ADHD

Description

The problem with attention deficit, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness. Children can struggle with low self-esteem, problematic relationships and bad grades in school. Symptoms must be out of the normal scope of age and development of the child. The disorder affects millions of children and it can also appear in adulthood. ADHD is sometimes simply called attention deficit disorder, without hyperactivity.

Symptoms

For setting the diagnosis children should be at least 6 years old and should have impulsiveness and symptoms that are unusual for their ages, as well as usual development for their age. Symptoms include: inability of the children to dedicate needed attention to details or making of reckless mistakes in school works; difficulty in keeping the attention on tasks or play; negligence during one-to-one conversation; non-following of instructions, nonperforming the tasks, jobs or duties on work position; difficulty in organizing tasks and activities; avoiding of tasks that require effort (such as studying in school); losing of stuff or tool needed for tasks and activities; distraction; frequent forgetting of daily activities. Hyperactivity, symptoms: twisting of arms or legs or wiggling in the chair, getting up from the chair; inappropriate, restless behavior, inability to play silently; babbling. Impulsiveness, symptoms: rushing out with an answer to questions are finished; difficulty to wait for an own turn; interrupting the others, get into others conversation or play.

Overview

There is no special test for ADHD. The child should have a clinical assessment if there is a suspicion on ADHD. Assessment may include questionnaires for parents and teachers, IQ test and psychological test.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Clinical psychologist

Therapy

Treatment includes behavioral therapies and medicines. Behavioral treatment (treatment of behavior) includes psychotherapy, therapy of behavior, social therapies, family therapy and group therapy. Medicines include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, antidepressants, and clonidine.