Q: How common is ADD/ADHD?
A: Attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among young
people. More children and adolescents make use of mental health services
for ADD/ADHD than any other disorder. By most estimates it affects between
3% to 8% of children, though some have suggested estimates as low as 1.9%
to as high as 17.8%. These variations may exist because researchers who
conduct seperate studies may use different research methods, different means
of diagnosis or sampled different kinds of populations. Current Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) prevalence
estimates in children are closer to 10%. The American Psychological Association
estimates that there are 8 million children who have ADD/ADHD.
Q:Are girls or boys diagnosed more often?
A: The ratio of boys to girls ranges from 3:1 to 9:1 among elementary age children. Teachers report seeing far fewer girls than boys with ADHD symptoms. Estimates for the percentage of chldren with ADD/ADHD range from 10% to 25%. The male to female ratio ranges from 4:1 Among cases who display the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, the male to female ratio is 4:1. Among those with the predominantly inattentive symptoms the ratio is 2:1.
Q: Do chldren with ADD/ADHD become adults with ADD/ADHD?
A: Recent research indicates that ADHD
may persist into adulthood in 10% to 60% of childhood onset cases, suggesting
that adult ADHD may be a relatively common but underidentified disorder,
likely because adults who have had the disorder for a long time of developed
reliable coping strategies to address the deficits associated with their
ADD/ADHD. It also may be overlooked when it occurs as a comorbid diagnosis
(meaning that the individual with ADD/ADHD also has another disorder.
Q:How is ADD/ADHD treated?
A:The most common treatment for ADD/ADHD are stimulants which increase brain
activation n such a way as to Drugs used include methylphenidate (MPH),
dextroamphetamine (DEX), mixed salt amphetamine (AMP), and pemoline (PEM).
learn more about drug therapies
Q: What kind of side effects do these drugs have?
Pemoline has been generally considered as a third-line treatment due to a rare side effect of liver failure. This stimulant is used as a last resort after a patient has failed a trial on 2 other stimulants and atomoxetine, , and only after a child's parents have filled out the consent form now included in the package insert.
Because drugs such as Ritalin are prescribed so frequently, there is a great deal of controversy regarding whether or not such medcations should be perscribed to so many children , esecially to children under the age of five children under the age of six, who are being perscribed these drugs more and more frequently.There has been some controversy concerning the development of tolerance for stimulant effects on symptoms of ADHD or of a need to increase the dose to get the same response
Q:Will My Child Outgrow ADHD?
A: ADHD often continues into adulthood. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, adults with ADHD can lead very productive lives. In some careers, having a high-energy behavior pattern can be an asset.
Q:Why Do so Many Children Have ADHD?
A:The sheer number of children who are being treated for ADHD continues to rise. It is not clear whether more children have ADHD or more children are being diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is now one of the most common conditions of childhood.
Q:Are Children Getting High on their Stimulant Medications?
A:There is no evidence that children experience a "high" on stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it does have some abuse potential. It is important to closely monitor a child's drug consumption to assure no misuse of the drug occurs.