Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This is a neurodevelopmental disorder - the common core features of ADHD are:
- Attention problems (distractibility, difficulty staying on task)
- Impulsivity (the opposite of looking before you leap)
- Hyperactivity (high levels of physical energy and movement - "like a motor always on the go")
Comorbidities
ADHD is associated with a wide range of other difficulties (co-morbidities), including:
In adolescence (as opposed to younger childhood) it is not uncommon that the main difficulties expienced are related less to the "core deficits" (Attention, Activity, Impulse control) and more to the "satellite problems" that arise as co-morbidities.
Treatment
Prescribing medication is the mainstay of treatment at earlier ages, alongside work with the family, school, and young person to help manage behaviours and associated mood problems. Treatment may take the form of
controlled drugs such as methylphenidate (a "Stimulant" drug, that seems to preferentially stimulate the frontal area of the brain, boosting the "executive" part of the brain that controls decision-making, and reduces impulsivity. This treatment may be difficult at older ages. This is particularly so if it is those co-morbidities that are now the main problem, and in general starting treatment late is much less effective than starting it earlier in the life course, with a view to helping establish good peer and family relations, improved school performance, and better self esteem.
If
SubstanceUseDisorder is a problem this makes use of the "stimulant" medications such as methylphenidate even more difficult, because of perceived risks of misuse of this medication (slow release preparations do reduce this risk, and there are non-stimulant alternatives, but these are still often insufficient to impact on other patterned behaviours that have begun to become ingrained.)
There are well researched and evidenced protocols for managing ADHD, in the UK these are provided in the
NICE ADHD Guidelines