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5 commonly asked questions about ADHD answered

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There are many misconceptions about ADHD, but understanding the basics can help clear this up.
There are many misconceptions about ADHD, but understanding the basics can help clear this up.

We all have difficulty concentrating from time to time. But for someone with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), not being able to concentrate or pay attention can affect their ability to function on a daily basis. 

ADHD is a chronic developmental neuro-behavioural disorder that can be diagnosed at any stage in life. Symptoms are, however, most prevalent during childhood. Although people with ADHD can lead perfectly normal lives, there are a number of misconceptions about the condition.

While ADHD is largely caused by genetic factors, many people still believe it is caused by bad parenting or poor discipline. Misconceptions like these give ADHD an unnecessary stigma and might even prevent people from obtaining a correct diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Here are some commonly asked questions about ADHD:

1. How exactly is ADHD diagnosed?

According to Dr Renata Schoeman, our resident ADHD expert, questionnaires are used in the initial stages to screen potential candidates for ADHD. An accurate diagnosis, however, involves a much more intricate evaluation and comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist. There is unfortunately no set questionnaire, scale, rating or “computer test”. This is why ADHD can be so tricky to diagnose. If ADHD is suspected, it's best to consult a licensed psychiatrist with a working knowledge of ADHD.

2. How can ADHD be treated?

The diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that your child’s school career is doomed. There are several ways of managing ADHD, usually a combined approach, carefully tailored to the needs of the patient. ADHD will rarely be successfully managed only by medication. Behavioural therapy can work well in conjunction with medication, but may require the input of another medical professional. This is why treating ADHD is often a team effort.

Many children with ADHD can be taught in a normal environment, but there might be a need for special assistance with homework if the child has complex learning difficulties.

3. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

People often use the abbreviations interchangeably, and sometimes it makes no difference. The lines between ADD and ADHD are very blurry and in many cases it’s hard to define them as separate conditions. ADD (attention deficit disorder) is a type of ADHD that doesn’t present the “hyperactive” component involving fidgety movements. However, in 1994, experts decided that ADHD should be used as an umbrella term, even when hyperactivity isn't present.

4. Is medication always the best option?

There are people who are hesitant to go the medication route for ADHD, but new research has shown that medication is beneficial in most cases. In addition to helping kids calm down and concentrate at school, the research published in The Journal of Adolescent Health also found that the drugs help children avoid many long-term negative consequences associated with ADHD – including depression, substance abuse and even driving problems.

However, it’s important to reiterate that, while medication plays a successful part in treating ADHD, it should always be administered in conjunction with other treatment methods such as behavioural therapy.

5. Ritalin isn’t working for my child. Why?

Ritalin the trade name of the stimulant methylphenidate, and is the most commonly prescribed first line of treatment for ADHD. Ritalin works by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves brain activity.

Different formulations and doses are available depending on the severity of the ADHD. While Ritalin is commonly prescribed, it doesn’t mean it is the ideal treatment for everyone with ADHD. It isn't available over the counter and will only be prescribed by a psychiatrist after an evaluation. If the prescribed Ritalin is not working as it should, you should discuss this with your medical professional. Keep in mind that medications that affect the chemistry of the brain require a trial-and-error approach, which means you have to have patience.

Ask about possible side-effects such as loss of appetite or sleep disturbances. Your medical practitioner should also be able to advise you at what time of the day to administer the medication for the best effect. 

Image credit: iStock

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