ADHD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, Complications, Management, Lecture notes of English Language

Download ADHD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, Complications, Management and more Lecture notes English Language in PDF only on Docsity! ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought). • An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. It is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. It is more common among boys than girls. Inattentive type – six (or five for people over 17 years) of the following symptoms occur frequently: •Doesn't pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks. •Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading. •Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere). •Does not follow through on instructions and doesn't complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus). Inattentive type • Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses’ deadlines). • Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms. • Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses. • Is easily distracted. • Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments. •Hyperactive/impulsive type – six (or five for people over 17 years) of the following symptoms occur frequently: • Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat. • Not able to stay seated (in classroom, workplace). • Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate. • Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly. • Always "on the go," as if driven by a motor. Scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD. However, there is evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD. For example, three out of four children with ADHD have a relative with the disorder. Other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD include being born prematurely, brain injury and the mother smoking, using alcohol or having extreme stress during pregnancy. Developmental lag. Children with ADHD experience a developmental delay in areas of the brain important for controlling action and attention.   Biochemical changes. Children with ADHD have nearly 50 percent less of a protein that is important for attention and learning; the finding may mean that there are other biochemical disturbances in the brains of individuals with ADHD than was previously believed.   Food sensitivities. Dietary studies have found a strong connection between food and ADHD symptoms, these studies are small and have their limitations, as most nutrition studies do, but they all produce remarkable results. Complications ADHD doesn’t cause other psychological or developmental problems; however, children with ADHD are more likely than others to also have conditions such as: • Tourette syndrome. A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive muscle or vocal tics. • Depression. Depression frequently occurs in children with ADHD. • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Generally defined as a pattern of negative, defiant and hostile behavior toward authority figures. • Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder includes depression as well as manic behavior. • Conduct disorder. This is marked by antisocial behavior such as stealing, fighting, destroying property, and harming people or animals • Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder may cause overwhelming worry, nervousness. • Medication There are two main types of medication for ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants • Stimulant medications are highly effective treatments that have been safely used for decades. They include methylphenidate and amphetamines. As with all medicines, children taking these drugs must be carefully monitored by their parents and doctors. Two non-stimulant medications, atomoxetine and guanfacine, have also been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. These medications are alternatives for those who do not respond well to stimulants or if a non-stimulant is preferred. Some children experience dramatic relief of symptoms with medication and this relief continues with ongoing treatment. Other children may experience only partial relief or the medication may seem to stop working. A change in medication or adjustment in dose may improve the response. Other children and families may benefit from additional therapy specific to problem behaviors. Parenting • Children who have ADHD tend to benefit from structure, routines and clear expectations. The following may be helpful: • Make clear schedules. • Maintain routines. • Make sure instructions are understood – use simple words and demonstrate. • Focus on your child when talking to him/her. Avoid multitasking. • Supervise. Children with ADHD may require more supervision than their peers. • Maintain communication with the child's teacher. • Model calm behavior. • Focus on effort and reward good behavior. Nursing Diagnosis Based on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses appropriate for the patient are: • Defensive coping related to feelings of inadequacy and need for acceptance from others. • Impaired social interaction related to developmental disabilities (hyperactivity). • Altered thought processes related to personality disorders. • Risk for parental role conflict related to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. • Risk for injury related to psychological (orientation ineffective). • Risk for delay in growth and development related to mental illness (hyperactivity), lack of concentration.