Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, continues to be a complex condition to assess and treat, particularly in young children. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD are crucial because early intervention may help attenuate or even prevent certain undesirable effects in the lives of children and their families. This article provides a description of the disorder as manifested by children under five years of age. This is followed by a discussion of diagnostic issues. Finally, an integrated approach to treatment is suggested.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn). Washington, DC: APA.
2.
ArnettP.A., FischerM. & NewbyR.F. (1996). The effect of Ritalin on response to reward and punishment in children with ADHD. Child Study Journal, 26(2), 51–70.
3.
BarabaszM. & BarabaszA. (1990) Attention deficit disorder: Diagnosis, Etiology and treatment. Child Study Journal, 26 (1), 1–37.
4.
BarkleyR.A. (1990) Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.NY: Guilford.
5.
BettleheimB. (1973) Bringing up children. Ladies Homes Journal, 90, 28.
6.
FeingoldB.F. (1973) Why Your Child is Hyperactive.NY: Random House.
7.
GoyetteC.H. & ConnersC.K. (1977) Food additives and hyperkinesis. Paper presented at the 85th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.
8.
GoodmanR. & StevensonJ. (1989) A twin study of hyperactivity: II. The aetiological role of genes, family relationships, and perinatal adversity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30, 691–709.
9.
GrossM.D. (1984) Effects of sucrose on hyperkinetic children. Paediatrics, 74, 876–878.
10.
HazelJ. & SchumakerJ. (1988) Social skills and learning disabilities: Current issues and recommendations for future research. In KavahaughJ. & TrussT.Jr., (eds) Learning disabilities: Proceedings of the National Conference.Parkton, MD: York Press. pp. 293–344
11.
MannC.A., LubarJ.F., ZimmermanA.W., MillerC.A. & MuenchenR.A. (1992) Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Controlled study with clinical implications. Pediatric Neurology, 8, 30–36.
12.
PopeA.T. & BogartE.H. (1996) Extended attention span training system: Video game neurotherapy for attention deficit disorder. Child Study Journal, 26, 39–50.
13.
RossM.D. & RossS.A. (1982) Hyperactivity: Research, Theory and Action.NY: Wiley.
14.
SwansonJ., McBurnettT., WigalT., PfiffnerL., LernerM., WilliamsL., ChristianD., TammL., WillcuttE., CrowleyK., ClevengerW., KhouzamN., WooC., CrinellaF. & FisherT. (1993) Effect of stimulant medication on children with attention deficit disorder: A review of reviews’. Exceptional Children, 60 (2), 154–162.
15.
ThompsonG.O.B., RaabG.M., HepburnW.S., HunterR., FultonM. & LaxenD.P.H. (1989) Blood-lead levels and children's behaviour—Results from the Edinburgh lead study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30, 515–528.
16.
WhalenC.K. (1983) Hyperactivity, learning problems, and the attention deficit disorders. In OllendickT.H. & HersenNM. (eds) Handbook of Child Psychopathology.NY: Plenum.
17.
WolraichM., MilichR., StumboP. & SchultzF. (1985) The effects of sucrose ingestion on the behaviour of hyperactive boys. Paediatrics, 106, 675–682.
18.
ZametkinA.J., NordahlT.E., GrossM., KingA.C., SempleW.E., RumseyJ., HamburgerS. & CohenR.M. (1990) Cerebral glucose metabolism in adults with hyperactivity of childhood onset. The New England Journal of Medicine, 20, 1361–1366.
