ADHD: A Growing Concern for Youth & Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a chronic, bio-behavioral disorder that develops in childhood. ADHD is identified through problems of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention and has been linked to difficulty with academics, emotions, and social functioning. Roughly, 6.4 million children are diagnosed with ADHD, making it one of the most common and fastest growing childhood disorders. While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Successfully managing ADHD encourages healthy development and prevents issues from furthering into adulthood.

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ADHD: A Growing Concern for Youth and Adults

Over the last ten years, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rates have increased 42% in American youth. Men have been diagnosed with one of the three forms of ADHD three times more often than women, but only 15% of the population ever knows they have the disorder. Undiagnosed ADHD can create problems later in life such as relationship troubles, trouble at work, and forgetfulness. While ADHD does not have a cure, it is manageable. Talk to your doctor for a treatment plan that may consist of therapy methods or medication. With proper management, it is possible to lead a successful life with ADHD.

5 Quick ADHD Facts

1. 11% of children in the United States have ADHD Click to Tweet
2. ADHD has increased 42% amongst school-aged children over the last 10 years Click to Tweet
3. The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old Click to Tweet
4. 12.9% of men will be diagnosed with ADHD
5. 4.9% of women will be diagnosed with ADHD

3 Main Types of Attention Disorder

The medical community recognizes three forms of ADHD.

ADHD Myths and Facts

Prevalent Co-Occurring Disorders with ADHD

While 6% of the entire population is affected by ADHD, less than 2% receive treatment. Left untreated, ADHD may lead to other conditions:

• 41% of individuals with ADHD have Oppositional Defiance Disorder Click to Tweet
• 22% with ADHD suffer from Minor Depression/Dysthymia Click to Tweet
• 15% with ADHD have Generalized Anxiety Disorder Click to Tweet

ADHD has increased 42% in teens over the last 10 years. A survey conducted amongst teens with ADHD found:

• 25% will repeat at least one grade
• 35% won’t finish high school
• 40% have tried alcohol and tobacco at an early age
• 75% have interpersonal problems

Children with ADHD were more likely to get in trouble and require medical treatment than children without. Children with ADHD were also:

• 7 times more likely to be suspended from school
• 5 times more likely to spend time in a juvenile justice facility
• 6 times more likely to have confrontational interactions with the law
• 10% more likely to suffer major injuries
• 8% more likely to require hospital out-patient treatment
• 8% more likely to require in-inpatient therapy
• 7% more more likely to require a trip to the emergency room

ADHD into Adulthood

40%-50% of ADHD children will have symptoms persist into adulthood but only 15% are aware they have the disorder. Adults with ADHD often experience these symptoms:

• Difficulty with organization
• Trouble sticking to a job
• Forgetting appointments
• Difficulty with daily preparation
• Often late to work
• Struggle being productive on the job
• Failure with education
• Numerous failed relationships

About 4%, or 10 million, American adults regularly deal with ADHD but only 25% of adults receive treatment.

WARNING SIGNS: When Should You Seek Medical Care?

One in five American children diagnosed with ADHD have not received medicine or mental health counseling for their disorder. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, medication and non-medication based treatments are available.

• Shorter attention span than peers, requiring frequent teacher intervention
• Avoiding work that requires sustained attention
• Excessive daydreaming
• Hyperactivity or fidgeting
• Disruptive behavior in the classroom such as persistent moving, talking, or playing
• Argumentative about completing homework or chores
• Frequent mood swings or rage

Parenting Tips for Coping with ADHD

Treating with Medication

Medication can help manage ADHD.

• 6.1% of all American children are being treated for ADHD with medication
• Medications have an effective responsiveness rate of 70%-80%

Medication is available in short, intermediate, and long-acting forms with variations on dosage and frequency. For more information about ADHD medication, visit your family doctor or pediatrician. If medication is necessary, they will determine the needed prescription, dose, and frequency.

Treating without Medication

While medication is an effective method of managing ADHD, other methods as suggested by a doctor may also work for some people.

1. Behavioral Therapy
   For younger children diagnosed with ADHD, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavioral therapy before medication. Behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that replaces poor habits with positive ones, avoiding potentially self-destructing behaviors.
2. Therapeutic Recreation Programs
   Therapeutic recreation programs may be similar to summer camps or physical activities with behavioral interventions. Many therapeutic recreation programs last all day for several weeks at a time. They encourage behavioral interventions and teach life and social skills.
3. Examine Overall Health
   Encouraging better diet, exercise, and sleep patterns may decrease hyperactivity or increase energy, depending on your child’s needs. A recent study found 73% of children with ADHD also had a sleep problem. A natural supplement such as Melatonin can correct sleep patterns and help create better behavior. Consult your child’s physician before giving your child any supplements, however.
4. Use Sensory Integration Techniques
   Children with ADHD may also have sensory integration dysfunction which is an over-sensitivity to environmental sights and sounds, and the brain has difficulty processing the information via the senses. This over-sensitivity to stimuli can cause certain reactive behaviors. A child can learn to self-calm, better engage, and, through the help of an occupational therapist or sensory integration specialist, increase attention.

Success with ADHD

ADHD does not have to prevent a successful or productive life. Many successful people share this diagnosis:

• Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist
• Will Smith, Actor
• Michael Phelps, Olympian
• Jim Carrey, Comedian
• Ryan Gosling, Actor
• Pete Rose, Athlete
• Paul Orfalea, Kinko’s Founder
• Richard Branson, Business Mogul

Children with ADHD will look to their parents for reassurance. Talk to your child’s physician to find the right treatment plan and stand by with love, care and affection. Once a plan is in place, take small steps to managing ADHD. With proper management, your child can lead a successful life regardless of ADHD.

As with all treatment options, we recommend consulting a health care professional before using information contained in this article. This guide is intended to be solely information in nature and not as medical advice.

Originally published at www.rawhide.org