What is ADHD?

ADHD Symptoms

ADHD Symptoms in Females & Males

ADHD Symptoms in Children

ADHD in children often goes unnoticed until they start school, where their academic struggles become apparent compared to their peers.

Some common signs of ADHD in children include:

• Difficulty paying attention in class
• Having trouble interacting or collaborating with peers
• Impulsively responding to questions before the teacher has finished speaking
• Neglecting house chores
• Overlooking instructions
• Struggle in meeting deadlines and incomplete assignments

Are you embarking on parenthood? We’ve got you covered with this article on Journey into Parenthood: Your Maternity Guide at Island Hospital.

ADHD Symptoms in Teenagers and Adults

Causes and Risk Factors

Diagnosing ADHD & its Treatment Options

Diagnosing ADHD, especially in children, can be challenging as there’s no single test to confirm it. Doctors diagnose ADHD by carefully reviewing a child’s symptoms, behaviour, and interactions with parents and teachers.

This may involve physical exams, interviews, observations, medical history reviews, and assessments of your child’s behaviour at home, in school, and in public.

ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, but some adults may experience symptoms that were not previously recognized in their early years. In these cases, specialists may review your academic and work history, as well as observations from loved ones, to confirm a diagnosis.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will conduct an assessment that must meet the following criteria:

• Early onset: Symptoms began before age 12.
• Consistent symptoms: Symptoms are present in multiple settings, such as home, school, work, or public places.
• Interference with daily life: Symptoms significantly disrupt your daily activities, relationships, work, or school performance.
• Symptom frequency: Exhibit at least 6 of the 9 inattention symptoms and at least 6 of the 9 hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms.
• Combined presentation: Show a combination of 6 or more inattention symptoms and 6 or more hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms.

Treatments

The treatment options for ADHD require a comprehensive approach combining various methods to minimise its symptoms and improve daily life.

However, something other than what works for one person may work for another. Therefore, effective management will require collaboration and support from parents, family, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

Examples of ADHD treatment include:

1. Dietary Modifications

There is growing evidence linking dietary factors to ADHD symptoms. To address these symptoms, dietary modifications often involve two approaches: elimination and supplementation.

a) Elimination diets
The Few Foods Diet (FFD) involves restricting your diet to a limited number of foods: two types of meat, two sources of carbohydrates, two vegetables, two fruits, oil, and water.

Additionally, you’ll need to eliminate artificial food colorings, additives, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, which can potentially exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

b) Supplementation diets
This type of diet focuses on supplementing specific nutrients, including amino acids, essential fatty acids like omega-3, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Experience a natural approach to ADHD management. Our Malaysian Healthy Plate guide offers delicious and nutritious recipes to support overall well-being.

2. Pharmacological Treatment

Pharmacological treatment can help individuals with ADHD improve their focus and attention. While medication doesn’t cure the disorder, it can effectively manage ADHD symptoms, leading to better functioning.

Examples of commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are categorised into stimulants and non-stimulants:

(a) Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Contrary to their name, they don’t increase stimulation. Instead, they work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that help with attention, thinking, and motivation.

Stimulants consist of two forms:

(i) Short-acting stimulants

These are taken as needed and typically last for up to four hours. However, they can lead to a “crash” or “rebound effect” after the medication wears off, causing decreased energy, increased hunger, and sometimes mood swings.

(ii) Long-acting stimulants

These are taken once daily and can last from six to sixteen hours. They may result in fewer fluctuations in energy levels throughout the day and reduce the need for additional doses.

Ultimately, the best type of stimulant for an individual with ADHD depends on their specific needs and preferences.

(b) Non-stimulants
Non-stimulant medications are an alternative to stimulants for treating ADHD. They are not controlled substances, making them less prone to misuse or dependence.

However, they take longer to take effect, often requiring several weeks of regular use to see full benefits. While they may not be as immediate as stimulants, they can effectively improve attention, focus, and impulsivity.

Some non-stimulant medications can provide relief for up to 24 hours.

It’s important to remember that ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. What works well for one person may not be as effective for another. This is why seeking professional guidance is crucial when dealing with ADHD.

3. Non-Pharmacological Treatment

There are various non-pharmacological therapies for ADHD, each with its own techniques and strategies. Despite their differences, these therapies share common principles aimed at improving ADHD symptoms.

(a) Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy often involves sensory-motor activities, motor training, social skills training, cognitive interventions, behaviour therapy, and play-based approaches.

(b) Physiological intervention
Physiological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) -based interventions encompass modules like education about ADHD, organisational and planning skills, managing impulsivity and motivation, and preventing relapse.

(c) Family-based intervention
This type of intervention can help parents improve their parenting skills, reduce stress, and better understand and support their child with ADHD. It allows parents to manage challenging situations, encourage appropriate behaviours, and modify their child’s behaviour while teaching self-regulation.

ADHD vs ADD

Although ADHD and ADD are often used interchangeably, there are some important key distinctions between them.

Essentially, ADHD includes both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, while ADD is primarily focused on inattention.

Registration and Support Services in Malaysia

Support groups tailored to specific ADHD needs are often led by professionals or individuals with personal experience and can be found both in-person and online.

Here are some resources in Malaysia:

• Registration for Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) with Social Welfare Department (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat)

• Special needs education under the District Education Department (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah), including inclusive education in the mainstream setting examination & classroom accommodation (e.g. extra time, reduced distraction)

• Inclusive Education Rights – NECIC

• OKU Registration
  Register with the Social Welfare Department (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) to access various benefits and support services.

• Special Needs Education
  Parents can explore special needs education options provided by the District Education Department (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah) for ADHD children.
  These options can help meet the unique needs of children with ADHD and provide them with the support they require to succeed academically and socially.

• Inclusive Education
  Inclusive education aims to create a learning environment where all children can participate and succeed regardless of their abilities.
  This includes providing necessary accommodations, such as extra time or reduced distractions during exams and classroom activities.