Hyperactivity Disorder Curable, Experts Tell HMC Conference

Doha, February 12 (QNA) - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is fully curable with proper medication and behavioural therapy and it is observed that 50% of all children are drug independent after treatment, experts told a forum here. Speaking at the 2nd Qatar Conference on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), held at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), medicine experts said early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to the well-being of children with ADHD. The HMC forum highlighted the important role parents and teachers can play in identifying if the child is suffering from ADHD. Doctors called on parents to approach qualified psychologists for proper assessment of children. HMC Consultant Paediatric Neurology Dr Mahmoud Fawzi Othmnan said, "Once a child is known to have ADHD, we can then find out their strengths and weakness. Then we need to encourage the child's positive qualities to deal with the social and academic challenges arising out of this disorder." ADHD, which is a psychiatric disorder, affects between five and nine percent of all children worldwide. Some of the behavioural traits associated with ADHD include impulsivity, aggressive behaviour and low attention span in students. It starts appearing in children before the age of six years and affects their academic achievements and social behaviour in school and at home. "This disorder if not treated early can lead to high level of school drop outs among children. It is also found that children with ADHD are highly suspect to substance abuse and smoking," said Dr. Othmnan. The HMC has over the years worked with school teachers, parents and psychologists to offer ADHD support groups to help children, he added. Qatar is also among the few nations which have worked towards setting up of school guidance clinics. Here the psychologists offer their service regularly to ADHD children in school for a better and brighter academic future for the young generation. The ADHD conference at HMC this year also focused on updating the scientific knowledge of physicians and psychologists about this disorder. It also gave a chance for over 200 participants to share their experiences and learn more about clinical problem solving and management of ADHD patients. (QNA)