Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects up to 1 in every 20 children in the UK.

The disorder, which is more common in boys, should not be confused with the natural boisterousness of a healthy, happy child.

Children with attention deficit disorder consistently show abnormal patterns of behaviour over a period of time so that an affected child is often restless, unable to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time and mentally inattentive.

Attention deficit disorder can also cause a child to become highly impulsive and this often leads to accidents and injuries to both the child and people around them.

The causes of attention deficit disorder are still not fully understood however the disorder does seem to run in families which suggests that genetic factors may be involved.

Attention deficit disorder is in no way a result of bad parenting or abuse, as was originally thought and so research continues into the possible causes.

The symptoms of attention deficit disorder develop in early childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 7, and may include the following:

• An inability to finish set tasks.
• A short attention span which can lead to low concentration levels in school.
• Difficulty following simple instructions.
• A tendency to talk excessively and a constant need to interrupt others.
• Difficulty waiting for something or when the child has to take turns.
• An inability to play or work quietly by themselves.
• Impulsiveness that leads to accidents and injuries.

Children with attention deficit disorder often have problems forming friendships with other children.

They may also have low self esteem because they are forever being scolded for their disruptive and unruly behaviour.

A doctor will probably refer a child who is suspected of having attention deficit disorder to a child psychiatry team where a definite diagnosis can be made.

This will involve talks with the child’s parents and a few sessions where the behaviour of the child is monitored.

Attention deficit disorder is notoriously difficult to diagnose in pre-school children and if it is suspected the parents are normally given advice and structured lessons on how to improve the child’s behaviour with positive rewards rather than negative feedback i.e. good behaviour is rewarded while bad behaviour is ignored.

Older children may benefit from drug therapy that helps to improve concentration while reducing disruptive behaviour although this decision is ultimately up to the parents and the child psychiatrist.

In most children, attention deficit disorder continues throughout adolescence although the severity of their disruptive behaviour often tails off towards adulthood.

Unfortunately a small number of children who display symptoms of attention deficit disorder go on to develop conduct disorder in which the child consistently displays antisocial and unruly behaviour.

This risk is heightened if the child experiences an emotionally unstable home environment while still young.

Children with attention deficit disorder need understanding family and friends to ensure that their behaviour doesn’t become uncontrollable in later years.