Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Guide for Parents, Teachers

1. Primarily Inattentive also formerly known at “Attention Deficit Disorder’
2. Primarily hyperactive-impulsive
3. Combined.

• Self-focused behavior: Self-focused behavior displays the inability to pay attention or recognise other people’s needs.
• Interrupting: A child with ADHD will often be found interrupting into conversations or games.
• Trouble waiting their turn: During classroom activities or when playing games with other children, they have trouble waiting their turn.
• Emotional turmoil: Less restrain in keeping their emotions at bay. They display emotional outbursts and temper tantrums at inappropriate times.
• Fidgety: It is found that squirming, running around and fidgeting are common signs of ADHD.

• Problems playing quietly: Playing quietly or engaging calmly in leisure activities is difficult for children with ADHD.
• Unfinished tasks: These kids show interest in various things but have no focus in completing them. Projects are started but not completed as something else has got their attention.
• Lack of focus: They will have trouble paying attention even though you speak directly to them. They will acknowledge hearing you but will be unable to repeat what you said.
• Avoidance of tasks needing extended mental effort: Children with ADHD will avoid tasks that need a sustained mental effort, like paying attention in class or completing homework.
• Mistakes: They have trouble with planning and following instructions, therefore end up making careless mistakes.

• Daydreaming: Another sign which is contrary to hyperactivity is daydreaming. This also involves being quiet and a bit withdrawn socially.
• Trouble getting organised: Children will have trouble prioritizing and organizing their work. This often results in problems at school with neglected homework and unfinished projects.
• Forgetfulness: It is also common to find that for these children forgetting things, chores or their homework is a frequent occurrence.
• Symptoms in multiple settings: Children with will show the following symptoms in multiple settings.

Link between ADHD and pesticides

Although not proven, some studies suggest a link between ADHD and pesticides. In a certain study in 2010, children with higher urine levels of organophosphate, (a pesticide) had higher ADHD rates. Another 2010 study showed that women with higher urine levels of organophosphate were more likely to have a child with ADHD. Experts recommend buying organic fruits and vegetables especially for those areas prone to high levels of pesticides.

Smoking, drinking in pregnancy

A child exposed to tobacco and alcohol prenatally is more likely to have ADHD than those who are not. Fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects manifest in children who are exposed to alcohol while still in the womb. Ultimately, these children will display symptoms of ADHD.

Lead exposure

Research has shown that children with high blood-lead levels show symptoms of ADHD. Although Lead, a neurotoxin has been removed from homes and schools, traces of it are still everywhere.

Food Additives

Preservatives have been banned in many countries after research linked hyperactivity with children exposed to food mixtures that contained certain artificial food colours and the preservative, sodium benzoate.

Experts maintain that additives are safe when used properly and most additives are not required to mention on packaging. It is better to consult with a doctor before putting your child on a particular diet.

Sugar

Research has not been able to prove the link between sugar and hyperactivity. Even though most parents believe that sugar impacts the behaviour of children. In a study it showed that mothers who thought that their kids had sugar rated their behaviour as hyperactive regardless of whether they had sugar or not. Sugar may be limited due to calorie consumption or dental cavities but not due to ADHD.

TV or Video Games

Children who have more screen time tend to have more attention problems than those who do not. But they is no clear link between screen time and ADHD. More research is required to determine whether screen causes the condition or whether children with ADHD gravitate more towards such activities.

Bad Parenting

It’s not uncommon to blame parents for bad behaviour and most ADHD symptoms can be confused for bad or rebellious behaviour. There is no evidence that parenting styles can contribute to ADHD, says National Resource Centre on ADHD.

While parenting styles can aggravate ADHD behaviour, it is not the cause for ADHD. Although a more stressful home environment can or parents who refuse to accept the ADHD condition can make the symptoms worse.

Brain injury

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children who have suffered a small amount of brain trauma may show symptoms similar to ADHD. But only a small percentage of children with ADHD have suffered from brain trauma. Experts don’t consider brain injury a serious risk factor to ADHD.

Diet

Research has been unable to support the idea that diet plays a significant role in ADHD. But studies have proven that children with diets rich in fat, refined sugar and sodium are two times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to other kids. Further research has linked ADHD symptoms to diets deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain functions and development.

Genes

Studies have shown that ADHD is highly heritable. In fact, it is one of the most heritable psychiatric disorders. A child with ADHD has a chance of having a relative who also has been diagnosed with ADHD. Current research is focused on finding the exact genes that are responsible for ADHD.

Over diagnosis

A lot of debate is present on whether ADHD is over diagnosed. There are doctors who are quick to diagnose ADHD without considering other causes.

Chemical Exposure

Researchers are looking at other chemicals being probable causes for ADHD. Some Industrial compounds used in food packaging, stain resistant coatings, toys and cosmetics. However, only a correlation is found and there is no proof that these chemicals contribute to ADHD.

1. Short acting (immediate –release): These medicines take effect quickly and wear off quickly too. It maybe required to be taken several times a day.
2. Intermediate acting: These medicines last longer than the immediate release ones.
3. Long lasting: These medicines need to be taken only once a day.

2. Non-stimulants: When the side effects from the stimulants are high, this medicine can help to stem down the side effects. Some examples of non-stimulants are:

• Atomoxetine or Bupropion – This is first non-stimulant approved by FDA and can be prescribed for children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD.
• Clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay) – This medicine also has been approved. It can be prescribed for use alone or in combination with a stimulant.
• Guanfacine (Intuniv) – This medicine is approved for children and teens aged between 6 and 17 years.

Avoid food coloring

Certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behaviour in children and should be avoided.

Avoid potential allergants

If you child suffers from allergies, it would help to follow a diet that restricts those allergens. This would definitely help in improving symptoms. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check with the doctor.

Try EEG biofeedback

This is a type of neurotherapy that measures brain waves. Recent studies suggested that brain training was a promising treatment for ADHD.

Consider a yoga or tai chi class

Research has shown that sympoms of hyperactivity, anxiety and social interactions improved with the practice of yoga or tai chi.

Spend time outside

Several studies claim that time spent in nature and open spaces improve the symptoms of ADHD significantly.

Behavioural or parental therapy

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that behavioural therapy be the first step in treating ADHD in children. Behaviour therapy and medication work well together and can be a powerful tool in helping a child improve symptoms.

Supplements

Zinc, Vitamin B-6, magnesium and L- carnitine supplements work well with symptoms of ADHD(check with a doctor first). Herbs like passionflower, ginkgo and ginseng may also help calm hyperactivity.

• Emotional Impulses will be out of control. This will eventually create social problems in their interactions with peers and friends. Without treatment, they may not be able to nurture relationships or friendships. This may lead to low self-esteem and depression.
  • Their impulsive nature may result in them getting hurt quite often. Studies have shown that children with untreated ADHD make more frequent visits to the emergency room.

• Problems at home and at school will persist. This will result in poor grades or falling behind in school. A student with untreated ADHD may find it hard to pay attention and will not be able to learn everything that’s taught.

When ADHD is left untreated in teens, it may lead to behaviour that could be potential dangerous, like:

• Drinking
• Smoking              
• Doing drugs
• Risky sexual choices
• Trouble behind wheel as older teens
• Involved in more car accidents than peers