What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder affecting children from early childhood.
Diagnosis of ADHD is usually made after the age of 5 years old. Children with ADHD may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Short attention span, and easy distractible
- Restlessness and Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
These symptoms can become problematic when they are exaggerated compared with other children of the same age, and when they affect the child’s learning, family and social life.
What causes ADHD?
Recent research studies indicate that genetics may have a role in the development of ADHD in children. However, other factors such as social and environmental factors may also contribute to it.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, have a higher likelihood of developing ADHD.
It is important to note that poor parenting is not a direct cause of ADHD. Nonetheless, parents have a critical role to play in helping and managing their children with ADHD.
What Are The Common Co-Occurring Conditions?
Children with ADHD may experience co-occurring conditions that can impact their overall health and well-being. Some common co-occurring conditions include:
Learning Disabilities
Developmental delay or learning disabilities are common in children with ADHD. These may involve motor skills, language development, cognitive function, or social-emotional impairment.
Behavioural and emotional issues
Living with long term neurodevelopment disorder like ADHD can contribute to behavioural and emotional challenges in children. They may experience anxiety, depression, mood swings, or behavioural problems that require intervention and support.
Other neurological disorders, e.g. Tics & Tourette syndrome, Epilepsy, cognitive impairment and coordination difficulties can also present in children with ADHD.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a specialist assessment by a child psychiatrist or developmental paediatrician. The assessment will involve observing the child, recognising behaviour patterns, and obtaining reports of their behaviour at home and school.
Sometimes, a computerised test may aid the diagnosis. Some children may require specialised tests by clinical or educational psychologists.
How are the treatment options for ADHD?
It is essential that children with ADHD receive support and help at home, school, with friends and community.
Medications can help manage moderate to severe ADHD by reducing hyperactivity and improving concentration, giving the child the opportunity to learn and acquire new skills. Medical treatment options may include:
- Stimulants, e.g. methylphenidate
- Non-stimulants, e.g. atomoxetine
What is the prognosis?
30% of children with ADHD may outgrow their condition and do not require any treatment when they are adults. The majority of children with ADHD benefit from specialist treatments.
Your paediatrician or developmental paediatrician may refer you to Paediatric Neurologist for further neurological evaluation or investigations after your child’s diagnosis, and for the management of associated conditions such as Tics & Tourette Syndrome, Seizures & Epilepsy, or Developmental Delay.
