Living with ADHD
This article includes important advice for those who are living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or who have close relatives with ADHD.
Evaluation of other family members
ADHD can be an inherited condition, which the parents and siblings of a child who has been diagnosed with the condition may also suffer from. Evaluation of family members who show symptoms of increased activity, inattention or impulsiveness is recommended.
Treatment is not recommended unless all of the symptoms of ADHD are present.
Driving
Adolescents with untreated ADHD are two to four times more likely than those without the disorder to have motor vehicle accidents. They are also more likely to have their driver's licences suspended or revoked. As a result, parents of adolescents with ADHD should discuss the issues surrounding driving with the adolescent before the licence is obtained.
A longer period of supervision (e.g. the adolescent drives with an adult present) may be required to ensure that he/she is able to use good judgement, can react quickly and carefully and can drive independently safely.
Discussing medication
If the decision is made to use medication for the treatment of ADHD, the parent is advised to discuss this decision with the child. This includes the purpose and expected benefits of the medication, as well as the need for the child to follow the rules and make good choices with the help of the medication. The child should also understand that it may be necessary to try more than one medication or dose before the greatest benefit is seen.
Seek support
Being the parent of a child with ADHD can be emotionally and physically exhausting and most parents need support to cope. Support can come from a number of sources, including family, friends and support groups.
There are a number of organisations that can provide information about being the parent of a child with ADHD. ADHASA is on such group.
ADHD in adulthood
For many children the effect of ADHD on behaviour, social skills and academic performance can continue into adolescence and adulthood. The following treatment options are available:
- For adolescents or adults who have difficulty with organisation and time management, coaching by experts may be necessary.
- Individual therapy or self-help groups can also provide support and benefits to adults with ADHD. Therapy is usually recommended along with medication and skills training programmes. For adults with newly diagnosed ADHD, there may be a long history of low self-esteem, failure at school, frequent job changes and relationship problems.
- Therapy for married adults can focus on improving communication skills, resolving conflict and solving problems, and can help to educate the patient's spouse about ADHD.
When to seek help
Parents who suspect that their child has ADHD should begin by talking to the child's teacher and the school staff. This can help parents determine if the child has difficulties with behaviour in more than one setting (e.g. at home and at school).
The next step is to make an appointment with the child's doctor. The doctor will evaluate the child and determine if further testing or evaluation is needed, and if ADHD or another condition is a possible cause of the symptoms. More than one visit, occasionally with another clinician, is often necessary before a diagnosis can be made.
After the diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the parent, teacher and doctor will continue to monitor the child to ensure that treatment is effective and the diagnosis is correct. Referral to a developmental behavioural paediatrician or child psychiatrist may be recommended if there are no improvements. Further evaluation is sometimes required.
Tracking progress
There are several tracking programmes available to determine progress made, but these are mainly associated with product sales.
Novartis® developed a Concerta®-related product, but useful tracking document (http://www.additudemag.com/search/keyword/Daily%20Re port%20Card%20for%20ADHD%20
Kids.html) and SymTrend® (https://www.symtrend.com/tw/public/) developed an internet-based tracking system that is available at cost to parents with children affected by ADHD.
References