Hello Everyone,
I hope this week has treated you well. I’d like to write about a disorder that I’ve recently seen to be misunderstood and wrongfully diagnosed in Guyana. I’d like to talk about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which is a cluster of behavioural symptoms such as hyperactivity or over excitement, inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

Inattention means that interest is lost quickly while doing a task and the individual tends to move on to something else. Hyperactivity refers to physical activity such as running, jumping and an overall inability to sit still. Impulsivity consists of reckless and impatient behaviour. These can also cause additional issues such as high anxiety, depression levels and lack of sleep.

It is usually first noticed and diagnosed very young, usually between the ages of 6-12 years old. One can develop ADHD as an adult but that is quite rare. The disorder is more common in boys than girls and can occur in those of any academic ability. However, it is more common among those with learning difficulties/disabilities.
ADHD is a lifelong condition. However, children may grow out of the majority of the symptoms, especially hyperactivity. If the inattention and lack of focus is severe, it tends to remain throughout adulthood.
Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult as it is quite normal for children to be physically excited, restless, imaginative, inattentive and even disobedient. So how would you know if your child has a problem? Symptoms of ADHD will fall under two categories: “Inattentiveness” and “hyperactivity and impulsiveness.” It is important to note this because some individuals may have issues with one and not the other. For example, a child would have serious problems with inattentiveness and learning while at school but is not over active or excited at all.
Those who suffer from inattentiveness will experience difficulty paying attention to one task for long periods of time, get easily distracted, often forget and lose things, make careless mistakes, have difficulty following rules and instructions and have an overall short attention span.

Those who suffer from hyperactivity and impulsiveness find it hard to sit still and are almost constantly fidgeting. They are unable to concentrate at the task at hand, impatient, have difficulty socialising and playing group activities, talk excessively, have little or no sense of danger, and tend to suffer from lack of sleep.

Other signs may be delays in speech and motor development, poor handwriting and language skills, low mood, poor self-image, mood swings, and irritability.

These symptoms must be present for more than 6 months at a time. Adults who have ADHD will also experience the above as well as drug use/abuse, issues with the law and personal relationships as well as trouble seeking/ keeping employment. Adults with ADHD can also suffer from other disorders simultaneously such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and various personality disorders.

What can cause ADHD?
It is unfortunate that the exact cause of ADHD has still not been identified but like any other disorder, there are many factors that have been associated with it.
Numerous causes have to do with the family and pregnancy/ birthing process. For example, those with a family history of diagnosed ADHD are more likely to develop it. Infections as well as alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs during pregnancy are also causal factors.
The child is more at risk if there is a premature birth or being underweight at birth, early infections such as measles, or brain trauma/injury. Extreme neglect and abuse can also increase the risk of developing ADHD.

How do you treat ADHD?
If you feel that your child (or you) might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to do your research. You should compare their behaviour to the symptoms list yes, but also visit their school/ teachers as well as parents of homes they have visited to find out what their behaviour is like in other settings. If this results in a higher possibility of the disorder then take them to your nearest mental health clinic and share your concerns.
Although there is no cure for ADHD, the disorder is managed with counselling, independently for the child as well as family sessions, social skills training, educational support and medication (when extreme and necessary). Regular physical exercise is also an effective add on treatment. Finally, diet can play a role in worsening symptoms- consuming a lot of refined sugar for example.
Due to its prominence, I would recommend that all parents, nannies, teachers, social workers – any one that works predominately with children get educated on identifying, diagnosing and treating symptoms of ADHD.
I would like to add in that ADHD has been commonly used as an excuse for challenging and unruly behaviour. This should not be so. It is important to know the difference – does your child need professional help or does he/she just need manners?
Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also remember the group meetings you can attend.
Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department
Drug and Alcohol group meetings – Mondays 4:15
Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:15

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!