Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that can be diagnosed in children as young as pre-school age. ADHD can continue into adulthood. There have literally been thousands of papers written about this condition beginning in the USA in the 1940’s. Children are described as impulsive with significant behavioural problems. Adults with ADHD typically have poor organisational skills and may find it hard to manage the work environment. Recent studies seem to suggest that somewhere between 30-70% of children diagnosed with ADHD will present with symptoms into their adult years.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Because these symptoms can be part of any child or adults behaviour, it is very important that a professional familiar with the characteristics of the disorder make a thorough assessment, to rule out normal levels of these behaviours in similar aged children or adults.

Treatment

The use of a single treatment for ADHD is probably not the answer as each child and adult is different and will have their own particular cluster of difficulties. The most common method of management however, is the use of medication and regular behaviour therapy.

Behavioural therapy supports children and their family develop more effective ways to work on emerging issues, it will include social skills. Training and some practical support offered by their teachers for example, organisation of homework. Parents with children diagnosed with ADHD, have benefited from Parenting skills training, perhaps using a system of rewards and sanctions to modify the child’s behaviour.

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