ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.
Understanding
ADHD
Understanding
ADHD
ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder.
ADHD affects approximately 5% of children
ADHD presents as a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity which impacts functioning academically, socially and emotionally.
ADHD is highly genetic, with 80% of children with ADHD having a close family member with ADHD.
Additional risk factors for developing ADHD include brain injury, alcohol and nicotine and substance use during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight and exposure to environmental toxins such as lead.
Types of ADHD
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, ADHD Inattentive Type, and ADHD Combined Type
ADHD Hyperactive-impulsive subtype can look like: excessive fidgeting and talkativeness, seeming to always be “on the go”, difficulty taking turn, low frustration tolerance, emotional regulation difficulties and making decisions with taking the possible consequences into account.
ADHD Inattentive subtype can look like: distractibility, lack of focus, poor time management, paralysing procrastination, daydreaming and wandering off task, difficulty organizing and finishing a task, struggling to follow instructions or conversations.
ADHD Combined subtype has elements of both hyperactivity-impulsivity
and inattention.
Impact of untreated ADHD
- Children with ADHD face difficulties academically, socially and emotionally.
- They tend to be in trouble often, struggle to meet the requirements at school, and experience bullying and exclusion from other children – this leads to decreased self-esteem and increased likelihood of depression
and anxiety. - Individuals with untreated ADHD are also more likely to become involved with substance use and dangerous activities, have a higher rate of car accidents and physical injury, and engage in risky sexual behaviours.
