Understanding

ADHD
What is Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder?

The term ADHD refers to

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, a condition that
makes it difficult for children to
pay attention and/or control
their behavior.
What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?

Onsets before age seven

The main symptoms are

- inattention
- hyperactivity
- and impulsivity.
What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?

The condition often becomes

apparent when children are in
preschool or when they are in
their early school years.

An estimated 3-5% of children

have ADHD.
ADHD: What does it look like?

What does “inattention” look like?

• A child who has difficulty keeping their mind on a task, or

who gets bored of a task easily.

• A child who jumps from one task to another without

completing the first task.

• A child who is easily distracted or doesn’t follow

instructions carefully.

• A child who forgets and loses things that they need to

complete a task.
ADHD: What does it look like?

What does “hyperactivity” look like?

• A child who can’t seem to sit still and who is constantly moving,
roaming, touching things, squirming or fidgeting.

What does “impulsivity” look like?

• A child who speaks or acts without thinking about the consequences

of that act.

• A child who blurts out inappropriate comments, has difficulty waiting

their turn, and displays their emotions without restraint.
ADHD: Getting a diagnosis
A child who is inattentive,
hyperactive or impulsive
does NOT necessarily have ADHD

Many normal children have some of

these symptoms (especially young
children!).

AND, the symptoms could be caused

by another disorder entirely.
ADHD: Getting a diagnosis
It is VERY important that children
are examined and diagnosed by a
qualified professional who will use
strict diagnostic guidelines to
determine whether the behaviors are
inappropriate for the child’s age, and
whether the symptoms indicate ADHD
or not.

Talking to your family physician might

be a good start.
 ADHD: Accompanying disorders
Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or
specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.

Some children with ADHD also have BD. Differentiating

Bipolar between ADHD and BD in childhood can be difficult,
Disorder however, as some symptoms are present in both
disorders.

A small proportion of children with ADHD also have this

Tourette neurological disorder, which can be controlled with
Syndrome medication. Symptoms include nervous tics and
repetitive mannerisms.

About 20-30% of children with ADHD also have a

Learning specific LD. It is a good idea to have your child with
Disabilities ADHD assessed for a learning disability.
 ADHD: Accompanying disorders
Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or
specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.

As many as 1/3 to 1/2 of children with ADHD also

Oppositional have ODD. Children with ODD are defiant, non-
Defiant Disorder compliant, belligerent, and stubborn.

About 20-40% of children with ADHD will develop

CD, which is a more serious pattern of antisocial
Conduct behavior. Children with CD are aggressive and
Disorder destructive, and are at great risk of getting into
trouble at school or with the police.

If co-occurring anxiety or depression is recognized

Anxiety & and treated, children will be better able to handle
Depression the problems that accompany ADHD.
What causes ADHD?
The cause of ADHD remains unknown, but
most research suggests that the cause lies
in neurobiology (some parts of the brain
are smaller in children with ADHD) or
genetics (ADHD tends to run in families, so
there are likely genetic influences).

Although environmental and social

factors (like child-rearing style) can
influence the severity of the disorder,
they do not cause the disorder.
 What causes ADHD?

BUT… some studies have shown a relationship

between alcohol and tobacco use during
pregnancy and the risk for ADHD in the baby.

So, these activities should be

avoided while pregnant!
Treatment
for ADHD

Medications have been used to treat ADHD for decades.

Stimulants (like methylphenidate or “Ritalin”) seem to be

the most effective class of medication, and are usually
considered quite safe.

They do not make children feel “high” and there is no

evidence that stimulants (when used for the treatment of
ADHD) cause drug abuse or dependence.
Treatment
for ADHD

In many people, stimulants reduce hyperactivity and

impulsivity, and improve the ability to focus, work and
learn. About 10% of children are not helped by stimulants,
even after trying several medications at several doses.

Recently, at least one non-stimulant medication has

shown great potential for reducing the symptoms of ADHD
(atomoxetine or “Strattera”).
Choosing a
Treatment
for ADHD

What does the research show?

Medication seems to be essential for children with ADHD.

The most intensive ADHD treatment study to date found

that long-term management with medication or a
combination treatment of medication and behavioral
treatment are superior to behavioral treatments alone.
Which treatment will be most
effective for my child?

Because no two children are alike, this question

must be answered by each family in consultation
with their health care professional.
BUT… no one treatment is
the answer for every child!

Although medication works

well for many children, it can
cause undesirable side effects
in others, making it an
unacceptable treatment.

Each child’s needs and

personal history must be
carefully considered.
ADHD: What else can we do?

If you need more help..

Medication can help a child

control the behavior problems
that have led to trouble with
parents and siblings, but it can
take a long time to undo the
frustration, blame and anger that
may have gone on for so long.
Children AND parents might need special help to develop
techniques for managing the patterns of behaviour.

Many intervention approaches are available, including:

psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, social skills training,
support groups and parenting skills training.
ADHD: What else can we do?
Try these simple tips…!

(1) Schedule - have the same routine every day, and

post the schedule in the kitchen.

(2) Organize needed everyday items - have a place for

everything, and keep everything in its place.

(3) Use homework/notebook organizers - stress the

importance of writing down assignments and bringing
home needed books.
Sun Life Financial Chair
In Adolescent Mental Health

For more information visit

WWW.TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG
Want to know more about Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

The information provided in this presentation is based on

information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.

For more information about ADHD, visit their website at

www.nimh.nih.gov or talk to your family physician.