Category: ADHD

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children. In the U.S., ADHD affects roughly 8 percent of children ages 3-17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), up to 60 percent of children with ADHD will experience symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood.).

Countless studies from reputable health organizations have been conducted on the causes, symptoms and treatment of ADHD. But a decisive ADHD diagnosis can often be difficult to pin down, especially in young children.

Core Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms. While the “attention deficit” and “hyperactivity” aspects of this disorder can occur separately, they coincide in cases of ADHD. Attention deficit characteristics include trouble listening, inattention to detail, forgetfulness, lack of organization and an inability to stay focused on a subject or activity. Hyperactivity symptoms include the inability to sit still,  the constant need to be in motion and excessive talking.

Not Hard to Misdiagnose

Some of the symptoms of ADHD can also be present in adolescent depression, bipolar disorders and other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. While ADHD can occur in conjunction with another disorder, it is also possible for a child exhibiting symptoms common to ADHD diagnosis, to be actually be suffering from a different  problem altogether.

When a child is disruptive in class or has difficulty listening and cannot sit still at home, ADHD is often the first concern  a teacher or parent has. However, a recent Michigan State University study reports nearly one million children in the U.S. might  have been misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can translate into ADHD treatment such as medication being initiated too soon, which in some cases might have a negative long-term impact on a child’s health.

It is important for a child displaying ADHD symptoms to be thoroughly evaluated over a period of time by a mental health professional. Any initial treatment should begin with behavioral therapies in lieu of medication.

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A fairly recent study has found evidence linking Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to genetics.

A team of scientists scanned gene maps of more than 1,400 children for the study. After comparing the abnormal samples to the DNA of children without ADHD, the researchers discovered those with ADHD were more likely to have small pieces of their DNA missing or duplicated.

The DNA irregularities among ADHD children were prevalent in the same region where schizophrenia and autism is believed to develop; solidifying the belief ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.

ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood and causes impulsiveness, restlessness and difficultly focusing. In the U.S., ADHD affects roughly two million children and three to five percent of the global child population. Medication and behavioral therapy are common forms of ADHD treatment.

The results from the study are expected to help researchers develop better methods for ADHD treatment. However, it is doubtful the findings will lead to an ADHD genetic test, as many experts consider environment part of the cause as well.

Speaking of environmental factors, another recent study suggests children with high levels of the pesticide malathion in their urine have a greater risk of developing ADHD.

The new study is the first to base its findings on a general U.S. population sample rather than on children from farm-working families or those living in locations where high chemical exposure is prevalent. Researchers estimate the majority of participants in the study were exposed to the malathion through food consumption.

The study compared data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted during 2000 to 2004. The findings concluded children with malathion metabolite levels 10 times above the normal rate are 55 percent more likely to have ADHD.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can carry with it a variety of symptoms including hyperactivity, the inability to stay focused and impulsivity. Depending on the individual, these symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways.

ADHD is synonymous with the older term, “ADD,” and is commonly associated with children who have trouble paying attention and controlling their behavior. It is considered to be a mental disorder. Clinics and mental health centers across the country offer ADHD treatment to both children and adults.

More than 7.5 percent of school-aged children in the U.S. are said to be affected by ADHD, according to a recent Mayo Clinic study. If left untreated, roughly two out of three children will struggle with ADHD into adulthood and may end up suffering from depression or other mood disorders.

Treatment

Mental health treatment specialists will evaluate individuals suffering with ADHD on a case-by-case basis. Although some of the generally-accepted ADHD symptoms may exist such as inattentiveness, inability to complete tasks and extreme impatience and fidgetiness, each patient’s circumstances are unique.

A multi-faceted approach is usually employed in treating adults and children with ADHD. This can include antidepressant and stimulant medications as well as various forms of psychotherapy and behavior modification.

Learning to Harness ADHD

Despite some of the hardships experienced by those with ADHD, there are some potentially positive aspects. This is evidenced by the many achievers and famous people in our society with ADHD, such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison among many others, who believe it has benefited them in certain ways.

Many of these people attribute their energy and creativity to the symptoms associated with ADHD, in addition to their ability to apply great focus within the areas that interest them. They have turned the ADHD “weaknesses” into “strengths.”

Those with ADHD should take notice that not only can their disorder be controlled, but with focus and determination it is possible that they can use it to their advantage.