Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, typically evident before age seven. Diagnosis should be performed by a qualified professional, as symptoms may be similar to other disorders, and ADHD often co-occurs with conditions like learning disabilities and conduct disorder. While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, genetic and neurobiological factors are suspected, and stimulant medications are generally effective in treating its symptoms.

1. #
Understanding
ADHD

3. What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?
Onsets before age seven
The main symptoms are
- inattention
- hyperactivity
- and impulsivity.

4. What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?
The condition often becomes
apparent when children are in
preschool or when they are in
their early school years.
An estimated3-5% of children
have ADHD.

5. ADHD: Types and symptoms
Inattention
• A child who has difficulty keeping their mind on a task,
or who gets bored of a task easily.
• A child who jumps from one task to another without
completing the first task.
• A child who is easily distracted or doesn’t follow
instructions carefully.
• A child who forgets and loses things that they need to
complete a task.

6. hyperactivity
• A child who can’t seem to sit still and who is constantly moving,
roaming, touching things, squirming or fidgeting.
What does “impulsivity” look like?
• A child who speaks or acts without thinking about the
consequences of that act.
• A child who blurts out inappropriate comments, has difficulty
waiting their turn, and displays their emotions without restraint.

7. ADHD: Getting a diagnosis
A child who is inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive does
NOT necessarily have ADHD
Many normal children have some of
these symptoms (especially young
children!).
AND, the symptoms could be caused by
another disorder entirely.
ADHD: Getting a
diagnosis

8. It is VERY important that children are examined and
diagnosed by a qualified professional who will use strict
diagnostic guidelines to determine whether the behaviors
are inappropriate for the child’s age, and whether the
symptoms indicate ADHD or not.
Talking to your family physician might
be a good start.
ADHD: Accompanying
disorders
Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See
your family doctor or specialist if you suspect
your child has any of these disorders.
Some children with ADHD also have BD. Differentiating

9. Bipolar between ADHD and BD in childhood can be difficult, Disorder
however, as some symptoms are present in both
disorders.
A small proportion of children with ADHD also have this
Tourette neurological disorder, which can be controlled with Syndrome
medication. Symptoms include nervous tics and
repetitive mannerisms.
Learning About 20-30% of children with ADHD also have a specific LD. It is a
good idea to have your child with
Disabilities ADHD assessed for a learning disability.
ADHD: Accompanying disorders
Several disorders can accompany ADHD. See your family doctor or
specialist if you suspect your child has any of these disorders.

10. Oppositional As many as 1/3 to 1/2 of children with ADHD also have ODD.
Children with ODD are defiant, non-
Defiant Disorder compliant, belligerent, and stubborn.
About 20-40% of children with ADHD will develop
Conduct CD, which is a more serious pattern of antisocial behavior. Children
with CD are aggressive and
Disorder destructive, and are at great risk of getting into
trouble at school or with the police. If co-occurring
anxiety or depression is recognized
Anxiety & and treated, children will be better able to handle Depression
the problems that accompany ADHD.
What causes ADHD?

11. The cause of ADHD remains unknown, but
most research suggests that the cause lies
in neurobiology (some parts of the brain
are smaller in children with ADHD) or
genetics (ADHD tends to run in families, so
there are likely genetic influences).
Although environmental and social
factors (like child-rearing style) can
influence the severity of the disorder,
they do not cause the disorder.

12. What causes ADHD?
BUT… some studies have shown a relationship
between alcohol and tobacco use during
pregnancy and the risk for ADHD in the baby.
So, these activities should be avoided
while pregnant!

13. Treatment for
ADHD
Medications have been used to treat ADHD for decades.
Stimulants (like methylphenidate or “Ritalin”) seem to be
the most effective class of medication, and are usually
considered quite safe.
They do not make children feel “high” and there is no
evidence that stimulants (when used for the treatment of
ADHD) cause drug abuse or dependence.

14. Treatment for
ADHD
In many people, stimulants reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity, and improve the ability to focus, work and learn.
About 10% of children are not helped by stimulants, even
after trying several medications at several doses.
Recently, at least one non-stimulant medication has
shown great potential for reducing the symptoms of ADHD
(atomoxetine or “Strattera”).