Attention deficit disorders

William B. Svoboda

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511545092.034

32 - Attention deficit disorders

from Part III - Behavior problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 October 2009

William B. Svoboda

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Summary

Attention deficit disorders, with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADDH, or ADHD), are a collection of similar behaviors caused by a wide variety of problems. Recognition of the cause is necessary to treat the problems effectively. Experts cannot agree on the cause, the diagnosis, the treatment, or the prevention. Some experts doubt their existence. The knowledge about the disorders remains speculative. It is unclear whether ADHD is at the far end of the continuum of normal behavior or whether it reflects a qualitatively different behavior syndrome. The symptoms have a CNS basis. There is some evidence of validity, but more study of this is needed (National Institutes of Health, 2000).

ADDs are frequent in children and adults with partial seizure disorders, but they may also occur in primary generalized epilepsy. ADD is seen in up to 48% of children with epilepsy, especially in boys (Holdsworth & Whitmore, 1974). Epileptic students show reduced alertness (Bennet-Levy & Stores, 1984).

Barry (1998) reviewed the treatment of attention disorders for the American Epilepsy Society Conference. Symptoms include a short attention span or distractibility, impulsive behavior, and poor frustration tolerance. Motor hyperactivity may be present. This may precede epilepsy. It occurs in one-third of children with epilepsy. ADD among patients with epilepsy can be confused with a dysphoria of epilepsy and can be mimicked by associated learning disabilities that interfere with auditory processing as well as by frequent absence seizures. Symptoms of ADD may be a side effect of antiepileptic drugs, especially in patients with retardation.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Childhood Epilepsy
Language, Learning and Behavioural Complications
, pp. 477 - 493

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511545092.034 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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