Dr. Ajoke Akintade, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician and interim chief medical officer at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, has been working with patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for decades. In that time, the condition has become one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood, affecting about 10% of children. But despite its prevalence, it’s still often misunderstood. To mark ADHD Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Akintade about the facts vs. the myths of ADHD.
You have been working with young ADHD patients for decades. How has the perception of ADHD changed over the years?
“The name ADHD came into use in the 1980s; before then, it was referred to as Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood, Minimal Brain Dysfunction, and Hyperactive Child Syndrome. Despite the name changes through the years, the core symptoms of ADHD have stayed the same.
It is now widely accepted that ADHD has a significant genetic component; however, the exact pattern of inheritance is unknown. Twin studies have shown that the risk of being diagnosed with ADHD if one has an identical twin is 80 to 90%
A better understanding of ADHD as a neurobehavioral disorder has resulted in improved awareness and more accurate diagnosis. The notion that ‘bad parenting’ causes ADHD is false.
Why is there sometimes resistance from Black families to an ADHD diagnosis?
“Although symptoms of ADHD are similar irrespective of skin color, Black parents remain reluctant to have their child labeled as having ADHD. Parents may ask: ‘Why do I want my child to stand out even more in society?’ Our country still has ways to go in terms of educational and societal inequalities, and we need to take off the shame and stigma of ADHD.
Even with a diagnosis of ADHD, one can lead a successful and productive life.
ADHD sometimes has a reputation for being overdiagnosed. What do you look for when diagnosing ADHD?
“ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, and the symptoms are usually apparent by age seven. The symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity should be noted in two settings and directly interfere with functioning and development.
A comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, examination, observation, psychological testing, and other medical tests should be completed.
What are other issues that you often see with children with ADHD?
“There are many other mental health conditions that co-occur [comorbidities] with ADHD. These include, but are not limited to, learning disability, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, conduct disorder, sleeping problems, and depression. This is why a detailed and comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional is important.”
What advice do you have for parents who think that they may be seeing signs of ADHD in their child?
“Stay positive, seek support from friends and family. Get your child evaluated as soon as possible. Remember that ADHD is a common, non-discriminatory disorder of childhood that affects all races. A diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that your child cannot succeed or be the best at whatever she or he decides. Proven management includes a combination of educational strategies, behavioral treatment, medication, and parent support”.
