20 HEALTH
thursday 20 may 2021
burdekinlocal.com.au
Researchers call for more study of ADHD in girls Marina Trajkovich ATTENTION, Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has long been associated with young, energetic boys. But it’s a condition that also affects girls, albeit slightly differently. Knowing the differences in how ADHD impacts both boys and girls can be crucial in identifying behaviours and helping children and parents identify the condition. ADHD is best understood as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest itself in different ways, like experiencing difficulty in sustaining attention and resisting distraction. It can also present as difficulty in adapting energy levels to suit a particular situation, for example, a classroom setting. A young person with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, like fidgeting and squirming, or they might frequently leave their seat in class. Attention deficits could display in things like careless mistakes or when a child has difficulty staying attentive
in class. The opposite, hyperfocus when a child is intensely fixated on an activity, can also be a symptom. ADHD diagnosis About 1 in 20 Australians are experiencing ADHD, with the condition often underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Experts say that many signs and symptoms of ADHD are normal in children to an extent, with a diagnosis of the condition dependent on factors like a child’s age and whether the behaviours they’re exhibiting match their level of development. A child will only be diagnosed with ADHD if their trouble focusing is having a significant detriment on several aspects of their life like their schooling, home or social life. According to ADHD Australia, the child must also be displaying signs that persist for more than six months and before the age of twelve.
ADHD in boys and girls Rachael Murrihy, the Director of The Kidman Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, says that a growing body of research is examining whether there are differences between the displayed behaviours between boys and girls with ADHD. “Researchers have only recently started to unravel the expression of ADHD in girls. The way ADHD presents in girls and boys is in many ways similar, but there are a few noteworthy differences,” wrote Ms Murrihy for the Conversation. “Most importantly, while symptoms of hyperactivityimpulsivity are present across genders, with some studies showing more hyperactivity in boys, symptoms of inattention, which can be easier to overlook, are seen more frequently in girls,” she says. She adds that the onset of ADHD symptoms can differ between genders, with symptoms of hyperactivity presenting earlier in school
life. Inattentiveness, by contrast, has been seen to present later in life. “So girls with ADHD can often go undetected until academic and organisational demands increase in late primary and high school. “Girls with ADHD are also at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety than boys. If depression and anxiety occur at the same time as ADHD, it can be more difficult to diagnose ADHD,” says Ms Murrihy. “A range of possible mechanisms have been implicated in the difference in ADHD expression between genders, from hormonal
changes to cognitive differences to social factors. But we need more research to truly understand the reasons behind the disparity,” she says. Seen as a ‘male condition,’ More than twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls, with experts suggesting this could be due to persistent stereotypes regarding the condition as a ‘male disorder.’ Rachael Murrihy suggests that this could be due to a lack of understanding of how boys and girls experience the condition differently, with more research needed
to develop a framework inclusive of both genders. “Some researchers have suggested symptom thresholds for diagnosis in girls should be modified,” she says. “For many girls, ADHD is a serious and debilitating illness. Ensuring girls are identified early and accurately and that they receive evidence-based treatment is crucial.” CONNECT NOW: For more information on ADHD symptoms and treatment, visit www. adhdaustralia.org.au.
Pregnancy research leads to launch of new national guidelines Marina Trajkovich
science expert Dr Melanie Hayman. “The guidelines provide health professionals with evidence-based guidance on optimal physical activity during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. They may be Do you want to know what contribu0on the sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin? used to encourage pregnant people to achieve Want to contribute to a discussion about industry opportuni0es, challenges, and threats that lie ahead? levels of physical activity recommended for optimal health for them and their baby.” Join AgForce and a panel of industry speakers in Brandon, Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, Maintaining an exercise routine while Want contribute toBrandon a discussion about industry pregnant, even if you weren’t previously 50-54toDrysdale Street, from 5.00pm-7.00pm. active, can help manage the symptoms of opportunities, challenges, and threats that lie ahead? Dobackaches, you want to know what contribu0on the sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin? pregnancy like constipation, bloating inviteindustry cane farmers and community leaders to and take part in a Q&A industry experts. Wantand to swelling. contribute to a discussion We about opportuni0es, challenges, threats thatwith lie ahead? It can also help manage sleep, prevent We invite cane farmers and community leaders to excessive weight gain and lower your risk of Seats aretake limited! Register at agforceqld.eventbrite.com part in a Q&A with industry experts. gestational diabetes.and a panel of industry speakers in Brandon, Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, Join AgForce Pregnant women are recommended to get Seats are limited! Enquiries: KernM@agforceqld.org.au (0499 960 006) or HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au (0408 786 057) at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most 50-54 Drysdale Street, Brandon from 5.00pm-7.00pm. days, with women who weren’t previously Any COVID restric0onsand current at theof 0me will apply to this event. active urged to start slowly and build on Join AgForce a panel industry speakers in Brandon. exercise duration, with going for brisk walks a We invite leaders to take part in a Q&A with industry experts. great starting point. cane farmers and community Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, Those who are already active may maintain 50-54 Drysdale St, Brandon from 5pm-7pm their fitness routines, adapting needs as Register Seats their are limited! at agforceqld.eventbrite.com they get closer to delivery.
Do you want to know what contribution the sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin?
Register at: Enquiries: KernM@agforceqld.org.au (0499 960 006) or HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au (0408 786 057) CONNECT NOW:
For more information on recommended exercise guidelines, visit: https://www.health. Any COVID restric0ons gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-andexercise/pregnancy.
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KernM@agforceqld.org.au (0499 960 006) or currentEnquiries: at the 0me will apply to this event. HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au (0408 786 057)
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A NEW set of physical activity guidelines for pregnant women has been released by the Australian Government Department of Health this month to help expectant mothers stay healthy. The guidelines come from new research led by CQUniversity and the University of Queensland and provide a framework for exercise during the period of pregnancy and postpartum. Lead author and researcher Professor Wendy Brown from the University of Queensland said that the guidelines highlight recommended activity levels based on prepregnancy fitness levels. She says that pregnant women who were active before pregnancy can continue with physical activity, altering their exercise routines over the course of the pregnancy. “If you were inactive before pregnancy, start slowly and build up your activity to meet the recommendations,” Professor Brown said. “As your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to adapt your activities. Listen to your body and chat with your health professional for more help,” she said. Experts recommend that pregnant women discuss exercise options with their doctors in order to stay healthy with the new guidelines working to further the understanding of health practitioners. “These guidelines are applicable to all Australians who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, as well as health professionals who provide care during pregnancy,” said CQUniversity exercise
