as of November 20, 2009
ADHD Corner
OVERVIEW
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for the child's age and development.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Neuroimaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children. These children handle neurotransmitters (including dopamine, serotonin, and adrenalin) differently from their peers.
ADHD is often genetic. Whatever the specific cause may be, it seems to be set in motion early in life as the brain is developing.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting an estimated 3 - 5% of school aged children. It is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.
Most children with ADHD also have at least one other developmental or behavioral problem.
SYMPTOMS
To be diagnosed with ADHD, children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 activity and impulsivity symptoms -- to a degree beyond what would be expected for children their age.
The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, observable in 2 or more settings, and not caused by another problem. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties. Some symptoms must be present before age 7.
Inattention symptoms:
-Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
-Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
-Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
-Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
-Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
-Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
-Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities
-Easily distracted
-Often forgetful in daily activities
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
-Difficulty playing quietly
-Often "on the go," acts as if "driven by a motor," talks excessively
Impulsivity symptoms:
-Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
-Difficulty awaiting turn
-Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
CARE/TREATMENT
The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for treating ADHD:
-Set specific, appropriate target goals to guide therapy.
-Medication and behavior therapy should be started.
-When treatment has not met the target goals, evaluate the original diagnosis, the possible presence of other conditions, and how well the treatment plan has been implemented.
-Systematic follow-up is important to regularly reassess target goals, results, and any side effects of medications. Information should be gathered from parents, teachers, and the child
The following may also help:
-Limit distractions in the child's environment.
-Provide one-on-one instruction with teacher.
-Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
-Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.
PREVENTION
While there is no proven way to prevent ADHD itself, early identification and treatment can prevent many of the problems associated with ADHD.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: ADHD
ADHD: Heart Risks?
Tracey Malloy can now take for granted moments with her son Matt that seemed unlikely before. Now under control and out from under the pressure of the ADHD he was diagnosed with at age three. "He always was putting things in his mouth. He would...
Resources
National Institute of Mental Health
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Resource Center on ADHD
In the News: ADHD
Shire Reports Analysis Examining Emotional Lability In Children With ADHD Taking Vyvanse
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170933.php
Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced findings from a post hoc analysis examining emotional lability from Phase 3 study data with Vyvanse®. In this study, Vyvanse demonstrated significant improvement in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms as measured by the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS IV) and Connors' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short (CPRS-RS) in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years.
Queen's And Yale Researchers Win Award For Study That Links Health And Education
Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170919.php
Queen's University researcher Steven Lehrer has won a prestigious international award in recognition of his contributions to health economics. A professor in Queen's School of Policy Studies and Department of Economics, Dr. Lehrer shares the RAND Corporation's Victor R. Fuchs Research Award with Jason Fletcher of Yale University.