This article is featured in the Herald Sun and is republished with permission.
Australian children are being increasingly diagnosed with and medicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
An estimated one in 20 Aussie kids have ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterised by poor concentration, lack of impulse control and hyperactivity.
ADHD can have a huge impact on children’s learning and social interactions, with traits becoming more apparent once they reach primary school.
General practitioner Dr Jessica Weber and Australasian ADHD Professional Association (AADPA) president Professor David Coghill both cautioned against seeking an ADHD diagnosis before primary school.
“The younger the child, the more uncertainty there can be with the diagnosis,” Dr Weber said.
“A diagnosis requires an experienced practitioner as there can be significant challenges in separating ‘normal kid behaviour’ from true ADHD.”
Australian Psychological Society chief executive Dr Zena Burgess said ADHD signs fall into two main areas: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
“Inattention may present as difficulty concentrating or staying focused, forgetfulness, trouble organising tasks and activities, and a tendency to lose things,” Dr Burgess said.
“Hyperactivity/impulsivity may include fidgeting and restlessness, difficulty sitting for long periods, trouble engaging in quiet activities, difficulty waiting their turn, and acting or speaking before thinking.
“For very young children, it is important to remember that attention, concentration and impulse control are still developing.
“A short attention span, being easily distracted, or acting impulsively can be common at this age and does not necessarily indicate ADHD.”
As children get older, their ability to control or “mask” these behaviours becomes stronger, leading to different signs of suspected ADHD.
“Teenagers with ADHD may experience ongoing challenges such as worrying a lot, frequently running late, interrupting conversations, daydreaming, forgetting instructions, becoming disorganised, procrastinating or trying to multi-task when they need to stay focused on one task,” Dr Burgess said.
Dr Weber added ADHD teenagers may display “intense mood swings or difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsive or reckless behaviour and low frustration tolerance, restlessness, impatience”.
Prof Coghill encouraged parents who suspect their child may have ADHD to consult with their school to see if they have noticed similar behaviours.
“See if the school is noticing the same things you are noticing at home,” he said.
“Kids with ADHD have difficulties with multiple aspects around their lives.”
If ADHD is suspected, Dr Burgess said a diagnosis can be costly and time-consuming.
“Clients may need to attend multiple appointments, while psychologists undertake significant work analysing assessment data and preparing reports in addition to conducting assessment,” she said.
“If a diagnosis is made, further appointments may be recommended with a psychologist for intervention, and sometimes with a psychiatrist or pediatrician if medication is being considered.
“This can add further time and financial costs for families.”
Ultimately, Dr Weber said although ADHD can be challenging for families, it’s not all bad news.
“It’s important to remember that their child has many talents and good qualities that may go under-recognised when dealing with challenging behaviours,” she said.
“Positive reinforcement and focusing on their child’s strengths is important for building confidence, self-esteem, and maintaining positive family relationships.”