Why is ADHD on the rise

- It is getting more awarenessmore kids are getting referred for

evaluation
- More sensitive measures for ADHDa lot easier to detect and treat
know more about adhd
- More time in sedentary activities and engaged in video games/ TV
Everyone experiences varying degrees of ADHD at some point in their
lifecurrent culture seems to propagate ADHD
- Modern stress and lack of structured discipline bring out the symptoms
may be caused by environmental pollutants, decrease in nutritional
balance, lack of exercise

Do Video Games Cause ADHD?

-DR WederKids with ADHD are drawn to video games because you have to
immediately respond and there are no gaps for their mind to start wandering
- Dr Steingard- tasks changing rapidly, short bursts of attention all thats
involvedmakes sense kids with ADHD would find video games more
compelling
- Dr. Steingard- evolutionary biologists say ADHD showed up in gene pool
due to early tribes needed it to have people watch camp who were hyper-
vigilant to any sings of danger from any direction
- researchers say constant stimulation and instant rewards raise the bar for
kids to pay attention to less stimulating situations where you work harder to
get rewards.
- Iowa state university study- 3000 children and adolescents from Singapore,
over 3 years, found children who spent more time playing video games were
more impulsive and had more attention problemsfindings suggest kids who
play most have more severe ADHD symptoms

A True ADHD Epidemic or an Epidemic of Over diagnosis

- Dramatic increase in ADHD diagnosis due to: over-diagnosis through
inadequate evaluation and societal pressure for treatment AND a significant
increase in the demands being made on our children, schools, and families
- A proper diagnosis of ADHD takes time and requires considering all other
possibilities such as anxiety PTSD and learning disabilities. The doctor must
also understand the patients environment
- 2010 study: 10% of kindergarteners born in august(youngest) were
diagnosed with ADHD compared to 4.5% of those who were born in
September(oldest)
- ever increasing stress in American family is contributing to the diagnosing
of ADHD

Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in children

- ADHD most common behavioral disorder in children and prevalence is
increasing
- Students with behavioral concerns or poor academic progress should
be tested
- Prevalence increased 3% annually from 1997 to 2006
- 11% of 4 to 17 yr olds have had an ADHD diagnosis
- Adolescents with ADHD have higher rates of MVAs
- Genetic and neurological factors play roles in ADHD
- ADHD associated with deficits in brain structure, and neurological
functioning and connectivity
- Diagnosis should be considered for those patients 4 yrs or older with
poor attention, distractibility, hyperactivity
- Examination includes history and physical exam as well as review of
info across home and community settings