ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD are particularly inattentive, impulsive, or “hyperactive”.

 But what exactly do these terms mean?

• Children are classified as “inattentive” if they have poor concentration and are easily distracted.
• An “impulsive” child behaves more irresponsibly, carelessly, impatiently, or thoughtlessly than his or her peers.
• A “hyperactive” child is one who is extremely fidgety and restless.

Children with ADHD often stand out as exhibiting behavior that does not conform to the norm. Typically, they also find it hard to focus, which makes learning more difficult. Some children with this condition also have anxiety or depression.

It is normal for children to be occasionally inattentive and impulsive. The critical factor is how extreme and noticeable this behavior is. A potential diagnosis of ADHD is only a possibility if children or adolescents are significantly more inattentive, impulsive, and excessively active than others of the same age.

It is also important to distinguish between different sub-types of this condition. Children may be either predominantly inattentive or predominantly hyperactive and impulsive. If a child is inattentive but not hyperactive, this is known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD for short.

Research into the precise causes of ADHD is still ongoing. It is assumed that the condition is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and external influences.

Reliable studies on the causes of the condition are still lacking. Consequently, many different possibilities are being discussed among experts.

An indication of genetic predisposition has been established in the nerve cells of the brain in people with ADHD. It appears that a change occurs in how the neurotransmitter dopamine is transported to the areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Yet there are other biological factors which contribute to the development of ADHD.

Also, the role of societal developments remains unclear. Some researchers, for example, view ADHD as a consequence of or reaction to modern living, with children’s brains being routinely exposed to an ever-increasing number of stimuli, while their bodies are also moving less – against the backdrop of great pressure to perform and changes in family structures.

Influences during pregnancy are not fully understood either. If an expectant mother smokes, drinks alcohol or uses drugs during pregnancy, this increases the chance of her baby developing ADHD. However, several studies have revealed that only a small proportion of children exposed to these risk factors are affected.

Another possible risk factor is pre-eclampsia – a rare condition in pregnancy, which causes blood pressure to rise and the body to retain water.

Certain types of food are sometimes linked to ADHD. In fact, some research findings indicate that children who frequently consume artificial coloring agents and preservatives are more likely to exhibit more several behavioral issues. However, diet has at most a small role to play. If a connection is suspected, parents can try changing the diet to see if this brings about a positive change.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders are quite common according to statistics. Around 5 percent of children are diagnosed with ADHD. However, it is suspected that some children are being misdiagnosed.

ADHD normally begins in childhood. Older adolescents and adults with ADHD are often less hyperactive than they were as children but frequently experience a sense of inner unrest or turmoil.

The symptoms are usually milder in adults than in children and adolescents. Around 50 to 80 percent of adults who had ADHD as children continue to have at least some ADHD symptoms. Approximately 15 percent continue to meet all ADHD diagnostic criteria as adults.

A qualified diagnosis of ADHD can be made by paediatricians, specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry, or psychotherapists for children and young people.

It is important that diagnosis involves an in-depth discussion to identify and exclude other possible reasons for the child’s behavior. After all, difficulties with concentration, mental illness, problems at school and hyperactivity may have other causes, such as sleep disturbances or disorders, impaired vision or hearing, or hypothyroidism.

Adults who suspect they may have ADHD can consult a specialist in psychiatry or psychotherapy.

For more detailed information about the diagnosis of ADHD, visit gesundheitsinformation.de.

Any type of treatment is preceded by a consultation detailing what exactly ADHD is and how to live with it. Teachers and educators may be involved at this stage too. At that point, it may be determined that there is no great need for treatment.

The discussion should focus on the following questions:

• How severely are the child and parents affected by the behavioral issues?
• To what degree is the child’s development at school impacted?
• How does the condition manifest in daily life, e.g., in terms of sleeping habits?

Should ADHD be treated with medication?

The following questions should be considered:

• How old is the child?
• How pronounced is the ADHD?
• Have any psychotherapeutic or pedagogical measures already been implemented?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the medication?

The most frequently prescribed medications contain the active ingredient methylphenidate. Alternative active ingredients are atomoxetine, dexamphetamine, guanfacine, and lisdexamfetamine.

For adults with ADHD, the treatment will depend on the individual’s personal situation and the problems they are experiencing. If a person finds it difficult to manage the illness with their own strategies, psychotherapy or medication may help.

When is treatment as an in-patient or day patient helpful?

For hyperactive and impulsive children and adolescents who find it difficult or impossible to manage daily life, a temporary stay in a psychosomatic or psychiatric clinic may be beneficial.

For more detailed information about treating children with ADHD and adults with ADHD, see gesundheitsinformation.de.

A child with ADHD may present a challenge for the entire family. It is not only during school and leisure-time activities that problems occur, including conflict with other children. Within the family environment, parents are continually faced with the difficult task of supporting the child affected while also ensuring that siblings do not feel neglected.

Most parents develop their own strategies to deal with this situation over time. Having certain routines and clear rules in place has been shown to help. Contacting and exchanging information with other families in a similar situation may also provide relief, e.g., in the context of a support group. It is important to remember that the child’s behavior is not intentional. Children with this condition also suffer the consequences of their behavior.

A wide range of personalized advice and support is available throughout Germany for those with ADHD. These are organized differently, depending on the region. For a list of contacts, visit gesundheitsinformation.de.