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Overview of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children

Aroreretini ki ngā tamariki

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition. It affects the way a tamaiti (child) behaves and interacts with others.

At least 5 of every 100 tamariki (children) have ADHD. It is more common in boys than girls. But some girls with ADHD mainly have problems with poor concentration so they cause less disruption. This means they are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or they might not get diagnosed till later.

ADHD symptoms usually improve as your tamaiti gets older. But some tamariki with ADHD will continue to experience some symptoms in adulthood and may need ongoing help.

Causes of ADHD

We do not know the exact cause of ADHD, but it is likely to be a combination of factors. These include genetics. Tamariki with ADHD are more likely to have a family member with ADHD.

ADHD can also be associated with:

There is no good evidence that ADHD is caused by tamariki eating too much sugar or food additives.

Symptoms of ADHD

Tamariki with ADHD have 3 main areas of difficulties.

Tamariki with ADHD may struggle with one of these areas of difficulty or with all 3. As tamariki get older, the symptoms can change.

All tamariki (especially younger ones) are like this at times. But tamariki with ADHD are much more likely to act like this than other tamariki their age, both at home and at preschool or school.

Diagnosing ADHD

If you are concerned about your tamaiti, talk to their school teacher and your general practice team. Sometimes teachers may be the first to raise concerns and suggest that you and your tamaiti see your general practice team.

There is no simple test your general practice team can use to tell for certain if your tamaiti has ADHD.

To diagnose ADHD, your general practice team may ask you some questions about how your tamaiti behaves. They may also physically examine them.

Thumbnail image. Follow the link to the CADDRA formThey may ask you and the teacher of your tamaiti to fill in a form rating how your tamaiti behaves in different situations, such as:

Your doctor will then compare the answers to the symptoms of ADHD.

It is also important to find out whether other problems are causing the behaviour. These could include anxiety, learning difficulties or hearing difficulties.

Your general practice team may arrange a referral to a specialist for further assessment. The specialist could be a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Treating ADHD

There is no cure for ADHD. But in most cases, symptoms can be managed.

In preschool tamariki diagnosed with ADHD, behavioural and parenting strategies are usually effective.

In school-aged tamariki, a mixture of behavioural therapy and medicine works best.

Your tamaiti may also be able to get extra support through their school. Discuss this with their teacher.

Medicines for ADHD

Stimulant medicine can help your tamaiti with ADHD to:

Stimulant medicines do not affect your child's personality or brain and are not addictive. Tamariki with ADHD have used these medicines safely for many years.

The most common stimulant medicine in New Zealand is methylphenidate. Methylphenidate comes in different forms. Some tablets release the medicine immediately (such as Ritalin and Rubifen). Others release it into the body more slowly over the day (such as Ritalin LA, Rubifen SR and Concerta).

It may take some time for your general practice team and you to find the dose and timing that works best for your tamaiti.

Common side effects of methylphenidate may include:

Some tamariki can become sad or withdrawn on methylphenidate.

Talk to your child’s general practice team if you are concerned about any side effects.

There are other stimulants such as dexamphetamine. Your general practice team may suggest this if your tamaiti cannot take methylphenidate or if methylphenidate has not improved their symptoms.

If stimulant medicines do not work for your tamaiti, they may be offered an alternative such as atomoxetine.

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On the next page: Helping a child with ADHD

Adapted from KidsHealth as part of a National Health Content Hub collaborative. Last reviewed January 2025.

Sources

Page reference: 917663

Review key: HIADH-15144