Disease, Illness and Condition Library
ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder in Young Children
condition are poor or short attention span and impulsiveness that are not fitting for the child’s age; combined in some cases with hyperactivity. Although there is considerable controversy about frequency it is estimated that ADHD affects 5 to 10% of school aged children and is diagnosed 10 times more often in boys than girls. Various features of ADHD are often times noticed before age 4 and almost always before the age of 7, but they may not interfere significantly with scholastic performance and social functioning until the middle school years. In past years ADHD was referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD). However, the widespread occurrence of hyperactivity in affected children, which is really a physical extension of attention deficit, led to a change in the contemporary terminology. ADHD can be inherited. Recent research suggests that the disorder is caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitters (substances that transmit nerve impulses within the brain). The symptoms of ADHD vary from mild to severe and can become exaggerated or become a problem in certain environments, such as in the child’s home or at school. The constraints of school and organized lifestyles make ADHD a problem, whereas in prior generations, the symptoms many not have interfered greatly with children’s functioning because such restraints were often much fewer. Although some of the symptoms of ADHD also occur in children without ADHD, they are more common and severe in children with ADHD. Symptoms Symptoms of ADHD are mainly a problem with sustained attention, concentration, and task determination (ability to finish a task). The child may also be overactive and impulsive. Many preschool children with ADHD are anxious, have problems communicating and interacting, and behave badly. They seem inattentive. They may fidget and squirm. They may be impatient and answer out of turn. During later childhood, such children may move their legs restlessly, move and fidget their hands, talk impulsively, forget easily, and they may be disorganized. They are for the most part not aggressive. It is estimated that only about 20% of children with ADHD have learning disabilities and about 80% have academic problems. Their work may be messy, with sloppy mistakes and a lack of careful though. Affected children often behave as if their mind is somewhere else and they are not listening. They often do not follow through on request or complete schoolwork, chores, or other duties. There may be repeated shifts from one incomplete task to another. About 40% of affected children may have issues with self esteem, depression, anxiety, or opposition to authority by the time they reach adolescence. About 60% of young children have such problems as temper tantrums, and older children tend to have a low tolerance for frustration. Diagnosis The diagnosis is based on the number, frequency, and severity of symptoms. Symptoms must be present in at least two separate environments (typically, home and school) – occurrence of symptoms just at home or just at school and nowhere else does not qualify as ADHD. Often, diagnosis is tricky because it depends on the judgment of the observer. There is no laboratory test for ADHD. Questionnaires about various aspects of behavior can help the doctor make the diagnosis. Because learning disabilities are widespread may children receive psychological testing both to help determine if ADHD exists and to detect the presence of specific learning disabilities. Treatment and Prognosis To lessen the effects of ADHD structures, routines, a school intervention plan, and modified parenting techniques are often needed. Some children who are not aggressive and who come from a stable and supportive home environment may benefit from drug treatment alone. Behavior therapy conducted by a child psychologist is occasionally combined with drug treatment. Psychostimulant drugs are currently the most effective drug treatment. Methylphenidate is the psychostimulant drug most often prescribed. It is as effective as other psychostimulants (such as dextroamphetamine) and is most likely safer. A number of slow release (longer acting) forms of methylphenidate are available in addition to the regular form and allow for one time per day dosing. Side effects of methylphenidate include sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, appetite suppression, depression or sadness, headaches, stomachaches, and high blood pressure. All of these side effects disappear if the drug is discontinued; however, most children have no side effects except perhaps a drop off in appetite. However, if taken in large doses for a long time, methylphenidate can occasionally slow the child’s growth; therefore, doctors monitor weight gain. A number of other drugs can be used to treat inattentiveness and behavioral symptoms. These include clonidine, amphetamine based drugs, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Occasionally, combinations of these drugs are used. Children with ADHD normally do not outgrow their inattentiveness, although those with hyperactivity tend to become somewhat less impulsive and hyperactive with age. However, most adolescents and adults learn to adapt to their inattentiveness. Other problems that emerge or persist in adolescence and adulthood include poor academic achievement, low self esteem, anxiety, depression and difficulty in learning appropriate social behaviors. Notably the vast majority of children with ADHD become productive adults, and people who have ADHD seem to adjust better to work than to school situations. However, if the disorder is untreated in childhood, the risk of alcohol or substance abuse or suicide may increase. ADHD: Epidemic or Over Diagnosis An ever increasing number of children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is a growing anxiety among doctors and parents that many children are misdiagnosed. A high activity level may be entirely normal and be simply an exaggeration of normal childhood temperament. Alternatively, it may have a variety of causes, including emotional disorders or abnormalities of brain function, such as ADHD. Generally, 2 year olds are active and seldom stay still. A high