Is your child hyperactive?
Many children are labelled as 'hyperactive' but the disorder is rarely explained fully. Psychotherapist Frances Campbell takes us through some of the symptoms and treatments of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in pre-teen children
Spotting the signs
We often hear children described as hyperactive, but what exactly does this mean? Most happy, normal children have a lot of energy, so how do you distinguish between an excited child and someone suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)? The answer is that it can be difficult.
This disorder can vary in intensity and most children will express some of the symptoms some of the time. Unfortunately, there are no specific tests for ADHD, so a diagnosis is based on the child's behaviour.
Below are some of the symptoms exhibited by children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It should be stressed though, that the condition is revealed differently in each child.
Lack of concentration
The name of this disorder gives us an obvious clue as to one of the major symptoms. Children suffering from an Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder find it difficult to concentrate and tend to be extremely restless. They won't be able to stay seated for long and can't settle down to tasks or play. Of course, anyone who's worked with pre-teens would rightly say that this description covers a lot of the kids they deal with, so how else can we spot something is wrong?
The name of this disorder gives us an obvious clue as to one of the major symptoms. Children suffering from an Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder find it difficult to concentrate and tend to be extremely restless. They won't be able to stay seated for long and can't settle down to tasks or play. Of course, anyone who's worked with pre-teens would rightly say that this description covers a lot of the kids they deal with, so how else can we spot something is wrong?
Unusually aggressive
One of the best ways to tell if a child is hyperactive is to watch how he or she behaves with contemporaries. Children with ADHD find it difficult to relate accurately to those around them. For example, if they come up against one of the normal frustrations in playing a game, they can become unduly irritable or aggressive with their playmates. So fighting often, for little apparent reason, would be a possible indication of ADHD.
One of the best ways to tell if a child is hyperactive is to watch how he or she behaves with contemporaries. Children with ADHD find it difficult to relate accurately to those around them. For example, if they come up against one of the normal frustrations in playing a game, they can become unduly irritable or aggressive with their playmates. So fighting often, for little apparent reason, would be a possible indication of ADHD.
Unaware of physical danger
Although most children appear frighteningly unaware of potential hazards, this trait can be more extreme in children with ADHD. They may wander off, to be found later at the top of a high tree or setting fire to the house
Although most children appear frighteningly unaware of potential hazards, this trait can be more extreme in children with ADHD. They may wander off, to be found later at the top of a high tree or setting fire to the house
Impulsive
This is part of the same anti-social, restless behaviour already described. If the child has something to say then he or she will blurt it out, even if it's in a social situation where other children know they should be quiet. They may also barge into games and conversations they are interested in, without being asked.
This is part of the same anti-social, restless behaviour already described. If the child has something to say then he or she will blurt it out, even if it's in a social situation where other children know they should be quiet. They may also barge into games and conversations they are interested in, without being asked.
Emotional and intellectual immaturity
Children with ADHD may seem emotionally younger than their contemporaries. Again, this is difficult to recognise - children develop differently. For example, a group of ten five-year-olds might exhibit a range of 'mental' ages and all be quite healthy and normal. Schoolwork can be examined - children with ADHD will often lag behind their classmates, mainly because they are unable to concentrate.
Children with ADHD may seem emotionally younger than their contemporaries. Again, this is difficult to recognise - children develop differently. For example, a group of ten five-year-olds might exhibit a range of 'mental' ages and all be quite healthy and normal. Schoolwork can be examined - children with ADHD will often lag behind their classmates, mainly because they are unable to concentrate.
Forgetful and/or clumsy
Okay, all children lose and break things. Hyperactive children may just be even more forgetful and clumsy than other kids.
Okay, all children lose and break things. Hyperactive children may just be even more forgetful and clumsy than other kids.
Attention-seeking
All of the above symptoms are examples of attention-seeking. Hyperactive children are extremely demanding and their behaviour forces the parent or teacher to spend more time with them than anyone else.
All of the above symptoms are examples of attention-seeking. Hyperactive children are extremely demanding and their behaviour forces the parent or teacher to spend more time with them than anyone else.
If a child is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, he or she will express more than one of the above symptoms for a prolonged period of time.
The symptoms normally become evident when the child is three or four years old, partly because this is the age when kids are forced to interact with each other much more, either at nursery or school. Finally, boys are five times more likely to be affected than girls.
What can the parents do?
The most important point to stress is that full-blown ADHD is a neurological problem and not the fault of the parents. Children with this syndrome can be impossible to manage both at school and home, and parents often feel this reflects badly on them.
As we've seen, it can be hard to diagnose ADHD. Children suffering from an unhappy home or school life can express many of the same symptoms. If you are worried about your child, it is worth taking an honest look at your home environment and talking to your child's teachers (if he or she is school-age) to see if your child is reacting to social factors.
If you think this is the case then you should still seek help. Your family doctor is a good place to start, as she or he will be able to recommend counselling help for your child or whole family, if necessary.
If your child is consistently exhibiting one or more of these symptoms you should take them to see your GP. Even if they don't have ADHD there may be other physiological disorders which could explain their behaviour - epilepsy, partial hearing or autism are examples of conditions which could result in similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your GP will usually refer your child to a specialist if it looks probable that he or she does have an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A child psychiatrist can then make a proper assessment and provide treatment based on the diagnosis. Sufferers can be hugely helped by medication and therapy.
The medication will likely be one of two drugs, methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextroamphetamine. Both are extremely effective in treating this disorder and will help your child control his or her behaviour. As with all medication, if your child is prescribed Ritalin, remember to store it well out of children's reach.
Behavioural therapy can also be very helpful. The method should be practical - giving children strategies for managing their impulses and learning socially appropriate behaviour. The specialist will also give parents advice on how to manage their child and may offer to advise teachers as well.
Resources:
Website: www.addiss.co.uk
