Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition characterized by lower attention-sustaining skills, hyperactivity and impulsivity in children or adolescents than expected for their age and developmental level. Its prevalence in the world varies between 2 and 20 percent. It is a disorder that is more common in men. It is thought that many environmental and genetic factors play a role in its formation.
Are there different types?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is examined in 3 different types according to the symptoms it shows. The most common type is the mixed type, in which there are both hyperactivity and attention-sustaining problems. The second is the type in which impulsivity comes to the fore. Finally, there is a subtype of attention deficit, which is more common in girls. This subtype can be diagnosed later than other types, and contrary to popular belief, children with this problem can be described as slow learners and sometimes inadequate in capacity, by the environment.
How is the diagnosis made?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a medical diagnosis. Medical-related diagnoses need to be made by doctors. During the treatment process, the help of psychologists with clinical experience can be sought in the intervention of other problems accompanying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a clinical diagnosis. This means that the appropriate assessment by the physician can be made after collecting information from the necessary people. Although there are hundreds of tests that can help with the diagnosis, no test is diagnostic. Although it is reported to patients in many centers and private practices in our country as if there are diagnostic tests for attention deficit due to commercial concerns, a diagnostic test for this disorder has not been discovered in the world yet. Tests used in psychiatry differ markedly from blood tests performed in laboratories. Many factors such as the child’s readiness for the test and the compatibility of the tester with the child may adversely affect the test process and the correct results of the test. The American Psychiatric Association does not recommend the application of psychological tests unless there is an additional process in the diagnosis of the disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may differ in many children. As the name suggests, although attention maintenance problems and hyperactivity seem to be the main findings, perhaps another problem that forms the basis of the disorder is impulsivity. Impulsivity can be defined as the difficulty associated with suppressing internal desires. ADHD symptoms differ in different ages and developmental stages. While the most basic problems in the pre-school period may be difficulties related to mobility and delaying their wishes, class failure in the primary school period or family and friend conflicts in the high school period may be at the forefront. Mobility is often one of the main complaints in the preschool period. However, not every active child should be considered as ADHD. If the mobility negatively affects the child’s daily life, prevents him from making new friendships, he is frequently exposed to accidents, in short, it is meaningful if it negatively affects the child’s comfort of life. In pre-school education, teachers often complain about harmful behaviors, stubbornness and attention problems towards their friends. In the primary school period, academic problems caused by attention problems begin to become more evident. Social problems are often added to this process. Difficulties experienced in continuing the games from the beginning to the end will result in exclusion from the circle of friends, and involuntary impulsivity-based behaviors will result in the child being the scapegoat of the class. In this process, the child tends to find friends with similar characteristics. This may cause behavioral problems seen with peer influence to become apparent. In adolescence, conflicts and impulsive features inherent in adolescence can be expected to be experienced more intensely.
What are the causes? Who is guilty?
Parents who frequently refer to a child psychiatrist tend to blame each other and sometimes teachers. However, basically ADHD is caused by deviations in the chemistry of the brain. The main reason for these deviations is genetic predispositions. ADHD is the most common genetic predisposition disorder among childhood psychiatric disorders. Apart from this, there may be many different environmental factors such as negativities experienced in the womb and birth traumas. Although not directly related to life-related adversities, life-related changes may cause existing ADHD-related symptoms to be experienced more exaggeratedly.
Is there a cure? Fear of red prescriptions…
Drug treatments form the basis of ADHD treatment. Although therapy is beneficial in eliminating additional problems observed in many patient groups and developing appropriate behaviors, it does not have a significant effect on the three main symptoms of attention problems, hyperactivity and impulsivity. One of the main reasons that worries families is that the drugs used in the treatment of ADHD are usually prescription red. No addiction has been reported since the introduction of drugs used in the treatment of ADHD to the present day. Another word frequently used by people who try to advertise themselves with various commercial concerns is that children who take medication become numb and stupid. The treatment provides the opportunity for the child to stand and think while interacting with his environment, and to fulfill his wishes by ordering them.
What are the side effects of drugs used in treatment?
Currently, there are two basic preparations that are frequently used in the treatment process in our country: methylphenidate and atomoxetine. It should be noted that each drug may have different side effects that are specific to the individual. The best consultant about the side effects that may occur is the physician who starts the treatment, who is basically obliged to tell them. Although different side effects can be seen specific to many people, insomnia and appetite problems are the most common side effects that negatively affect treatment compliance. Although both side effects may be evident especially at the beginning of the treatment, they tend to disappear in the later stages of the treatment. However, in cases where weight loss is very pronounced (it should be controlled with regular weight follow-ups) and sleep problems are severe, treatment can be changed.
Dr. Genco USTA – Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
