A.D.H.D. & A.D.D.

•A neurobehavioural disorder that has been related to the brain’s chemistry and anatomy.

•ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that occurs more frequently and more severely than is typically seen in people at comparable levels of development.

•Symptoms must occur for at least six months and some symptoms have been present since before the age of 7 years.

•ADHD begins in childhood and symptoms can persist into adulthood as well. While some children outgrow ADHD, as many as 60% continue to have features of ADHD persisting into adulthood.

Recognizing the Symptoms

•Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are divided into categories: inattention, and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

•A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, persistence, and history of ADHD behaviours, and the degree to which they interfere with a child’s performance in more than one setting.

InattentionA child may be exhibiting ADHD symptoms of

inattention if he or she often:• Ignores details; makes careless mistakes• Has trouble sustaining attention in work or play• Does not seem to listen when directly addressed• Does not follow through on instructions; fails to

finish• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities• Avoids activities that require a sustained mental

effort• Loses things he or she needs• Is forgetful in daily activities• Is easily distracted

Hyperactivity

•A child may be exhibiting symptoms of hyperactivity if he or she often:

•Fidgets or squirms•Has to get up from seat•Runs or climbs when he or she shouldn't•Has difficulty with quiet leisure activities•Is on the go, as if driven by a motor•Talks excessively

Impulsivity

A child may be exhibiting ADHD symptoms of impulsivity if he or she often:

•Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

•Has difficulty waiting his or her turn•Interrupts or intrudes on others

Causes of ADHD

•Although the exact cause of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unknown it has become increasingly clear that ADHD has a biological component and requires early diagnosis and intervention.

•There is evidence that ADHD appears to have a hereditary component, the result of genetics. A number of unproven causes have been suggested over the years but most of these have been shown to be false.

Genetics•Research has shown that ADHD runs in

families. One study suggests, if a parent has ADHD, there is a 57% chance his/her children will also have ADHD. In addition, about 32% of siblings of children with ADHD will also have the disorder.

• In addition to genetic causes, there are other medical factors that can cause ADHD-like symptoms. Careful examination, however, reveals important differences between these disorders and ADHD

ADHD Myths• In the past, uncertainty about the causes of

ADHD created a fertile climate for speculation of all kinds. Many theories — notably those holding parents to blame in some way for their child's uncontrolled behaviour — have been advanced and were later determined to be unfounded. Among the most well-known myths, are environmental causes such as:

•Diet (e.g., food additives or sugar)•Poor parenting.

So what’s the difference between ADHD and ADD?

Causes

ADHDThe cause is in the

Parietal Lobe.

ADDThe size and

structure of many brain areas differs; especially, a lack of

activity in the frontal area

(“Hypofrontality”). This is linked to a

deficiency of the neurotransmitters

dopamine and norepinephrine

which are involved with arousal and

alertness.

Main Indicators ADHD

Problems with attention, impulsivity

and hyperactivity

ADD1.Fear; anxiety;

2. Low brain energy leading to a capacity

problem; 3.Slow cognitive thinking4. poor memory

retrieval. 5. But the frontal processes are intact so these people

rely on logic .

Impulsiveness

ADHDRarely impulsive but

can appear so when frustrated. Self-regulation is weak because the

control mechanisms of the

frontal lobe are not functioning

well, e.g. self talk is not used; they

are unaware of the consequences to their actions, fast cognitive speed contributes to impulsiveness

ADDRarely impulsive but can appear so when

frustrated.

Distractibility ADHD

Cannot maintain focus so have poor sustained effort; Race from task to task; are easily bored; Forget and lose things because they missed information due to being distracted;Need external motivation

ADDThis is the primary problem. They cannot sustain attention and concentration because: a)     low energy which causes loss of focus and follow through b)     environmental factors c)      their own racing or wandering thoughts

Hyperactivity/Restlessness ADHD

Due to motor activity, not anxiety. These people crave excitement and stimulation.

ADD Due to anxiety, these

people are driven and cannot relax. Daring activities are rare; activities are not for excitement but for relief from constant, wandering, racing thought patterns and anxiety.

Communication

ADHDMeaningful relationships.

However, personal relationships may be

difficult and uncertain. Because of

egocentricity, poor focus, distractibility,

intolerance, etc.

ADDWhen not talking

excessively because of anxiety, these people say little but think a lot; therefore they do

not display their thoughts or feelings.

They are afraid to express anger or

arouse it in others

SensitivityADHD

Vulnerable to criticism to which they react, sometimes angrily.

ADDShy and fearful of others’ displeasure

ImpatienceADHD

Constantly frustrated and crave instant

gratification

ADDDo not need instant gratification. These people become impatient only after trying unsuccessfully for a long time at which point they are tired, disheartened and upset

Exit Slip

1. What are some of the myths about ADD, and ADHD?

2. Explain how impatience differs between ADD and ADHD.

3. Explain how sensitivity differs when comparing ADD and ADHD.