Mind It

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder where a person has difficulty in focusing, has lack of persistence and is mostly disorganized. A person with ADHD moves continuously, including in the situations where it is not appropriate to and is extremely restless. Here the person also takes hasty actions without thinking for a moment, which may have high potential for harm or a desire for immediate rewards.

Research shows about 10% of school-age children are suffering from ADHD. These children start showing the symptoms as early as between the ages of 3 and 6. A child with ADHD has Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity. If a child doesn’t complete tasks or homework, is disorganized, have a hard time paying attention to details, make careless mistakes, and is easily distracted by things like trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others than the child might be inattentive. One might not notice this in a child until he/she goes to school. If a child Fidgets when seated or gets up frequently to walk or run around, have trouble playing quietly or doing quiet hobbies and talks way too much than the child might be Hyperactive. The child might show these symptoms in preschool. Lastly, if the child is Impatient or is having a hard time waiting to talk than he/ she is probably impulsive.

It is important to note that the above signs may be observed in children frequently but it does not mean that the child has ADHD. It is when these signs become significantly more pronounced in one child, as compared to other children of the same age, and when his/her behavior undermines his/her school and social life, that the child may have ADHD.

ADHD affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, trouble managing time, being organized, have problems at work, relationships, self-esteem, and may also have addiction.

The cause of ADHD is still not known. Researchers say it might take place due to Heredity, Chemical imbalance, Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking during pregnancy, a brain injury or a brain disorder.

ADHD can’t be cured, but it can be successfully managed. ADHD is best treated with a combination of medicine and behavior therapy. It’s important for parents to actively participate in their child’s treatment plan, parent education is also an important part of ADHD management.

Remember, they understand what’s expected of them but have trouble following through because they can’t sit still, pay attention, or focus on details. Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Their parents, siblings, teachers should be patient with them. Appreciate their effort, good behaviors by Giving praise or rewards.

References:

kidshealth. (n.d.). http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html. Retrieved from kidshealth.org.

medicalnewstoday. (n.d.). http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/adhd. Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com.

nhs. (n.d.). http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Retrieved from www.nhs.uk.

nimh.nih. (n.d.). http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml. Retrieved from www.nimh.nih.gov.

webmd. (n.d.). http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd?page=2. Retrieved from www.webmd.com.

[Contributed by Roma Prabhudessai, undergraduate student of psychology during her internship.]