The Light Center, College of the Redwoods

Last week’s newsletter addressed the symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, and the subtypes of the disorder. This week, the incidence, causes, diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder will be discussed.

In today’s educational system, most children exhibiting symptoms of ADD or ADHD are evaluated early on in their academic careers. There are, however, many adults who may not have been identified as children, who are still dealing with effects of the disorder. In general, approximately one to three percent of the K through 12 population has the full ADHD syndrome, while another five to ten percent have symptoms which are evident but not enough to warrant a full diagnosis. Gender and age also play a role with males being three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD than females. While generally the symptoms decrease with age, it is estimated that between thirty and fifty percent of diagnosed children continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood.

Throughout the years, there have been many alleged causes for Attention Deficit Disorder. Red food dyes, sugars, poor parenting skills, childhood abuse have all at one time or another been suggested as causes of the disorder. Recent research has focused on brain imaging to localize areas of the brain that have been found to play a role in attention and persistence. Particularly, the frontal lobe and the basal ganglia are cited, and in some studies, have been found to be reduced approximately ten percent in size when compared to individuals with no attentional difficulties. Research geared toward genetic study has focused on dopamine as the primary neurotransmitter involved in regulating attention. Dopamine pathways in the brain, which link the basal ganglia and the frontal cortex, are thought now to play a major role in ADD/ADHD.

There is no definitive test of either a biological or psychological nature which identifies ADD/ADHD. An evaluation for the disorder must include an assessment of intellectual, academic, social and emotional functioning. Moreover, a medical examination is needed to rule out any other possible causes of the behavior such as reactions to medications or thyroid problems. The diagnosis should be made by a professional trained to make such a diagnosis, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist or physician.

Comments or questions? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu

Contact Dr. Harry Pyke @ x4281

October 25, 1999

There is a great deal of disagreement surrounding the treatment of ADD/ADHD. There are two primary treatment avenues, one using medication, the other using behavioral and psychosocial interventions.

Stimulant medications have been used to treat the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of ADHD for over fifty years. A variety of studies suggest that seventy to eighty percent of patients respond positively to treatment with stimulants.

Behavioral management of ADHD has included individualized educational programs, individual and family counseling, behavior modification, psychotherapy, and life-style changes.

The choice of treatment for ADD/ADHD must be determined on an individual basis. What works for one may not work for another. Therefore, whatever intervention is chosen must be compatable with the person’s current situation. The author of this newsletter does not support any one treatment over another.

Barkley, R.A. (1990). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.

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