ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 25% of school-age children in Jordan. This condition is characterized by symptoms that include attention difficulties, hyperactivity, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, which significantly impact a child's ability to function effectively in comparison to their peers, in different environments.
Features of ADHD:
Inattention – Distractibility
Hyperactivity – Impulsivity
Emotional dysregulation
Difficulty maintaining attention, easily distracted
Fidgets with hands, hair or feet
Short tempered, Irritability
Misses details, makes careless mistakes
Difficulty sitting still, restlessness
Sensitivity to rejection and/or criticism
Forgetful, loses objects often
Recklessness
Higher levels of anger, sadness or fear
Struggles to follow instruction
Interrupts others, difficulty waiting for turns
Avoids/dislikes mentally demanding tasks
Blurts out answers, talks excessively
Difficulty with organization
Acts without thinking or with no consideration of consequences
Factors Contributing to ADHD:
There is no singular cause for ADHD. Its development may be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and biological factors, as well as the interactions among them.
Including but not limited to:
Genetic and family history.
Exposure to toxins, such as lead (found in old piping and paint)
Brain injuries or other brain insults occurring during early neurodevelopment.
Smoking, alcohol or other substance use during pregnancy.
Prematurity or low birth weight.
Interventions:
A combination of medical and psychotherapy is used in the management of ADHD symptoms.
Medications
Psychotherapy
Stimulants are most commonly used in the management ADHD symptoms
It is important to note that medications do not cure ADHD
Therapy in ADHD is multimodal depending on each child’s specific needs.
May include; Behavioral therapy, emotional regulation skills and parental
Tips for managing ADHD:
– Create a simple list of tasks
Break down tasks into shorter steps
Establish structure and routine
– Give clear instructions
Have the child repeat back the instructions
Avoid multi-step instructions
– Create a reward system
Focus on accomplishments instead of mistakes
Set clear and attainable goals
References:
Abbasi, L. N., Mazzawi, T., Abasi, L., Haj Ali, S., Alqudah, A., & Al-Taiar, H. (2023). The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Primary School Children in Amman, Jordan. Cureus, 15(4), e37856. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.37856
Weir, K. (2024, April 1). Emotional dysregulation is part of ADHD. See how psychologists are helping. Monitor on Psychology, 55(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/adhd-managing-emotion-dysregulation