What you need to know about ADD/ADHD

What do I need to know about ADD/ADHD?

Attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It globally affects cognitive functions related to attention, concentration, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Children, adolescents and adults may be affected:

• ADD/ADHD occurs in 5–8% of children and can compromise their school performance;
• Awareness-raising initiatives are trying to find a language to address and inform teenagers. There is a great need for information among teenagers, at a stage in their lives when relationships with friends are crucial;
• Some adults (4%) are diagnosed later in life. Information plays a key role for these people.

In Quebec, this represents more than 275,000 people aged between 6 and 64. For the people who support them, the challenge is great, and the impact on families can be considerable.

Diagnosis

Based on the DSM-5 criteria, the diagnosis is made by a qualified health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders.

The symptoms observed must:

• be persistent, frequent and/or intense for at least six months;
• lead to difficulties in functioning in more than one sphere of daily life: family, social, professional or academic.

Some symptoms are common to ADHD and ASD, ADHD and intellectual disability, and ADHD and language disorders. Diagnosis is therefore a crucial step, enabling us to distinguish between the disorders and determine the appropriate treatment.

Living with ADD/ADHD

There are different ways to help people living with ADD/ADHD:

• The differentiated teaching approach. At school, guidance and instruction are personalized. Small-group classes are an asset for children’s comfort. Certain adaptive strategies are also available: psychosocial support, time allotted for exams, use of Antidote software;
• Psychological therapies for behaviour modification. There are many techniques available: psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, social skills training, support groups and parenting skills development;
• Medication. In cases where ADHD has been accurately diagnosed, medication can drastically reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is not a miracle solution, even if it does reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity.

Parents of a child with ADD/ADHD: what to do?

The focus on ADHD in Le médecin du Québec magazine sums it up perfectly: highlight your child’s or teenager’s successes. Encourage and value them. Give priority to quality time spent with your youngster.

For you, this can mean:

• helping your child develop strategies for concentrating, learning to learn and succeeding with ADD/ADHD by proposing a toolbox, such as the one from the Fondation Philippe Laprise, among others;
• developing your parenting skills with a winning attitude and strategies for dealing with your child or teenager;
• taking advantage of services such as those offered by PANDA associations.

Although it may seem rather abstract to you, you are parent caregivers. Recognizing yourself as a caregiver can open doors to resources, support and services.

Recognizing yourself as a caregiver can also help you support your child’s success at school and in life. You can contact the Caregiver Support Helpline, where you’ll find a sympathetic ear.