15 March 2019 Author : Fernando Santos This disorder is the result of genetic, organic and environmental factors. Its prevalence is between 3% and 10% in school-age children, and it is 3 to 4 times more common in boys. What are the characteristics of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder? Children with ADHD have difficulty in focusing and maintaining attention on the tasks they are supposed to carry out and are easily distracted by extrinsic stimuli. They frequently move from one activity to another as their focus of interest changes, and often end up not completing tasks. As a general rule, they act on impulse and without considering the consequences of their actions. What are the main symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder? Symptoms must be defined in accordance with the child’s age and developmental phase , as well as their family, social and school environment. Restlessness and motor agitation alone are not indicative of a diagnosis. The following factors may coexist: Learning difficulties; Accumulated developmental delay as a result of attention difficulties; Impulsive behaviour; Psychiatric complications (coexistence of diseases). How is attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder diagnosed? There are no specific biological markers or any kind of test or assessment that can provide us with absolute proof of the existence of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. The fact symptoms occur in more than one of the child’s habitual environments (e.g. at school and at home) is the main clinical indicator of the condition. Assessment must be rigorous and multidisciplinary, with the participation of the child’s parents or guardians as well as their educator or teacher. To date, 3 subtypes of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder have been identified: Predominantly inattentive; Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive; Combined ADHD. Is there any treatment for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder? Treatment of ADHD usually involves a combination of: Drug therapy; Psychosocial and behavioural interventions. The psychoeducation of parents with regard to the pathology is equally important in view of the direct effect the child's symptoms have on the family environment . In school , the following are of the utmost importance: Positive reinforcement of the student; Participation in activities that encourage children to integrate with their peer group. The most commonly used drugs belong to the group of stimulants and are effective in reducing: The main symptoms of inattention; Hyperactivity; Impulsiveness. How does the disease evolve? Symptoms persist in adolescence and adulthood in 30% to 50% of patients , with some modification of the pattern of complaints. There is a progressive reduction in motor agitation, but activities requiring attention remain difficult. These functional symptoms have an impact on different areas of the child's life, leading to: Increased family conflict; Failure at and/or abandonment of school. With regard to social activities , impulsiveness and certain aggressive behaviour can make it difficult for the affected child to integrate into their peer group, which can lead to the following issues: Social problems; Emotional problems; Difficulty integrating into the labour market. Appropriate intervention, in its different forms, can increase the likelihood of children or adolescents developing coping strategies. These will allow them to adapt their behaviour and attitudes in order to overcome the difficulties and continue their journey towards independence. Meet the child and adolescent psychiatry team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
