Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD

• Family history: having a first degree relative with the same disorder or another mental disorder related to ADHD.
• Exposure to certain neurotoxins such as lead.
• Drug use, smoking and alcohol use while pregnant: this disrupts the development of the brain of the child.
• Premature birth.
• Head injuries at a young age: especially the frontal lobe area that controls impulses and emotions

1. Inattention (Ina):

• Careless mistakes.
• Cannot sustain attention.
• Does not seem to listen.
• Avoids tasks that require continuous attention.
• Difficult in organising tasks.
• Fails to finish school work.
• Loses things for tasks or activities.
• Destructed by irrelevant stimuli.
• Forgetful in daily activities such as chores or paying bills.

2. Hyperactivity-impulsivity (H-i): Children need six symptoms for six months; adolescents and adults need at least five symptoms.

• Fidgets a lot: taps hands and/or feet or squirming when seated.
• Leaves seat when should be seated.
• Runs and climbs at inappropriate times.
• Excessive talking.
• Always “on the go” or acting as “driven by a motor”.
• Not able to play quietly.
• Before a question is completed, blurts out the answer.
• Difficulty waiting for their turn.
• Interrupts or intrudes on others.
• Numerous inattentive and/or inattentive-impulsive symptoms present before 12 years of age.
• Numerous inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms present in two or more setting, that is, at home, school or work.

• Struggling to concentrate in school which may lead to academic failure and judgment by peers or others.
• Have a tendency to have more injuries and accidents.
• May have low self-esteem.
• Tend to have trouble interacting with others.
• Have a high risk of alcohol and drug abuse or other offending behaviours.

• Limiting screen time: this includes computer screen, television screens, iPads, phones, etc.
• Talk to the doctor about behaviour therapy programs.
• Limit sugar, whether it be in beverages or food.
• Drink plenty of water: water can be taken instead of sugary beverages such as juices, soft drinks, energy drinks, alcohol, etc.
• Cessation of smoking
• Get plenty of sleep: set up a sleep routine for themselves.
• Take medication as directed by the doctor. Set up reminders if need be.

• They may be marital conflict due to physical, emotional and financial strain.
• Financial burdens: from doctor visits, education or unable to sustain employment, medication and other therapies.
• Strained parent and other children relationships: as they may feel one child is getting more attention and not being disciplined to their extent.
• Working parents may not have time to monitor their children all the tine which can increase the probability of the child being involved in offensive
  behaviours such as smoking or drug and alcohol abuse.
• Aggressive behaviour causing strained relationships in the immediate or with distant family members.
• Sibling rivalry due to physical and/or emotional aggression.
• Family members may develop mental or emotional disorder due to all the strain

• Parent management training which can reduce parent-child conflict and disruptive behaviour, promote social and self-regulating behaviours.
• Family counselling: where they will educate the family on coping with individual and family stress related with ADHD including mood disturbances and marital strain
• Support groups which can help connect parents with other parents of children with ADHD or connect people with ADHD, sharing information and experiences.
• Individual counselling which can help address individual concerns and feelings

^{Last reviewed : 5 May 2024}