Pulled from a tunnel and into the light

Wei Ling observes that many parents neglect signs of ADHD, and take their children to hospital after teachers have suggested them several times.[Photo by Jiang Dong/ China Daily]

Medication

The good news is that while those such as the Beijing man face a life time on medication, the prognosis is not as bleak for all those with ADHD. Indeed Qian Jinqiu, an ADHD specialist with Peking University Sixth Hospital, says that about a quarter of children - in whom ADHD most often occurs - will "grow out of it" between the ages of 18 and 23. That, of course, means there are adults still suffering from ADHD, and even those who do manage to free themselves from ADHD's grip in their late teens and early 20s are likely to feel its effects for the rest of their lives because of the hurdles it placed in front of them during their early education.

Scientists still have no clear answers on ADHD's origins, but it may be caused in part by an imbalance in chemical messengers that affect the nervous system, and genetic factors, which account for about 76 percent of the condition risk, Qian says.

The disorder occurs more in boys than girls, and those with it are often hyperactive, often acting on impulse, and have trouble focusing, she says. They have great difficulty in following instructions even though they may understand what is wanted of them.

Most children with ADHD show signs of other mental conditions, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, Qian says. Experts stress that diagnoses of these disorders ought not be attached to someone who simply tends to be assertive or outspoken. The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual of mental disorders defines oppositional defiant disorders as "a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least six months".

Those with ADHD may also suffer from stress and anxiety, Qian says.

Other experts say that to treat ADHD effectively it is critical that it be identified. However, few people are equipped to do this, and a child will often be labeled as naughty, mischievous or lazy and be scolded or punished. This only serves to undermine the child's self-esteem and compromise his or her long-term mental health, the experts say.