Let's talk LIFE: ADHD explained

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Gleaner Writer

I have heard about attention deficit disorder and would like some information about it.

-Maria

Dear Maria,

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition which affects children, adolescents and adults. It interferes with learning, work, relationships and health.

Some of these children have a learning disability which further hinders their academic progress. There is hyperactivity, inattention, temper tantrums, distractibility, impulsivity and helpfulness. These children are kind and very loving but have 'scatterbrain'. They cannot focus or sit in their seats for long and they tend to be inattentive. Their concentration is poor and they tend to be very talkative. They will talk in class and do not pay attention to the teacher. The children are easily distracted so they should not be placed near a window, a passageway or a doorway. They are forgetful, fidgety, constantly moving, disorganised and always losing their personal belongings. There is poor attention to details, impatience, seeking instant gratification and poor follow through on assignments. They have grand plans but poor implementation and planning. As you may realise, adults have symptoms as well as children.

There are difficulties with mathematics, reading and writing. They also have difficulty with the English language. There are problems with sequencing and this results in disorganisation, careless errors and failure to follow through on promises. Handwriting skills are poor and special attention has to be shown to penmanship. Children need to be taught the phonic skills early and given opportunities to practise reading and spelling.

An individual who is suspected of having ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This evaluation will result in a management plan. Special educational intervention is the key to success along with other things.

Help, my mom is suicidal!

Dear Counsellor:

My mother is 65 years old and is depressed. She has made attempts to end her life and I am very concerned for her.

--Sharon

Dear Sharon,

Your mother is a high-risk patient and needs to be in hospital. You should take her immediately to the psychiatrist and/or the nearest hospital. There are public and private hospitals. She will need to be in hospital for about two weeks receiving medication and counselling. She will need to get blood tests and radiological investigations. Is this the first episode of depression? Is she working? When people express suicidal ideas or make attempts to end their lives, they need to be seen right away by a psychiatrist.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.