ADHD in children

ADHD 

The disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can manifest in different ways: overdrive, impulsivity and distractibility. Also include children who daydream.

According to current diagnostic criteria, the child must provide for a minimum of six months, in family and school environments, the following:

- Easy distraction.

- Inattention and forgetfulness

- Agitation motor

- Interrupts the speaker, and absences to reprimands or reprimands.

These symptoms should be objectified before twelve years according to new specifications in the DSM-5.

Biological Bases

Called " ADHD genes" belong polymorphisms, ie a gene variants in the population appears frequently variable. These modify the function of the corresponding protein and encoded in the DNA. Recent studies at the University of Würzburg points to a dozen genes that may contribute to developing ADHD.

What seems to be clear is that there is a neurobiological disorder, namely cerebral origin in which there is a dysfunction in the prefrontal lobe and in other brain regions. THE 75% of the causes that produce it are genetic type. Also, it is true, that similarly as in other complex diseases, factors such as snuff, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, premature birth or low birth weight increases the risk.

Altered brain signal

The disorder destabilizes the neuronal network activity. It affects the prefrontal cortex (area associated with decision making, attention and planning) and the striatum (involved in the movement). It also affects the nucleus accumbens (manager of reinforcement and attention), hippocampus (memory unit) and amygdala (within the fear among others).

Neurotransmitters transmission is affected by ADHD, mainly the dopaminergic system so that the messages do not reach efficiently.

Returning to the biological and going into a little more detail, it is a polymorphism in the DAT gene. This is inherited code for a dopamine transporter must remove the neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft is. This transporter appears in large quantities in those affected. It causes overactive dopamine rapidly withdraw from the synaptic cleft and the signal does not reach these neurons.

Besides dopamine, other neurotrasnmisores that are under study, noradrenaline and serotonin. There are many genetic variants related to these neurotransmitters and their networks. The researchers intend to find out the specific place where are the hubs of communication involved in ADHD.

Psychoeducation IS ESSENTIAL AND MUST BE WITH ALL THE ACTORS INVOLVED (CHILDREN, PARENTS, FAMILIES AND EDUCATORS).

by iBonis Project

For more information:

Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder. For W.E G.A Pelham and Fabiano.