Info about Adhd
Cognitive Disorders Not Otherwise Specified(NOS)
Cognitive Disorders that cannot be classified into Delirium, Dementia, or Amnestic Disorders are classified under this category. A specific cause may not be identified, or the criteria for the above said syndromes may not be fulfilled in such cases. The underlying cause may be a general medical disorder or a pharmacological reaction.
• Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention.
ADHD, Conduct Disorder (CD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are the other side of the coin—the Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (AD-DBDs) according to the DSM-IV. As a group, these are the most common disorders of childhood and among the most researched areas of childhood psychopathology. There is also increasing recognition that these disorders continue into adulthood.
• Diagnosis
According to the DSM-IV there are three patterns of behavior that indicate ADHD. ADHD may be suspected by a parent or caretaker or may go unnoticed until the child runs into problems at school. Given that ADHD tends to affect functioning most strongly in school, sometimes the teacher is the first to recognize that a child is hyperactive or inattentive and may point it out to the parents and/or consult with the school psychologist.
The disorders that sometimes accompany ADHD are:
• Learning Disabilities•
• Tourette’s Syndrome•
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder•
• Conduct Disorder•
• Anxiety and Depression•
• Bipolar Disorder•
• Treatment
There is no common treatment for every child diagnosed with ADHD. The best treatment advised for a child with ADHD that is linked to anxiety or depression is combining medication and behavioral therapy. Each child’s needs and personal history must be carefully considered. Stimulants are the most effective drugs and are used widely. The following is a list of stimulants, their generic names and the age for which the drug has been tested and found safe and effective.
• Other Agents
Frequently used medications are lithium (Cibalith), carbamezapine (Tegretol), and antiepileptic drugs for aggressive children, impulsive-aggressive adolescents, and young adult delinquents. Sodium valproate is another antiepileptic medication for chronic temper outbursts and mood.