Download Son Rise Info Sheet.pptx

ADHD What? A#en&on Deficit Hyperac&vity Disorder. ADD (A#en&on Deficit Disorder) is a type of ADHD How – what causes ADHD? •  Gene&cs – the parents of a child may carry the gene that leads to ADHD. Where this gene can be recessive in the parent it may be dominant in the child and so symptoms of ADHD can be seen. •  Antenatal problems – such as the mother drinking, smoking or consuming drugs during pregnancy. •  Obstetric complica&ons – birthing difficul&es may lead to a lack of oxygen or a low birthweight. These can lead to ADHD. •  Severe depriva&on – if a child is extremely neglected during early life this can increase the chance that they will develop ADHD. •  NeglecKul paren&ng, over-­‐exposure to TV and screen games and family stress are not causes of ADHD but can severely worsen the behaviours and symptoms of the disorder. Symptoms •  short a#en&on span and easily distracted •  restlessness and constant fidge&ng •  impulsiveness •  hyperac&vity •  ina#en&veness •  As the child grows older the symptoms are likely to alter and lessen, par&cularly when adulthood is reached. Related condi:ons There will oNen be other condi&ons in a child with ADHD. Some may occur during early years and others develop as the child approaches adolescence. For example: Anxiety disorder, which the child is likely to communicate through physical behaviour. ODD: Opposi&onal Defiant Disorder. This is nega&ve or disrup&ve behaviour, par&cularly aimed at figures of authority. Conduct Disorder: This is an&social behaviour such as stealing or figh&ng. Others may be: depression, epilepsy, toure#e’s syndrome, learning difficul&es, sleep disorder. Diagnosis ADHD is split into three strands according to the symptoms the child shows: 1) mainly ina#en&ve, 2) mainly hyperac&ve-­‐impulsive, 3) combined. Diagnosis of ADHD is three &mes higher in boys. This could be in part because the behaviors recognised as symptoms of ADHD such as disrup&ve behaviour are more common in boys anyway. A diagnosis is most commonly made when a child is between the ages of 3 and 7. This is when the symptoms are most no&ceable, for example underachievement in school, problems with social interac&on and disciplinary difficul&es. If your GP agrees with you that your child is showing symptoms of ADHD they will refer you to a specialist. This may a child psychiatrist, pediatrician or other professional and depends on the age of your child and the local services available. Treatments The use of drugs as a treatment for ADHD in children is controversial. Studies suggest that using drugs alongside behavioural therapies has the best results in improving the symptoms of ADHD. Many people choose to use behavioral therapy only. The most common treatment of ADHD is ‘Ritolin’ which is the commercial name for Methylphenidate. Atomexe&ne and dexamfetamine are similar drugs. Methylphenidate s&mulates the produc&on of dopamine in parts of the brain. These parts are responsible for self-­‐control and a#en&on. So the increase in dopamine improves these aspects of ADHD. Drugs are not usually administered to a child younger than six years of age. The dosage is increased slowly and monitored very carefully and closely. Possible side effects of these drugs are: insomnia, loss of appe&te and decreased weight. There is limited evidence that dietary changes have much effect on ADHD behaviours. Supplements containing omega 3 and 6 are some&mes taken and cu^ng out ar&ficial colours and addi&ves is also an op&on.