Basic Facts

1. What does ADHD stand for ?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

2. How common is ADHD?

3-7% of school age children

3. Is ADHD a terrible disorder?

ADHD is common. It affects many areas of function, but it can also be a blessing. If it is not recognized early enough, the impact of untreated ADHD can be remarkable.

4. What are the common complaints of the parents about the child's behaviors and learning?

Parents tend to say that their children are smart, but 'lazy', 'disobedient', 'day dreaming', 'lying', 'not paying attention to instructions', 'irresponsible', 'fun seeking only'

5. What the common complaints of the teachers about the child?

The teachers' comments are usually 'day dreaming', 'disruptive', 'forget to bring books, homework', 'too talkative in class', 'disturbing others in class', 'impulsive behaviors', 'bullying', 'more room for improvement'

6. What the common comments of his peers?

His peers would either prefer to stay away from them or the child may be too sociable. Comments from his peers can either be 'stupid', 'too noisy', 'lazy', 'annoying', 'he does not belong to our group'; 'too bossy', or 'too whimpy'

7. How does the child look at himself/ herself?

...stupid, lazy, good for nothing, unhappy, forgetful

8. What keeps parents from taking the child to be assessed?

The parents do not believe that the child has a psychiatric disorder; they feel that ADHD is a terrible label; they are worried about the side effects of the medicine; they are worried about how long the child has to take the medicine; that the medicine may affect the child's growth and development and personality.

9. Where to take the child to be assessed?

The child can be assessed by a child psychiastrist, an educational psychologist, a paediatrician or a doctor who is experienced in ADHD; or to be referred by the school.

10. How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD is a clinical diagnosis made by interviewing parents and teachers. Rating scales of signs and symptoms help interview to be more structured. The diagnostic process should preferably include IQ tests, etc.

11. How is ADHD treated?

ADHD is treated by medication and behavioral modification. Alternative treatments such as elimination diet, megavitamins, are not proven effective in any clinical trial. Anecdotal successfully treated cases are seen but the cost is the loss of the child's learning time if too much time is allowed to try out different forms of alternative treatment when each is proven to be ineffective.