Note from the Editor:
This article was written for the SDC by psychologist and member @Jan A. Jan A. works part-time, taking on clients under the Medicare Mental Health Care Plans. She works with people of all ages, from children to seniors!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most misunderstood mental conditions. One myth about ADHD in children is that it is about failure to concentrate and that the child needs to try harder. Another myth is that it is all about bad behaviour and that the medication is designed to zone out the child so they behave better. The reality is that ADHD is caused by low levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain that affects a wide range of cognitive functions, leading to disadvantages in education and employment, damaged self-esteem, poor relationships, suicide attempts, accidents and drug use, which can lead to problems with the police.



The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10), 2010, classifies ADHD as a behavioural and emotional disorder with onset usually occurring in childhood and sometimes in adolescence. The condition may resolve in the late teenage years but can continue into adulthood.

Most recent estimates propose that about 80% of people who have ADHD as a child continue to have it as an adult. It seems to occur more in boys, but girls can also have it. It is highly genetic, so if one person has it, it is likely to be found elsewhere in a family. Environmental factors, such as pollutants, may contribute. Maternal smoking, drinking or drug use may be involved, as well as premature birth. Head injuries can be a factor, and some specialists will require a brain scan before prescribing medications for ADHD.



There are three major types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. Traits of inattention include deficits in paying attention or focusing. This type tends to go unnoticed because they are quietly distracted, not interfering with others. Traits of the hyperactive/impulsive type include overly active behaviours that interfere with others. As they approach adulthood, the activity may lessen while the inattention remains. Traits of the combined type include both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. This is the most frequently found type of ADHD. School reports for all types will generally include comments such as 'can do better', 'tends to be easily distracted', or 'has potential if they work harder'.

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