Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; ADHD:;ADD; DAMP; Hyperkinetic Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting several per cent of school age children. It is more common in boys but girls may currently be underdiagnosed. There are three subtypes: ADHD mainly inattentive, ADHD mainly hyperactive-impulsive, and ADHD combined. The first of these is sometimes referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). When ADHD is combined with motor-perceptual problems (also referred to as Developmental Coordination Disorder or dyspraxia) some clinicians refer to DAMP (Deficits in Attention, Motor control and Perception). When problems are very severe and all the diagnostic features listed below are present the criteria for Hyperkinetic Disorder may be met. Thus, ADD, DAMP, and Hyperkinetic Disorder are all subtypes of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is an impairment of either activity or attention control or both. The problem presents as a child who is always on the go, does not settle to anything, has poor concentration, poor ability to organise activities or to engage in tedious activities or tasks requiring sustained mental effort, or who cannot stay still and cannot wait for others.

The diagnostic features are:

• Inattentiveness - very short attention span, over-frequent changes of activity, extreme distractibility
• Overactivity - excessive movements, especially in situations expecting calm such as classroom or mealtimes
• Impulsiveness - affected person will not wait their turn, acts without thinking, thoughtless rule-breaking

The problems are disabling, start at an early age and they are present in more than one situation, for example home and school. Sometimes affected children show underachievement at school, poor sleep, social interaction difficulties, autistic-type features, speech-language difficulties, discipline problems, temper tantrums, unpopularity, and accident-proneness. However, all these can have other causes too. IQ can be high, normal, low normal or in the learning disability range.

There are several causes. Twin studies indicate a very strong genetic contribution. Environmental causes include brain damage, intolerance to certain foods, hearing impairment, toxic (including maternal alcoholism and heavy smoking) and infective agents during pregnancy. All of these may interact with psychological stress and social problems to create further behavioural and emotional difficulties. There are some specific treatments, including stimulant medication, behaviour therapy and dietary exclusion approaches in selected cases.

Inheritance patterns
There is a strong inherited contribution. DNA studies have indicated variants of some (including dopamine) genes to be more common in groups of children with ADHD. The significance in individual cases is not yet known.

Prenatal diagnosis
None

Medical text written March 2003 by Professor C Gillberg, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Sweden.

There are many groups and organisations providing support and information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder including:

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Web: http://www.chadd.org
A US national ADHD support group which provides comprehensive information, advice and support services to children, parents, adults and professional workers

ADDA (National Attention Deficit Disorder Association)
Web: http://www.add.org
A well established US adult ADHD national association which provides comprehensive
information

Young Minds
48-50 St John Street
London
EC1M 4DG
Tel: 0800 018 2138 Parents Information Service (Mon & Fri, 10am-1pm; Tue-Thur, 1-4pm; Weds, 6-8pm)
Tel: 020 7336 8445 Office
e-mail: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
Web: http://www.youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds is a National Registered Charity No. 1016968, established in 1989 which is committed to improving the mental health of all children. Services include the Parents' Information Service, a free confidential telephone helpline offering information and advice to any adult with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person. YoungMinds also offers consultancy, seminars and training, leaflets and booklets for young people, parents and professionals and publishes 'YoungMinds Magazine' every two months. Group details last updated October 2007.

adders.org
Web: http://www.adders.org
A comprehensive website covering a wide range of information on ADHD. Adders objective is to promote awareness of ADHD and to provide information and practical help to adults and children with the condition and their families. Group details last confirmed August 2007.

ADDISS
2nd Floor
Premier House
112 Station Road
Edgware
HA8 7BJ
Tel: 020 8952 2800
Fax: 020 8952 2909
e-mail: info@addiss.co.uk
Web: http://www.addiss.co.uk
ADDISS is the Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service for both parents and professionals. It provides inset training for local education authorities and schools. A large number of books and videos are for sale by mail order. ADDISS works closely with a large number of local support groups and can refer parents to these groups. Group details last updated January 2007.

The Mental Health Foundation
9th Floor, Sea Containers House
20 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9QB
Tel: 020 7803 1100
Fax: 020 7803 1111
e-mail: mhf@mhf.org.uk
Web: http://www.mhf.org.uk
Works to meet the needs of people with mental health problems and aims to improve people's lives, reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues and to promote understanding. The Foundation undertakes research and provides information (including ADHD) for the public and social care professional workers. Group details last updated February 2007.

Parentline plus
520 Highgate Studios
53-79 Highgate Road
London
NW5 1TL
Tel: 0808 800 2222 Helpline
Text: 0800 783 6783 Text
e-mail: parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk
Web: http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Provides emotional support for parents and families concerning ADHD. Also refers to organisations for appropriate help, advice and information about ADHD. Group details last confirmed April 2007.

There are a number of very supportive local self help groups around the country. If you want to contact one of these and have been unable to do so through the organisations in this Directory please get in touch with Contact a Family.