Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble with inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
- Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
- Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.
- Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur at the moment without first thinking about them and that may have a high potential for harm, or a desire for immediate rewards, or an inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key practices of ADHD. A few people with ADHD just have issues with one of the practices, while others have both carelessness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Most kids have the combined type of ADHD. In preschool, the most well-known ADHD indication is hyperactivity.
It is entirely expected to have some carelessness, unfocused engine movement, and impulsivity, however for individuals with ADHD, these practices:
- are more serious
- are more severe
- happen all the more regularly
- meddle with or lessen the nature of how they work socially, at school, or in a work
Individuals Symptoms
Individuals with symptoms of inattention may often:
- Neglect or miss subtleties, commit thoughtless errors in homework, at work, or during different exercises.
- Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or protracted perusing.
- Not appear to listen when addressed straightforwardly.
- Not adhere to through on guidelines and neglect to complete homework, errands, or obligations in the work environment or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked.
- Have issues sorting out tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having chaotic work and poor time management, and neglecting meet deadlines.
- Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
- Lose things necessary for tasks or exercises, for example, school supplies, pencils, books, devices, wallets, keys, desk work, eyeglasses, and mobile phones.
- Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
- Be absent-minded in a day by day exercises, for example, chores, tasks, returning calls, and keeping arrangements.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms
- Squirm and wriggle in their seats
- Leave their seats in circumstances when remaining situated is normal, for example, in the classroom or the workplace
- Run or run around or move in circumstances where it is improper or, in youngsters and grown-ups, regularly feel fretful
- Be not able to play or engage in hobbies quietly
- Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”
- Talk constant
- Proclaim an answer before an inquiry has been finished, finish others’ sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in a conversation
- Have trouble waiting for his or her turn
- Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in discussions, games, or exercises
Diagnosis of ADHD
Diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by an authorized clinician, for example, a pediatrician, therapist, or specialist with aptitude in ADHD. For an individual to get a finding of ADHD, the indications of distractedness or potentially hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impede the individual’s work, and cause the individual to fall behind regular advancement for their age.
Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms.
One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD usually includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child.
Request an appointment at Kazmo Brain Center if you have ADHD doubts as our professional therapist will follow several steps to diagnose ADHD.
Causes of ADHD
Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.
In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:
- Brain injury
- Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
- Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
- Premature delivery
- Low birth weight
Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.
Treatment of ADHD
Treatments of ADHD include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.
Medication
For many people, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. The medication also may improve physical coordination. Anyone taking medications must be monitored closely and carefully by their prescribing doctor.
Stimulants
Under medical supervision, The most common type of medication used for treating ADHD is called a “stimulant.” Although it may seem unusual to treat ADHD with a medication that is considered a stimulant, it works by increasing the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention.
Kazmo Brain Center recommends to Don’t use Stimulants without a doctor consultation and talk with a doctor if you see any of these or other side effects while taking its:
- Decreased appetite
- Sleep problems
- Tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds)
- Personality changes
- Increased anxiety and irritability
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
Psychotherapy and Psychosocial Interventions
Several specific psychosocial interventions have been shown to help patients and their families manage symptoms and improve everyday functioning. In addition, children and adults with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents, families, and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed.
For school-age children, frustration, blame, and anger may have built up within a family before a child is diagnosed. Parents and children may need specialized help to overcome negative feelings. Mental health professionals can educate parents about ADHD and how it affects a family. They also will help the child and his or her parents develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to each other.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also teach a person mindfulness techniques or meditation. A person learns how to be aware and accepting of one’s own thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration. The therapist also encourages the person with ADHD to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment, such as thinking before acting or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks.
Family and Marital Therapy
Family and marital therapy can help family members and spouses find better ways to handle disruptive behaviors, to encourage behavior changes, and improve interactions with the patient.
Parenting skills training (behavioral parent management training) teaches parents the skills they need to encourage and reward positive behaviors in their children. It helps parents learn how to use a system of rewards and consequences to change a child’s behavior. Parents are taught to give immediate and positive feedback for behaviors they want to encourage and ignore or redirect behaviors that they want to discourage. They may also learn to structure situations in ways that support desired behavior.
The Difference Between a Neurotypical Child and a Child With ADHD
Two children were interviewed and asked the same questions. Both children are six years old, first grade, and have the same family structure, but their answers are completely different. Reason? And one of them has ADHD.
Follow the video to find out who is the child with ADHD,
Overseeing Symptoms: Staying Healthy
Being healthy is significant for all kids and can be particularly significant for kids with ADHD. Also, behavioral therapy and medication, having a sound way of life can make it simpler for your kid to deal with ADHD symptoms.
Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:
- Creating smart dieting propensities, for example, eating a lot of natural products, vegetables, and entire grains and picking lean protein sources
- Partaking in everyday physical action dependent on age
- Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age
Get Help!
If you have concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a Kazmo Brain Center that it is the most integrated private mental health clinic in Frisco, Texas.
Kazmo Brain Center is a counseling center located in Frisco, Texas specializing in mental health and will work with you toward a happier and more satisfying position. If you or your loved ones are facing mental health issues and you think that you need help, Request an appointment at the Kazmo Brain Center and we are here to help.
Resources:
cdc.gov
nimh.nih.gov
