Disabilities of Learning
ADHD is accompanied in 30-40% of the cases by a disability in learning, specific for this disease. Before school age,it manifests itself through the fact that the child has obviously some problems in the understanding and perception of some speech elements,such as words,sounds ,or even pronunciation ,doubled at school age by writing and mathematical lack of organization,disorder,reading and spelling problems .Dyslexia,a kind of reading disorder appears in 8 % of the cases.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
This problem that often comes together with ADHD in 33% of the cases is mostly encountered in boys,and causes them certain “authority problems”,and,sometimes,even to become violent towards other children. They refuse to be obedient or to follow a piece of advice,or even to accomplish a task,also manifesting obvious hostility.(ODD).
Tourette Syndrome.
In particular,very few cases,Tourette syndrome accompanies ADHD. It is a disease whose characteristic symptoms are repetitive mannerism,tics of nervous nature(grimaces,blinking of the eyes,clearing of throats,snorting,sniffing or barking some words.).This unusual behavior dictated by this syndrome appears in a small number of ADHD children,and can be kept under control by appropriate medication.
Anxiety and Depression.
These two symptoms mostly manifest in cases of ADHD. Once they are controlled by suitable medication,many problems related to the disorder are found a solution. The treatment has,in itself,an effect of reducing anxiety and depressive states of mind,doubled by a clear improvement of school and social activities.
Bipolar Disorder.
The basic symptoms of bipolar disorder are periodical mood fluctuations,with successive highs and lows,accompanied in children by irregularity of behavior and disposition,gathering depressive states of mind,irritability,but also exuberance. Identifying in a child whether it's ADHD, or bipolar disorder is a very complicated task. Statistic information is absent in this case And, of course, there are the common symptoms for both diseases:increased energy,insomnia. Characteristics that make the difference are the elated mood and grandiosity,only present in the bipolar child.
Disorder of Conduct
The disorder of conduct ,which affects 20 to 40% of the children also attacked by ADHD,is the main cause for the antisocial acts performed by these children. From lies,stealing,fighting,to violation of the others' rights, aggressiveness in relationships to people and animals,destroying and violation of other people's possessions and vandalism,all the negative features that cause social and legal problems may be present in these children. They are the most exposed to drug addiction and abuse and need more professional help than the others.
By: Tobias Higgens -