ADHD

• ADHD is a Neurodevelopmental disorder which means it is present usually from a young age and affects various areas of development across a lifespan¹.
• It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood (1 in 20 worldwide) and it is usually more common in male children than female children. ²
• It is an extremely hereditary condition and can present at any age, most often in childhood, but often missed and only presents later in Adulthood^1,2.

The important thing to remember is that ADHD is defined as having a persistent pattern of

• inattention and/or
• hyperactivity-impulsivity

that interferes with

• functioning or
• development

This means that while many people may complain of feeling restless, with poor concentration and show patterns of inattention or hyperactivity, unless it actually impairs their functioning, ADHD may go undiagnosed or may not need treatment. ADHD usually presents with symptoms before the age of 12, and these generally affect functioning in more than one setting i.e. in the home and at school or work.²

The cause of ADHD remains largely unknown but research suggests that there is a neurobiological reason for the condition (i.e. related to the structure, neurotransmitters and the functioning of certain areas of the brain)^1,3.

Although environmental and social factors may influence the severity of the condition, they do not cause the condition^1,4.

• Symptoms vary according to age and developmental stages

ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, meaning that it is made by a clinician who looks at the symptoms presenting, the degree of dysfunction and the setting in which it occurs.

Diagnosis is supported by evidence collected from the different settings, validated screening tools and functional assessments (either psychological or occupational) depending on the age of presentation.

• There is more Improved recognition by physicians, and people with symptoms seek help sooner than used to happen in the past.
• There is an easing of standards for making the diagnosis according to the Diagnostic manuals in Psychiatry, enabling an easier diagnosis than was previously possible.
• There has also been an increased awareness by the public and media in the existence of ADHD.
• Often the increased scholastic demands and changing parental habits result in more children displaying symptoms

It is important to recognize that ADHD symptoms may be present in other conditions, or similarly other medical or social conditions can present as ADHD symptoms.

All children suspected of having ADHD would need to first be screened medically for common things like hearing or visual problems, learning disabilities or co-existing medical conditions like epilepsy. Adults also need to have a screen for other common conditions that may look just like ADHD. This includes anxiety or mood conditions, substance use disorders or sleep disorders. ADHD symptoms may also present in the context of poor nutritional or poor social conditions³

ADHD is not treated by a single modality alone. The most prevalent or common form of treatment is with medication^3,4 – i.e. Stimulant or non-stimulant approved treatments. However, ADHD also needs to be treated by concurrent psychological modalities such as behavioural or cognitive therapies, and treatment of other co-existing conditions like learning problems. While the mainstay of the treatment would include pharmacological (medical) and non-medical treatments, ADHD also responds to modifications in the environment. These include structured routines, schedules and predictable timetables for children and adults alike. Ordered and planned activities in the school home and work environment help provide such routine and structure and are very effective in helping with ADHD.

If ADHD is not severely impairing cognitive and behavioural functions, psychological treatments alone may have a good response. Dietary modifications assist with nutritional deficits, and sleep routines and structure also help with attention and focus ^4,5. However, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that severely restrictive or elimination type diets are helpful or even as effective in managing ADHD as the mainstay of medication or psychological interventions.

Neurofeedback is also a new treatment modality but evidence does not show promise for preference of this treatment when compared with mainstay treatments in severe or impairing ADHD.^5,6