A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO ADHD
| Dr. Samuel R.Caron Ph.D. info@adhd1.net |
We now know that ADHD is a real neurological disorder that probably is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Through PET scans, we are able to observe that people with ADHD have a lowered level of brain activity in part of the brain. Most of the time ADHD is inherited, but it can also be caused by problems with the pregnancy, the delivery, early childhood severe illness, environmental toxins, etc. The three main symptoms of ADHD are getting bored easily, acting fast without thinking first about consequences or alternatives, and being hyperactive. Three types of ADHD are diagnosed. One which is primarily hyperactive and impulsive, one which is primarily inattentive, and one which is a combination of all three symptoms. In addition to the three main symptoms, children with ADHD often have other characteristics such as desiring immediate gratification. They want it, they want it now, and they are going to be in your face until you give in, become very angry, or they have a tantrum. Many of the children are oppositional, demanding, and stubborn. The children also tend to be immature. Twelve year olds are more like eight year old, nine year olds are more like six year olds, etc. These characteristics can lead to problems with peer relationships. Many children with ADHD end up playing with younger children. One of my biggest concerns is the effect that ADHD has on personality development. The children begin to think that they are stupid, uncontrollable, and unlovable. These negative self beliefs lead to even greater problems since we act the way we think. Most children have some of the symptoms of ADHD. We diagnose the disorder if the symptoms differ significantly from what other children their age are experiencing, and if their developmental history supports the diagnosis. We become concerned when we see that the problems are handicapping the child's development by interfering with learning, relationships, and self concept formation. The current treatment of choice is a combination of medication and counseling. Stimulant medications stimulate brain activity, thus reducing the severity of the symptoms. The purposes of the counseling are to educate the child and the family about ADHD, help the family create a more ADHD friendly environment, work on any developing personality problems, and try to decrease parental depression and guilt. Children with ADHD do not appear to addict to the medication. However, we are now beginning to see teenagers and young adults who are abusing the medications by mixing them with alcohol and other drugs and using them to stay up longer to party. This trend might eventually affect our ability to use the medications when they are really needed. I recommend that you seek out more information about the disorder by reading current literature about it, attending lectures, joining CHADD, checking out videos from your library, or purchasing my videos (click here for info). |
