ADHD is considered one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. 1 The American Psychological Association defines ADHD as a disorder that involves “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable age”. 2 Children diagnosed with ADHD may display symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of these.
Symptoms of inattention include:
- Failing to pay close attention to details
- Making careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
- Struggling to pay attention
- Not following through on instructions
- Failing to complete homework, chores or duties in the workplace
- Poor organization
- Avoiding, disliking or reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental attention
- Being easily distracted
- Losing things
- Being forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms of hyperactivity include:
- Fidgeting with hands and feet
- Squirming in one’s seat
- Leaving one’s seat when seating is expected
- Running or climbing excessively
- Difficulty in being quiet in activities
- Often “on the go”
- Often talking excessively
Symptoms of Impulsivity include:
- Interrupting others
- Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty awaiting one’s turn 2
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, however, research has identified that heredity and exposure to environmental toxins such as smoke, alcohol and lead have been linked to the development of ADHD.
Children diagnosed with ADHD struggle in many areas. They struggle socially-making and keeping friends and interacting appropriately with peers, siblings and adults. 3 They struggle emotionally and are 5x’s more likely to be diagnosed with depression than peers without ADHD, 4 as well as, high levels of anxiety. 5 They also struggle cognitively and often exhibit deficits in auditory and visual processing, planning, and shifting mind sets. 6 This is often most notable in lower academic performance. 7
Treatment for ADHD often involves psychotropic medication (often a stimulant, but there is also non-stimulant medication available) and counseling. Counselors often provide education and behavioral strategies to assist parents, family and the school in understanding ADHD and ways to assist a child with this diagnosis. Counselors also work with the child diagnosed with ADHD to develop understanding of ADHD, and techniques and strategies to manage inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Counselors also help these children to cope with any anxiety and depression they may have.
References
1. Goldstein S. & Reynolds, C.R. (1999). Handbook of neurodevelopmental and genetic ADHD disorders in children. New York, NY: Guilford Press
2.American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed). Washington, DC: Author.
3.Landau, S. & Moore, L.A. (1991). Social skills deficits in children with ADHD. School Psychology Review, 20, 235-251.
4.Angold, A., Costello, E.J., & Erkanli, A. (1999). Comorbidity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 40, 57-87.
5.Mannuzza, S., Klein, R. G., Bessler, A. Malloy, P. & Lapodula, M. (1993). Adult outcome of hyperactive boys educational achievement, occupational rand and psychiatric status. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50, 565-576.
6.Luedemann, K.A. (2005). Cognitive impairments in ADHD: the role of subtype symptomatology. (Doctoral dissertation, Acadia University, Canada).
7.Kostura, D.D. (1999). Identification of ADHD, combined type (Doctoral dissertation, University of Calgary, Calgary Canada)