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Hyperactivity Symptoms-
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
- Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
- Has difficulty playing quietly
- Is often “on the go,” acts as if “driven by a motor,” talks excessively
Impulsivity Symptoms-
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Has difficulty awaiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
Criteria for Diagnosis-
Nowadays because of increased awareness among parents and teachers about the symptoms of ADHD, children may either be incorrectly labelled with ADHD (over diagnosis) or may remain undiagnosed because of the social pressure. The need of the hour is to recognise this behavioural problem early to help the child’s mental growth in the right direction.
According to The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) the diagnosis should be based on very specific symptoms, which must be present in more than one setting.
To simplify this, few important points are
- Age – few symptoms and behavioural changes should be present before age 7.
- Duration- symptoms must be present for at least for 6 months without any specific cause
- Severity- symptoms should be serious enough to cause difficulties in daily activities like at school , home etc
In older children, ADHD is in partial remission when they still have symptoms but no longer meet the full definition of the disorder.
Method of Evaluation-
Parents and teacher should keep a watch on the changing behaviour. Once ADHD is suspected the child should have a complete evaluation by a doctor. Evaluation may include:
- Parent and teacher questionnaires
- Psychological evaluation of the child and family, including I Q test and psychological testing
- Complete developmental, mental, nutritional, physical, and psychosocial examination
Intervention-
Role of parents and teachers-
Children with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their family and teachers. When the child is diagnosed as ADHD, frustration and bad feelings may build up within a family. Along with medical treatment psychotherapy plays a major role .Psychotherapists/ Counsellors provide individual and family counselling and also educate them about methods of handling an ADHD child.
Parenting Tips–
Parents play a major role in the development of such a child. As they can help their child overcome daily challenges and also channel their energy towards positive areas.
Educate your self- read about ADHD, needs of the child, behavioural risks.
Help the child get organized- follow same routine every day, keep all things in place
Enforce discipline regularly- daily home work.
Teach manners- like method of eating, importance of hand wash
Develop social responsibility- teach them to make friends, to help others
Offer incentives- child with ADHD receive criticism, praising or giving incentives gives a moral boost to them.
Share a relaxing technique- listen to music, yoga etc
Help the child to eat right- eating small and frequent meals, avoid unhealthy foods
Have a good sense of humour
Empathize with your child
Stay healthy and take time for yourself
Continuous supervision may be required
Prevention
Although there is no proven way to prevent ADHD, but a holistic approach (early identification and treatment ) can prevent many problems associated with ADHD.
ADHD is Overdiagnosed
Source: Hindustan Times New Delhi Edition April 02, 2013
ADHD has historically been estimated to affect 3 to 7 % of children. The disorder has no definitive test and is determined only by speaking extensively with patients, parents and teachers, and ruling out other possible causes — a subjective process that is often skipped under time constraints and pressure from parents. It is considered a chronic condition that is often carried into adulthood.
The CDC director, Dr. Thomas R Frieden, likened the rising rates of stimulant prescriptions among children to the overuse of pain medications and antibiotics in adults.
“We need to ensure balance,” Dr. Frieden said. “The right medications for A.D.H.D., given to the right people, can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, misuse appears to be growing at an alarming rate.”
Experts cited several factors in the rising rates. Some doctors are hastily viewing any complaints of inattention as full-blown A.D.H.D., they said, while pharmaceutical advertising emphasizes how medication can substantially improve a child’s life. Moreover, they said, some parents are pressuring doctors to help with their children’s troublesome behavior and slipping grades.
“There’s a tremendous push where if the kid’s behavior is thought to be quote-unquote abnormal — if they’re not sitting quietly at their desk — that’s pathological, instead of just childhood,” said Dr. Jerome Groopman, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the author of “How Doctors Think.”
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