ADHD Explained

ADHD Explained

ADHD is a chronic behavior
disorder known as a neurobehavioral disorder that primarily affects children
and can impact their life significantly. Children with ADHD may perform poorly
at school, dislike academic work, and suffer from low self-esteem. 

Learn the latest on this
common childhood condition.

ADHD Rate Rising

ADHD Rate Rising

Studies published in JAMA
Pediatrics show that the ADHD diagnosis rate in children seems to be
rising. The rate of diagnosis among elementary school-aged children enrolled in
one Southern California health insurance plan increased from 2.5 percent to 3.1
percent. It had a relative increase of 24 percent between 2001 and 2010.

When compared to the entire
child-aged population, a small number are affected. However, it prompts the
question: are more children developing ADHD symptoms? Or are more doctors
diagnosing the condition today than in past years? 

Factors of Color and Economic Status

Factors of Color and Economic Status

The latest research
about those affected by ADHD reveals that color and economic status may play a
role. For unknown reasons, children living in high-income households are more
likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. White children are among the highest risk
group, followed by African-Americans and Hispanics.

The Gender Gap

The Gender Gap

Current trends show that
boys with ADHD significantly outnumber girls with the condition. The
Ohio State University explains that boys are two to three times more likely
to display symptoms of ADHD. 

However, in some areas of
the country, as evidenced by the Southern California studies published in JAMA
Pediatrics, African-American girls are quickly catching up.

Treatment for Children: Medication

Treatment for Children: Medication

The good news for children
with ADHD is that the condition can likely be treated effectively with
medication. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 70 and 80
percent of kids who take stimulant drugs for ADHD show a reduction in symptoms.

Advances have also been made
in the use of non-stimulant medications, including anti-depressants, in
children with ADHD. Anti-depressants carry fewer side effect risks than
stimulant drugs. They also can help curb aggression, control mood swings, and
improve attention span.

Treatment for Children: Behavior

Treatment for Children: Behavior

Although medication is
effective for many children with ADHD, some parents choose another route. Parent-
and teacher-orchestrated behavior programs can improve concentration and reduce
disruptive outbursts. 

Following a routine can help
kids organize their thoughts. Knowing the consequences of not completing a task
can incentivize kids to follow through. Offering incremental rewards can also
help them meet agreed-upon goals.

New
research shows that extra rest may play a role in controlling impulsive
actions. In one study, kids who slept more at night were able to control their
emotions more easily and showed behavioral improvements.

Co-existing Conditions

Co-existing Conditions

Children who have ADHD are
extremely susceptible to co-existing conditions, mainly depression. Depression
in children with ADHD can sometimes be difficult to spot because some of the
symptoms are similar.

Studies published in JAMA Pediatrics report that children
whose mothers
were depressed during pregnancy showed a high risk of depression.
Youngsters diagnosed with ADHD at a
very early age (before 7 years old) also had a high risk of developing a
depressive disorder. 

Prediction of Future Health

Prediction of Future Health

ADHD can be a predictor of
future health issues in some children, according to the Journal
of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Follow-up
studies performed 33 years after boys were diagnosed with ADHD showed that they
engaged in a number of risky behaviors as adults. 

The ADHD group drove more erratically
and sustained more head injuries and sexually transmitted diseases than the
control group. Men with ADHD since childhood were also admitted to the
emergency room more often than those without the neurobehavioral condition.

Early Intervention

Early Intervention

Early intervention for
children with ADHD can help them learn to live with their disorder. It can also
reduce the threat to their future physical and mental health. 

Parents who observe frequent
inattention, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors in their child should contact
their pediatrician.