Many myths regarding the causes of ADHD have been disproven. Some of these include excessive sugar consumption, too much TV, poverty, and turmoil in your family. These factors can worsen ADHD symptoms but don’t cause the condition.
A new study reveals genetic differences between black and white children with ADHD.
How is it diagnosed?
Symptoms and interviews diagnose ADHD. A primary care provider, a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or brain specialist known as a neurologist, can perform the evaluation.
The practitioner can interview the parents, teachers and other adults that care for the child when diagnosing the condition. It allows the practitioner to observe a child’s behavior across different environments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual will determine if a diagnosis of ADHD is made. Mental health professionals use this manual to evaluate an individual’s symptomatology.
Different criteria depend on the type. However, to diagnose ADHD of any kind, the person undergoing evaluation must meet the following: 4
- Several hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms before age 12
- At least two different settings (such as school and home) can present with the same symptoms
- They have demonstrated that their symptoms affect their ability to function socially, at school or the workplace.
- A formal evaluation was performed to rule out any other primary causes for the symptoms.
An individual with ADHD must show an ongoing pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, and these symptoms must interfere with their quality of life.6
Does ADHD affect boys and girls differently?
Types
DSM-5 defines three types of ADHD. 8
The primarily inattentive presentation
A child must show at least six symptoms. An adolescent or an adult must show five.
- Having trouble paying attention when performing tasks or playing games
- Careless mistakes are made frequently
- Forgetting daily tasks is a common occurrence
- You are easily distracted
- When spoken to directly, it appears that the person is not listening.
- Forgetful of daily tasks
- Has difficulty following through on tasks or homework
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Children up to the age of 16 years must show six symptoms, while older adolescents and adults should have five.
- Fidgeting or tapping the hands or feet is a common habit.
- When asked to remain seated, the person often gets up or leaves.
- Inappropriately running or climbing often
- You may feel restless, agitated or anxious
- Many people are unable to relax or engage in quiet activities
- Often talks non-stop
- In conversations, people often blur out answers before the full question is asked.
- Has difficulty turning around
- Interrupts conversation when others are talking
Combination Presentation
Has symptoms from both presentations of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive:
- The symptoms must last at least six month
- The symptoms must be disruptive at work, in school or social settings
- The symptoms are not appropriate for the individual’s development level
The type of ADHD a person has can change over time. This is because symptoms often change as children age. 6
Differential Diagnosis
Several conditions can be mistaken for ADHD. These must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made, including:
- Sleep disorders or conditions that affect your sleep quality
- Anxiety is a mental disorder that involves excessive worry and fear.
- Depression is a mental illness that causes sadness, loneliness, and low spirits.
- Learning difficulties
- Hearing and vision problems
Differential Diagnosis for Confirming Your Illness
What is the treatment?
ADHD is usually treated by behavioral therapy or medication. The first treatment for children between the ages of 4 and 5 is behavior-based, with parent involvement.
Behavioral Therapy
ADHD can be treated with a variety of behavioral treatments, including
- Behavior modification: Strategies based upon the child’s symptoms to increase desired behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors
- Parental training: Teach parents how to react in a manner that promotes the child’s healthy development and strengthens the parent/child bond.
- Social Skills Training: Provides an environment where a child can safely learn social skills, such as how to get along with others at school or with family members.
- School Interventions: A trained professional can work with a child’s teacher and school counselor to develop a plan for implementing classroom intervention as needed.
- Training in organizational skills: Aims to teach older kids time management and organization skills at home and school.
Medication
There are two types of ADHD medication available in intermediate-acting and long-acting forms:
- Ritalin, Adderall and other psychostimulants like methylphenidate (methylphenidate) can improve or reduce ADHD symptoms. According to studies, stimulants can improve ADHD symptoms for approximately 70% of adults and 70% to 80% of children.
- The non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Intune(guanfacine) and Kavya(clonidine), can be prescribed to treat ADHD alone or in conjunction with other medications.
1
The most common side effects are mild. Some of them subside once the medication is taken for some time. If side effects do not subside quickly, the prescribing doctor may reduce the dosage or prescribe a new drug.
The following are some of the side effects of ADHD medication:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Loss Of Appetite
- Weight loss
- Nervousness or irritation
- Swings in mood
- Stomachaches and Headaches
- The medication has a rebound effect that causes hyperactivity and moodiness to increase.
- Tics or repetitive muscle movements like eye blinking
- A minor delay in normal growth pattern
Side effects of pediatric drugs
Alternative and Complementary Treatments
Many alternative and complementary therapies claim to be effective in treating ADHD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that many of these treatments have not proven safe or effective.
Some examples of complementary or alternative treatments for ADHD which need further research include the following:
- Brain Gym is a program of movement that claims to improve the brain’s performance.
- Luminosity is a program which includes games that claim to improve memory and concentration.
- Cogged is a program that effectively trains working memory for children with ADHD.
- Fish oil supplements may help those with mild ADHD symptoms or who don’t respond well to stimulant medications.
- Massage
- Mindfulness training is the practice that involves being present in yourself and tuning in.
- Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that shows brain activity and uses interventions to activate different parts of the mind.
- Movement Therapy is an intervention that is often used in conjunction with sensory integration training to help improve body awareness, balance and coordination
- Eye tracking training is a training that aims to improve your self-control.
Research has shown that some alternative treatments are effective when combined with a Multimodal Approach, which is an approach that uses several techniques. Evidence supports the use of biofeedback, 16 movement therapies, 17, and eye movement training 18 as adjunct treatments.
Check with your doctor before starting any new treatment.
ADHD Treatments that are Potentially Harmful
Speak to your doctor before trying any alternative treatments for ADHD. Alternative treatments for ADHD can be harmful and interfere with the prescribed treatment.
- The treatment of allergies can cause stimulant medications to be ineffective 19
- Megavitamins linked to liver damage
- Herbal supplements have little supporting evidence, and they may cause side effects 20
- Restricted diets have a low rate of success and can negatively impact dietary requirements
- Evidence for anti-motion Sickness Treatment 14
Common Risks of ADHD Untreated in Adults
What are some tips for dealing with ADHD?
Adolescents and children with ADHD face unique challenges. It’s vital that you, as a parent, learn how to help your child deal with any unwanted or uncomfortable symptoms of ADHD. You should also seek support if you need it. helpguide.org has more information about parenting tips.
You and your child can benefit from seeking professional help immediately. This will help you to feel more supported and understand the unique challenges that ADHD brings.