Does My Child Have ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has become a label that is often freely used by most people nowadays. I have heard people who used this label to describe someone who seems to be inattentive and/or restless, or a describe a child who is constantly misbehaving. So what is ADHD? How can you tell if your child might have ADHD and needs further evaluation?

First off, let me clarify that ADHD is not an illness but a disorder that is neurologic in nature. Hence unlike most illnesses that have cures, ADHD is considered to be a lifetime disorder and cannot be cured (unless new and innovative research would prove otherwise). It is not a fever that would go away once you pop in a pill. For most cases (except for brain injury or toxins acquired prenatally or postnatal), a person is either born with it or not. Hence, heredity plays a big role in the picture.

People born with ADHD are often observed to have poor ability to focus or sustain their interests in doing certain tasks. They are easily bored, tend to get easily distracted, hyperactive, have poor impulse control, and often forgetful. They usually have a high craving for constant stimulation and most are risk takers. It is therefore understandable that most ADHDs would have difficulty in sustaining an 8am-5pm routine job unless it provides them the stimulation that they need.

For very young children, symptoms of hyperactivity could be in the form of very high motor activity (running around, cannot sit still, very fidgety, restlessness). Manifestations of impulsivity could be through: talking incessantly and/or blurting out things even if not asked, poor waiting or turn-taking skills. For inattention, manifestations include: constantly losing things (whether at school or any other place), forgetfulness, clumsiness (toppling/falling over things, breaking things, getting involved in minor accidents). Because they get easily bored, they tend to be very impatient and have poor frustration tolerance (temper tantrums, easily angered, hitting even for some). For parents of these young children, the experience of rearing them without professional support could be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting.

Children with ADHD who do not receive appropriate interventions often develop other personal and social problems in the future such as low self-esteem, poor grades, oppositional disorder, addictions, lack of career direction, depression and so forth.

Although I have mentioned earlier that it has no cure, there are numerous interventions available in order to manage its symptoms. Children with ADHD can lead normal lives, attend regular school and be successful. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, behavior modification techniques, therapy and counseling, and/or medications (Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera, among others), as well as neurotherapy, can be used to help children with ADHD cope and manage their disorder. What is important is knowing and seeking the appropriate forms of interventions available and TAKING ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

In my experience, some parents find it difficult to accept that their child might have ADHD and would refuse any form of intervention suggested to them. This to me is a bigger problem than the diagnosis itself. In a way, their reaction is quite understandable since most often than not, they associate an ADHD diagnosis as a warrant of doom for their children. Maybe it stems from the stigma that most people associate with any form of mental disorder and illnesses. I guess the stereotypes that we have towards mental health issues prevent most parents to see beyond the labels and take stock of what actually could be done to manage the disorder.

Early detection and appropriate intervention(s) are crucial keys in helping your children if you suspect that they might have ADHD. Seek professional help and do not hesitate to do your own research. Knowing and accepting that there is a problem is already winning half of the battle.

In my next post, I will be discussing specific forms of interventions, effects and pros and cons of each, as well as personal experiences in dealing with children/adolescents with ADHD.