Facts about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is defined as a pattern of behavior that combines distractibility and impulsivity.  ADHD is a neurological disorder that impairs the regulation of attention, motor activity, and of impulsivity.  Five to ten percent of the population is estimated to have ADHD.

ADHD is usually present before age seven and may interfere with regular daily routines at school, at home and at work to a significant degree.  ADHD results in problems with executive functions, such as planning, organizing, starting and stopping activity, managing behavior, problem solving and working memory.

Without early identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences including academic failure, low self-esteem, depression, conduct disorders, failed relationships, unemployment and high risk activity, including substance abuse.  Individuals with ADHD are generally average to well above average intelligence.  Children with ADHD grow into adults with ADHD.

Symptoms

The American Psychiatric Association defines a person as having ADHD when eight or more of the following diagnostic criteria are present over a long period.  Since most children and adults will, at times, display the characteristics listed below, a true attention deficit disorder is measured by the degree and impact these behaviors present in the life of the child or adult.

Inattention is characterized by the following:
1. failure to give close attention to details
2. failure to finish tasks
3. does not seem to listen
4. difficulty sustaining attention
5. difficulty concentrating on school or work or other tasks
6. does not follow through on instructions

Impulsivity is characterized by the following:
1. acts before thinking
2. loses things necessary for tasks
3. difficulty organizing tasks and activities
4. flits from one activity to another
5. talks impulsively and interrupts or intrudes on others
6. has difficulty taking turns 
7. irresponsible risk taking behavior
8. blurts out answers before questions are complete
9. tendency to anger easily

Hyperactivity is characterized by all of the above and including:
1. difficulty remaining seated and sitting still 
2. fidgets with hands or feet
3. has difficulty playing quietly
4. difficulty awaiting turn
5. runs around and climbs excessively 
6. always on the go

Diagnosis of ADHD

Diagnosis is made by incorporating a variety of methods and must meet DSM-IV criteria.  These methods may include interviews with parents, school personnel, the individual themselves and or employer; medical or neurological evaluation; psychiatric evaluation for co-morbid conditions; behavior rating scales designed specifically to assess ADHD symptoms; other diagnostic tests that are not routinely used to establish presence of ADHD but may be used to discover other conditions.

Treatment for ADHD

Treatment is most successful as a team effort.  A balanced treatment approach may include counseling and behavior modification therapy, medication, social skills training, classroom interventions or job accommodations, or ADHD coaching.

Medication is one component in the complex therapy for children and adults with ADHD.  Medication is highly effective for approximately 60 % to 80 % of those affected.  The main medications used are in the class of stimulants and anti-depressants.  These medications work by altering the amount of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that are involved in some way by filtering out distractions, inhibiting impulses, improving attention, and modifying hyperactivity.  

Other methods of treating ADHD may include a more holistic approach such as vitamins, herbs, minerals, diet control, and exercise, however, research is showing that medication accounts for the largest improvement in symptoms.

What About Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder

Although in the past, some believed ADHD was a learning disability (LD), but it is now commonly accepted that these are totally separate disorders.  It has been reported that anywhere between 25% to 30% of ADHD people have LD, but that just 10% to 20% of those with LD have ADHD.  It is further agreed that, like many individuals with LD, those with ADHD may be several years behind their peers emotionally, socially or educationally.

How to Get Help

The LDA of Washington office offers a list of ADHD resources and can refer people to articles, brochures, books, newsletters, organizations, counselors, personal coaches, Physicians,  Psychiatrists and support groups.

Another good resource for information and support regarding ADHD is CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder).  There are several local chapters. 

For contact information call the LDA of Washington

Information & Referral

425-882-0792

1-800-536-2343 (Washington State; outside of King County)

nsobich@ldawa.org

Suggested Reading

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, by Larry Silver, MD
• Driven to Distraction & Delivered from Distraction, by Edward Hallowell, MD & John Ratey, MD
• My Brain Needs Glasses: Living with Hyperactivity, by Annick Vincent, MD
• Survival Guide for College Students with ADD or LD, by Kathleen Nadeau, PhD
  Help4ADD@Highschool, by Kathleen Nadeau, PhD
• Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children & Adults, by Thomas E Brown, PhD