ADHD Awareness month

Welcome to October! At this time of the year, the kids are back in their routine of school, autumn is well under way, and we may be enjoying the cooler weather that is coming our way. In addition to the changing colors of leaves, shorter, cooler days, and pumpkin lattes, October also brings ADHD awareness month. Those individuals living with ADHD or living with a child with ADHD, are well aware of this disorder on a daily basis. But with a month dedicated to ADHD, hopefully many more will gain awareness of this disorder that affects more than 15 million Americans.

The terminology Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often used interchangeably. So you may see either of these recognized variations of the name and abbreviation being used. Either way, it is the same disorder, just with varying symptomatology.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. The causes and risk factors for this disorder are unknown. Research points in the direction of genetics, brain injury, environmental exposure to toxins such as lead, alcohol/tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight as possible causes/risk factors. But more research needs to be done.

A common misconception is that other factors, such as high intake of sugar, watching too much TV, poor parenting, and lower socioeconomic status contribute as causes to this disorder, but these factors have NOT been supported by research.  While they may not contribute to the diagnosis of ADHD, limiting sugar intake and TV time are good choices for everyone!

The CDC lists that as of 2011, approximately 11% of kids age 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. This number continues to rise. Another common misconception is that ADHD occurs more commonly in boys than in girls. However, girls hold the same risk for the disorder, but are often not given the proper diagnosis like their male counterparts. The average age at diagnosis of ADHD is 7 years of age. However, many parents notice symptoms of the disorder well before the child’s 7^th birthday.

 This disorder affects adults as well. Many adults with ADD/ADHD have never received a proper diagnosis of the disorder. While ADD has been recognized in the medical community for many years, those with ADD in generations before the 1980s didn’t usually receive this diagnosis. They may have been labeled as bad kids, lacking discipline, unintelligent, lazy, or defiant. Imagine what these labels do to the self-esteem of a person. Think about how the self-esteem of the individual could have been supported, rather than diminished, if a proper diagnosis was made early on in life.  

Adults with ADD may have trouble with organization and remembering appointments and important events. They may have trouble completing the tasks to get out of the house in the morning, often making themselves and/or their kids late for work/school. They often have a history of difficulty in school during childhood & adolescence, and they may have a history of issues with employment and sustaining relationships.  Thankfully, healthcare providers are more aware of the disorder and the prevalence in adults, and with proper diagnosis and treatment, adults with ADD can find success and lead a productive, organized life.

So what are the symptoms of ADHD/ADD?

 Many may think that lack of focus and/or distractibility are what constitute a diagnosis. However, these symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg. Adults and children with ADHD/ADD generally have many of the following symptoms:

·         Trouble paying attention

·         Makes careless mistakes

·         Seems to not listen when being directly spoken to

·         Has trouble following instructions and finishing tasks

·         Trouble planning and organizing work/activities

·         Trouble completing and/or turning in homework

·         Avoid tasks, in particular those that require sustained mental effort

·         Loses things often

·         Becomes easily distracted, misses details, frequently switches from one activity to another

·         Forgetful, forgetful, forgetful

·         Fidgets and can’t seem to sit still

·         Gets up and moves around when they are expected to stay seated

·         Is often ‘on the go’ or acts as if ‘driven by a motor’

·         Talks too much or blurts out answers

·         Can’t wait his/her turn

·         Interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations

Wow, that’s quite a list! Now some may read this and say “well I have trouble paying attention and am forgetful, perhaps I have ADD”. Well what human doesn’t fit some of these descriptors? Most all of us can think of times that we were sitting in class and started daydreaming or thinking of a plethora of other things we wish we were doing. I’m forgetful at times. I lose things at times. That doesn’t necessarily constitute an ADD diagnosis. Individuals with ADD/ADHD live with many of these symptoms, often to a VERY high degree, and deal with these on a daily basis.  While some individuals may outgrow the symptoms of ADHD, for many the symptoms are lifelong.

As a parent of a child with ADHD, I have a great passion for learning about this complex disorder.  In honor of ADHD awareness month, I hope to pass on some of the education that I have gained through my endless reading about this disorder and my life experiences gained with a child with ADHD!

Dr. Donna Poma Fife, DNP, ARNP

Disclaimer: This blog is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute medical care. If you think you or your child may have ADHD please see a healthcare provider, preferably a psychiatrist or a neurologist, as they are best equipped to make a proper diagnosis.