Hi Josie,
ADHD can be tricky to spot in girls and can often go undiagnosed, so if you think there might be a chance she has ADHD speak to your GP and ask for a referral to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). It's not a quick procedure so start it soon if you're worried, in the meantime, here is a bit more information.
What is ADD and ADHD?
ADHD is a common behavioural disorder that
affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three
times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet
understood why.
Children with ADHD act without thinking are
hyperactive, impulsive and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's
expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit
still, pay attention, or attend to details. As most younger children can be
like this normally the difference is that the symptoms are present over a
longer period of time and occur in different settings. They also impair a
child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home.
The good news is that with proper treatment,
children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their
symptoms.ADD is ADHD
but without the hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours. However the two terms
are often both used whether these behaviours are present or not.
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or
vaccines.
It’s biological origins aren't yet clearly
understood. No single cause has been identified, but researchers are exploring
a number of possible genetic and environmental links. Studies have shown that
many kids with ADHD have a close relative who also has the disorder. Although experts are unsure whether this is a
cause of the disorder, they have found that certain areas of the brain are
about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity in kids with ADHD. Chemical
changes in the brain also have been found.
Research also links smoking during pregnancy
to later ADHD in a child. Other risk factors may include premature delivery,
very low birth weight, and injuries to the brain at birth.
Some studies have even suggested a link
between excessive early television watching and future attention problems.
What are the indicators and symptoms?
Inattention
These are
the characteristics which are often displayed.·
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes in school, schoolwork, or other activates.·
- Has difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or
play activates.·
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to
finish schoolwork, chores or jobs they are given. (Not though oppositional
behaviour or failure to understand instructions).·
- Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities.·
- Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks
that require sustained mental effort such as schoolwork and homework.·
- Loses things necessary for tasks and activities.·
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. (Irrelevant
things which distract them).·
- Forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity
These are
the characteristics which are often displayed.·
- Fidgets with hands, feet or squirms in seat.·
- Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in
which remaining seated is expected.·
- Runs around or climbs excessively in situations in
which it is inappropriate.·
- Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure
activities quietly.·
- ‘On the go!’·
- Talks excessively.
Impulsivity
These are
the characteristics which are often displayed.·
- Blurts out answers before questions have been
completed.·
- Has difficulty waiting their turn.·
- Interrupts conversations and intrudes into others
games.
Additional diagnostic criteria ·
- Some symptoms were present before 7 years of age.·
- Some impairment from the symptoms is present in 2 or
more settings (e.g. at school and at home).·
- Clear evidence of significant impairment in
functioning at school or in social settings.·
- Symptoms cannot be better explained by another
psychiatric disorder.
What next?
If you are
concerned your child might have ADD/ADHD speak to your GP or health visitor.
They will be able to find the right agency to help diagnose and support your
child. You can
also use the Child
Symptom Checklist on the ADHD support website.
References & Further Reading
Indicators
and Symptoms of ADHD and ADD on ADHD Support Internet
link: http://www.adhdsupport.com/adhd-diagnostic-criteria.pdfaccessed
15.02.12.Accessed
15.02.12 Child
Symptom Checklist on ADHD Supporthttp://www.adhdsupport.com/adhd-symptoms-checklist-child.aspxAccessed
15.02.12 What is ADHD?
On KidsHealth.orgInternet
link: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.htmlAccessed
15.02.12 Causes of
ADHD on KidsHealth.orgInternet
link: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.html#Accessed 15.02.12 Disclaimer
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