New hope for ADHD in children and adults. Helena Bester

ADHD.

      Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)

      This disorder occurs in a minority of adult ADHD sufferers, but more often than in the general population.

      The behaviour of those who suffer from IED is characterised by regular episodes of impulsive, aggressive and even violent acts or verbal outbursts that do not relate logically to the circumstances. Road rage, the abuse of loved ones and the destruction of property are not uncommon with this disorder.

      Drug dependence

      The occurrence of drug dependence is greater among those with ADHD than among the general population.

      Autism-spectrum disorder

      According to the guidelines specified in DSM-5, the diagnosis of ADHD can also be made in the presence of autism-spectrum disorder. In the previous DSM, one diagnosis preluded the other. Asperger’s syndrome as part of the autism-spectrum disorder is no longer specified in the DSM-5.

      Autism sufferers have severe problems with social interaction and communication in particular. They display unusual and repetitive behaviour, and their interests are limited. Some sufferers have a serious language deficit, although not all do.

      Learning problems

      Delays in reading and spelling are common in children with ADHD. Problems in mathematical literacy may also occur. Because specific learning disorders commonly co-occur with ADHD, barriers to learning or learning problems are discussed in more detail in chapter 7.

      In the next chapter we return to the less technical – and, from the parent’s and teacher’s perspective – the more rel-evant implications of an ADHD diagnosis. We discuss the emotional reality which, for various reasons, parents and teachers have to grapple with.