ADH D

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY

DISORDER
 Previously known as hyperkinesis, one of
the most common behavioral disorder
 seen in 3-5% of all children, more
common among boys than girls, usually
evident before 7 years old.
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Assessment: The most common behaviors
fall into 3 categories:
 1. Inattention- having a hard time
keeping their mind on any one thing,
does not pay attention to details, makes
careless mistakes often does not seem
to listen when spoken to avoids/ reluctant
to engage in tasks that require sustained
mental attention such as school work or
homework
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 2. Hyperactivity – always “in motion”, “on

the go”, can’t sit still, feeling restless,
often fidgeting with hands and feet
 running, climbing, or leaving a seat in
situations where sitting or quiet behavior
is expected amd often talks excessively
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3. Impulsivity- do not seem to think before

they act, having difficulty waiting in line or
for a turn, interrupts/ intrudes on others;
may hit other child when they’re
upset
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4. Behavior must appear before age 7,

and persists for at least 6 mos. Behaviors
must create an impairment or problem in
at least 2 areas of person’s life such
home,work,school, or social setting.
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Nursing Intervention:
1. Build self-esteem
 Provide creative outlets but decrease
distractions while child is involved in task
 Provide short task that the child can
finish in short time
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Nursing Intervention:
2. Education needs
 Children with ADHD needs some special
accommodations to help them learn
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Treatments
Behavior modification therapy- using
positive and negative reinforcement
Psychotherapy- to help people to like and
accept themselves despite the disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy- supports
people directly in changing their behavior
Social skills training, support groups,
parenting skills training
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Drugs – The class known as stimulants

increase alertness and attention span,
reduce hyperactivity, improves ability to
focus, work and learn
 Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
 Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
 Pemoline(Cylert)