{"id":69,"date":"2025-05-07T00:30:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T00:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/?p=69"},"modified":"2025-05-30T20:43:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T20:43:50","slug":"attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/blog\/2025\/05\/07\/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;821&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;medium_depth&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;pickk-1&#8243; margin_bottom=&#8221;20px&#8221;]<div class=\"iwithtext\"><div class=\"iwt-icon\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/LaurenMS-300x196.png\" alt=\"\" \/> <\/div><div class=\"iwt-text\"> \n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sharen Lui<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Oct 3, 2021<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3 min read<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text]<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Updated: Feb 1, 2024<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is ADHD??<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Definition &amp; Diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 314.0X (F90.X)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A persistent pattern of:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inattention; and\/or<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">hyperactive and impulsive behaviour<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lifelong condition<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Symptoms usually present from early childhood<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Significant impairment in educational, social and emotional function<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are three types of ADHD:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD-combined subtype, which includes both inattention symptoms and impulsive\/hyperactive symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD-predominantly inattentive subtype<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD-predominantly hyperactive\/impulsive subtype<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There is no simple test to diagnose ADHD. Although there are diagnostic guidelines from the DSM-5 and ICD-10, it generally requires a significant knowledge of the condition, clinical experience, a review of the clients\u2019 current symptoms, and a careful consolidation of their developmental and educational history for professionals to confirm the diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Neurobiology &amp; Aetiology<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Epigenetic theory<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Human development is defined by the interplay of genetics (nature) and the environment (nurture). ADHD is a neurobiological difference with genetic and environmental contributions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Neurobiology<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Neuroimaging studies suggest ADHD symptoms relate to the structure and function of the prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. Research has found that the fronto-striato-cerebellar brain circuitry underpins Executive Functioning (EF) deficits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Genes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Like many other neurodevelopmental differences, twin studies showed a strong genetic component in ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Possible Environmental Risk Factors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Antenatal exposures to tobacco, alcohol and other substances, children born with birth complications and prematurity, maternal and prenatal stress, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and head trauma are all possible environmental risk factors of developing ADHD symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Psychosocial Factors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased risk of ADHD was found to be linked to psychosocial factors like adverse early childhood experiences, social, familial and cultural factors, family dysfunctioning and maternal influences .<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prevalence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD is present amongst individuals (ADHDers) across all cultural and ethnic groups, social classes and educational levels. It is more common amongst males than females as research has found. It is the most common (and diagnosed) neurodevelopmental difference in childhood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prevelance of ADHD in children is around 6.8% in Australia.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Similarly, in the United States and Asian countries, the prevalence is around 5-12%.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">~6.8% of children in Australia (NHMRC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">~9.4% of children in US (CDC, 2016)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">~5-12% of children in Asian countries (e.g., Taiwan, Hong Kong)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comorbiditis &amp; Challanges<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comorbidities with other problems are common in ADHD:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Oppositional Defiant Disorder\/Conduct Disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Autism<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tics Disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Intellectual Disability<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Learning Disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It poses challenges for individual\u2019s social, emotional, familial functioning and their long-term health, social and emotional outcomes. It often impacts on the quality of life for the ADHDer and their family. Anxiety and depression can arise from under-managed symptoms and negative thoughts about the self.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)<\/strong> has been recognized amongst some ADHDers, stemming from their consistent difficulties to meet their own or other\u2019s expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some symptoms of ADHD are not just specific to ADHD, but are common features of autism. Early diagnosis of ADHD, at times, leads to a late-identification of undiagnosed autism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The social impact of an ADHD diagnosis is not limited to the individuals themselves, but can also lead to issues in families. Without the knowledge and understanding of ADHD, carers and educators are often challenged by its daily impact and consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD may exacerbate underlying familial issues and serve as a significant stress factor for families. More so, treatment planning for children with ADHD needs to take into account whether the parent or caregiver has symptoms of ADHD themselves, and whether they can provide support to their child and implement intervention successfully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)<\/strong> is a profile identified in many autistic individuals and ADHDers. PDA was defined by British psychologist Elizabeth Newson as an anxiety-driven avoidance of the ordinary demands of life. This presentation can be seen in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It is often described by PDAers themselves as \u201ca neurological tug of war between the brain, heart and body\u201d. With PDA, demands come in all types, including forms that are not thought as a demand (e.g., reward charts, expectations, timetables, choices). They trigger an automatic response of threat or anxiety, which leads PDAers to avoid and escape. Understanding and additional support are often needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Management &amp; Strategies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ADHD is a condition that affects people across the lifespan.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Each individual with the condition experience it differently. It depends on their available resources, personal circumstances, family history, personality, individual strengths and weaknesses. Below is a summary of possible interventions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Psychosocial interventions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pharmacological management. Stimulants are mainly used to help to control impulses, behaviour and concentration<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Positive Behavioural intervention. Minimizing stigma and providing positive outcome<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Combined Intervention is preferred (Psychosocial &amp; pharmacological) It is most beneficial when professionals work collaboratively to implement intervention and support<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Psychoeducation to parents, caregivers, teachers, schools<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">School-based intervention. Peer support (e.g. buddy systems) can be helpful for children and adolescents experiencing learning, behaviour, organisation and concentration difficulties by enhancing their learning, social and behavioural outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a class=\"_u2fqx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sprout-psychology.com.au\/blog\/tags\/neurodivergence\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Neurodivergence<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<a class=\"_u2fqx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sprout-psychology.com.au\/blog\/tags\/adhd\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ADHD<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a class=\"_u2fqx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sprout-psychology.com.au\/blog\/tags\/psychoeducation\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Psychoeducation<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a class=\"Tp7c0d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sprout-psychology.com.au\/blog\/categories\/sprout-psychology-melbourne\" data-hook=\"link\">Sprout\u00a0 Psychology\u00a0 \u00a0Melbourne<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;822&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;medium_depth&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;pickk-1&#8243; margin_top=&#8221;20px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-69","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorized"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":824,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69\/revisions\/824"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingserver3.com\/Melbourne\/chinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}