.
|
![]() ![]() ![]() |
| printer friendly | ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
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:
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 Prenatal diagnosis 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: Hyperactive Children's Support Group71 Whyke Lane Chichester PO19 7PD Tel: 01243 539966 e-mail: hyperactive@hacsg.org.uk Web: http://www.hacsg.org.uk Provides support, information and a range of literature including 'The Journal' newsletter three times a year. Also provides training and awareness raising events. Group details last confirmed February 2008. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADDA (National Attention Deficit Disorder Association)
Young Minds adders.org ADDISS
The Mental Health Foundation
Parentline plus 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. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| This Web Site © Copyright, Contact a Family 2007. Although great care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of this work to ensure accuracy, Contact a Family cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Any medical information is provided for education/information purposes. It should be noted that most information written about specific disorders includes the most severe scenario. Many individual cases may not display all the features mentioned and the degree of severity of the features that are displayed may vary a great deal between individual cases. You should obtain further information from your medical practitioner. Any links to external websites have been carefully selected but are provided without any endorsement of the content of those sites. Please refer to our detailed Legal page for more information. Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN Tel: (020) 7608 8700. Registered Charity No. 284912. Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 1633333. HM Revenue & Customs charity tax reference No. XN54769. VAT Reg. No. GB 749 3846 82. |
|||||||||||||||||||||