Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1213458
3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 FEBRUARY 2020 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications I write in response to the report 'Higher rates of ADHD inside poorer, denser harbour areas' (Sunday, 26 January 2020). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dis- order, ADHD, is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects around 6% of the population. It is a disorder affecting attention, emotional regulation and executive function. It often presents as hyperactivity or impulsiveness in some individuals, whilst appearing as distract- ibility or dreaminess in others. Many believe that ADHD is not a real condi- tion, even though research clearly shows distinct differences in brain development and low levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHD is very real! Contrary to popular belief, ADHD oc- curs across the board – IQ, social status, location and family income have very little to do with the occurrence and fre- quency of ADHD. It does, however, have a strong genetic link – between 60% to 80% of cases are inherited from family members. Research links untreated and unmedicated ADHD to a higher risk of suicide, risky behaviour, smoking, addic- tion, car accidents, school drop-outs or not continuing education after compul- sory schooling, the chance of developing oppositional defiant disorder which may lead, in some cases to conduct disorder and criminal behaviour, earlier and un- planned pregnancies, less financial sta- bility, and more marital problems. It has been found that the biggest preventive factors to all of the above are a combination of ADHD medication alongside Cognitive Behavioural Thera- py and coaching. Parent training cours- es, specifically for parents of children with ADHD, are also very important. Parenting a child with ADHD requires a different set of skills to parenting a child without ADHD and at times traditional discipline may not work as effectively. Currently for children to get diag- nosed with ADHD, they need to be referred to the Child Guidance and Assessment Unit (CDAU) or get a pri- vate diagnosis through an educational psychological evaluation followed by a psychiatrist appointment in order to be prescribed medication. The services of- fered at CDAU are good ones, however, unfortunately getting assessed through CDAU may take a lot longer due to long waiting lists – one ends up waiting months to get an appointment, assess- ment and a diagnosis. Private diagnosis are quicker, however very costly. This, unfortunately, leads to a situation where families who are find- ing coping difficult and urgently need support, have to wait for a long time. Early intervention is crucial and the longer a diagnosis, the longer it takes for the child to get the appropriate interven- tion and support. This leads to possibly more affluent families choosing to go privately to reduce waiting times. Whilst it is important to have a num- ber of assessment options to choose from, parents should have the option to choose the service they wish, and if they choose a private service, possibly have their choice partially financed by the government with the amount of money that would usually be spent to get a child assessed by CDAU. Another service that is much needed by Maltese families, and currently lack- ing, is support when the child / young person develops challenging behaviour and it becomes very difficult for him or her to remain living at home. Parents do not know where to turn and are current- ly moved from one service to another without finding the appropriate help, thus leading to poorer family mental health and worsening or even violent behaviour when oppositional defiant disorder is present alongside ADHD. An appropriate supportive service is surely needed here! For further information, support or help regarding issues related to ADHD, one can contact the NGO ADHD Malta on 79706364 / 79252917, by e-mailing adhdmalta@gmail.com or ADHD Malta on Facebook. Dorothy Sciberras Treasurer & Coordinator ADHD Malta ADHD support for families