Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD if untreated may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, accidental injuries and job failure. Early identification and treatment are extremely important. Typically, ADHD symptoms arise in early childhood. According to the DSM-5, several symptoms are required to be present before the age of 12.
Symptoms
- Leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively
- Seems “on the go”
- Fidgets or squirms
- Talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
- Trouble paying attention
- Inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
- Easily distracted
- Loses school supplies, forgets to do homework
- Trouble finishing class work and homework
- Trouble listening
- Trouble following multiple adult commands
- Blurts out answers
- Impatience
Treatment
ADHD in children often requires a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes the following:
- Parent and child education about diagnosis and treatment
- Parent training in behaviour management techniques
- Medication
- School programming and supports
- Child and family therapy to address personal and/or family stress concerns
Treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. Research from the landmark NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD showed significant improvement in behaviour at home and school in children with ADHD who received carefully monitored medication in combination with Behavioral treatment