ADHD & ADD
(ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)
This page provides information about why ADHD* occurs and how to recognise its symptoms. Most of us have some idea of what adrenalin is and how it affects the body, and though an appropriate amount of adrenaline at the right time is very helpful, too much can be detrimental to a person and produce ADHD symptoms*. This disorder can be exhausting for the sufferer and also for their parents, but fortunately the correct treatment can improve the lives of both parties. The David Mulhall Centre treats both children and adults with ADHD*, and has helped patients with both mild and severe symptoms to overcome their difficulties.
To find out more about how we can help, or to arrange an initial ADHD consultation*, simply call 020 7223 4321
INFORMATION ON ADHD
A DEFINITION OF ADHD
A developmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, attentional deficits and impulsivity. Though first manifested in childhood it may not be recognised until later life.” There are three subtypes of ADHD: Hyperactive, Inattentive and a combination of these two.
When children have very high levels of adrenalin they are effectively stuck in state of ‘high alert’. They seem to be programmed to react to every noise within earshot and can’t remain still. They’ll fidget constantly, talk and question excessively and tend to interrupt when you’re speaking. They find it virtually impossible to concentrate because they are so easily distracted, and seem to get by on very little sleep. Others will display normal activity levels but have difficulty in concentrating, and often seem to be in a dream world. These are some of the classic signs of ADHD. Other behavioural traits in children include over-reaction, a lack of social awareness, over-anxiety and a tendency to be a perfectionist.
.MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ADHD
MYTH: ‘All ADHD sufferers are hyperactive’.
FACT: Two thirds of ADHD sufferers display hyperactive traits. The other third have normal activity levels yet are unable to concentrate.
MYTH: ‘Attention deficit is the same thing as attention seeking‘.
FACT: ADHD is not about seeking the attention of others. It is a disorder of the sufferer’s own attention span. Attention deficit refers to problems with focusing, shifting or inhibiting the attention.
MYTH: ‘ADHD disappears in adulthood’
FACT: The disorder does not disappear with age, however the development of coping mechanisms can render ADHD less obvious and detrimental to the sufferer with time.
THE CAUSE OF ADHD
One of the most common myths about ADHD is that it is caused by sugar and additives in food. Although these factors can temporarily cause hyperactivity in children, they are metabolised within approximately 30 minutes of consumption, after which behaviour returns to normal. Although this is not the cause of ADHD, many ADHD children* are particularly sensitive to certain foods, and you may find that their behaviour deteriorates after eating them. ADHD is recognised as being a developmental disorder and the symptoms emerge at approximately four years of age, which is indicative of problems with the developmental stage undergone by this age group. If this stage goes smoothly, primitive neural reflexes are replaced by more complex ones. If it does not, the new reflexes will be partially dormant. In the case of ADHD, this causes a Dopamine imbalance, because the neural pathway is permanently ‘switched on’, and excess adrenal production manifests as the characteristic symptoms of this disorder. However, the physical ramifications of developmental delay can be improved in many cases by retraining the neural reflexes.
ADHD SYMPTOMS
All ADHD children are different and will display individual behaviour patterns, each to their own degree of severity. However, many will display some of the following symptoms:-
Over-responsiveness to stimuli : you may find that sharp changes in temperature and loud noises cause your child’s behaviour to deteriorate. They may be overwhelmed by the sounds and images of a busy environment, for example the shopping centre or playground.
Inattention: Often in their own world and not attending to what is going on around them.
They may often lose things and be forgetful , fail to follow instructions and complete tasks and are easily distracted. They often dislike activities that require sustained concentration , for example homework.
Hyperactivity: Excessive movement and inability to sit still. If forced to, will fidget in their seat and feel very restless. Some ADHD children seem to get by on very little sleep, but will occasionally sleep for up to 11 hours. They can act as though ‘driven by a motor’, have difficulty relaxing and dislike sedentary activities, for example ‘quiet’ play.
Impulsiveness: They will often act without thinking, for example shouting things out at inappropriate times and will display extreme emotional reactions.Social clumsiness: Trouble in waiting one’s turn, everything is ‘me me me’
General lack of social awareness that can lead to unpopularity.
Excessive talking. Propensity to interrupt and but in to the conversations of games of others, and
blurting out answers to questions before the speaker has finished.
LIVING WITH ADHD
Some parents with an ADHD child feel that they are responsible for their child’s behaviour, but ADHD is a real condition, not the result of bad parenting. This disorder can be extremely stressful for both the sufferer and their family, and though people with ADHD are often very intelligent and able, the sufferer may require much re-assurance. A lowered self esteem can be one of the effects of ADHD* in the child, often because they require so much discipline to control that they begin to feel picked on. Although no one is to blame for this disorder, it is often exhausting for the sufferer and their parents, and can significantly impact upon the sufferer’s achievement and social experience.
OVERCOMING ADHD
DIAGNOSING ADHD
Because ADHD has superficial similarities to Dyspraxia, and is sometimes confused with conduct disorder, it is important to have a formal ADHD assessment* to ensure that the correct treatment is undergone. At the David Mulhall Centre, we can provide an accurate and non-invasive ADHD assessment* in order to determine the best way to help each individual.
ADHD TREATMENT
As every ADHD sufferer is different, the David Mulhall centre tailors each treatment programme to the needs of the individual. For example, the ‘NewStim’ programme has been successfully combined with neuroacoustic music. Although we welcome patients who are on ADHD medication* we do not prescribe medication ourselves or suggest adherence to a diet for ADHD*, rather we seek to address the problem at its basic level of developmental delay.
For an initial ADHD consultation *or to find out more about how we can help, simply call 020 7223 4321
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