October is ADHD Awareness month with hopes to not only raise awareness of the condition, but much needed funds for further research and treatments. ADHD (sometimes referred to as ‘naughty child syndrome’) was first recorded in medical research in the late 1700s, but was not used in health professionals’ diagnostic manuals until 1968. Affecting both men and women, ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, however in the majority of cases it persists throughout adult life.

Chemical and structural differences in the brain
ADHD is caused by chemical, structural and connectivity differences in the brain, mostly as a result of genetics. A common misconception is that ADHD is caused by poor parenting, falls or head injuries, traumatic life events, digital distractions, video games and television, lack of physical activity, food additives, food allergies, or excess sugar, all of which are NOT the cause, although they may contribute to the severity of the symptoms.

Diagnosis is not simple as there is no physical test for the condition, no single cause and there is no standardised method of assessment. Symptoms fall into three main categories – poor concentration, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Children are often diagnosed at an early age
Children are often diagnosed at an early age, with most cases diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old and medication often being the go-to treatment. There are five licenced medications used as treatment for ADHD. They are Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Dexamfetamine, Lisdexamfetamine, Atomoxetine and Guanfacine. All of these are licenced for use in the UK for children and teenagers, however only Atomoxetone is used for adults who were diagnosed with symptoms as a child.

Experts have expressed concern as prescriptions for Ritalin to treat children with ADHD have more than doubled in the last decade. Ritalin works by stimulating a part of the brain that modifies mental and behavioural reactions. However, the worry lies in that children as young as three are being prescribed Ritalin and that we may be medicating what is essentially typical children’s behaviour, such as naughtiness, an inability to sit still or tantrums.

Other treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Social Skills Therapy, Psychoeducation and some people use diet and supplements to help with symptoms.

ADHD affects every aspect of the individual’s life
It is important to remember that this condition affects every aspect of the individuals’ life – particularly social relationships and self-esteem. It also affects the people supporting the individual, and extreme cases of this condition can be very ‘wearing’ and ‘exhausting’ on everyone involved. Always speak in detail with your GP about symptoms and discuss any concerns about treatments and side-effects. There are a number of support groups and forums for people with ADHD and their families.