ADHD is a reoccurring pattern of a lack of attention and very hyper actions that are not typical for a child of the same age. There are three subtypes of ADHD.
General Description
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington , DC.
ADHD is a reoccurring pattern of a lack of attention and very hyper actions that are not typical for a child of the same age. There are three subtypes of ADHD.
(314.01) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type. This subtype could be diagnosis if six or more of the symptoms for inattention or hyperactivity occur for at least 6 months. This is the most common type of ADHD.
(314.00) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type. This subtype could be diagnosis if six or more of the symptoms for inattention occur but less then six symptoms of hyperactivity occur for at least six months.
(314.01) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. This subtype could be diagnosis if six or more of the symptoms for hyperactivity-impulsivity occur but less then six symptoms occur for inattention for at least six months.
Diagnostic criteria
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington , DC.
Either (1) or (2):
1. A child could be considered to have an attention deficit if they have six or more of the following symptoms for at least six months:
- does not pay attention to details, and makes careless mistakes on work or during other activities
- has a difficult time paying attention during games or other activities
- does not seem to pay attention when being talked to
- often fails to finish work or does not follow the complete instructions
- finds it hard to organizing activities or tasks
- often tries to avoid activities or work that requires a lot of thinking
- often loses things that are needed to do work or other activities
- is easily distracted
- does not seem to remember daily work or activities
2. A child could be considered to have hyperactivity-impulsivity if they have six or more of the following symptoms for at least six months:
A. Hyperactivity
- often can not sit still
- will not stay seated in situations where it would be normal behavior to stay seated
- often does or wants to climb or run in situations where it is not normal behavior
- often has a difficult time playing quietly
- often seems very busy or anxious to go somewhere
- will talk more then normal
B. Impulsivity
- yells out answers before questions are finished
- does not like to wait to take turns
- interrupts others
Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms are seen before the age of 7.
Often the symptoms are seen in two or more setting such as at school and at home.
There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
The symptoms are not associated with another disorder.
Etiology
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington , DC.
The causes of ADHD are largely unknown. Some studies have shown that genetic factors play a role, while others suggest that substances in the environment play a role. Some toxic chemicals (Lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) are known to interfere with the same aspects of learning that are atypical in ADHD, and may therefore contribute to ADHD. (childenvironment.org, 2002)
Comorbidity
Individuals with ADHD are also more like to have a learning disability (15-25%), a language disorder (30-35%), conduct disorder (15-20 percent), oppositional defiant disorder (up to 40 percent), mood disorders (15-20 percent), and anxiety disorders (20-25 percent). Sleep disorders often occurs more often in children with ADHD. Also of children with tic disorder 60% of them have ADHD.
Prevalence
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington , DC.
It is estimated that between 3-7% of school-aged children have ADHD.
Doctor's visits for ADHD has increased by 90% during the years of 1989 and 1996 (childenvironment.org, 2002).
EBP Treatment Approaches
Listed below are either evidence-based practices or
promising practices that have been successful at treating ADHD.
Psychosocial Treatments
- Parent Management
- Clinical Behavior Therapy
Pharmacological Treatments
(Click on Medications)
Treatment Websites
References
Collett, B. R.; Ohan, J. L.; Myers, K. M. (2003, Sept.) Ten-year review of rating scales. V: scales assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 42(9):1015-1037.
Note - Full text is available through the University at Buffalo Libraries.
Links
Practice Guideline Clearing House
Expert Consensus Guideline
Diagnosis, Treatment, Research Gateway
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Home Page
Attention Deficit Disorder - About.com
Yahoo's Attention Deficit Disorder Links
Fact Sheets
Fact Sheets from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Note - Click on topic. (Please note disclaimer).
The AACAP developed Facts for Families to provide concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
The AACAP website includes facts, statistics, and overviews of different problems children and adolescents face and different mental health disorders that affect children and adolescents.
Fact Sheets from the National Institute of Mental Health
Note - Click on "select a topic".
NIMH offers a variety of publications and other educational resources to help people with mental health disorders, the general public, mental health and health care practitioners, and researchers gain a better understanding of mental illnesses and the research programs of the NIMH.
This website includes facts, statistics, pamphlets, checklists, and overviews of mental health disorders.
Fact Sheets from the National Mental Health Association
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The NMHA offers answers to frequently asked questions, facts, statistics and overviews about different mental health disorders, as well as information about treatments and other problems that affect children and adolescents.
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