Understanding ADHD

The term ADHD refers to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition that makes it difficult for children to pay attention and/or control their behavior. Learn more about about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

1. Understanding
ADHD

2. What is Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder?
The term ADHD refers to
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, a condition that
makes it difficult for children to
pay attention and/or control their
behavior.

3. What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?
Onsets before age seven
The main symptoms are
- inattention
- hyperactivity
- and impulsivity.

4. What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?
The condition often becomes
apparent when children are in
preschool or when they are in
their early school years.
An estimated 3-5% of children
have ADHD.

5. What does “inattention” look like?
•A child who has difficulty keeping their mind on a task, or
who gets bored of a task easily.
•A child who jumps from one task to another without
completing the first task.
•A child who is easily distracted or doesn’t follow
instructions carefully.
•A child who forgets and loses things that they need to
complete a task.
ADHD: What does it look like?

6. What does “hyperactivity” look like?
•A child who can’t seem to sit still and who is constantly moving,
roaming, touching things, squirming or fidgeting.
ADHD: What does it look like?
What does “impulsivity” look like?
•A child who speaks or acts without thinking about the consequences
of that act.
•A child who blurts out inappropriate comments, has difficulty waiting
their turn, and displays their emotions without restraint.

7. A child who is inattentive, hyperactive
or impulsive
does NOT necessarily have ADHD
Many normal children have some of
these symptoms (especially young
children!).
AND, the symptoms could be caused by
another disorder entirely.
ADHD: Getting a diagnosis

8. It is VERY important that children
are examined and diagnosed by a
qualified professional who will use
strict diagnostic guidelines to
determine whether the behaviors are
inappropriate for the child’s age, and
whether the symptoms indicate ADHD
or not.
Talking to your family physician might
be a good start.
ADHD: Getting a diagnosis

9. Learning
Disabilities
About 20-30% of children with ADHD also have a
specific LD. It is a good idea to have your child with
ADHD assessed for a learning disability.
Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or
specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.
Tourette
Syndrome
A small proportion of children with ADHD also have this
neurological disorder, which can be controlled with
medication. Symptoms include nervous tics and
repetitive mannerisms.
Bipolar
Disorder
Some children with ADHD also have BD. Differentiating
between ADHD and BD in childhood can be difficult,
however, as some symptoms are present in both
disorders.
ADHD: Accompanying disorders

10. Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or
specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.
Oppositional
Defiant Disorder
As many as 1/3 to 1/2 of children with ADHD also
have ODD. Children with ODD are defiant, non-
compliant, belligerent, and stubborn.
Conduct
Disorder
About 20-40% of children with ADHD will develop
CD, which is a more serious pattern of antisocial
behavior. Children with CD are aggressive and
destructive, and are at great risk of getting into
trouble at school or with the police.
Anxiety &
Depression
If co-occurring anxiety or depression is recognized
and treated, children will be better able to handle
the problems that accompany ADHD.
ADHD: Accompanying disorders

11. The cause of ADHD remains unknown, but
most research suggests that the cause lies
in neurobiology (some parts of the brain
are smaller in children with ADHD) or
genetics (ADHD tends to run in families, so
there are likely genetic influences).
Although environmental and social
factors (like child-rearing style) can
influence the severity of the disorder, they
do not cause the disorder.
What causes ADHD?

12. BUT… some studies have shown a relationship
between alcohol and tobacco use during
pregnancy and the risk for ADHD in the baby.
So, these activities should be
avoided while pregnant!
What causes ADHD?

13. Stimulants (like methylphenidate or “Ritalin”) seem to be
the most effective class of medication, and are usually
considered quite safe.
They do not make children feel “high” and there is no
evidence that stimulants (when used for the treatment of
ADHD) cause drug abuse or dependence.
Medications have been used to treat ADHD for decades.
Treatment
for ADHD

14. In many people, stimulants reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity, and improve the ability to focus, work and learn.
About 10% of children are not helped by stimulants, even
after trying several medications at several doses.
Recently, at least one non-stimulant medication has
shown great potential for reducing the symptoms of ADHD
(atomoxetine or “Strattera”).
Treatment
for ADHD

15. Choosing a
Treatment
for ADHD
What does the research show?
Medication seems to be essential for children with ADHD.
The most intensive ADHD treatment study to date found
that long-term management with medication or a
combination treatment of medication and behavioral
treatment are superior to behavioral treatments alone.

16. Which treatment will be most
effective for my child?
Because no two children are alike, this question
must be answered by each family in consultation
with their health care professional.

17. Although medication works
well for many children, it can
cause undesirable side effects
in others, making it an
unacceptable treatment.
Each child’s needs and
personal history must be
carefully considered.
BUT… no one treatment is
the answer for every child!

18. If you need more help..
Medication can help a child
control the behavior problems
that have led to trouble with
parents and siblings, but it can
take a long time to undo the
frustration, blame and anger that
may have gone on for so long.
ADHD: What else can we do?

19. Children AND parents might need special help to develop
techniques for managing the patterns of behaviour.
Many intervention approaches are available, including:
psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, social skills training,
support groups and parenting skills training.

20. Try these simple tips…!
•Schedule - have the same routine every day, and post
the schedule in the kitchen.
•Organize needed everyday items - have a place for
everything, and keep everything in its place.
•Use homework/notebook organizers - stress the
importance of writing down assignments and bringing
home needed books.
ADHD: What else can we do?

21. In Adolescent Mental Health
For more information visit
WWW.TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG
Sun Life Financial Chair

22. Want to know more about Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The information provided in this presentation is based on
information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.
For more information about ADHD, visit their website at
www.nimh.nih.gov or talk to your family physician.