What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder involving a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development [1].
While children more commonly exhibit fidgety behaviour and distractedness, ADHD is diagnosed in both adults and children. Often, it manifests itself in adults as extreme restlessness and wearing others out with activity.
ADD vs ADHD
Previously, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was the term used to describe individuals who displayed inattentive symptoms, but were neither hyperactive nor impulsive. Currently, mental health professionals characterise easily distracted patients as having the ‘predominantly inattentive’ type of ADHD, and the term ADD in rarely used [2].
Gender Differences in ADHD
Males are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to females [3]. As females tend to have more inattentive symptoms, they may not disrupt the classroom/workplace like those with hyperactivity do. Hence, they are commonly left undiagnosed.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms (Inattention)
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks or play activities
- Failure to follow through on instructions and finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
- Failure to listen when spoken to directly
- Distractedness
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
Symptoms (Hyperactivity and Impulsivity)
- Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat
- Running about or climbing in inappropriate situations (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Excessive talking
- Trouble waiting for his/her turn
- Interrupting or intruding on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
Causes and Risk Factors of ADHD
There is still uncertainty regarding the cause of ADHD. However, researchers have suggested that there is a neurological cause. Presently, studies show that individuals with ADHD possess a reduction in dopamine [5], a molecule involved in movement control and emotional response. Additionally, they also possess smaller gray matter, which is important for speech, self-regulation and decision-making, in the brain [6].
Diagnosis of ADHD
An individual does not need to have symptoms from both categories to be diagnosed with ADHD. Otherwise, they must have several symptoms from at least one category; these symptoms must persist for at least 6 months. Additionally, the symptoms must occur in different settings, are disruptive and are not appropriate for the individual’s age [7].
Treatment of ADHD
Common treatments of ADHD include behavioural therapy and impulse-control medication. Otherwise, natural remedies like having a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and exercise also buffer against ADHD.
Behavioural Therapy
Parent Training in Behavioural Therapy
- Parents learn to use skills to better manage their child’s behavior and different ways to strengthen their relationship with their child
Behaviour Therapy with Children
- The therapist works with the child to learn new behaviours to replace behaviours that cause problems. Additionally, the therapist may help him/her learn to handle feelings in positive ways
- For younger children, behavioural therapy teaches parents, teachers, and other caregivers how to give children the support and structure they need
- For older children, behavioural therapy helps children recognise their symptoms and better manage their own behaviour. Teachers and parents may support the child [8]
FAQ
1. How do I tell if my child has ADHD?
It can be difficult to identify ADHD in a child due to their fidgety and inattentive nature. 2 key signs to look out for are inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity [9] .These symptoms are usually present across multiple settings – for example, both at home and at school – and affect your child’s functioning to a noticeable extent when compared to his/her peers.
Examples of inattentiveness include:
- Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Difficulty sustaining attention during conversations and tasks
- Forgetfulness in daily activities and losing items
Examples of hyperactivity-impulsivity include:
- Fidgeting while seated or leaving one’s seat in inappropriate settings
- Incessant talking, e.g. interrupting others and answering without hearing the full question
- Running around in inappropriate settings
Do note that this is just a general guideline. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, bring him/her to a mental health professional immediately.
2. Are there ADHD support groups in Singapore?
Organisations like the Society for the Promotion of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Research & Knowledge (SPARK) [9] provide support for families with children diagnosed with ADHD.
References:
[7] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
