Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | HealthStub

 

What is ADHD?

The most common behavior disorder in children (and even adults) is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by several problems such as difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and excessive indulgence in activities. Symptoms can differ from person to person. The condition can affect both children and adults. ADHD can affect a person during their childhood and it can continue into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty managing time, organizing tasks and work, setting goals, and sticking to a job.

Health can use the following terms to describe a hyperactive child or adult: Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Hyperkinetic Disorder Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is classified into three types - Type to Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and Combined Type. In the predominantly inattentive type, a person has difficulty performing a task. In addition, organizing a task becomes difficult. If a person is affected by a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive disorder, they cannot sit still. Either they are restless or they tend to talk a lot. They keep jumping, running or even trying to climb. Children become extremely agitated, impulsive, and continually interrupt others. A person who primarily has a hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD is often injured. The combined type of ADHD includes both the predominantly inattentive type and the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. It is important to note that hyperactive children do not always have ADHD. It is always recommended to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of ADHD in your child.

ADHD Cause & Symptoms

Studies have not yet confirmed the exact cause of ADHD. However, researchers have identified various reasons that support ADHD as a biological condition. This therefore confirms the fact that ADHD is a medical reason responsible for a child's or adult's habit of engaging in activities like daydreaming, excessive talking, impulsivity, forgetting, confusion and often inattention. Here are some potential causes of ADHD:

Hereditary: A range of research has been done over the years on ADHD. However, a conclusion for many of them is still pending. Hereditaries and genes are part of it. While many studies suggest that there are possible ways for a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD to have a family member with the same condition, no research has yet confirmed this. There has been a lot of research into which gene may be responsible for ADHD, but none have been named so far.

Pregnancy Factors: Poor diet, smoking, alcohol use, or substance abuse during pregnancy can affect a child's brain development. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco can increase a child's chances of developing ADHD. The debate is still ongoing about food additives and condiments and their possible effects on a child's brain.

Lead Consumption: Numerous recent studies have shed light on lead consumption and its relationship to ADHD. This means consuming seafood like fish, lean meats like beef, or excess dried foods. However, this has not yet been proven and should only be taken in the correct amount.

Brain injury / disorder: Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to brain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have confirmed the link between brain tumors and brain damage and the disorder.

The exact causes of the diseases are not yet known. Researchers say the following factors may increase the risk of disease:

Heredity: ADHD can run in families.

Pregnancy Factors: Poor diet, smoking, alcohol use, or substance abuse during pregnancy can affect a child's brain development.

Toxins: Toxins, especially lead, can affect a child's development.

Brain injury / disorder: Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to brain disorders, including ADHD.

Worried About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Sleep apnea may be the cause

Experts point out that even if two of these symptoms are observed, the child should be taken to a specialist and tested.

Counseling psychologist Lajja Sanghav adds that ADHD usually develops in early childhood and can continue into adulthood if left untreated. Symptoms that parents should watch out for include:

Hyperactivity: Due to excessive hyperactivity, these children cannot sit still; they walk, run or climb when others are seated. They are constantly fidgeting, moving their hands and feet, and talking excessively. It almost feels like the child is like a wind-up toy that has been rolled up and left loose. The child's activity is excessively energetic, intense and untargeted.

Impulsivity: The symptom of impulsivity causes the child to act quickly without thinking first. Thus, these children give answers before the questions are finished, interrupt the conversations in progress and find it difficult to wait their turn. They find it difficult to resist immediate temptations and delay satisfaction. Minor accidents such as spilling drinks and spilling objects are common. The same goes for more serious accidents and injuries resulting from reckless behavior, such as running down the street without looking.

Inattention: The dimension of inattention gives the impression that the child is not listening when spoken to. These children become easily distracted, miss details, forget things and frequently jump from activity to activity. They dream, get easily confused, and move slowly. Their ability to plan and organize is affected. Often they dislike or avoid tasks that require mental effort such as homework and homework. Forgetting in daily activities and frequent loss of possessions are yet other signs of inattention, ”says Lajja.

