HCG specialists debunk myths about the increase in ADHD in society

Specialists of Civil Hospital of Guadalajara (HCG) They debunked the myth that there is currently an increase of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Rather, they say that there are now more and better tools in the field of health, supported by inter- and transdisciplinarity, to diagnose them; as well as a greater socialization and awareness about the topic on social media. 

This was stated at a press conference this Friday morning, on the occasion of the commemoration of International ADHD Day, which will take place on next July 13.

“Now, with the access we have to social media, people identify the symptoms. Also Schools have played a very important role in the referral and detection of this condition in girls and boys“Explained Rosa Elizabeth Márquez Palacios, head of the Neurology and Pediatrics Service of the Old HCG “Fray Antonio Alcalde”. 

He reported that Mexico has a population of around 2 million children with this neurodivergent condition; moreover, now, due to a generational issue It is more common to find young adults attending consultations, although not all meet the characteristics to complete the diagnosis. 

Regarding the symptoms, Dr. Miriam Elizabeth Jiménez Maldonado, attached to the Neuropsychology Service of the same hospital, detailed that this year they have given 611 consultations related to this condition, but clarified that “of these cases, Not everyone has ADHD; it needs to be specified. For example, here, in this case, The three main symptoms are related to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness".

He clarified that if a timely treatment From a young age, through a early diagnosis, There is a high probability that the person with ADHD will have a better quality of life during adulthood. Furthermore, he indicated that another important component of the assessment is The analysis of skills, such as attention and memory, that are expected during growth makes it very relevant to explore executive functioning. 

“This relates to situations that require greater cognitive skills to solve problems such as plan and organizeAnd this is important in the context from school or home, "Because that's where we can see the difficulties that children with attention deficit disorder have," she emphasized. Jiménez Maldonado. 

He said it is necessary do not advance an uninformed diagnosis in case children present some of the indicators of this condition, but it is necessary assess with professional help whether these situations occur in all contexts, such as school, home, the park, interaction with neighbors, friends, etc. If not, this corresponds to a differential diagnosis, which usually respond to behavioral problems or a lack of an adequate system of rules or limits. 

Social repercussions and their consequences
 

While progress has been made in identifying and treating this condition, so too have its social repercussions increased, such as stigma, stereotypes and other behaviors that can be harmful to people with this condition, especially for children. 

Luz Alejandra Fernández Villanueva, a psychologist attached to the Psychology and Child Psychiatry Service of the former HCG “Fray Antonio Alcalde”, pointed out that from a psychological perspective it is possible to address issues related to responses such as impulsivity of these people, and not so much to academic development, which is linked to another approach to care. 

“This emotional impulsiveness, unfortunately, often leads them to have immediate responses to disapproval, for example, from teachers, parents, or peers. Then, They begin to make very intense responses that lead to social conflicts”, he stressed. 

Furthermore, he said that, unfortunately, these situations They create a negative perception of childhood., as It is assumed that they have a significant problem. which in some way hinders healthy social development, or it is assumed that they do not fulfill their tasks out of laziness, and not because of their condition. This affects the emotions, self-esteem and, in the long run, self-concept. 

He determined that it is adult responsibility helping these children in these cases. Otherwise, by attributing to them the responsibility for their reactions and actions,This makes him vulnerable, because they are not addressing the problem.And this is a very common posture"In the context of schools," he warned Fernández Villanueva.

Another situation they have noticed is that schools are have been overwhelmed by conflicts in learning spaces, “And it's the teachers who put a lot of pressure on the parents to get their children to attend to their needs. The truth is, it's been difficult,” she added. Alejandra Fernández.

In general terms, he said that while schools have specific areas for addressing these issues, coordinated by the Jalisco Ministry of Public Education, the HCG usually handles referred cases through the work teams of the competent areas of each region. 

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Text: Ernesto Navarro López
Photo: Abraham Aréchiga