MHM Magazine

Issue 61 | 2022 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 11 MHM with a heritability chance of almost 60% for a child if a parent has ADHD, and a 70%–80% chance for a twin if the other twin has ADHD. Research demonstrated imbalances of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenalin) within the brain, as well as differences in the development of self-management systems in the brains of individuals with ADHD (e.g. changes in areas of the brain responsible for concentration, regulation, organisation, planning, time- management, decision-making, etc.). MYTH 3: ADHD IS OVER DIAGNOSED The facts: ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder in children – affecting an average of 5% of school- aged children – irrespective of which countries or cultural groups these prevalence studies were conducted! The seeming “explosion” of ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions for treatment in recent years has led to accusations that doctors, teachers, and parents are labelling ordinary, energetic children with a disease and medicating them to control normal, but unwelcome, behaviour. Although the rate of diagnosed ADHD in children has increased over the past two decades, this isn’t due to “over diagnosis”, but rather improved awareness about ADHD amongst healthcare practitioners and parents and therefore increased help- seeking behaviour and screenings. Also, because we’re now more aware that ADHD persists through adolescence and into adulthood, children often continue to be treated for longer – resulting in an increase in prescriptions for ADHD treatment. Unfortunately, despite this many children (and adults) suffering from ADHD remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or if diagnosed don’t receive optimal treatment. MYTH 4: ANY CHILD WHO IS NAUGHTY, FIDGETY OR TALKATIVE IS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD The facts: Many children with ADHD are not hyperactive – but rather quiet daydreamers! ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, which should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. Although screening children for the presence of ADHD is very important, the final diagnosis will always be confirmed by a thorough clinical assessment – which will also exclude conditions that mimic ADHD (e.g. depression, anxiety, visual problems, and certain medical conditions). In South Africa, psychiatrists use very well- researched diagnostic criteria (the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) which describes the core and associated symptoms of ADHD. MYTH 5: ADHD IS DUE TO THE “JUNK” WE EAT The facts: There is no scientific evidence to prove that eating sugar or junk food will cause ADHD. Although some children (both those with and those without ADHD) are particularly sensitive to certain food components (such as artificial colourants, additives, and refined sugar), and others benefit from specific food supplements (such as omegas), dietary intervention alone does not prevent or cure ADHD. If ADHD was due to foodstuff alone, then surely the prevalence would have been much higher and everyone would have ADHD… However, we know that various factors are at play (see myth 2). There is little scientific evidence to show that dietary changes help with ADHD symptoms or academic functioning. However, a healthy balanced diet and regular physical exercise do form part of the ideal integrated treatment approach of children (and adults) with ADHD. It’s important to treat each child as an individual and work with an appropriate professional to test what, if any, dietary changes might help improve the child’s symptoms. MYTH 6: PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES AND PSYCHIATRISTS ARE COLLUDING FOR FINANCIAL GAIN The facts: When a cardiologist assesses a patient, discovers the patient’s blood pressure is high, and starts him on treatment – is he colluding with pharmaceutical companies just to sell more medication? I prefer to believe that healthcare providers (read: psychiatrists) always have the patient’s best interest at heart. Why would they want to do something which is bad for a child? Pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals are both bound to strict ethical codes (and personal values) we adhere to. MYTH 7: ADHD MEDICATION IS DANGEROUS The facts: It’s true that any substance or medication (including herbal remedies) has the potential for risks and side effects. When it comes to medication, it’s never a decision to be taken lightly. Always carefully consider the benefits of treating the child versus the potential harm of withholding treatment. The medications used to treat ADHD have been proven safe and effective more than 50 years, and have been researched in more than 200 successful clinical trials. The