ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER WITH OR WITHOUT HYPERACTIVITY (ADD/ADHD)




Symptoms of Attention Deficit

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

poor concentration, easily distracted, tendency to daydream

impulsive, talkative

poor organizational skills, tendency to loose things

increased motor activity, trouble sitting still

erratic approach to systematic tasks, difficulty completing tasks

aggressive and loud behavior

school performance inconsistent with intelligence

difficulty managing anger and frustration



Cause and Onset

combination of genetic and environmental factors (possibly due to early hypoxia or brain trauma)

tends to show up in school, when children are expected to sit quietly and focus for long periods of time

ADHD is more likely to be diagnosed because their behavior interferes with others

ADD often goes undiagnosed, the child is seen as a daydreamer or as uninterested in school

Learning disabilities, mood disorders and boredom may be mistaken for ADD in the school setting


Prognosis

ADD/ADHD is often life-long, though hyperactivity usually improves with age

patients with ADD/ADHD are more likely than average to use drugs, fail or drop out of school, have financial or credit problems and get in trouble with the law; they also are rumored to be more creative than average and many function very well

early treatment allows for better formation of study-habits and social skills


Treatment

Stimulant Medication:

amphetamines: Dexedrine, Adderal, Desoxyn

Ritalin, Wellbutrin


Comments on treatment

The stimulant medications do not work by some sort of “opposite effect.” The medications work by stimulating the brains ability to triage, to screen out unimportant information and increase attention and focus. These medications are not “mind controlling” and do not force a disruptive child to behave. If the child wants to be disruptive, the medications should give him/her the focus to better plan the disruption. These medications are stimulants and are known for their addictive properties when used recreationally. Therefore, medications should be used with caution, but not withheld from patients that they will benefit. Like most chronic disorders, the best treatment for ADD involves a combination of medication and behavioral and environmental modifications.





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