Do you know the difference between a child with ADHD and a child that's just acting out?
Do you think they are one in the same?
Well I'm here to tell you that they are not. A child may act out for a variety of reasons...which will have to wait until another post. I'm focusing on ADHD.
What is ADHD? Well, it is a mental health disorder in which a person is unable to focus, hyperactive, or a combination of both, and it negatively affects their quality of life. Remember, a mental illness is not a mental illness until symptoms affect a person's functioning (work, school, relationships, etc.). A person with ADHD may appear all over the place, possibly on purpose, however that is not the case.
ADHD is the most common childhood disorder and 70% of children with ADHD will have symptoms into adulthood. ADHD runs in families oftentimes and can be present with other disorders. ADHD affects parts of the brain such as the frontal lobe and frontial striatal, which acts as the brain's screen. The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for ADHD is either six or more symptoms of inactivity or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and either have to be present for at least six months and to the point that it is detrimental to the person.
Inattention symptoms include but are not limited to:
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms include but are not limited to:
Do you think they are one in the same?
Well I'm here to tell you that they are not. A child may act out for a variety of reasons...which will have to wait until another post. I'm focusing on ADHD.
What is ADHD? Well, it is a mental health disorder in which a person is unable to focus, hyperactive, or a combination of both, and it negatively affects their quality of life. Remember, a mental illness is not a mental illness until symptoms affect a person's functioning (work, school, relationships, etc.). A person with ADHD may appear all over the place, possibly on purpose, however that is not the case.
ADHD is the most common childhood disorder and 70% of children with ADHD will have symptoms into adulthood. ADHD runs in families oftentimes and can be present with other disorders. ADHD affects parts of the brain such as the frontal lobe and frontial striatal, which acts as the brain's screen. The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for ADHD is either six or more symptoms of inactivity or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and either have to be present for at least six months and to the point that it is detrimental to the person.
Inattention symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Not paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining attention on tasks on activities
- Doesn't seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to them directly.
- Does not follow instructions or fails to complete schoolwork or work duties
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Fidgeting with hands or feet.
- Often getting up from their seat.
- Has trouble enjoying leisure activities quietly.
- Often "on the go".
- Talks excessively.
- Has trouble waiting their turn.
Treatment for ADHD are psychological treatment such as social skills training, time management, and coping skills training. Medications, mostly stimulants, can also be used to treat ADHD. As with most mental health disorders a combination of both psychotherapy and medication works best with ADHD.
If you or someone you know have symptoms of ADHD or if you're not sure, you can do some more research then reach out to your local psychologist or psychiatrist to get screened. Here are some resources to help you online.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml
Hope you learned a basic understanding of ADHD :)
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Take care,
-Kimmy
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