Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is described as an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affects functioning or development.
Individuals with ADHD often exhibit differences compared to their peers in:
- thinking
- learning
- behavior
Although research has not determined the cause of ADHD, the literature suggests that it may result from a combination of factors including:
- genetics
- brain development
- environmental
Looking further into the statistics around ADHD, it is worth noting that if one parent has ADHD, there is around a 60% -70% chance their child will also have the condition. Furthermore, more than half of individuals with ADHD can also have a co-occurring condition, such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- autism
ADHD is a condition that is prevalent across the globe, with research suggesting a higher prevalence in the US, where about 10% of the population has been diagnosed with ADHD. Challenges can present themselves differently within this subpopulation, leading to the identification of three types of ADHD. Note: This classification encompasses the former terminology of attention deficit disorder (ADD), which is a term no longer used for diagnosis.
- Predominantly inattentive presentation
- Predominantly hyperactive – impulsive presentation
- A combined presentation of both inattentive and hyperactive presentations
| Inattentive | Combined Type | Hyperactive/Impulsive |
| • Distractibility • Lack of focus • Forgetfulness • Difficulty completing tasks • Often late | Meets criteria for both types | • Frequently interrupts • Difficulty sitting still • Difficulty completing tasks • Trouble paying attention • Impatient |
Signs and Symptoms
While the onset of signs and symptoms varies among children, parents often report noticing signs when children are quite young. In some cases, symptoms may appear in the classroom setting, bringing attention to behaviors not previously recognized at home. Common characteristics among children with ADHD include difficulty with:
- focus
- organization
- controlling impulses
Children may also be forgetful, have difficulty sitting still, and engage in more risky behavior.
Individuals who are formally diagnosed with ADHD undergo an evaluation to gather more information, which includes a series of:
- tests
- questionnaires
- observations
Prior to ADHD testing, healthcare providers might conduct other screenings to rule out other medical conditions that might look like ADHD, such as:
- medical
- physical
- neurodevelopmental
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms would need to be occurring for at least 6 months and have started before the age of twelve:
- inattentiveness
- hyperactivity
- impulsiveness
ADHD symptoms can appear differently as people get older. In teens and adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. They may lose focus on a task or seem inattentive in conversation. To diagnose someone aged seventeen or older with ADHD, symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness would need to be occurring for at least 6 months.
In addition, there must be unmistakable evidence that symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of:
- social interactions
- relationships
- academic performance
Symptoms must also be present in two or more settings, such as at home or school; with friends or relatives; or in other activities.
Finally, the symptoms cannot be explained by other conditions such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or a personality disorder, as previously mentioned.
Treatment
Several treatment options are recommended for children with ADHD, with behavior therapy and parent training often being the most recommended. Behavioral therapy is an essential part of ADHD treatment, aiming to teach behaviors that result in better outcomes, like getting homework turned in on time, or maintaining friendships. There is strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for children, teens, and adults. Professionals trained in behavior therapy can teach parents, teachers, and children specific skills that help:
- manage behavior
- enhance learning
- improve social interactions
In many cases, medication is also recommended in conjunction with behavioral intervention. There is strong research supporting the effectiveness of stimulant medication for treating ADHD. However, making an informed decision about medication and finding the right one can take time.
Parent Support
An essential part of holistic support for children with ADHD is training for parents. Learning more about ADHD helps parents provide the best support for their child, taking into account their unique strengths and challenges. Parent training focuses on several areas and is usually provided by professionals like:
- counselors
- family therapists
- behavior therapists
- psychologists
Some examples include:
- effective communication between parents and children
- improving routines and consistency in the home environment
- setting clear expectations
- collaborating with schools
For school aged children, parents can work with teachers and administrators to ensure their child receives the proper accommodations.
Parent support groups can be helpful for:
- managing stress
- learning new tips from other parents
- making connections
- building a sense of community
Finally, it is important for parents to have open, ongoing, discussions with their child about their diagnosis. One suggestion is to have a family meeting to discuss how parents can support their child with concerns around:
- academics
- social interactions
- behavior
When possible, creating a plan for this conversation prior to discussing their diagnosis can be helpful. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in achieving positive outcomes for children with ADHD. For more individualized support, RethinkCare offers 1 on 1 consultations with certified parenting experts.
Helpful Resources
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Understood
ADDitude
