What is the Real Truth about ADHD

By Michael K. Davis, MD
July 16, 2009

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common medical complaints of childhood.  Nearly 10% of school-aged children are affected.  The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, distractability, inability to focus on school work or chores, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.  All children normally have one or more of these features at some time in thier lives, however, children with ADHD may have more difficulty performing daily tasks than other children.  As many as half of these children will have symptoms of ADHD into adulthood.  The cause of ADHD is unknown.  Treatment may involve behavior therapy and/or medicines.

 

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder that causes a combination of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.  While these symptoms may be part of normal childhood development, children with ADHD develop difficulty completing normal daily tasks due to the disorder.  ADHD affects children in multiple settings.  Poor school performance, inability to perform chores at home and risk-taking behavior while riding a bicycle may be present.

 
What causes ADHD?

The cause of ADHD is unknown.  There seems to be an imbalance of chemicals in the brain which may include: dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.  It is unknown if the problem relates to the over or underproduction of these chemicals or perhaps to an abnormal response to these chemicals.  Subtle differences in brain anatomy have been detected in children with ADHD, however the significance of this is unknown.

 

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

• Inattention
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity
• Distractability
• Inability to focus on school work or chores
• Risk-taking behavior on bicycle, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.
• Distraction while performing work
• Losing, misplacing or forgetting objects
• Disorganization
• Daydreaming
• Poor school performance
• Risk-taking behavior such as riding a bicycle over a ledge or into the street
• Yelling out answers to questions too quickly
• Accidently injuring other children
• Impatience, especially when waiting in line
• Excessive movement, talking or fidgeting
• Inability to sit still
• Difficulty playing quietly
• Poor behavior

There is no medical test for ADHD.  The story provided by the family, school or caregiver is usually enough to make the diagnosis.  Surveys and questionnaires are often helpful.  ADHD must meet the following criteria:

• Must be present in more than one setting (for example – at school, home      and church)
• Must be present for 6 months or more
• Must occur before 7 years of age
• Must be excessive compared to normal childhood behavior
• Must affect school, home or social activity
• Other disorders must be excluded by your doctor

 
How is ADHD treated?

Behavior therapy and educational interventions may be helpful.  Some examples include, frequent progress reports from school, sitting close to the teacher, removing distractions, private tutoring, etc.

Stimulant medications may be used in children 3 years of age and older.  They are in a class of amphetamine-like drugs that stimulate nerve activity in the brain.  While providing “stimulation” to a hyperactive child may seem to be counter-productive, these medicines help children focus.  This effect is somewhat like an adult drinking a cup of coffee (for the caffeine) to “wake up” or “concentrate” better.  Some examples of stimulants are:

• Adderall ®
• Concerta ®
• Focalin ®
• Metadate ®
• Ritalin ®
• Vyvanse ™

Non-stimulant medications aim to have similar effects to the stimulant medications without the same side effects.  Strattera® works on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (stimulant medicines primarily work on dopamine).  Many children respond well to Strattera® however more is known about the benefits of stimulant medications for ADHD.

 
What are the most common side effects of stimulant ADHD medications?

• Poor appetite and weight gain
• Sleep problems
• Restlessness or irritability
• Headache
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea

 
Does ADHD go away?

ADHD symptoms continue into aduthood for more than half of children with ADHD.  Hyperactivity becomes less apparent as a child enters the teenage years and adulthood.

Source: Dr. Tummy

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? Is there a question that you would like to ask Dr. Tummy? dan@youngchronicle.com