1. NURS 2103:01
Audrey Walsh
November 8th 2012
Presented by: Nikki McNeil

2. ADHD – Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
- Common behavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity.
- Signs of ADHD are noticeable as early as 2 or 3 years of age.
- Estimated that 8% to 10% of children are affected by this disorder.

3. ADHD
- Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be
diagnosed with ADHD, it is not yet understood why.
- Girls with ADHD may be more likely to be inattentive than
hyperactive or impulsive. That may mean they are more
likely to be under diagnosed with the disorder.
- If you suspect that a child may have ADHD, it's important
to understand the different forms it may take.

4. Three Categories of ADHD:
 Predominantly Inattentive Type
- Person finds it very difficult to organize or finish a task.
- They find it hard to pay attention to details
- Find it difficult to follow instructions or conversations
 Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Person finds it hard to keep still.
- They fidget and talk a lot.
- A smaller child may be continually jumping, running or climbing.
- They are restless and impulsive - interrupting
others, grabbing things and speaking at inappropriate times.
- They have difficulty waiting their turn and find it hard to listen to
directions.
- A person with this type of ADHD will have more injuries and/or
accidents than others
 Combined Type
- A person whose symptoms include all those of the first two types,

5. Signs of ADHD in Preschool Aged Children
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GIx-
JYdLZs&feature=related
Signs/Symptoms of Inattention Include:
 Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork or other activities
 Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play
 Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
 Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish
schoolwork, chores or other tasks
 Often has problems organizing tasks or activities
 Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or
homework
 Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools
 Can be easily distracted
 Often forgetful

6. Signs/Symptoms of Hyperactivity Include:
 Fidgets or squirms frequently
 Often leaves his or her seat in the classroom or in other situations when remaining
seated is expected
 Often runs or climbs excessively when it's not appropriate or, if an adolescent,
might constantly feel restless
 Frequently has difficulty playing quietly
 Always seems on the go
 Talks excessively
 Blurts out the answers before questions have been completely asked
 Frequently has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
 Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games
If you identify any signs or symptoms of ADHD in a child make sure to bring them
to a pediatrician so they can rule out any other causes before diagnosing the
child with ADHD.

7. Treatment of ADHD
- Currently there is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatment
options available to help reduce the symptoms caused by ADHD.
- ADHD can be treated using medication or therapy, but it is widely
agreed a combination of both is the best way to treat it.

8. Medications used to treat ADHD include:
 Dexamfetamine
 Atomoxetine
 Methylphenidate
Medications help someone who has ADHD to:
 Concentrate better
 Be less impulsive
 Feel calmer
 Learn and practise new skills

9. Alternative Treatment Options:
Behavior Therapy for ADHD
Behavior therapy can include:
- Behavioral interventions,
- Social skills training,
- Parenting skills training.
In addition you can help improve your child's behavior by:
- Setting and enforcing rules,
- Maintaining a consistent schedule
- Organizing everyday items such as clothing and school supplies
Physical exercise can significantly improve ADHD symptoms
20-Minute exercise sessions can significantly improve focus in children with ADHD,
according to researchers from Michigan State University reported in the Journal of
Pediatrics, October 2012 issue.

10. The End