Psychiatrist Jyoti Sangle believes that children with ADHD find it difficult to be patient about anything. “They go full blast and can even put themselves in potentially risky situations without thinking, which is stressful for those around them. An adult with ADHD will be someone who frequently loses or quits their job, not functioning. to capacity or capacity and is unable to do regular household chores, pay bills on time or organize things. They may forget important things, cannot complete chores and get worked up over small things ADHD can be diagnosed with the help of a professional Various tools such as clinical assessment and observation, a detailed history of the appearance, duration and evolution of the traits as well as a psychological evaluation involving checklists are needed.This is a complete team effort between parents, child, teachers, a mental health professional, an occupational therapist and a speech language pathologist and u No neurologist, "says Dr. Sangle.

ADHD Prevention

•  Stay healthy throughout your pregnancy

•  During pregnancy, avoid alcohol consumption

•  Expectant mothers are also advised for regular medical checks

•  Say no to smoking while pregnant

Moving forward with ADHD

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can find school life very difficult. And that's totally understandable, given their inability to focus and stay still. Children with ADHD find it difficult to organize, problem solve, and self-regulate. If something doesn't interest them, they just won't. They could sit at homework for hours together and manage to write only a few words. They are impulsive and cannot control their whims and desires. If they feel like getting up and running in class, they will. They can't help him.

Myths About ADHD

MYTH: Sugar causes ADHD.

FACT: This is wrong. No study has ever proven that sugar causes ADHD.

MYTH: ADHD is caused by excessive television viewing.

FACT: No research has yet proven that excessive television watching can cause ADHD.

MYTH: ADHD is not a real disorder.

FACT: ADHD is a biologically proven brain disorder and is thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain. Research shows that over 70% of children carry the disorder as a teenager and 50% carry it into adulthood.

MYTH: Every child with ADHD is hyperactive.

FACT: There are three types of ADHD. It depends on the type of ADHD your child has. If your child has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) there is a good chance their activity level is not being affected.

MYTH: Once the child grows up, he or she will overcome ADHD.

FACT: ADHD is a lifelong condition. The assumption that a child will overcome this condition is wrong. However, it is true that a child may be able to manage his condition well if proper attention is given. But the disappearance of this condition is extremely rare and should not be taken into consideration.

MYTH: Children who use ADHD medications tend to become addicted to drugs later in life.

FACT: The drugs used in the treatment of ADHD are helpful because they help to manage the disease well. Along with this, the drugs have been proven to be safe and do not cause any addiction. ADHD symptoms should be treated well with treatment, therefore, medication will only facilitate this process. If ADHD is left untreated, it can lead to drug addiction.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment

For many children with ADHD, medication is only the way to manage the disease. The drugs work for about 80% of children who take them. But drugs are not suitable for all children and all families.

There are two main drugs for ADHD: stimulant and non-stimulant. They work in the brain in different ways and help control symptoms. For some children, ADHD medications can have side effects; they usually go away after a few days.

It is common for children with ADHD to experience anxiety and depression. For these children, doctors may suggest additional medication for behavioral treatment.

ADHD therapies

Behavior therapy

The main goal of behavior therapy is to change the child's negative behavior into a positive one. Therapy involves a reward system at home. It has often been found to be beneficial for many children with ADHD and is often used with other medications.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This therapy is talk therapy. The aim of therapy is to make children reflect on their feelings, thoughts and behavior. the process helps children develop their self-esteem, which is generally affected in children with ADHD.

CBT is effective in treating ADHD, depression and anxiety, which occur in 50 percent of children with ADHD.

Non-medical treatment for ADHD

These treatments include exercise, omega supplements, diet change, mindfulness, and outdoor activities.

Parents also try to give their children over-the-counter (over-the-counter) supplements and brain play training. Although OTC supplements are not regulated by law.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for further details.