NEW studies have been looking into how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) progresses over time.
The prevalence of ADHD, a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s behaviour and development, has increased in recent decades.
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A study by University College London involving 7 million people aged 3–99 found ADHD diagnoses increased 20-fold between 2000 and 2018.
Now, new research has found preschool children who struggle to control their emotions and behaviour have more symptoms of ADHD by the time their aged seven.
Children aged between three and seven who are slower at acquiring skills to manage their intense emotions were also found to be at risk of displaying more issues related to ADHD.
They were also more likely to show internalising behaviours, such as sadness and worries, at age seven, according to the researchers.
Emotional dysregulation is a common symptom of ADHD in children.
They may have intense emotions that are disproportionate to the situation, or have trouble calming down after something upsetting.
And they may also have a short fuse, be easily overexcited, or have low frustration tolerance.
The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, is among the first to look at the links between early patterns of emotion regulation and school-age mental health.
The findings could help tailor targeted support for children who may benefit from enhanced preventative care before mental health issues emerge.
How the study was carried out
Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, Northumbria and Oxford analysed a large dataset to test whether the progression of emotional development among children aged three to seven is related to the risk of common mental health issues.
They examined data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study which follows the lives of around 19,000 young people born in 2000-2002.
The researchers analysed questionnaires and interviews which surveyed parents on their children’s conduct, social behaviours, and emotional regulation skills.
They used statistical techniques to measure the link between emotional problems, conduct problems and ADHD symptoms at age seven.
Their findings showed that a tendency to have extreme emotional responses and slower development in the ability to regulate those emotions was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, internalising symptoms, and conduct problems in both male and female children at age seven.
This was the case even when other factors such as data on any pre-existing neurodevelopmental and mental health issues were taken into account.
Dr Aja Murray, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, who led the study, said: “Emotion regulation skills are acquired from early in life and are thought to strengthen gradually over childhood.
“Children, however, acquire these skills at different rates and slower acquisition may serve as a marker for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues.
“Our findings suggest that monitoring trajectories of emotion regulation over development could help identity which children are at risk of mental health issues.”
Other signs of ADHD in children
ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls.
Symptoms in children can split into two catageories – inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing) and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
According to the NHS, girls are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness only, and are less likely to show disruptive behaviour that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious.
This means girls who have ADHD may not always be diagnosed.
Symptoms in children are usually noticeable before the age of six.
Three of the main signs of inattentiveness include:
- having a short attention span and being easily distracted
- appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
Three of the main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
There are many other symptoms linked to ADHD in children and adults (see the full list below).
Your GP or your child’s teacher will be able to help if you think you or your child has ADHD.
Your GP will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they can refer you for specialist assessment.
Your child’s school can also arrange a specialist referral for your child.
Treatment for ADHD
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
Treatments for ADHD often include a combination of medication, therapy, and other interventions.
Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but other medications may be used.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants may be used if stimulants cause side effects or aren’t an option for health reasons.
Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help with social and emotional challenges.
Full list of ADHD symptoms to look out for
Symptoms of ADHD can be categorised into two types of behavioural problems – inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing) and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Many people with ADHD have problems that fall into both of these categories, but this isn’t always the case.
Symptoms in children and teenagers
The main signs of inattentiveness are:
- having a short attention span and being easily distracted
- making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
- appearing forgetful or losing things
- being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
- appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
- having difficulty organising tasks
The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are:
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- constantly fidgeting
- being unable to concentrate on tasks
- excessive physical movement
- excessive talking
- being unable to wait their turn
- acting without thinking
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
Symptoms in adults
In adults, the symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to define. This is largely due to a lack of research into adults with ADHD.
Symptoms also tend to be more subtle than childhood symptoms.
- carelessness and lack of attention to detail
- continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
- poor organisational skills
- inability to focus or prioritise
- continually losing or misplacing things
- forgetfulness
- restlessness and edginess
- difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
- blurting out responses and often interrupting others
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
- inability to deal with stress
- extreme impatience
- taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously
Speak to your GP if you or your child are displaying symptoms of ADHD.
Source: NHS
