ADHD dangerous driving, and difficulties in carrying out daily
Behavioural syndrome characterised by activities (such as shopping and organizing household
• Symptoms should be. tasks), in making and keeping friends, and intimate
present since childhood before 12 years / and results in relationships (for example, excessive disagreement).
significant psychological, social, and or educational However, some children with moderate impairment to
functional impairment. their ablity to lunction socially and al school, can
Occurred in two or more settings such as at home and initially managed in primary care with: -
school. Watchful waiting up to 10 weeks with Self help
Been present for at least 6 months. Simple behaviour management
Clearly interfered with, or reduced the quality of social, Parent support program
academic or occupational functioning. Referral should be if:
Hyperactivity: Severe symptoms
Failing to give close attention to detail or making Watchful waiting not accepted.
Difficulty in maintaining concentration. Persistent moderate despite the above management
Losing items necessary for tasks or activities such as Referral may be to
pencils, mobile phones, or wallets. Specialist paediatrician
Easy distraction by extraneous stimuli. CAMHS
Forgetfulness with regard to daily activities. Adult psychiatrist (depending on the age)
Impulsivity: ADULT:
Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming Manage psychosocial.
when seated. Il prior diagnosis > GENERAL ADULT PSYCHIATRIC
Running about or climbing in situations where SERVICE FOR ASSESS
inappropriate. In adolescents or adults, this may be IF NO PORIOR DIAGNOSIS > MENTAL HEALTH
limited to a feeling of restlessness. SPECIALIST TRAINED IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF
An inability to play or engage in leisure activities quietly. ADHD.
Being 'on the go' or acting as if 'driven by a motor'. The management of confirmed people ADHD should be
Others may experience the person to be restless or initiated and coordinated by specialist.
difficult to keep up with. Treatment options offered by a specialist depend on the
Inattention person's age and the degree of functional impairment
IMPACT : Assess the social and educational impact of and may include:
their symptoms. Parent education and support programs
Group psychosocial treatment (CBT and /or
DD: social skills training
symptoms should be excluded, such as general or Individual psychological treatment
specific learning difficulties; anxiety; depression; Drug treatment
abuse; trauma; or rarely, medical conditions, such as Person diagnosed with ADHD should eat
unsuspected hearing problems or epilepsy. balanced diet and take regular exercise.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Diagnosis requires referral and assessment by specialist. What is the behavioural therapy: -
Parents typically attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist
MANAGEMENT: and learn stratifies to help their children (use positive
For school-age children, the extent of impairment reinforcement, sticking to consistent routines, reducing
should be judged in the context of self-care (for distractions, regular breaks, providing regular feedback)
example, eating, or hygiene), travelling independently,
making and keeping friends, achieving in school,
forming positive relationships with other family
members, developing a positive self-image, avoiding
criminal activity, avoiding substance misuse,
maintaining emotional states free of excessive anxiety
and unhappiness, and understanding and avoiding
common hazards.
For adolescents, difficulties may extend to cover
occupational or educational underachievement,