What is ADHD, The Prevalence, Signs, And Risks?

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What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  (ADHD) are terms used to describe chronic patterns of behavior that are associated with learning disorders.  ADHD is quickly becoming the preferred term to use according to the Mayo Clinic because the term ADHD is inclusive of the ADD symptoms. 

 “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood,” according to the CDC there is usually a combination of problems such as difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity and an unusual amount of inappropriate movement.  The primary difference between ADD and ADHD is the absence or presence of hyperactive behaviors.  ADD is characterized more by lack of attention.  

 “ADHD Statistics: How Common is ADHD? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 11 percent of all children in the U.S. aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) — that was roughly 6.1 million American children in 2016, a 43 percent increase since 2003.”

In 2019, the CDC reports that ADHD numbers are still rising and now affecting more than 6.4 million US children aged 4–17 years.

One out of every 20 U.S. children are taking medication for ADHD.

CDC- "Nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, such as conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourette syndrome."

Percentage of the Population with Additional Issues:

Population with Mental, Emotional, Behavioral, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, and/or Tourette Syndrome

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neural developmental disorder that can be present life-long and may affect children, teens, and adults. 

Children and adults with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking or not understanding what will be the outcome of their action), or be overly active.

Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Often symptoms are noticeable by the age of 12, but not always.  Sometimes the signs show before the age of 3.

Some of the Possible Signs:

These problems are persistent and usually cause difficulties in one or more major life areas: home, school, work, or social relationships.

Inattention

• Difficulty staying on task.
• Makes careless mistakes.
• Difficulty following instructions for chores, schoolwork or other tasks.
• Often has trouble organizing things (desk, closet, etc.) or activities.
• Fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks.  Does not complete projects.
• Frequently loses items (books, keys, phone, pens, tools).
• Avoids or dislikes having to sustain mental effort such as reading a book.
• Can be easily distracted.
• Appearing not to listen when spoken to.
• Forgets frequently.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Tends to be restless or impatient.
• Always seems “on the go”.
• May have difficulty waiting to take their turn.
• Often interrupts others.
• May talk excessively.
• Often leaves seat or area where they are expected to remain.
• Might remain quietly inattentive.

According to the Mayo Clinic there are

3 subtypes of ADHD:

• Predominantly inattentive. The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.

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• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.

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• Combined. This is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

RISKS . . .

What is the effect of ADHD on a person's daily life?

The effect of ADHD behaviors associated with the daily functioning of a person’s life can be very costly.  The overall effects are multi-dimensional and can increase in time.

Significant Costs May Include  . . .
​

• Greater health care needs
• Psychiatric conditions
• Frequent, unintentional injury
• Risky/reckless behaviors resulting in personal and/or property damage
• Work Loss
• Damaged relationships
• Harmful side effects from medications 

Early Response Can Make a

Big Difference in the Outcome.

~~~~~~~~~~​~~~~~~~~~~~~

ADHD medications can reduce symptoms,

but might be associated with  

side effects 

and

might not

completely address

functional impairment.

 ​~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Realize Your Full Potential

Get Started. Call Now  636.227.2222

Check out the article on WedMD, about
​“Startling Side-Effects of Children’s ADHD Medications”. 

According to RXList

the Following is a List of Side Effects and Other

Complications Regarding the Use of Stimulants

Which Are Used for ADHD

​Side Effects of Stimulants May Include:

• Problems sleeping
• Headaches
• Cardiac-palpitations, heart rate, blood pressure,  chest pain,  sudden death
• Neulogical problems-tics, hallucinations, psychosis, Tourette’s Syndrome, seizure 
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vision problems

The Side Effects Associated With Atomoxetine (Strattera) Include:

• Gastrointestinal issues-dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, serious liver problems
• Suicidal thinking-headache, sleepiness, dizziness, irritability, change in libido (erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction) menstrual changes, decrease in appetite, urinary dysfunction 
  
  

Guanfacine (Tenex) can have the following side effects:

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants include:

• Suicidal thoughts​
• Dry mouth and nose
• Blurry vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Cognitive/memory impairment
• Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and possibly arrhythmias
• Drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, dizziness
• Sexual dysfunction

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) may produce the following side effects:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Gastrointestinal problems, including dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weight gain, and anorexia
• Neurologic problems, including headache, insomnia, sedation, and agitation
• Blurry vision
• Tremor
• Excessive sweating
• Increased heart rate

There are Numerous Contraindications and
Black Box Warnings for Stimulants

• ​Suicide
• Suddent Death
• Cardiac
• Vision Loss

According to the

​Alcohol and Drug Foundation:

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, meaning they speed up the messages that  travel between the brain and the body. Sometimes they are used for ADHD and sometimes they are sold illegally.  There is a high addiction rate associated with amphetamines.

According to National Vital Statistics Reports, in 2016 they reported that amphetamine ranks among the top drugs involved in overdoses that result in death in the US.  ​Yet to make matters worse, more and more doctors are prescribing amphetamines to their patients. 

Tragically, much of it is with kids and teens.

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

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636.227.2222

Amphetamines can effect each person differently based on:

• Size, Health, Weight
• Whether other drugs are taken at the same time
• The amount taken
• The strength of the drug (batches vary)

Long-Term Effects of Amphetamines

​Regular use of amphetamines may eventually cause:

• reduced appetite and extreme weight loss
• restless sleep
• dry mouth and dental problems
• regular colds and flu
• anxiety and paranoia
• depression
• increased risk of stroke
• needing to use more to get the same effect
• dependence on amphetamines
• financial, work and social problems

​Mixing amphetamines with other drugs
​(even prescribed drugs)

The effects of taking amphetamines with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications −
​can be unpredictable and dangerous, and could cause:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart failure
• Elevated blood pressure
• Stroke

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​

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