attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by a pattern of inattention and/or of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which can substantially disrupt academic efforts as well as social relationships. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental (DSM-IV) disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, there are three subtypes, with two clusters of symptoms, and at least one of these clusters must be present for a diagnosis of ADHD:

Inattentive subtype – individuals appear not to listen to others; often lose or misplace belongings; have difficulty paying attention to details, resulting in careless mistakes. If only this cluster is present, the diagnosis is ADHD inattentive subtype (often referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subtype – fidgeting; inability to stay still for any length of time; seemingly always ‘on the go’; blurting out answers before questions have been completed; difficulty waiting turns; often interrupting or intruding upon others. If only this cluster is present, the diagnosis is ADHD hyperactive subtype.

Combined Subtype - Often, both clusters are present and the diagnosis is ADHD combined subtype.

The further the child with ADHD progresses in school, the more their academic performance suffers. In addition, because inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity get in the way of forming social relationships, children with ADHD are often rejected by their peers. This combination of difficulty with schoolwork and social interactions, along with frequent negative feedback from parents and teachers, often results in low self esteem in these children.

Despite the perception that children grow out of ADHD, in fact most continue to struggle through adulthood. Perhaps this misconception is due to the reduction in symptoms of hyperactivity; however, inattention persists and causes ongoing problems, especially when combined with low self esteem.

Certain patterns of brainwaves often show up in individuals with ADHD. When an individual without ADHD reads or concentrates, the amount of beta waves in their brain generally increases. If an individual has ADHD, however, often instead of beta waves increasing when trying to focus on a task, their theta waves increase, making it difficult for them to conentrate. While others are concentrating harder to complete a certain task, the individual with ADHD is more likely to be drifting off. Neurofeedback is an effective method of training individuals to decrease the unproductive theta activity, while simultaneously increasing beta activity