Girls & Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (AD/HD)
PAYING ATTENTION
TO GIRLS
THE ISSUE
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Version IV (DSM-IV):
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A disorder that can include a list of nine
specific symptoms of inattention and nine
symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Individuals
with ADHD may know what to do but do not
consistently do what they know because of
their inability to efficiently stop and
think prior to responding, regardless of
the setting or task. Characteristics of
ADHD have been demonstrated to arise in
early childhood for most individuals. This
disorder is marked by chronic behaviors
lasting at least six months with an onset
often before seven years of age, often continuing
into adulthood. In addition, children with
ADHD may have specific learning disabilities,
which can lead to emotional problems as
a result of falling behind in school or
receiving constant reprimands from adults
or ridicule from other children. Treatment
can include the use of medications, special
educational programs to help the child keep
up academically, and psychotherapy.
Difficulty in paying attention - the defining sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - is one of the most common developmental problems of childhood. The disorder has become a household term, but it's still shrouded in controversy and misinformation. For example, public debate rages over whether AD/HD is overdiagnosed. Approximately 1-2% of the school age population is diagnosed with the disorder. However, most experts say it's actually under-diagnosed, and that 3-5% of school are children are actually affected. There's also debate about whether children are being overmedicated. But, the most recent studies indicate medication is an important component in the treatment of children and adults with AD/HD.Another misconceptio: Girls & AD/HD. Although many more boys are diagnosed with ADHD, it is becoming increasingly clear that many girls also suffer from ADHD. A new study found the major symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in girls are similar to those in boys, even though the condition is diagnosed up to five times more frequently in boys than girls, mainly because girls are not as disruptive in the classroom. Conservative estimates put the number of girls with ADHD at at least one million. This latest report is the largest, most comprehensive study of girls with ADHD to date. Researchers and advocacy groups hope these findings will enhance appropriate diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in girls by child psychiatrists and other health professionals. (Joseph Biederman, M.D., "Clinical Correlates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Females: Findings from a Large Group of Pediatrically and Psychiatrically Referred Girls," Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, August 1999, p. 966-975)
CHADD -- CHildren and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder -- is trying to raise awareness of AD/HD and clear up misconceptions. CHADD, a leading non-profit national organization for children and adults with AD/HD, was formed in 1987 by parents of children diagnosed with the disorder. They were frustrated by the lack of access to information, medical care and educational services. CHADD's mission is to offer support and information to its more than twenty-three thousand members as well as to the public. The organization is also involved in legislative and societal advocacy.
But critics say too much about ADHD remains uncertain or ill-defined. Some health professionals report that some parents and teens blame AD/HD for what may simply be negligent performance. And the tragic rash of school shootings in the nineties has some questioning if there is a direct link between violence and the kinds of psychotropic drugs routinely prescribed for conditions like AD/HD. Since 1990, the number of children taking Ritalin, for example, to treat ADHD, has more than doubled and about 1.3 million children nationwide -- 2 percent of all youth aged 6 to 14 - regularly take prescribed stimulants for AD/HD. ("Ritalin-- Are We Overmedicating Our Kids?" Newsweek, March 18:51-56 (1996); and M. Taylor, "Evaluation and Management of ADHD," American Family Physician, 55:887-901 (1997).
CHADD and other scientists disagree. In fact, many say proper diagnosis and treatment helps children and adults lead healthy and productive lives and even reduces the risk of substance abuse. They believe parents need to educate themselves and become their advocate in school, at the doctor's office, in the community, and at home. They believe parents need to weigh the benefits and risks of the medications.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
ADDvance a magazine and website dedicated to providing current information and resources for females with AD/HD.
