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ADHD- Patient/Parent Education (773) 702-6169 09/2001, 11/2003, 01/2004, 04/2010 |
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What is
about ADHD? ， A brain-based disorder with multiple possible causes ， Chronic, persistent, and highly inherited. Usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persist into adulthood ， Estimated 3-7% of American school aged children suffer from ADHD and 4.5 million children ages 3-17 with ADHD. Estimated 4% of adults also have ADHD. ，
Impairments in school, social, and family
domains Causes of ADHD
The
exact causes of ADHD have not yet been sure, but research studies suggest a
combination of factors may contribute to ADHD such as genetics, brain
injuries, environmental, nutrition, maternal smoking or drug use,
environmental exposure to lead or toxins... Do my child has ADHD? DSM-IVDiscuss with the pediatrician if your child has the following problems persistently for 6 months Inattention -has six or more of the
following manifested often: q Inattention to details/makes careless mistakes q Difficulty sustaining attention q Not seem to listen when spoken to directly q Not follow through on instructions or fails to finish tasks q Difficulty organizing q Avoids tasks requiring sustained attention q Loses things (eg, toys, school assignments, pencils, books) q Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli q
Forgetful in daily activities Hyperactivity/Impulsivity -has six or more of the following manifested often: q Fidgets (restlessness) with hands or feet or squirms in seat q Unable to stay seated q Inappropriate running, climbing q Difficulty in engaging in leisure activities quietly q ＾On the go￣ or acts as if ＾driven by a motor￣ q Talks excessively q Blurts out answer before question is finished q Difficulty awaiting turn q
Interrupts or intrudes on others (eg, butts
into conversations or games) Other Conditions may Look Like ADHD Hearing or visual problems, iron deficiency anemia, lead intoxication, sleep disorders, absence seizures, school or learning problems, thyroid disorders, medications´ Up to 87% of children with ADHD are afflicted with
other psychiatric disorders such as stress, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, biopolar disorder, learning disorders, tic or tourette's syndrome in children, and in adults antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse, and dependence. Resources ，
http://www.chadd.org Phone: 800-233-4050 Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) ，
http://www.add.org Phone: 847-432-ADDA National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) ，
http://www.ldanatl.org Phone: 412-341-1515 Learning
Disabilities Association of ， http://www.nichcy.org Phone: 800-695-0285 Disabilities (NICHCY) |
ADHD
Management Goals ， Reduce major symptoms of ADHD ， Improve functioning in areas of impairment ，
Increase the child's self-esteem Home Behavior Management ，
Set
reasonable goal and clear
expectations ， Set house rules-write down and discuss with your child ，
Create a
daily routines such as homework,
reading, playing, getting ready for school, and go to bed ， Breaking homework assignments into smaller chunks ，
Use timers
and alarm clocks ， Teach what and how to focus on ， Have a quiet place for homework ， Avoid distraction. Turn off the TV, radio, and computer, esp. when you child is doing homework ，
Define
the problem in a positive way ， Talking to child-tell the truth, keep it simple ， Encourage a child. rewards with stars or token for positive behaviors (eg. a point chart) ，
Discipline
effectively and immediately for inappropriate behaviors, use timeouts or
privilege loss. ，
Discover
your child talent for learning skills, sports, art, or music to boost their
self esteem. School Interventions ， Set the child in the front seats, away from the windows ， Provide a special quiet study area ， Set class rules and clear expectations ， Clearly and consistently posting daily schedules ， Breaking assignments into smaller chunks ， Teach what to focus on, teach unknown skills ， Daily extra help period ，
Providing rewards
for task completion and consequences
for rule violations ，
Daily
behavioral report cards ， Use homework folder for parent-teacher communication Social Skills Training- at home and school ， Be sensitive to self-esteem ， Control anger, deal with frustration ， Enhance interaction skills- make a child happy ， Learn problem-solving skills Medication
Management
Stimulant medications are the gold standard for medical intervention ， Once-daily dosage forms can simplify treatment and enhance convenient for patient and parent ， Most medicines are very safe when used as directed and usually well tolerated and have few side effects. ，
Common side
effects include decreased appetite, sleep problems, headache, stomach pain, and
irritability Reference: American Psychiatric
Association. DSM-IV; DSM-V Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) online information |