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In Children

By: Selena Valerio, Erica Bellisario, Mariam Imran & Jasmiha Sivaloganathan

(University of Reading, 2019)

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What is the disorder?

(Daniel, 2016)

(Saidi, n.d)

ADHD is a neurological disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to pay attention and exercise the brain
ADHD begins in childhood and persists into adulthood
It becomes apparent in children in preschool and early years
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common behavioral disorder in children

(Saidi, n.d)

What is the anatomy/physiology behind ADHD?

Have a strong abnormality in the associations with the brains macro and microstructures.
Incomplete maturation of the middle and superior temporal gyrus, both portions of the frontal lobes.
For children and adolescents with ADHD, the maturation of certain dopaminergic neural pathways are to be delayed.
Inattention is linked to reduced brain connectivity in the frontal, anterior cingulate, temporal, and parietal regions

(Takeda, 2019)

(Rozbeh & Shutterstock, 2018)

(Lopez, 2019)

What are the causes?

(Ash, 2014)

(Kristi & Co 2019)

Studies show that the diagnosis is empirical, with no objective confirmation available to date from laboratory measures
They state that the exact etiology is unknown
Studies show factors could also be intolerance to foods, sensitives to environment, molds, fungi and exposure to neurodevelopment toxins such as heavy metals.
Research indicates that it may be alterations in the brain and the way it functions.
The causes of these differences are not entirely known, but family and twin studies reveal ADHD is from genetics. Between 10-35% of children with ADHD have close relatives with this disorder.

(Kristi & Co 2019)

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single set in stone test that can confirm the diagnosis of adhd but there are various components that go into diagnosing an individual
Physical exams can be taken to aid in ruling out what could be the other possible causes of the symptoms the individual is experiencing
Information about current medical issues, medical history, family history etc is gathered and individual must show symptoms on a regular basis for more then 6 months and observed through clinical interviews
ADHD rating scales are often utilized to evaluate the information that is gathered from the observed symptoms
Individual must posses symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity which must cause a significant impairment in two or more settings to be diagnosed

(Coghil , 2018)

(Silver, 2017)

(Diagnosing ADHD Early, 2020)

(Low, 2020)

What are the clinical manifestations?

(Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

(Recognizing ADHD Warning Signs in Children, 2014)

(Singhania, n.d.).

What treatment options are available?

Stimulants and non-stimulant are typically the most common prescribed medication for adhd used to boost and balance levels of the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counselling that educates the individual to manage their behaviour and change negative thinking patterns, deal with life challenges and help address other mental health conditions
Parent education and support groups can help to provide resources and information on how to cope with symptoms and avoid triggers
Natural remedies can be used which involve the change of nutrition and lifestyle such as increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, iron, zinc, vitamin C, meditation and exercise.

(Coghil , 2018)

(Shuttershock, 2006)

(Silver, 2020)

(Low, 2020)

KIDS WITH ADHD NEED SOMEONE IN THEIR CORNER. EVEN IF YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE THE ANSWERS, BE THAT SOMEONE.

(Hyslop, 2019)

(Tanner, 2020)

(Raising the Blinds, n.d.)