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Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity

What Is Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition of inattention and distractibility, with or without accompanying hyperactivity. It is related to the brain’s chemistry and anatomy. The symptoms include a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that occurs more frequently and more severely than is typically observed in people at comparable levels of development. The symptoms must occur for at least six months.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), the symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and a combination of the two.

  • Inattention:

    • Ignores details; makes careless mistakes

    • Has trouble sustaining attention in work or play

    • Does not seem to listen when directly addressed

    • Does not follow through on instructions

    • Is forgetful and loses things

    • Is easily distracted

    • Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

  • Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:

    • Fidgets or squirms

    • Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected.

    • Runs or climbs when he or she shouldn't.

    • Has difficulty with quiet leisure activities

    • Talks excessively.

    • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

    • Has difficulty waiting his or her turn.

    • Interrupts or intrudes on others.

  • Combination: A child may be diagnosed Combined Type if they demonstrate symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity (six or more symptoms of both) and the symptoms have persisted for at least six months. Most children and adolescents with the disorder have the Combined Type.

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What Causes Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity?

It has become increasingly clear that ADHD is a neurological disorder that requires a medical diagnosis and treatment. ADHD is caused by neurobiological differences in the brain and the way it functions. The causes of these differences are not entirely known, but it is believed that ADHD is highly genetic. Some environment factors may influence the severity of the disorder and the degree of impairment the child may experience, but such factors do not seem to give rise to the condition by themselves.

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How Is Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Treated?

  • Physical Therapy
    While attending physical therapy, your child will participate in activities that improve their ability to function in daily life. Goals of physical therapy activities include improvement of strength, coordination, and motor skills.

  • Occupational Therapy
    Occupational therapy helps children with day-to-day skills. They can evaluate a child to determine how ADHD is affecting the child's ability to perform assignments and participate at home. Occupational therapists use the intervention of sensory integration to modify the environment to decrease noise and distractions caused by visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation. Goals of occupational therapy include better ability to pay attention to a task and better control of impulsive behavior.

  • Speech Therapy
    Speech therapy works on following and executing multi-step verbal directions, processing complex verbal information, remembering what was said, retelling a short story, planning and organizing what he or she wants to say, describing familiar procedures and words, and initiating language.

  • In addition to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, activities may include:

    • Family support services

    • Clinical psychology/psychiatry

    • Behavioral Therapy

    • Medication

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What to Expect When Your Child Is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, educating yourself about treatment options like medications and behavioral therapy will help you take control of the situation. ADHD continues into adulthood in about 60% of the cases. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, adults with ADHD can lead very productive lives.

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Where can a parent get help?

If you have a concern about this diagnosis regarding your child, please contact your pediatrician. If your child’s doctor feels treatment is necessary, FAC’s physical therapists have extensive training in this area. Your physician can write out a prescription for evaluation and treatment, which can be faxed to our clinic:
651-738-9889.

 

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact our front desk and ask to speak with a therapist.

 

Reference for this summary information provided by the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Mental Health and www. ADHD.com

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Links to additional information about Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity

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