Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a very common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. It’s most typically diagnosed in children, but it can last until maturity. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, limiting impulsive behaviours (doing things without thinking about the consequences), or staying active.

Symptoms and warning signs

At some point in their lives, most children will struggle with attention and behaviour. On the other hand, children with ADHD do not just grow out of their bad habits. The symptoms linger, can be severe, and can lead to issues at school, at home, or with friends.

A child with ADHD may do the following:

1. Spend a lot of time daydreaming

2. Have a tendency to forget or misplace items.

3. Make a wiggling or fidgeting gesture with your hands.

4. Excessive talking

5. Make careless mistakes or incur unnecessary risks

6. You can’t seem to keep yourself from succumbing to temptation

7. You don’t seem to be able to take turns.

8. You find it difficult to get along with others.

Types

Depending on symptoms, there are three types of ADHD:

The individual has trouble organising or completing a task, paying attention to details, or following instructions or dialogues. He/She is easily distracted and forgets routine details.

The individual fidgets a lot and speaks a lot. The person fidgets a lot and talks a lot. The person fidgets a lot and talks a lot. Predominantly The individual fidgets and talks a lot.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person talks and fidgets a lot. It’s difficult to sit still for an extended period of time (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may have an insatiable need to run, jump, or climb. The person is agitated and has a lot of trouble controlling his or her impulsivity. Impulsive people often interrupt others, take objects from others, and speak at inconvenient times. Waiting their turn or following orders is tough for the individual. Impulsive people are more likely to be engaged in accidents and injuries than others.

Overall presentation: Both of the aforementioned types of symptoms are present in the individual.

Because symptoms and the method they’re presented might change over time, so can the way they’re presented.

Causes of ADHD

Scientists are looking into the cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD in order to better manage the disorder and reduce the chances of someone having it. Despite the fact that the cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, new research suggests that inheritance has a substantial impact. In recent investigations, genetic factors have also been associated to ADHD in some cases.

Aside from genetics, scientists are investigating a variety of additional possible causes and risk factors, including:

Trauma to the brain

Exposure to environmental hazards (such as lead) during pregnancy or at a young age

You should avoid drinking and smoking while pregnant.

Having a child too soon

An excessively low birth weight

According to research, ADHD is not caused by consuming too much sweets, watching too much television, parenting, or cultural and environmental concerns such as poverty or family dysfunction. Many factors, including these, might aggravate symptoms, especially in certain persons.

However, there isn’t enough data to conclude that they’re the main causes of ADHD.

Diagnosis

The procedure of determining whether or not a child has ADHD is multi-step. There is no one test for diagnosing ADHD, and many other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning challenges, may share symptoms with ADHD. One element of the approach to rule out other conditions with symptoms comparable to ADHD is a medical evaluation, which includes hearing and vision testing.

To diagnose ADHD, a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and getting a history of the child from parents,  and teachers is done.

Treatments

Ususally, the most effective treatment for ADHD is a mix of behaviour therapy and medication.

For preschool-aged children (ages 4-5) with ADHD, behaviour therapy, particularly parent training, is advised as the primary line of treatment before contemplating medication. It is possible that what works best for the child and family will differ. Treatment regimens should include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes as needed.

Maintaining Good Health by Addressing Symptoms

Healthy behaviours are vital for all kids, but they are especially important for kids with ADHD. In addition to behavioural therapy and medication, a healthy lifestyle can help your child cope with the symptoms of ADHD. Consider the following healthy habits:

Developing healthy eating habits, such as eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and choosing lean protein sources

Physical activity should be done on a daily basis, depending on your age. On a daily basis, limiting the amount of time spent on TV, computers, phones, and other electronic gadgets, Getting the right amount of sleep each night according to your age