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COMMON
QUESTIONS
Isn't
it normal for children to be hyperactive and easily distractible?
What
makes this a disease?
It's
true that young children are more hyperactive, more easily
distractible, and misbehave more frequently than older children
or adults. This is a normal part of growing up. As the ADHD
criteria state, a disorder may be present when the behaviors
are significantly different from other children of the same
age.
Are
these medications a "chemical straitjacket" for normally exuberant
children?
Some
have argued that these medications amount to a "chemical straitjacket",
and that ADHD medications interferes with normal aspects of
childhood. These medications should only be used when the
criteria of ADHD are met, not just when a child is normally
boisterous. "When needed, however, the medications improve
classroom behavior and academic performance and diminish oppositional
and aggressive behaviors" (Council on Scientific Affairs,
American Medical Association).
How
do I know if all of my child's behavioral problems are caused
by ADHD? Could he/she have other problems as well?
This
is an important question. Up to 65% of children with ADHD
may have another disorder as well. Forty percent may have
Oppositional
Defiant Disorder, a syndrome in which a child is resistant
to authority. Twenty percent may have a mood disorder, such
as depression,
anxiety,
or bipolar
disorder (manic-depression). Another twenty percent may
have Conduct
Disorder, a syndrome in which a child disregards the law.
Seven to ten percent may have Tourette's
syndrome, a disorder in which a child has "tics" in which
he/she involuntarily moves or speaks. If another disorder
is present, the treatment of ADHD may be different. For example,
many medications used for ADHD can actually make Tourette's
syndrome worse.
What
is the course of ADHD? Will my child have ADHD forever?
It
is thought that the severity of the symptoms of ADHD diminishes
with age. One rough rule-of-thumb is that the symptoms of
ADHD diminish by half every five years. Between 10 and 60%
of children may still have ADHD as adults, but the symptoms
may not be as severe. Many children no longer need treatment
for ADHD by the time they finish high school or college.
The severe inattention and hyperactivity of ADHD is typically
worst during early schooling. It is important to treat the
syndrome when first diagnosed so that your child can have
the best education possible.
Can
adults have ADHD? Should they be treated with medication?
Yes.
Up to 2% of adults may have ADHD. Most of these adults probably
had some degree of ADHD as children whether or not they were
ever diagnosed or treated. Over 75% of adults with ADHD will
benefit from medication.
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