Exercise as it relates to Disease/Exercise As A Tool For Managing ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically presents in childhood,[1][2] and is caused by an imbalance of central catecholamines (norepinepherine and dopamine) identified by biochemical, physical and cognitive tests.[3] ADHD has 3 subtypes:[4]
- Attention Deficit/ Hyper Activity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type
- Attention Deficit/ Hyper Activity Disorder Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Attention Deficit/ Hyper Activity Disorder Combined Type
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in children and is more prevalent in boys than girls.[1] It is estimated a worldwide prevalence of 5.29% in those aged 18 years or under with significant variability.[5]
Symptoms/Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
ADHD is characterised by a certain behaviour pattern that is present in more than one environment and creates social issues for those with the disorder.[6] Symptoms include:[3][4][7][8]
- Inattentiveness
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Social Difficulty
- Forgetfulness/Disorganisation
- Lack of Self Control
- Pre Frontal Cortex Abnormalities
Patients are diagnosed by the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) [4] and must meet a minimum six persistent symptoms from the last six months, that are more severe than normally observed in that developmental stage.[4][9]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Pharmacotherapy[edit | edit source]
ADHD is primarily managed by a range of prescription drugs that are controlled, administered and managed by a referring doctor or psychiatrist.[1] ADHD drugs can be classified into two categories, stimulants and non stimulants [1][10] with stimulants being the most common type to prescribe, however different drugs can be prescribed depending on the age and developmental status of the patient.[10]
Drug Type | Effect on the Body | Common Pharmaceutical Drugs |
---|---|---|
Stimulant | ||
Non-Stimulant |
Psychotherapy[edit | edit source]
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with drug therapy, and is generally conducted by a psychologist.[12] There have been successful studies conducted using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for management, but were not sustainable for longer durations.[13] Using this technique on children also has proved validity by the therapist working on creating and developing a connection with the patient, and then focusing on changing the mental process used by the child.[13]
Exercise[edit | edit source]
Using exercise as management for ADHD has been praised by many researchers due to the success it has seen through various studies.[8] It has been shown that aerobic exercise can improve inhibition in children, which results in improved behavioural self-regulation. Furthermore, some longitudinal studies have seen improvements through frequent exercise and social interaction in reducing deviant behaviour and improving social interactions.[8] Further benefits of exercise for those with ADHD include:[8][14][15]
- Improved physical fitness
- Increased levels of norepinepherine, dopamine and serotonin in Pre Frontal Cortex and Hippocampus
- Increased levels of attention and focus and reduced distractibility
- Decreased aggressive behaviour
- Increased feeling of well being due to endorphins
- Assistance in goal setting
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
Recommendations[edit | edit source]
It is important for those with ADHD to follow daily physical activity guideline which recommends a minimum 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise every day, with a combination of aerobic and strength exercises.[16] Studies conducted involving exercise for ADHD patients have returned positive findings for mostly aerobic exercise, mainly due to the exercise induced release of dopamine.[17] It is also beneficial for ADHD patients to be involved in team based exercise to enhance social skills and discipline control in an exercise and sport setting [18] and give them a non-academic related goal setting task to work towards.[19]
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Australian Guidelines on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/ch54_draft_guidelines.pdf
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ a b c d Berger, F.K. (2014). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. MedlinePlus. September 2014. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001551.htm
- ↑ Nigg, J.T. (2006). What Causes ADHD?. The Guilford Press. United States of America
- ↑ a b Medina, J. A. et al. (2010). Exercise impact on sustained attention of ADHD children, methylphenidate effects. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 2(1), 49-58.
- ↑ a b c d MSU. (n.d.). DSM-IV Definition Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. September 2014. https://www.msu.edu/course/cep/888/ADHD%20files/DSM-IV.htm
- ↑ Polanczyk, G. (2007). The Worldwide Prevalence of ADHD: A Systematic Review and Metaregression Analysis. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6),
- ↑ American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. September 2014. http://www.dsm5.org/documents/adhd%20fact%20sheet.pdf
- ↑ Goldburg, G. (2014). ADHD in Adults. September 2014. http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-adults
- ↑ a b c d Wigal, S. et al. (2012). Exercise: Applications to Childhood ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 17(4) 279–290
- ↑ Royal Australasian College of Physicians. (2009). Draft Australian Guidelines on ADHD. Australian Government: National Health and Medical Research Council. September 2014. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/ch54_draft_guidelines.pdf
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Wilens, T. E. et al. (2011). An update on the pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 11(10), 1443-1465
- ↑ a b c d e Arnsten, A. (2006). Stimulants: Therapeutic Actions in ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology, 31, 2376–2383
- ↑ Hesslinger, B. et al. (2002). Psychotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 252(4), 177-184
- ↑ a b Conway, F. et al. (2012). Psychodynamic psychotherapy of ADHD: A review of the literature. Psychotherapy, 49(3), 404-417
- ↑ Verret, C. et al. (2010). A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children With ADHD: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 6(1) 71–80
- ↑ Sattelmair, J. (2009). Physically Active Play and Cognition An Academic Matter?. American Journal of Play,
- ↑ Department of Health. (2014). Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. September 2014. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#apa1317
- ↑ Chang, Y. et al. (2012). Effect of Acute Exercise on Executive Function in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 27(2), 225-237
- ↑ CHADD. (n.d.). Sports, Exercise, and ADHD. September 2014. http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD/Parents-Caregivers-of-Children-with-ADHD/Behavior-and-Social-Skills/Sports-Exercise-and-ADHD.aspx
- ↑ Sampson, K. (2009). On the Move. September 2014. http://www.chadd.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=3FguUggGkjM%3d