About ADHD.
This section is designed to provide an overview of different aspects of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without Hyperactivity) is a neurological condition where the sufferer has a very reduced ability to:

maintain attention without distraction
control of doing, or saying something due to impulsivity and lack of appropriate fore-thought
control the amount of physical activity appropriate to the situation (where hyperactivity is also present).

When does it start
There may well be a genetic predisposition to ADHD. Onset will usually be before the age of seven. Often Hyperactivity is reduced at puberty, however ADHD doesn't disappear and usually continues into adult life, sometimes with a slight variation or reduction in symptoms. 
Intelligence
It is generally agreed that ADHD does not have a significant affect on the individuals' intelligence. ADHD sufferers are often of normal intelligence, but may not reach their true potential, and underachieve as they regularly find concentration an impossibility. This, lack of concentration can lead to behavioural difficulties in school, poor adult and peer relationships leading to low self-esteem, which in turn can lead to underachievement and depression. They often become the classroom "Clown" and truant. If the condition is not treated and they reach puberty other problems may come into force. Quite often compulsive, obsessional and emotional disorders accompany ADHD when left undiagnosed and untreated.

Associated Disorders
Complications include excessive oppositional behaviour such as arguing and intentional defying, sometimes deteriorating to Conduct Disorder (major antisocial activity). Children with ADHD are also more likely to be depressed, anxious, obsessive and to have problems with speech, language, co-ordination problems and Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia. ADHD can lead to disruptive and destructive behaviour causing teachers and parents great difficulties. 

Behaviour
Good days and bad - the ADHD sufferer will not behave in the way that is expected, in other words, they are very unpredictable. Parents know their child is different, he/ she may be the only one affected in a family, it can affect any social class, colour or creed it is prevalent in all countries. It is not just the socially disadvantaged groups. An early diagnosis and treatment can save a child the pain of inappropriate social skills and deflated confidence, and has a major psychological, social and educational impact.

Diagnosis
ADHD is an extremely distressing condition which is receiving increasing attention from the academic and clinical communities. Early identification is crucial to the individuals chances of success in achieving a good quality of life. Many can find great success if given the chance by appropriate and sympathetic care from those close to them. Medication often also plays a role.
The following behaviour patterns are characteristic of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; usually occur before the age of 7, with at least 8 of the following symptoms are present which are excessive and consistent, and where the sufferer has no control.
  • Fidgeting/restlessness. 
  • Difficulty remaining seated when required to do so. 
  • Easily distracted. 
  • Difficulty awaiting turn in games or group situations. 
  • Often blurts out answers to questions. 
  • Difficulty following instructions. 
  • Difficulty sustaining attention. 
  • Often shifts from one incomplete activity to another. 
  • Difficulty in playing quietly. 
  • Often talks excessively. 
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others. 
  • Often does not seem to listen. 
  • Often loses things. 
  • Often engages in physically dangerous activities without considering the consequences. 
  • Chronic procrastination.

Patients are usually referred through their General Practitioner, School Doctor or Educational Psychologist.

What professionals may be involved?
Most experts agree a multi-modal approach to treatment is needed - to assist child psychologically, educationally and behaviourally. Can require the efforts of a team of professionals i.e. :

  • Psychiatrists
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Teachers/Support Workers
  • Social Workers …….and of course Parents!!

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