Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

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ADHD: The Basics

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these.

A brief timeline

1798: Sir Alexander Crichton, a physician-scientist, uses a term he called “mental restlessness.”

1902: George Still, first to describe ADHD in more detail.

1923: Franklin Ebaugh: provides evidence that ADHD could arise from brain injury.

1967: Federal government funds National Institute of Mental Health study on effects of stimulants on children with hyperactivity.

1980: The Manual of Mental Disorders defines “Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity”, thus distinguishing between ADD and ADHD, and listing “inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity“ as essential features.

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Signs and Symptoms:

Some children normally have trouble focusing and behaving. Children with ADHD do not grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

FACT: While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed.

There are 3 different types of ADHD

1. Inattentive type:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

• Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace

• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)

• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (eg, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)

• Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

• Is often forgetful in daily activities

2. Hyperactive-impulsive type:

• Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat

• Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

• Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)

• Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

• Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”

• Talks excessively

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

• Has difficulty awaiting turn

• Interrupts or intrudes on others (eg, butts into conversations or games)

3. Combined both: Inattentive & Hyperactive – Impulsive

Behavior Treatment Options for Pre-schoolers:

FACT: In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy.

Medication: Several types can be used to treat ADHD

1. Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used treatments. Between 70- 80 percent of children with ADHD respond positively to these medications. A list of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD includes: Adderall and Adderall XR, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin and Focalin XR, Metadate CD and Metadate ER, Methylin and Methylin ER, Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Vyvanse, Daytrana, and Quillivant XR.

2. Nonstimulants were approved for treating ADHD in 2003. This medication seems to have fewer side effects than stimulants and can last up to 24 hours. FDA-approved non-stimulants include: Strattera, Intuniv (for individuals, ages 6-17), and Kapvay (for use alone or in combination with a stimulant to enhance effectiveness).

3. Disclaimer: Before using any drug, check first with your physician.

Behavioral intervention strategies

1. Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.

2. Be organized. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day.

3. Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and computer, especially when your child is doing homework.

4. Limit choices. Offer a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc., or that one) so that your child isn’t overwhelmed and overstimulated.

5. Simplify: Use clear, brief directions to remind your child of responsibilities.

6. Use goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then reward your child’s efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic.

7. Discipline effectively. Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior.

8. Help your child discover a talent. Find out what your child does well — whether it’s sports, art, or music. It can boost social skills and self-esteem.

Parent training: Parental education and support are important parts of treatment.

ADHD and school: Tips for teachers

• Make assignments clear

• Use a homework folder for parent-teacher communications

• Give positive reinforcement

• Be sensitive to self-esteem issues

• Involve the school counselor or psychologist

By the numbers:

About 1 in 10 children (aged 4-17 years): have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lifetime OR, about 5.4 million children in the United States.

About 1 in 20 children in the U.S. have ADHD symptoms.

80 percent of these children, will have those symptoms into the teen years. Some will continue to show symptoms into adulthood.

4.1: percent of the U.S. adult population with ADHD.

41.3: percent of diagnosed adults have severe symptoms. This is equal to approximately 1.7 percent of the total U.S. adult population.

Boys are diagnosed with ADHD at more than double the rate girls are.

WOW: Children with ADHD are more likely to have major injuries (59 percent vs. 49 percent), more likely to receive outpatient care (41 percent vs. 43 percent), more likely to be hospitalized (26 percent vs. 18 percent), and more likely to be seen in an emergency room (81 percent vs. 74 percent) as non-diagnosed children of the same age.

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We Shall Overcome: Famous People who have overcome the stigma of having ADHD

1. Justin Timberlake: The Grammy-winning singer said he has “ADD mixed with OCD”

2. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver: Had ADHD as a child, but he told the Celebrities with Diseases website that healthy eating helps him manage it.

3. Will Smith: Growing up, he was the fun one who had trouble paying attention. Today, he would’ve been diagnosed with ADHD.

4. Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps: His mom described her son’s exhibition of classic ADHD symptoms: not sitting still or being able to focus.

5. Actor Jim Carrey remembers coping with his ADHD by being the class clown, and said it’s “hard for me to come down from what I do.”

6. Richard Branson: Virgin Founder has ADHD, but that hasn’t stopped him from owning a major airline, sending tourists into space, or building an underwater plane.

7. Paris Hilton: Takes Adderall to manage her ADHD, which she’s struggled with since she was 12.

8. Howie Mandel: Comedian and judge on America’s Got Talent, recalls not being able to focus or sit still in class as a kid, but he wasn’t diagnosed until he was an adult.

9. Terry Bradshaw: Former NFL quarterback has ADHD, and struggled even as a child.

10. Michelle Rodriguez: Actress takes medication to control her ADHD.

WOW: People with ADHD are 300% more likely to start their own company.