Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Imagine living in a world where sights, sounds, images and thoughts are constantly

changing and shifting. Unable to focus on whatever task is at hand, your mind wanders

from one activity or thought to the next. Sometimes you become so lost among all the

thoughts and images that you don't even notice when someone is speaking to you.

This is what it is like for many people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder, or ADHD. Once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, ADHD is one

of the most common mental disorders among children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of all

children, and it is likely to occur two to three times more in boys than in girls.

People who have ADHD may be unable to sit still, plan ahead, finish tasks, or be

completely aware of what is going on in the world around them. However, on some

occasions, they may appear "normal", leading others to believe that the person with

ADHD can control such behaviors. As a result of this, ADHD can hinder the person's

relationships and interactions with others in addition to disrupting their daily life and

lowering self-esteem.

To determine whether or not a person has ADHD, specialists must consider

several questions: Do these behaviors occur more often than in other people of the same

age? Are the behaviors an ongoing problem, not just a response to a [temporary]

situation? Do the behaviors occur only in one specific place or in several different settings?

In answering these questions, the person's behavior patterns are compared to a set

of criteria and characteristics of ADHD. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders (DSM) presents this set of criteria. According to the DSM, there are three

patterns of behavior that indicate ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

According to the DSM, signs of inattention include: becoming easily distracted by

irrelevant sights and sounds; failing to pay attention to details and making careless

mistakes; rarely following instructions carefully and/or completely; and constantly losing

or forgetting things like books, pencils, tools, and such.

Some signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, according to the DSM, are: the

inability to sit still, often fidgeting with hands and feet; running, climbing, or leaving a seat

in situations where sitting or quiet, attentive behavior is required; difficulty waiting in line

or for a turn; and blurting out answers before hearing the entire question.

However, because almost everyone will behave in these manners at some time, the

DSM has very specific guidelines for determining if they indicate ADHD. Such behaviors

must appear early in life, before age 7, and continue for at least 6 months. For children,

these behaviors must occur more frequently and severely than in others of the same age.

Most of all, the behaviors must create a true handicap in at least 2 areas of the person's life

(e.g. school, home, work, social settings).

One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that it is usually accompanied by

other problems. Many children who have ADHD also have a learning disability. This

means that they have trouble with certain language or academic skills, commonly reading

and math. A very small number of people with ADHD also have Tourette's syndrome.

Those affected by Tourette's syndrome may have tics, facial twitches, and other such

movements that they cannot control. Also, they may grimace, shrug, or yell out words

abruptly.

Almost half of all children with ADHD, mostly boys, have another condition

known as oppositional defiant disorder. This sometimes develops into more serious

conduct disorders. Children with this disorder, in conjunction with ADHD, may be

stubborn, have outbursts, and act belligerent or defiant. They may take unsafe risks and

break laws -- ultimately getting them into trouble at school and with the police.

Still, not all children with ADHD have an additional disorder. The same is true for

people with learning disabilities, Tourette's syndrome, etc. They do not all have ADHD

with their initial disorder. However, when ADHD and such disorders do occur together,

the problems can seriously complicate a person's life.

As we speak, scientists are discovering more and more evidence suggesting that

ADHD does not stem from home environment, but from biological causes. And over the

past few decades, health professionals have come up with possible theories about what

causes ADHD. But, they continue to emphasize that no one knows exactly what causes

ADHD. There are just too many possibilities [for now] to be certain about the exact

cause. Therefore, it is more important for the person affected [and their family] to search

for ways to get the right help.

A common method for treating ADHD is the use of medications. Drugs known as

stimulants seem to have been the most effective with both children and adults who have

ADHD. The three which are most often prescribed are: methylphenidate (Ritalin),

dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Dextrostat), and pemoline (Cylert). For many, these

drugs dramatically reduce hyperactivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn.

Research done by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also suggests that

medications such as these may help children with accompanying conduct disorders control

their impulsive, destructive behaviors.

 However, these drugs don't cure ADHD, they only temporarily control the

symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that these medications be used in

combination with some type of therapy, training, and/or support group. Such options

include: psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, parental skills

training (for parents with ADHD children), and support groups.

Although most people with ADHD don't "outgrow" it, they do learn how to adapt

and live better, more fulfilling lives. With the proper combination of medicine, family, and

emotional support, people who have ADHD can develop ways to better control their

behavior.

Through further studies, scientists are better understanding the nature of biological

disorders. New research is allowing us to better understand how our minds and bodies

work, along with new medicines and treatments that continue to be developed. Even

though there is no immediate cure for ADHD, research continues to provide information,

knowledge, and hope.