Definition

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified in the DSM-IV as a Disorder Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence. While it may be typically associated with childhood and adolescence, increasing numbers of adults are being diagnosed with the disorder every year.

Its central features are inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. When these characteristics appear more frequently and severely in individuals at a given level of development, and they are not better accounted for by another mental disorder, then a diagnosis of ADHD may be warranted. Of course, a host of symptoms must be evident in addition to other criteria before a diagnosis can be given.

Research is indicating that ADHD is evident in countries around the world. It is also showing that it occurs much more frequently in males than in females, and is prevalent in roughly 3%-5% of school-age children.

For information and treatment of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), please visit www.CrossCreekCounseling.com

Symptoms

A rather broad range of symptoms have been associated with ADHD. A diagnosis may only be given if an individual's behavior meets certain criteria. For example, suspected behaviors must occur more often and more severely than what is expected for a given age, several symptoms must be evident and have been so for some time, the behaviors must also occur in multiple settings (e.g., home, school, play/social settings, work) and not be better explained by another mental disorder. Symptoms are typically classed under the following categories: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.

Inattention

• trouble maintaining attention for any length of time
• trouble listening
• trouble following through on instructions
• easily distracted
• trouble finishing things
• losing things needed for a task
• scholastic underachievement
• struggle at work due to difficulties staying focused and organized

Hyperactivity

• fidgeting or squirming
• trouble remaining seated
• trouble playing or working quietly
• talking excessively
• low frustration tolerance

Impulsivity

• difficulty waiting one's turn
• blurting out answers
• interrupting or intruding on others
• getting involved in dangerous activities
• outbursts

Other associated features can include low self-esteem, frequent shifts of mood, perceptual-motor difficulties, relationship difficulties, and difficulties making and maintaining friendships.

Cause(s)

So far, no single causal factor has been able to satisfactorily explain ADHD. Current scientific research is inclined towards physical explanations; however, there are a number of environmental considerations (e.g., a family's socio-economic status, number of caregivers, a child's safety and security status, medical condition) that present themselves frequently in ADHD cases. Before any satisfactory explanation can be arrived at, research must be able to account for the possible influences of both biology and environment. Current research is investigating the potential influence of several factors. Some of these include:

• brain injuries or infections
• genetic inheritance
• slower that normal development in parts of the brain
• toxins encountered during pregnancy
• allergies or hypersensitivity to certain foods or dyes
• learning from others
• disorganized or chaotic environments
• child abuse or neglect

Course

The course of the disorder may be quite different for different people. Generally, symptoms usually appear before age seven and, in the majority of cases, persist through childhood. In about one-third of clinical cases, the symptoms persist into adulthood. In adult cases, it is quite common for individuals to lose the hyperactive component of the disorder, but suffer the effects of an attention-deficit.

Treatment

Treatment of ADHD typically consists of psychological and educational intervention as well as medication. The former may involve such things as helping individuals establish a consistent and predictable daily schedule, support, counseling and/or behavior modification, limit setting, establishing discipline (i.e., setting consistent rules and consequences), special education, skills training to assist with the maintenance of relationships, occupational therapy, joining support groups, and acquiring further information about the disorder. The latter involves the prescription of psychostimulants, most notably Ritalin and Dexedrine. Additional methods that have been used to manage the disorder include the following: dietary management; herbal and homeopathic treatments; biofeedback, meditation, and perceptual stimulation/training. In recent years, medication has become the most common treatment method.

Emergencies

A counselor or other mental health professional should be contacted if an individual's behavior is becoming increasingly disruptive and difficult to manage at home, school, work, or in other social settings. A physician should be contacted immediately in cases involving medication side effects. More immediate assistance is available by clicking on the Further Information and Support link below.

Further Information and Support (Coming Soon)

References (Coming Soon)

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