|
ADHD
Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) have problems paying attention and are easily distracted. They may talk excessively and have difficulty remaining seated for very long. One sign of ADHD is disorganization. There may be associated oppositional and defiant behavior. Many children with ADHD are bright but have academic difficulties because the ADHD symptoms interfere with their performance in school. The main class of drugs that is commonly used in children with ADHD is stimulants. These work for some but not all children with ADHD. There are children who respond instead to a different class of drugs called antipsychotics (or major tranquillizers). Because of the potential for short term or long term side effects, some parents are interested in alternative treatment options such as dietary interventions. Behavioral approaches should also be considered. Conventional and alternative treatment options are not mutually exclusive. In any case, it is important to consider the most effective and safe treatment options available. This should be discussed with your physician. It is also important to consider the 'Won't' and 'Can't' of ADHD. By 'Wont' I am referring to behavioral problems that can be controlled voluntarily such as defiant and oppositional behavior and which require firm and consistent disciplinary action . 'Cant' refers to an inability that is related to the underlying neurological problem present such as a processing problem that is involuntary.
EPILEPSY
Epilepsy or 'seizure disorder' refers to recurrent seizures. Seizures are involuntary and sudden changes in motor, sensory, cognitive or behavioral function that are associated with an underlying electrical discharge in the brain. While a seizure can be very obvious such as a generalized convulsion with upward eye rolling, seizures can be very subtle such as a brief staring spell or dazed behavior. Some children with inattention labeled as having ADD who do not respond to their prescribed treatment, may actually have a type of seizure called absence or complex partial seizure. Seizures can also present with or be followed by a headache. Any odd, stereotypic behavior in a child that appears involuntary should be investigated for seizures. A test called an electroencephalogram or EEG can help determine if a child is having seizures. The EEG, however, can be normal in a child who has seizures. A sleep-deprived EEG or a more prolonged EEG study may be necessary in some cases. In addition to affecting academic performance, mood and behavior, long term seizures can disrupt brain function and therefore should be recognized and treated appropriately.
TOURETTE'S SYNDROME
There are children labeled as having ADHD and being treated for such who actually have a condition called Tourette's syndrome. This is a neurological condition that often presents with symptoms of ADHD but may later include motor and vocal (phonic) tics. An example of a motor tic includes frequent and involuntary eye blinking. An example of a vocal tic includes throat clearing. Tics such as those previously mentioned, are classified as simple. Tics can also be classified as complex with behaviors like hopping or vocal utterances (that are sometimes unpleasant). In a small minority of cases, obscene words (coprolalia) or gestures (copropraxia) are used. If a child with Tourette's syndrome is mistaken for a child with ADHD and is placed on a stimulant medication, there can be the development or exacerbation of tics. There are other classes of drugs that can treat ADHD as well as tics. Non drug approaches are also available. The majority of children with Tourette's syndrome also eventually develop obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
AUTISM
As in the case of Tourette's syndrome, there are children who are labeled with ADHD or other disorders who actually have autism. Any child who receives multiple diagnoses such as 'ADHD', 'tic disorder', 'mood disorder', 'sensory integration disorder', 'bipolar disorder', 'auditory processing disorder' with speech/language delay and impaired social interaction should be considered a candidate for the diagnosis of autism. Any young child with speech delay who has odd behaviors such as obsessive lining up of objects and poor eye contact should be evaluated further for autism. It is important to seek an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. See section on autism
|
|
