Understanding ADHD

And how it affects the lives of millions

There is one in every classroom - the child who seems to never listen, battles to complete assignments and just cannot sit still.
This child is often thought of as being disruptive and ill-disciplined.
However, with eight to 10 percent of the South African population suffering from
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is very likely that he has a real
 medical condition in need of attention.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is a disorder that refers to three types of problems experienced in certain children, namely:
1. Hyperactive/impulsive type - hyperactive and impulsive behaviour with an ability to pay attention
2. Inattentive type - an inability to pay attention but no hyperactive or impulsive behaviour
3. Combined type - a combination of inattentiveness and hyperactivity; the most common type

Close-on five million South Africans suffer from ADHD, which most typically affects more children than adults. While many children are extremely active and may have difficulty concentrating, children with ADHD show specific signs of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity including:

• Constant movement
• Fidgeting
• Easily distracted
• Poor listening skills
• Interrupting others
• Excessive talking
• Inability to play or perform tasks quietly
• Inability to complete tasks

Any healthy child may show a number of these symptoms and is only diagnosed with ADHD after displaying six or more, for more than six months consistently in more than one environment, such as both at home and school. Most children are only diagnosed with ADHD after the age of five, as very young children tend to display behaviour very similar to many of these symptoms naturally.

The cause of ADHD is not truly known, however there is evidence that it relates to biochemical deficiencies and abnormal functioning of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There also seems to be a strong link to genetics as ADHD does appear in many cases to be hereditary. In addition to this ADHD is often diagnosed in children whose mothers smoked cigarettes and/or drank alcohol while pregnant. Children who have suffered certain types of head injuries can also be more at risk of developing the disorder. However ADHD can exist independently of any one of the above causes

While ADHD does not appear to be immediately threatening to the physical health of the child, it can lead to serious problems if left untreated, with 30 to 70 percent of cases continuing into adulthood. Teenagers with ADHD may experience exaggerated symptoms due to the hormonal changes that take place at that age. Aside from the common problems of forgetfulness, boredom and under or over-attentiveness, they are between two and four times more likely to have a car accident. They are also more prone to alcohol and drug addiction.

If untreated, ADHD can also be destructive to the life of the adult sufferer resulting in employment difficulties due to forgetfulness and procrastination. It can also lead to number of serious mental and emotional problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem, mood swings and depression.
 
While not all the facts are known when it comes to ADHD there are methods of treatment that can be highly effective. Many children are given medication that helps to control the symptoms, while others undergo behavioural therapy. Some parents are implementing a change in their children's diet that excludes refined foods, sugars and food dyes. Most healthcare professionals agree that a combination of these treatments can be highly effective. It is also believed that the disorder can be controlled with the implementation of a structured daily routine that includes meal times, play time, homework time, extra-curricular activities, chores and sleep.

On 14 September this year we commemorate National ADHD Awareness Day. The Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of South Africa is encouraging the nation to spread awareness and understanding about ADHD while focussing on the positives of the condition rather than the negatives. With the correct treatment children with ADHD can display exceptional qualities and are often found to be especially intelligent. In fact, some of the world's greatest minds suffered from ADHD including Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein. Let us support and encourage those with ADHD so that they too have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

References:

The Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of South Africa www.adhdsupport.co.za
WebMD; ADHD Guide - www.webmd.com