What is ADHD, ADD, or AD/HD?
All of the above are acronyms for the same thing: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD has been described in medical literature for more than 100 years. In 1902, pediatrician George Still characterized children with ADHD symptoms as "morally defective." As late as the 1970's, ADHD was often diagnosed as "minimal brain damage." Fortunately, we know more about this syndrome today. Click here for 21st century defiinitions and descriptions of ADHD.
What causes ADHD?
Research over the last 20 years has shown a strong biological basis for the disorder but no one know for sure what causes it. What is known is that it is more common in some families than others. There appear to be reductions in neurological activity for those with the disorder, primarily the frontal areas of the brain, which are responsible for the control of attention. There may also be some differences in some of the neurochemicals with people with ADHD. Read More
How do I know if one of my family members has ADHD?
Mind Games suggests three steps if you think a member of your family has ADHD. First, learn as much as you can about the disorder. You can read this web site and click here for lists of other resources recommended by Mind Games. Second, get opinions from trusted people who know your family member: teachers, co-workers, etc. Finally, get a comprehensive assessment from a qualified professional. You can click here for information about assessment in general and Mind Game's free assessment in particular.
How many people actually have ADHD?
For the last few years it was reported that approximately 3-5% of children and adolescents had ADHD. More recent results by the Centers for Disease Control indicate that between 7.8 % of children and adolescents have enough symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis. In addition, many adults carry significant symptoms into adulthood. Mind Games estimates somewhere between 12-18 million Americans have the disorder.
Doesn’t everybody out grow it?
No. More than half of the children diagnosed in childhood will carry significant symptoms that will interfere with their lives into adulthood.
Can’t I just ignore it?
You can, but that puts your child and your family at risk. Look at the following:
• 35% never finish high school & 25% repeat at least one grade.
• 52% of untreated teens abuse drugs or alcohol.
• 19% smoke (compared to 10%).
• 43% of untreated hyperactive males will be arrested for a felony by age 16.
• 50-75% of inmates have been found to have ADHD.
• Parents of ADHD children divorce three times more than the general population.
Isn’t medication the only thing that helps?
No. There are a variety of approaches that may offer some help. Look at “what types of treatments are available” FAQ below.
What about counseling?
There is no evidence that traditional cognitive behavioral therapy works very well with the disorder. Experienced and honest therapists will admit that results under the best of circumstances with highly motivated clients yield meager results.
Why does a stimulant calm my child down?
That would be the opposite of what we would expect. What we believe is that the areas responsible for self control and inhibition of impulses are under activated. Stimulant medications may stimulate those areas and get them to work at their proper level, increasing the person’s ability to exhibit self control.
Can girls get ADHD?
Yes. Females have ADHD in almost the same percentage as males yet are diagnosed four to five times less often.
My child seems to have problems other than just paying attention. What about that?
It is VERY common for other problems to be associated with ADHD. If the brain is not working well we would EXPECT a broad range of behavioral and emotional problems.
Should I tell my child’s teachers?
That’s a decision every parent should make carefully. Chances are your child’s teacher has already seen some signs and may be relieved that you begin to discuss it with them. One concern is that your child might get “labeled.” A possible advantage is that you can begin to discuss ways to cope and that everyone works together for the benefit of your child. Read more on School Strategies
Isn’t ADHD a new disorder?
No. It was first described in 1902 by British physician George Still. It was called by various names over the years including Minimal Brain Damage, Minimal Brain Dysfunction, Hyperactivity of Childhood, Hyperkinetic Reaction of childhood, ADD and now ADHD. Various theories for it’s causes included bad parenting, defiance, moral defectiveness, poor diet, allergies, brain damage, toxic exposure and traumatic brain injury. Read More on History of ADHD
Shouldn’t my child be able to control his behavior?
Yes and No, and it’s the frustrating part of parenting a child with attention problems. They often seem to be able to pay attention to things they are interested in and can sometimes pay attention very well and then not at all at other times. For many of these children there are times when it is “I won’t” and at other times it may be “I can’t.” Being able to tell the difference is difficult but also critical. Read More on Child Self Control
My child has trouble sleeping in addition to having trouble with attention. Are those two problems related?
Absolutely. The scientific evidence is clear that they often go together. Your child’s brain can either be stuck in an “underaroused” or “overaroused” state and sometimes both. Their brain may not slow down enough to get adequate sleep. Very few of our ADHD clients are getting an adequate amount or an adequate quality of sleep. Read more on sleep and ADHD
What type of treatments are available?
There are basically three types of treatments. The first of those are biological treatments. They may include medication, changes in diet and exercise, vitamin supplements, neurofeedback, rhythmic entrainment intervention, auditory integration training, and vision therapy.
The second type of treatment is psychological treatments. They include counseling coaching, training, and behavior management techniques.
The third type is social treatments. Social treatments would look at the home environment, school situations, and even work settings.
Most professionals would recommend a combination of approaches. Read More
Doesn’t having ADHD mean that my child can’t succeed?
Absolutley not. There are many accomplished and successful people who use this challenge as a way to be creative and energetic. There are many careers that are suited to adults with ADHD. Everyone has challenges based on their personalities. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The challenge is to use this and find a way to maximize their strengths and compensate for the weaknesses. Read more on successful people with ADHD
My child is often frustrated, negative, and angry. How can I help his change the way he thinks about things?
It is not an uncommon response to a child who can’t seem to cope very well with the stresses normally associated with school, peers and home. They often sense that things aren’t quite right with them. We often see them hit themselves in the head as if to say “OK, Brain, start working like you should.” Our response as adults is to gently challenge mistaken beliefs about themselves and the world. It’s not easy to do but it is critical for their success. Read more on Changing Our Thinking
I feel like a failure as a parent. Why is parenting a child with ADHD so hard and what can I do about it?
The stresses associated with parenting a child with attention problems cannot be overestimated. Even the best parents can be made to feel stressed and inept in dealing with a child with symptoms. ADHD contributes significantly to family stresses. It can change the way your family functions completely. Before attempting to change the way you parent and ADHD child make sure that every member of the family gets screened. Untreated ADHD in other family members can negate any changes made. Read more on parenting strategies
I’ve heard lots of things about ADHD. I’d like to know what is true and what is not.
There are lots of myths associated with ADHD. Some people don’t believe its real. Others think we are overmedicating children. Some people believe everyone grows out of it by the time they get to be adults. Below are listed some commonly held beliefs about ADHD that are not true. Read More About ADHD Myths