There is not yet a clear explanation for ADHD, however there are some theories to suggest that: 

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• There is a problem with how the front part of the brain functions, this causes the child's brain to deal with information and feelings in a different way from other children.

• Genetic factor,  ADD, tends to 'run in' some food (such as sugar and food colourings) that seem to trigger more 'out of control' behaviour.

• Sleep apnoea. Research findings have shown that about 30% of children who have ADD or ADHD have some sleep apnoea.

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Your child may have ADHD if he or she is having difficulties both at school and at home and has had at least six of the behaviours listed below in either of the following groups.

Remember that for younger children, these are part of normal everyday behaviour.

Children who are distressed or unhappy for other reasons, or who have other learning problems can also show these behaviours.

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Inattention:

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The child often:​

• Misses details or makes careless mistakes in school-work or other activities

• Has trouble organising tasks and activities

• Loses things needed for tasks or activities, such as toys, school assignments, pencils, books

• Has trouble sticking to tasks or play activities

• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Doesn't follow through instructions that he is able to understand, and does not finish tasks (at school or chores at home)

• Tries to get out of doing things that require a lot of thinking and concentrating (these are hard work and tiring)

• Is easily distracted

• Is forgetful in daily activities.

 

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:

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The child often:​

• Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in their seat

• Leaves their seat in the classroom when they should be seated

• Runs about or climbs excessively (more than most other children)

• Has trouble playing quietly

• Is continually 'on the go'

• Talks 'all the time'

• Blurts out answers before the questions have been completed

• Has difficulty awaiting her turn

• Interferes in conversations or games

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Behaviour pattern:

• It is different from most of the other children of about the same age

• Happens in more than one place, such as at home and school

• Has lasted for more than 6 months

• Started before the age of 7 years

• The child does not have other major health or development problems

• The behaviour is causing the child problems with school work, friends and daily life

• The last thing listed here is very important - the behaviour pattern must be interfering with the child's ability to get on with their life, to learn or to fit in with his world

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Adapted from the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV'

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Other Problems That Can Occur With ADD/ADHD

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It is common for children with ADD/ADHD to have other problems:

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• Many will not do well at school, and may have specific learning problems.

• Many children who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will have behaviour problems such as Conduct Disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and motor coordination problems (become clumsy).

• In secondary school, a teenager needs to be more organised and able to concentrate for longer periods of time compared to younger children. Although his behaviour may be better than when he was young, his problems with learning may be greater, and it can be worthwhile for him to continue taking medication if it has been useful when he was younger.

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Importance of Assessment

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At CMC CAMHS - Dubai, we provide a standard assessment for ADD/ADHD which includes:

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• Complete Psychological Assessment

• Family & Home Environment Assessment

• Neurodevelopment Assessment

• Eyesight & Hearing Assessment

• General Physical Health Assessment, e.g. sleep apnoea, illnesses or medicine

 

Assessments should involve Parents, Teachers, Psychologists, Doctors and possibly others, depending on your child's needs

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• It is also important that other problems which often come with ADD/ADHD, such as specific learning problems, and difficulties with movements (coordination) are fully checked and a plan is made to help your child manage them if they are present.

• The management of ADD/ADHD is not simple. It involves many people - it is important to share difficulties and successes, especially with teachers.

• To really help your child, all the other areas such as behaviour and learning also need attention.

• ADD/ADHD is only one of many possible explanations for inattentive, distractible or hyperactive behaviour in children