goodtoknow says: ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Also known as ADD attention deficit disorder or hyperactivity, this is the most common childhood behavioural disorder. Your child may have difficulty concentrating, be easily distracted, restless and 'hyper'. They may also have problems sleeping. Many parents worry that their lively child may have ADHD, but there are only a few degrees of hyperactivity in children that are abnormal and need medical treatment. Your child may simply be overactive rather than hyperactive. Recent research has confirmed, though, that certain colourings and flavourings in food and drinks can trigger hyperactivity in children. For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of ADHD from patient.co.uk, read on. ADHD affects children from toddlers to teens. Those affected are easily distracted and find it difficult to control their behaviour - they're often disruptive and fidgety with 'hyper' energy bursts of activity. They will also do things on impulse.
It's a behavioural condition where a child shows 'hyper' tendencies such as difficulty concentrating and sitting still. It shouldn't be confused with normal, boisterous behaviour though. It usually starts at around 18 months, but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. It's more common in boys. Hyperactivity may improve at puberty. - Next: What are the symptoms of ADHD? - Read expert advice on ADHD
About five to ten per cent of children and adolescents in the UK are affected by ADD/ADHD. Up to one in 100 of those are severely affected. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of three and seven, and the condition can run in families. Three times more boys get ADHD than girls.
Not everyone has the same symptoms.
1. Some sufferers are mainly hyperactive/ impulsive
2. Others are mainly inattentive/ can't concentrate
3. The majority of sufferers have both the above
It's a debilitating condition that affects children in different ways. Some will be so severe that day-to- day life is very difficult. The condition can affect the child's education and cause major disruption to family life.
Over half of children with ADD/ADHD have specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Though their intellect may be normal or advanced their condition can contribute to poor results at school and low self-esteem. Other disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder where children will deliberately defy and argue, and conduct behaviour disorder where children will show antisocial behaviour, can accompany ADHD.
Depression, anxiety and obsessive behaviour is also more common in children with ADHD. They may also have problems with coordination and speech. Although hyperactivity may improve at puberty, 60 per cent of children with ADHD will show ADHD behaviour in adulthood.
ADHD is caused when a child's brain can't cope with the masses of stimulation he receives. It may be because of an inherited imbalance of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit nerve signals in the brain. The frontal lobes don't work well with processes such as decision making. Chemical imbalances of noradrenaline and dopaminein the brain may contribute to the condition too. But ADHD can be caused by a variety of different problems.
Yes. New research has shown that there is a definite link between controversial E number additives and behavioural problems in children. E numbers are used widely in Britain and approved by the EU but some are banned in Scandinavian countries and in the US. Avoid:
Colourings:
Preservative:
Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and the Co-op have all banned artificial colours and flavours in own-label products. Nestle has dropped artificial colours from Smarties losing the blue colour as a result.
Yes, usually a parent or relative also has the condition and it's thought that several genes are likely to be involved. Evidence of brain dysfunction has been found in brain imaging studies. But there's no simple screening test to identify those people carrying genes that might increase susceptibility to ADD/ADHD, and no prenatal screening available.
It's not clear why children develop ADHD, so it's difficult to prevent it and can be difficult to diagnose. Although there's no cure, an early diagnosis and help at home can really help. Your GP can refer you for diagnosis. Your child will normally be seen by a child psychiatrist or an educational psychologist who will assess their behaviour.
The Hyperactive Children's Support Group
Tel: 01243 539966
Web: www.hacsg.org.uk.
The National Attention Disorder Information and Support Service
Tel: 020 8952 2800
Web: www.addiss.co.uk.
Parentline Plus: 0808 800 2222
Web www.parentlineplus.org.uk.
YoungMinds: 0800 018 2138
Web www.youngminds.org.uk.