According to latest research, the UK has seen a significant rise in diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - with the most cases in boys aged ten to 16. That's perhaps why there's also been an increase in Google searches for 'symptoms of ADHD in children', according to Google Trends, as well as phrases like 'magnesium glycinate for kids with ADHD'.
With so many parents clearly keen to know more about the condition, we spoke to Dr Selina Warlow is a clinical psychologist and founder of The Nook Neurodevelopmental Clinic. Here, she answers your biggest questions...
What are the signs of ADHD in young children?
There are three types of ADHD.
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Predominantly Inattentive Type (often known as ADD) involves mainly attention problems.
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Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type is characterised by high levels of energy and impulsiveness.
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Combined Type includes a mixture of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
In young children we see some of the below signs of ADHD...
Inattention: Difficulty focusing, staying organised, or following through on tasks, daydreaming or getting distracted by things around them.
Hyperactivity: Feeling restless or fidgety, having trouble sitting still, or needing to constantly move. This is more noticeable in children, who might seem like they are “always on the go.” These children may fidget with things or their desks or find reasons to get out of their seats in the classroom.
Impulsivity is acting without thinking about consequences. It might manifest as interrupting conversations, blurting out answers before questions have been completed, making hasty decisions, or struggling to wait for their turn.
Are symptoms different for boys versus girls?
ADHD is often diagnosed more in males than females. This can be due to the fact that boys may be more likely to present with externalised symptoms for example being hyperactive, impulsive or fidgety so it can be easier to notice. Girls’ symptoms, however, may be more likely to manifest differently and show more internalised traits. For example, they may be inattentive, e.g., daydreaming or struggling to keep focused on a task, but as these symptoms are less noticeable, they may be overlooked but may have an impact on a girl’s self-esteem.
How easy is it to get a diagnosis?
If you think you/ your child has ADHD, you can speak to your GP, who can refer you for an assessment through the NHS. You can also seek an assessment privately by searching for a local clinic online. The assessment would include completing a developmental history to understand more about these symptoms over time, understanding more about current concerns and some clinicians will use tools to measure attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity e.g. The QB Check which is a computer-based test that measures a person's ability to concentrate, impulse control, and activity level. Information from you/ your child’s school is also gathered to get an understanding about how symptoms present across more than one setting.
There’s been an influx of people searching for ‘natural alternatives’ to medication, like magnesium glycinate, but what’s best?
Many behavioural strategies can be used to support ADHD. Medication can also be helpful for some children, and this can be discussed with a psychiatrist who can assess if this would be appropriate for you/your child. We would always recommend evidence-based therapies, and we follow the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines when recommending appropriate support for ADHD. I am always very cautious that there are a lot of people online offering ‘cures’ for ADHD and I would highly recommend talking to a medical professional about appropriate support or following the NICE guidelines for this.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be causative. ADHD can run in families, and in some cases, it is thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves. However, the way ADHD is inherited is complex. Scientists are investigating many different genes that may play a role in developing ADHD, especially genes linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
How best can I support my child if they have ADHD?
If you or your child have experienced ongoing difficulties with inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity, we would highly recommend seeking professional support from a psychologist or psychiatrist who can formally assess this and provide you with professional support. They can then tailor a plan to support your child in reaching their full potential both at school and at home.