activity and noise level is common up until the age of 4. In these age groups, such behavior is normal. Active behavior can cause conflicts between parents and child and may concern parents. It also can create problems for others who supervise such children, including teachers. Determining whether a child’s activity level is abnormally high should not simply depend on how tolerant the annoyed person is. However, some children are clearly more active than average. If the high activity level is combined with short attention span and impulsivity, it may be defined as hyperactivity and considered part of ADHD. Scolding and punishing children whose high activity level is within normal limits usually backfires, increasing the child’s activity level. Avoiding situations in which the child has to sit still for a long time or finding a teacher skilled in coping with such children may help. If simple measures do not help, a medical or psychological evaluation may be useful to rule out an underlying disorder such as ADHD. Managing ADHD in Children (from the Experts at Native Remedies) Bringing up an ADHD child, like bringing up any child, is a process. No single point is ever reached where the parent can sit back and say, "That's it. My child is now OK, and I don't have to do anything more." As a parent, you need to be proactive and take the initiative in finding the best possible way to help your child. It is important for you to manage your child in ways that will be kind, firm, and effective. If parents are consistent with some of these suggestions and interventions, you may even find that your child's 'symptoms' disappear or become much less severe. The first thing to look at is your child's diet. Not all children respond, but there are definitely some children who do - and quite dramatically! Things to avoid are soda pops and 'fizzy' cold drinks, anything with caffeine (again, cola drinks, coffee, Ceylon tea and chocolate), food with high sugar content, as well as anything containing tartrazine (an artificial food coloring), MSG, or artificial preservatives. One must make allowances for the occasional treat, but educate your child and be firm about what he may and may not eat, especially on school days. Here is a brief summary regarding diet: • Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar - e.g. candies - during school days, and limit over weekends. • Avoid foods and drinks containing stimulants like caffeine - found in coffee, tea, chocolate and colas, as well as in many energy drinks. • Avoid foods and drinks with artificial flavors and colors, especially tartrazine and MSG. • Try to keep junk foods down to a minimum. • See what happens if you eliminate wheat and refined carbohydrate from the diet for a few weeks. Many children have a wheat intolerance which can cause hyperactivity. Instead use oats, brown rice, and rye bread. • Have your child eat lots of fresh fruit, salads, and veggies. Include fish in the diet as much as possible. • Give your child a supplement containing flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil. You may also try to limit the hours spent watching television and playing computer games, especially those with a high violence content. Television and computer games in excess have been shown to affect the child's ability to concentrate at school and can also cause reading problems in sensitive children. It is recommended that there be: • No television on school nights • Two hours in total during the weekend • No television before school While there is no single activity that guarantees kids with ADHD instant success, certain types of activities tend to reap more positive results. • Look for activities with a singular focus such as sports that focus (e.g. karate, judo) • Consider activities that involve movement, providing an appropriate and controlled physical outlet • Learning a musical instrument • Seek activities that offer individualized instruction • Explore activities that result in tangible rewards Avoid activities that: • Involve a lot of down time • Require too much divided attention • Require fine motor skills An ADHD Management Checklist • Use frequent eye contact when speaking to your child or giving instructions • Keep directions simple and set simple house rules • Avoid major or frequent changes • Be consistent in your discipline • Provide a structured outlet for hyperactivity • Teach using as many of the senses as possible and make learning Interactive • Review your expectations for your child • Reward positive behavior immediately • Anticipate situations • Make sure your child is supervised all the time • Learn and understand the symptoms of ADHD • Keep a fairly consistent schedule, if possible • Organize needed everyday items • Use homework and notebook organizers • Set a homework routine • Focus and reward on effort, not grades • Speak often to your child's teachers • Play games that promote concentration, listening skills, and memory • Make a special effort to highlight positives in your child It is important to try not to: • Use physical punishment • Put too many expectations on your child • Focus too much on the areas your child is struggling with Taking Time for Yourself Caring for a child with special needs can leave modest time for the rest of the family. Even the most dedicated parents need a break. However, because of your child’s unique needs, you may be hesitant to leave him or her with a baby sitter. Many communities and church organizations recognize this need problem and have opened respite centers where parents can temporarily leave a special needs child with a caregiver experienced in caring for such children. If this type of option is provided in your community, consider taking advantage of it.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Native Remedies
Focus Formula - Helps maintain optimal mental focus, concentration, attention span and memory function. - Continue Bright Spark - Homeopathic formula which works to temporarily relieve hyperactivity, distractability, and impulsiveness - For All Ages - Continue Brain Tonic - Aids in cognitive processes including concentration, memory and attentiveness. - Continue Mood Calm - Homeopathic remedy temporarily calms emotional outbursts and reduces mood swings. - Continue |
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