.

Total

ADHD is restlessness, inattention and impulsivity that do not fit into the framework of age development norms, and not just bad behavior and upbringing. nine0016
This is a multifactorial syndrome, the exact causes of its occurrence are not yet possible to identify.
In most cases, this diagnosis is lifelong, symptoms may decrease or change with age.
Intelligence in ADHD in most cases does not suffer.
The basis of therapy is, first of all, parental education, cognitive-behavioral techniques and competent adaptation in the environment. And only in the second - medicines. nine0016

This material has been greatly simplified. If you have more specific questions about ADHD in children, we are happy to answer in detail. If questions on ADHD in adults are not exactly our specialty, here we do not feel as confident as in the environment of children's problems, but we can give general advice.

P.S. If you get to the clinic where I accept - "Our Time", then say that you are from Habr: there will be a 5% discount on services.

How to recognize ADHD in a child and help him

November 23, 2019 Likbez Advice

This disorder is often confused with ordinary bad manners. Nevertheless, we are talking about a serious diagnosis.

What is ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological behavioral disorder that the affected person cannot control (this is important). It has three key manifestations. Or, in some cases, their combination:

Inattention. It is difficult for a child to concentrate on a task. He lacks the persistence to continue what he started for more than a couple of minutes. And these problems are not related to the fact that he "does not obey" or does not understand the question. nine0016
Hyperactivity. The child cannot sit still, including in situations where calm and silence are required. He jumps, twists, taps his foot, asks a million questions, scratches, giggles, or is just plain nervous.
Impulsivity. This means that children do what they want, instantly, without thinking about the consequences. For example, another child takes their car in the sandbox - they beat the offender. It is necessary to the carousel - they run towards it, pushing the rest with their shoulders. I wonder what the appearance of others is connected with - they directly and loudly ask: “Why is this old aunt so fat?” nine0016

Most often, ADHD is associated only with hyperactivity. But this is a mistake. The child can be reserved and balanced phlegmatic. Just extremely careless.

For a doctor to make a diagnosis, it is enough that one or two of the manifestations of the disease indicated above are observed. In this case, ADHD is divided into types: predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. But in most children, all three problems are present in a complex - this type of ADHD is called combined. nine0003

How to recognize ADHD

If you think that almost all children exhibit this behavior from time to time, you don't. Almost everyone at some point in their lives may behave like someone with ADHD. That is why there is an opinion that this disorder does not exist - they say, these are inventions designed to hide poor upbringing or, let's say, a low level of intelligence.

But despite the controversy, ADHD is quite an official medical diagnosis. The International Classification of Diseases ICD-11 refers it to neurodevelopmental disorders - diseases in which the psyche fails and produces a pathological reaction to sensory information coming from outside. nine0003

And there are quite clear diagnostic criteria that help recognize ADHD.

1. Age

Symptoms of ADHD most often first appear between the ages of 3 and 6, but most cases are diagnosed between 6 and 12 years of age.

If you suspect ADHD in a teenager, but are not sure if he had the same problems in preschool age, most likely it is some other disorder. Or just behavior problems that don't have neurological implications. nine0003

2. Symptoms that last at least 6 months

Diagnosis requires long-term observation of the child's behavior, at least six months. And not only in the family or familiar environment, but also in kindergarten or school.

A pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist should talk in detail with the parents and the child himself. And also, ideally, interview other people working with him - educators or teachers. Only this allows you to put together a whole picture. nine0003

3. Symptoms that recur both at home and in kindergarten or school

A child with ADHD cannot control their behavior. Therefore, the symptoms will be the same - in the familiar environment, in the kindergarten or school.

If your child seems to be unable to sit still even for a second, blows up the house and exhausts you with endless questions, but behaves normally in kindergarten, this is not about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

4. Symptoms that reduce the quality of life

You can be diagnosed if you notice at least a few of the following symptoms every day.

