ADHD

ADHD

ADHD is a neurological disorder that causes concentration difficulties, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most children get ADHD, but adults can also be affected. The cause of ADHD is often complex, but heredity is a central factor.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and is a neurological disorder in the brain. Between 3 and 5% of all children in Norway have ADHD. Of these, about two-thirds will have symptoms as adults as well. Twice as many boys as girls have ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

60-80% of all ADHD cases can be explained by heredity. In particular, genes that regulate how the signaling substance dopamine is converted in the brain appear to be important. Other factors that can increase the risk of ADHD are:

• Influence of smoke or alcohol in the fetus

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Meningitis at an early age

• Growing up environment (great importance for whether or not ADHD develops in predisposed individuals)

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD are often divided into concentration difficulties (Attention Deficit) and hyperactivity (Hyperactivity Disorder). Only when many of these symptoms are present at the same time should one suspect ADHD.

Concentration difficulties

• Trouble focusing on details, often making careless mistakes

• Difficulty maintaining attention

• Looks like you don't listen when you're being spoken to

• Problems following instructions and completing tasks

• Difficulty organizing oneself

• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained focus (for example, homework)

• Easily distracted

• Forgets easily

Hyperactivity

• Often fiddles with hands and feet, often twists in the chair

• Leaving situations where it is expected that one should not leave (sitting at the desk)

• Constant feeling of restlessness

• Problems playing quietly

• Impatient, often answers questions before they are finished

• Problems with waiting one's turn

• Interrupts or interferes with other conversations or play

• Very talkative

Additional difficulties with ADHD

Many people with ADHD also get other problems. Over 50% have behavioral disorders, for example in the form of aggressiveness. Learning difficulties are common, and concentration problems often continue into adulthood. Mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, also affect some people with ADHD.

ADHD diagnosis

There is no simple test that can quickly determine whether a person has ADHD or not. Because most of the symptoms of ADHD are completely normal on their own, the criteria for getting the diagnosis are very strict. Among other things, the core symptoms concentration difficulties, hyperactivity and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and cause problems both at home and at school/work. It takes an average of four years from the time possible ADHD is discovered until the diagnosis is made.

Good advice for ADHD

Tips and advice for how everyday life with ADHD can be made easier is aimed at both the person with ADHD and their closest relatives.

• Try to be patient and calm

• Have fixed routines in everyday life, this contributes to security and can improve behaviour. Children with ADHD often cope poorly with change

• Seek advice from health professionals, social workers or support groups

• Give more positive than negative attention

• Be realistic with expectations for improvement and performance

Treatment of ADHD

Various forms of talk therapy both for the person with ADHD and the closest relatives have shown good effect. The best results are often achieved with interdisciplinary collaboration between school, healthcare and home. Different types of talk therapy can be used.

Central stimulants

Central stimulants have shown good effect in ADHD. When you start with this type of medication, you often start with a lower dose which is gradually increased until you achieve the desired effect. This is also done in order to have the least possible side effects. The medicines that belong to this group are classified as narcotics. When collecting the medicines at the pharmacy, you must therefore have identification with you. When traveling abroad, a certificate is required for bringing drugs, read more in the article on medicines and travel or ask us at the pharmacy for advice. Medicines should always be kept out of the reach of children.

Non-stimulants

This type of medication is an alternative to the central stimulants. Depending on which symptoms are most prominent, medicines from this group can be chosen. The most common medication in this group is atomoxetine (Strattera).

Sources: Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norwegian drug handbook for healthcare personnel, Norwegian electronic medical handbook, Patient handbook, Norwegian Directorate of Health's guide to diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD.