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ADHD ADDVic Inc.

What do you know?

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD or ADD is a neurological disorder. It is usually described in terms of a cluster of three major behaviours; overactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. These can be present alone or in a combination in ADHD. Some other features of ADHD children, adolescents and adults are:

*    Impaired concentration
*    Weak short-term memory
*    Impulsiveness
*    Insatiability
*    Variability
*    Hyperactivity
*    Diminished self-esteem
*    Increased activity levels
*    Poor co-ordination
*    Brief attention span
*    Poor organisational skills
*    Learning difficulties
*    Peer relationship problems

ADHD is largely an inherited disorder that appears to occur more frequently in males than females. Most children with ADHD will retain symptoms throughout adolescence and into adult life.

When investigating ADHD it is important to carry out these four steps.

*    Look for warning signals like behaviour problems
*    Exclude ADHD "lookalikes"
*    Use objective indicators
*    Take detailed history of the person

Is ADHD a new condition?

ADHD is not a new condition. ADHD has been around for many centuries, but has only been renamed recently as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It was previously diagnosed as Hyperactivity, Minimal Brain Damage and Minimal Brian Dysfunction. Comorbid conditions serve to confuse the issue of diagnosis.

What are the ADHD looKaliKes?

The amount of activity displayed by people is varied so even people without ADHD may be told they have it. Hearing impairments can lead to behavioural problems often associated with ADHD. Specific Learning Difficulties can result in frustration or lost concentration. Autism although sometimes resulting in overactivity usually means being aloof, often with poor verbal and body language. Epilepsy is shown to often be associated with ADHD but it can also mimic it.
Intellectual disability can be confused with ADHD, as can some forms of brain injury. Family dysfunction can lead to stress and emotional disadvantage and so produce behavioural problems. It is important to remember ADHD has a strong hereditary link so one or more family members may have the same dysfunction. Children may also learn the behaviours of ADHD parents or siblings without actually having ADHD. A good diagnosis is therefore paramount.
Many parents of children with ADHD, children, adolescents and adults with ADHD, can all become isolated and confused because other individuals, families and friends just don't understand. Are you feeling emotionally battered coping with a difficult child, adolescent or adult? Do you need someone to talk to? Others who like you have these same problems?

A support group can help by:

*    Providing a listening ear and caring environment with
      others who know what it is like to live with ADHD
*    Exchanging ideas and experiences
*    Arranging speakers
*    Providing a library of resource material eg. Books,

      audiocassettes and videos for members to borrow and hire
*    Sharing outings and other experiences with people who

      know what it is like

ADDVic is also involved in:

*    Increasing public awareness
*    Liaising with the Education Department to increase

      awareness of ADHD in Schools and to assist teachers gain

      the resources they need to cope with Children and

      adolescents with ADHD
*    Lobbying Government Departments and Agencies to gain

      support to improve services for children, adolescents and

      adults with ADHD

Can ADHD be treated?

There is no cure for ADHD but yes it can be treated.
ADHD usually occurs in conjunction with behaviours including poor motivation, frustration, lack of drive, rejection, emotional upset, and most frequently low self-esteem. This can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety. These symptoms must also be treated appropriately because these are often part of ADHD's disabling experience; help is available.

Treatment options include:

*    Cognitive behaviour therapy
*    Psychotherapy
*    Hypnotherapy
*    Social skills training
*    Speech/language therapy
*    Sensory integration
*    Kinesiology
*    Light-Sound Entrainment
*    Developmental optometry
*    Coloured lenses
*    Occupational therapy
*    Dietary control including sugars
*    Vitamin or elemental supplements
*    Neurofeedback
*    Drug therapy, stimulant or otherwise

The above list of treatment options is not exhaustive ADDVic does not lend support to any particular treatment options, their success or otherwise. Research indicates the optimal outcome is usually obtained by using multi-modal intervention. That is using a combination of treatments.

ADDVic provides a forum for regular support and social contact for, and between ADHD groups and other interested parties. ADDVic provides and makes available information for ADHD groups other interested parties and to promote awareness of ADHD, its causes, effects, development, and treatment as well as the relevant information, support and contact persons, for children, adolescents and adults suffering ADHD.

For Further information Please Contact:

(03) 9890 2144 (Metro Callers)

1800 233 842 (Country Callers)

add-vic@hotmail.com

Postal Address:

ADDVic Inc. - P.O. Box 417, Bayswater 3153

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association of Victoria

An association of support groups for children, adolescents and adults

with ADHD and co-existing disorders

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