Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What you need to know The Mental Health America of Middle TN Toll Free (866) 535-DUCK Joanna Bane, Education Coordinator

Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee: Offers mental health educational programming to anyone in Tennessee Provides advocacy and support to persons and family members with mental illness Connect diverse cultural populations with mental health assistance Provides suicide prevention training

What is Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder?

ADHD is a common childhood disorder, and it may affect children differently. It makes it hard for a child to focus and pay attention. Some kids may be hyperactive or have trouble being patient. ADHD can make it hard for a child to do well in school or behave at home. ADHD can be treated!

ADHD… Found in as many as 1 in every 20 children About 1/4 have anxiety disorder About 1/3 have depression About 1/5 have a learning disability

Principle Characteristics: ADHD Principle Characteristics: Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Remember… A high energy level alone in your child does NOT mean that he or she has ADHD!!!!

There are three subtypes of ADHD….

Subtypes Predominantly Inattentive Type Sometimes called “ADD” – outdated term Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Does not show significant inattention Combined Type Displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Subtype 1: Predominantly Inattentive Seldom impulsive or hyperactive Significant problems paying attention Easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds Fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes Rarely follows instruction

Inattentive type continued: Loses or forgets tools needed for a task Skips from one uncompleted activity to another May appear “spacey,” easily confused, slow moving and lethargic

Subtype 2: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Is unable to remain seated when expected to do so Moves around excessively (is restless) in situations in which it is inappropriate “On the go” or acts as if have difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly Is “driven by a motor” Talks excessively Blurts out answers before questions have been completed Has difficulty awaiting turn Interrupts or intrudes on others

Subtype 3: Combined Type A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

What Causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD has not yet been found… Possible factors include: Genetic/Biologic factors Lead in old paint or plumbing parts Brain injury Smoking and drinking alcohol or using other drugs during pregnancy Food additives like artificial coloring, which might make hyperactivity worse

For Diagnosis… Symptoms present before the age of 7 years. Symptoms present for at least 6 months Some impairment from the symptoms demonstrated in 2 or more settings Evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Lastly, for Diagnosis… The symptoms must not occur exclusively during the course of a developmental disorder, schizophrenia, psychotic disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Who can diagnose ADHD? And how?

Diagnosis…. First talk with your pediatrician rule out physical / medical problems Consult the teacher or other person who spends time with your child symptoms must be present in two settings Find a person to test Private psychiatrist or other mental health professional that specializes in children

What are some treatments? Medication Behavior Management at home and school Parent Training Environmental Management Academic remediation or instruction Social skills training Home-School Collaboration Cognitive-Behavioral therapy Individual Psychotherapy or Counseling

What can I do to help my child if they have ADHD?

Simple Behavioral Interventions… Create a daily, structured routine Organize everyday needed items Use homework and notebook organizers Stress writing down assignments and bringing home needed books Have consistent, understandable rules Praise and reward good behavior and when rules are followed

Resources Mental Health America of Middle TN – www.mhamt.org National Institute of Mental Health – www.nimh.nih.gov TN Voices for Children – www.tnvoices.org Child Development Center at VUMC Pediatricians and Private Psychiatrists Books: “Parenting a child with ADHD” By: Dr. Jane Hannah

There is hope. Help is available. www. mhamt There is hope! Help is available! www.mhamt.org Toll Free (866) 535-DUCK