ADHD: one of many children’s mental disorders that
can be successfully treated
| When Michael Phelps received his record-setting eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, it was not only a triumph of extraordinary athletic skill, but also a symbol of hope to the estimated four million American children who are also afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Michael’s mother, Debbie Phelps, always knew he was very energetic, but attributed it to his being the youngest child trying to keep up with his siblings. When Michael’s kindergarten teacher told her, “Michael can’t sit still, Michael can’t be quiet, Michael can’t focus,” she told the teacher that maybe her son was bored. The teacher replied, “That’s not possible. Your son is not gifted. He will never be able to focus on anything.” |  |
Of course, we know that was not the case. With the help of treatment – medication and behavioral therapy –Michael was able to channel his energies into swimming, becoming the youngest male world record holder in modern sports at the age of 15. ADHD is a medical condition caused by genetic factor that result in certain neurological differences. There are many conditions that look like ADHD, but correctly diagnosed ADHD is not a product of poor parenting or poor behaviors on the part of the child. A child may be obnoxious or defiant whether or not he or she has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; these behaviors are not necessarily neurological issues. ADHD is one of the most common childhood brain disorders, affecting about seven percent of children aged 6 – 17. There are many unique profiles of the disorder, as it does not consistently affect the exact same areas of the brain from child to child. The parts of the brain that are affected include the frontal lobes (which help us concentrate, make wise decisions, remember what we’ve learned and regulate our impulses), the limbic system (which is the base of our emotions and, if over-activated, can result in wide mood swings, temper outbursts and a quick startle reflex), and the inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex (which help us to inhibit such behaviors as hyperactivity and speaking out of turn). Two important characteristics are: 1. The symptoms are seen in most situations, not just at home or just at school, and 2. The symptoms are apparent before the age of seven. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has identified three main types of ADHD: ADHD Predominately Inattentive Type, ADHD Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive Type and ADHD Combined Type. Diagnoses are made based upon the duration and severity of many symptoms, including:
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
As in the case of Michael Phelps, children with ADHD can show significant improvement with medication and behavioral therapy. Medication is the first-line treatment, but behavioral therapy is vital in reducing symptoms and improving function. Chances of overcoming ADHD are better when parents participate in the treatment of their children. We know that one in five American children has a mental disorder, yet the overwhelming majority fail to be identified, lack access to treatment and suffer needlessly. This is a very likely scenario in Washington County, as the Washington County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (MHAR) Board has been left with no funds to provide treatment to children not covered by Medicaid. The state continues to slash funding for community mental health services; because we are dependent on the state for 99.5 percent of our funding, we have no way to adequately provide critical treatment for local children. This situation has led the MHAR Board to try again for a levy for children’s treatment. Out of 88 Ohio counties, we are one of only 14 that do not have a mental health, alcohol and drug treatment services levy in place. |
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