In case of inattentive ADHD, the child:

Not able to keep attention on one thing for a long time (at least 5 minutes).
Easily distracted, instantly forgetting what he was doing just now.
Regularly makes elementary mistakes: in the example “1 + 2”, he can forget that the first digit was a unit, and output the answer 4. Or, when reading, skip a line and not even notice it. nine0016
Often, being distracted, he cannot perform a simple task that other children can easily cope with.
Regularly does not hear the speech of a parent, educator or teacher addressed to him, because his thoughts are somewhere far away.
Cannot keep things in order, even when this is specially emphasized to his attention.
Loses things endlessly - mittens, pencils, books, wallets, keys.
When going somewhere, he “digs” all the time — he cannot quickly put together the necessary accessories, even if there are very few of them. nine0016

With hyperactive-impulsive ADHD child:

Cannot sit still for more than a few minutes. In the literal sense: fidgeting, wriggling, twisting with brushes and knocking with his feet.
Often forgets and jumps out of place in situations where it is impossible to do this, for example, in a lesson.
Shows aimless motor activity: jumping, waving his arms, climbing or running somewhere.
Does not know how to play quietly and thoughtfully, for example, to assemble a construction set on his own. nine0016
Cannot wait in line. So, the teacher's question can be answered by interrupting the classmate to whom this question was addressed.
He can be very talkative and often quite tactless.
Seems to lack a sense of danger that could threaten his life.

With combined ADHD, the symptoms may be combined. And in any type, they obviously interfere with the child. For example, due to restlessness or lack of concentration, he cannot learn a lesson or complete an assignment. And because of tactlessness or slowness, it causes irritation in others. nine0003

The dangers of ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can persist into adulthood. This often leads to serious psychosocial problems:

poor academic performance and, as a result, the inability to get a good education;
lack of friends and support;
ridicule and related mental trauma;
low self-esteem;
inability to make and keep plans;
optional, which has a bad effect on career and relationships within the team;
frequent mood swings;
vehemence, inclination to commit rash acts;
persistently high levels of stress, which can lead to the development of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression;
inability to build long-term relationships, including family ones;
alcohol and drug abuse;
problems with paying debts and the law.

Conclusion: if the diagnosis of ADHD is made, the disease must be corrected.

How to treat ADHD

Good news first.

Between 30% and 70% of children diagnosed with the syndrome "outgrow" it with age.

In other children, the disorder remains for life. It is not always possible to cure it completely. However, there are quite effective methods of correction that can reduce symptoms. nine0003

1. Psychotherapy

In particular, we are talking about behavioral therapy. A qualified psychotherapist will help the child cope with emotions and disappointments, teach social skills in a playful way, for example, wait in line and share, and will not let self-esteem sink.

2. Work in the family

Family relationships are a key part of successful correction. It is extremely important for parents to do everything so as not to increase the already high level of stress in the child. nine0003

Do not scold him for inattention, slowness or restlessness: children with ADHD are objectively unable to cope with this. Your task is to be supportive, to show the child that he is loved no matter what. You may also need psychotherapy, which will teach you to control your own emotions and tell you where to draw the psychological resource necessary for communication.

Here's what mom and dad can do:

Organize your child's home life. Try to follow a strict daily regimen with clearly defined times for getting up, having breakfast, getting ready for the garden or school, bathing, going to bed. It is also worth making a schedule that will remind the child what he should do during the day. Be sure to place your schedule sheet somewhere visible, such as a magnet on the refrigerator door. nine0016
Adjust diet. Diet research has yielded mixed results. But still, there is reason to believe that certain foods can help the brain cope with the disorder. Add high protein foods to your daily diet - meat, eggs, beans, nuts. Try to replace fast carbohydrates like sweets and cakes with slow ones like fruits, whole grain bread. An important nuance: before changing the diet, you should consult on this topic with the pediatrician observing the child. nine0016
Limit time for watching TV and playing with gadgets. No more than 2 hours a day!
Be consistent in your actions. Children with ADHD need clear and predictable rules to follow.

3. Drug therapy

The most commonly used in the correction of ADHD are nootropics (substances that improve brain function) and psychostimulants (help control behavior). Which drug is needed in your case, only a doctor can decide. nine0003

One must be prepared for the fact that the chosen medicine may not be effective, and then a change in the drug will be required.

In addition, any side effects that occur, including loss of appetite or trouble sleeping, should be reported to the physician. This is also an indication for looking for another remedy.

Where ADHD comes from

The exact cause of the disorder has not been established. But it is known that an excess of sugar or excessive TV viewing does not cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. An unbalanced diet or obsession with gadgets can make ADHD difficult to manage. But they are not able to provoke its development. nine0003

Scientists have only been able to identify a number of factors that seem to play a role in causing ADHD.

1. Heredity

The syndrome runs in families, which makes it possible to link it with genetics. It has been found that if one parent had ADHD, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder. If the family already has an older brother or sister with the syndrome, the risks of the younger one are 30%.