Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

what does it really mean?

According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV; 1994)”, used for diagnostic purposes, diminished attention is associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Our ability to pay attention and remain focused, though taken for granted by the majority of individuals, is an important part of everyday life and has a direct effect on learning and memory. This is true not only for adults but also for children.Children who are not attentive in the classroom are more at risk of having academic problems, while children who are able to remain focused and are on task are academically more successful. It is for this reason that attention problems are typically observed in the classroom.

Children with this disorder have chronic and pervasive signs not only of inattention but also impulsivity, physical restlessness, and difficulties in regulating their behaviour.

Attention, like most of our other abilities can fluctuate from being excellent to extremely low depending on a multitude of factors. When a child has ADHD it means that this child has difficulty sustaining attention in most situations and in more than one place.

A child with attention problems might be able to pay attention for long periods of time on the computer or watching tv, since this is something the child really enjoys, but they might not be able to stay seated at the table for dinner and unable to sustain their attention while doing work at school. Children with ADHD are more impulsive, they will act before thinking. Many times these children will react to a situation and then almost immediately become remorseful. They’re aware of socially appropriate and inappropriate behaviour but because they’re impulsive they’ll react before considering the consequences of their actions. They might also have difficulties regulating their behaviour, their reactions might be more intense than other children.

This is not to say that all children with ADHD will have the exact same types of behaviours. There are different types of ADHD and the symptoms will vary according to the type; ADHD predominately inattentive type, ADHD predominately hyper-active-impulsive type, and ADHD combined type.

There are several signs that a parent can observe to help determine if their child might have ADHD.

• Fidgety
• Difficulty remaining seated
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed
• Difficulty following directions
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Shifts from one activity to another
• Difficulty playing quietly
• Often talks excessively
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others
• Often does not listen
• Often loses things
• Often engages in physically dangerous activities

Keep in mind these are just examples of behaviours which are typically associated with children who have ADHD.

Furthermore, these behaviours have to be persistent and negatively affecting the child’s ability to learn as well as to behave and they must be present in at least two separate environments (for example both at home and at school).

If you believe that your child might have ADHD speak to your child’s pediatrician. He or she might suggest an assessment in order to determine if your child has ADHD. Inattention can also be associated with children who have medical problems, learning disabilities as well as with children who are anxious, depressed or who have emotional problems.

Dr. Caroline Zanni (psychologist) received her Doctorate degree from McGill University department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, June 2004, and received additional training in Clinical Neuropsychology. Since 2000 she has worked at Summit School where she is involved in the assessment and treatment of children and young adults with cognitive disabilities and psychiatric disorders. Since 1998 she has worked in private practice and is a part time lecturer at McGill University department of Educational and Counseling Psychology.