Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) By: Shazli Ezzaty Bt Mohd Shafiee Dietetic

What is ADD/ADHD? ADD and ADHD are neurological conditions affecting both learning and behavior. They result from chronic disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate attention, impulse control, and the executive functions, which control cognitive tasks, motor activity, and social interactions. Hyperactivity may or may not be present. Treatable, but not curable, ADD and/or ADHD affects three to six percent of the population.

Is it normal kid behavior or ADHD? The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “kid behavior.” If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADD/ADHD.

On the other hand, if the child shows a number of ADD/ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school, and at play—it’s time to take a closer look. Once we understand the issues the child is struggling with, such as forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention in school, we can work together to find creative solutions and capitalize on strengths.

Myths about ADHD Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive. Fact: Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.

Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention. Fact: Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.

Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD could behave better if they wanted to. Fact: Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.

Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD. Fact: ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for the child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help the child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.

Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD. Fact: Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.

Types of ADHD According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention; there are three types of ADHD. They are defined according to which symptoms stand out the most:

1.Predominantly Inattentive Type The person finds it very difficult to organize or finish a task. They find it hard to pay attention to details and find it difficult to follow instructions or conversations. 2.Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type The person finds it hard to keep still - they fidget and talk a lot. A smaller child may be continually jumping, running or climbing. They are restless and impulsive - interrupting others, grabbing things and speaking at inappropriate times. They have difficulty waiting their turn and find it hard to listen to directions. A person with this type of ADHD will have more injuries and/or accidents than others. 3.Combined Type A person whose symptoms include all those of 1 and 2, and whose symptoms are equally predominant. In other words, all the symptoms in 1 and 2 stand out equally.

General Signs of ADHD in Children The child is restless, overactive, fidgety The child is constantly chattering The child is continuously interrupting people The child cannot concentrate for long on specific tasks The child is inattentive The child finds it hard to wait his/her turn in play, conversations or standing in line (queue)

Caring for a child with ADHD can be challenging for the whole family. Parents may be hurt by their child's behavior as well as by the way other people respond to it. The stress of dealing with ADHD can lead to marital conflict. These problems may be compounded by the financial burden that ADHD can place on families.

If your child has ADHD, to help reduce problems or complications: Be consistent, set limits and have clear consequences for your child's behavior. Put together a daily routine for your child with clear expectations that include such things as bedtime, morning time, mealtime, simple chores and TV. Avoid multitasking yourself when talking with your child, make eye contact when giving instructions, and set aside a few minutes every day to praise your child. Work with teachers and caregivers to identify problems early, to decrease the impact of the condition on your child's life.