Researching ADHD – What Do We Know?
There has been an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise gained from researching ADHD over the years although this condition did not really become known until this century. But it was Hippocrates , the father of modern medicine who first noticed that the impulsivity and restlessness of some children were quite noticeable.
At what age does ADHD manifest itself?
Lots of research on this and there emerge a few facts which help us to focus on when this might be a problem and when we should think about getting a diagnosis.
Once the condition is carried into adulthood, a number of problems may arise because the statistics are not comforting. There is a much higher rate of felonies, driving offences, drug addiction and relationship difficulties among those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
There are also some success stories in that may ADHD children are bright, intelligent and creative. They are also very successful and there are many famous names throughout history which show very clearly that ADHD need not necessarily be a handicap. The important thing to remember is that essential life skills need to be taught so that this handicap can be more easily overcome.
ADHD comes with many co morbid conditions.
Studies now show that ADHD exists in a sort of cluster of conditions and that it may just be one element. Figures vary but just to give you some idea that there may be other conditions present which should also be treated .
The normal diagnosis procedure as set out in the DSM Manual (IV) takes quite a long time and consists of various tests, questionnaires to be filled in by those who have the closest contact with the child so that means getting teachers, parents, coaches and other associates involved. There is no simple diagnostic test for ADHD and that is why it is so difficult to get it done properly. Too often, doctors and carers are far more likely to take shortcuts.
ADHD is similar to many childhood conditions
Research also demonstrates very clearly that there are over 50 childhood conditions which may mimic ADHD in some way or another. Eyesight problems, hearing defects, sleep challenges. allergies and even thyroid conditions are all at the top of the list. That is why it is so important to exclude these first and do not be afraid to mention this to your doctor.
What about treatment with medication?
Treatment with psychostimulants and anti depressants can be effective in the short term. But this is a chronic condition and there are now many doubts. When researching ADHD, scientists have found that there are two alarming effects of the stimulant medications. The first is that the effects may actually wear off after about three years and those bigger doses have to be taken. The second fact is that once you stop taking these meds, the symptoms will return and be even more troublesome. The research done by Dr. William Pelham at the University of Buffalo and subsequently at the University of South Florida show that in the long term, the effects of meds is not nearly as effective as once was thought. We can only conclude that medication should be just one part of a very much more comprehensive treatment regime.
The way forward.
More researching ADHD has revealed that behavior therapy (easily applied through simple, effective parenting skills,) an ADHD friendly home, sports, exercise and a reasonably nutritious diet can all help the child with ADHD to learn how to cope. There will also be space for medication whether it be the conventional type or homeopathic and herbal. The latter ,by the way, are free of side effects and if you want to find out more, click here.
There has been an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise gained from researching ADHD over the years although this condition did not really become known until this century. But it was Hippocrates , the father of modern medicine who first noticed that the impulsivity and restlessness of some children were quite noticeable.
At what age does ADHD manifest itself?
Lots of research on this and there emerge a few facts which help us to focus on when this might be a problem and when we should think about getting a diagnosis.
- The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of three and six years but there have been scandalous cases of doctors prescribing meds for two year old babies. Fortunately these cases are rare! Even if ADHD is not noticed before the age of six, it can usually be detected up to the age of thirteen
- Many cases of ADHD go simply unnoticed and undiagnosed so that many adults discover this in later life when they start having problems with focusing and staying on task at work.
- The number of children who have been diagnosed are likely to carry this condition into adulthood but a lot depends on how many life giving skills they have been taught. But how likely? Numbers are put as high as 50%- 60%.
Once the condition is carried into adulthood, a number of problems may arise because the statistics are not comforting. There is a much higher rate of felonies, driving offences, drug addiction and relationship difficulties among those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
There are also some success stories in that may ADHD children are bright, intelligent and creative. They are also very successful and there are many famous names throughout history which show very clearly that ADHD need not necessarily be a handicap. The important thing to remember is that essential life skills need to be taught so that this handicap can be more easily overcome.
ADHD comes with many co morbid conditions.
Studies now show that ADHD exists in a sort of cluster of conditions and that it may just be one element. Figures vary but just to give you some idea that there may be other conditions present which should also be treated .
- up to 50% may also have ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
- between 5% and 10% may suffer from bipolar depression
- normal depression figures account for about 25% of those battling with ADHD.
The normal diagnosis procedure as set out in the DSM Manual (IV) takes quite a long time and consists of various tests, questionnaires to be filled in by those who have the closest contact with the child so that means getting teachers, parents, coaches and other associates involved. There is no simple diagnostic test for ADHD and that is why it is so difficult to get it done properly. Too often, doctors and carers are far more likely to take shortcuts.
ADHD is similar to many childhood conditions
Research also demonstrates very clearly that there are over 50 childhood conditions which may mimic ADHD in some way or another. Eyesight problems, hearing defects, sleep challenges. allergies and even thyroid conditions are all at the top of the list. That is why it is so important to exclude these first and do not be afraid to mention this to your doctor.
What about treatment with medication?
Treatment with psychostimulants and anti depressants can be effective in the short term. But this is a chronic condition and there are now many doubts. When researching ADHD, scientists have found that there are two alarming effects of the stimulant medications. The first is that the effects may actually wear off after about three years and those bigger doses have to be taken. The second fact is that once you stop taking these meds, the symptoms will return and be even more troublesome. The research done by Dr. William Pelham at the University of Buffalo and subsequently at the University of South Florida show that in the long term, the effects of meds is not nearly as effective as once was thought. We can only conclude that medication should be just one part of a very much more comprehensive treatment regime.
The way forward.
More researching ADHD has revealed that behavior therapy (easily applied through simple, effective parenting skills,) an ADHD friendly home, sports, exercise and a reasonably nutritious diet can all help the child with ADHD to learn how to cope. There will also be space for medication whether it be the conventional type or homeopathic and herbal. The latter ,by the way, are free of side effects and if you want to find out more, click here.