ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects children, as well as adults. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral and learning disorder. Around 10% of the population suffers from ADHD. ADHD can be mild or severe and has the potential to significantly impact a person’s life.

THE THREE MAIN FEATURES OF ADHD ARE

1. Difficulty paying attention
2. Acting impulsively
3. Being hyperactive

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Although many people believe the acronym ADD suggests attention problems without hyperactivity and ADHD infers attention problems with hyperactivity, there is little difference between the two. All forms of ADHD have some hyperactivity. The most recent classification divides the disorder into 3 categories:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly inattentive type
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

What are the common symptoms of adults with ADHD?

Other than less noticed hyperactivity, symptoms are the same for children. These symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Listed below are the diagnostic symptoms for children, adolescents, and adults:

INATTENTION

Six or more of the following symptoms must be present for at least six months to a degree that is affecting everyday life and is inconsistent with developmental level:

• Often does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• Often has trouble sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, etc. (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
• Is often easily distracted by irrelevant excitement
• Is often forgetful in daily activities

HYPERACTIVITY/IMPULSIVITY

Six or more of the following symptoms must be present for at least six months to a degree that is affecting everyday life and is inconsistent with developmental level:

HYPERACTIVITY

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Often leaves their seat when they are supposed to remain seated
• Often runs around or climbs things at times when it is inappropriate
• Often has difficulty playing quietly
• Is often “on the go.”
• Often talks excessively

IMPULSIVITY

• Often blurts out answers before the question has been completed
• Often has difficulty waiting their turn
• Often interrupts or bothers others (“butts into conversations”)
• When told not to do something, does it right after being told and then says, “I am sorry.” The child is telling the truth.  Impulsivity is ahead of thinking.

What causes ADHD?

A single cause has not been conclusively proven.

SOME POSSIBILITIES ARE

• Genetic/ Hereditary (this is the most likely cause in most cases)
• Brain damage (head trauma) before, during, or after birth (twice as likely if labor exceeded 13 hours)
• Brain damage by toxins (internal: bacterial and viral; external: fetal alcohol syndrome, metal intoxication, e.g. lead)

People with ADHD have different brainwaves

The Journal of Pediatric Neurology reported research where QEEGs were administered to boys diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers found an increase in ‘slow brain waves’ and fewer ‘fast brain waves’ during mental tasks like reading and math. EEG measurements of brain activity were then collected while the children were engaged in mental tasks like reading, listening, math, and drawing. When the mental processing tasks were compared to daydreaming, the researchers found that children diagnosed with ADHD had significant increases in slow brain waves indicating inattention and poorer processing. Children that were not diagnosed with ADHD did not show this pattern – their brains could effectively block out the slow waves related to daydreaming.

ADHD and Neurofeedback Training

Harbin Clinic Psychologists offer a groundbreaking treatment for ADHD called Neurofeedback. Click here to learn more.

Forms and Resources

Click here for ADHD assessment forms and resources concerning neurofeedback.