Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder is also as ADHD. It is a behaviour disorder and one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders (the brain has not developed neurotypical from birth) of childhood. A condition influences an individual’s way of behaving. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, be restless, control impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), excessive talking or be overly active. It is a chronic condition that affects children and continues into adulthood.
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
• Predominantly inattentive
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
• Combined
Signs of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
ADHD’s primary features include inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviour. It is more common in males than females and behaviour and signs can be different in boys and girls. Such as, boys can be more hyperactive and girls can tend to be quietly inattentive. Here are signs of ADHD that parents should be mindful of that may suggest that a child should be tested for ADHD:
1. Inattention : (easily distracted, difficult to listening others, difficulty attending to details)
2. Impatience: All children show the occasional impatience, but if a child consistently struggles to wait their turn and shows constant impatience, it is a sign of ADHD.
3. Self-focused behaviour
4. Inability to focus
5. Difficulty remaining still
6. Impulsivity
7. Emotional outbursts
8. Unfinished tasks
9. trouble playing or doing activities quietly
10. Mistakes
11. Hyperactivity: (talk excessively, has difficulty engaging in quiet activities, interrupting the questioner)
12. Interruption with others, conversations, games or activities
13. Daydreaming a lot
14. Avoiding challenging tasks
15. Forgetfulness or losing things a lot
16. Having difficulty getting along with others
How to diagnose ADHD?
A paediatrician, trained medical expert or child psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD after testing. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems and certain types of disabilities may have similar symptoms. So, there is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Because it is a group of symptoms, diagnosis depends on several sources, including neurological, physical and psychological testing. For ADHD diagnosis, a detailed history of the child’s behaviour from parents and teachers, and observation of the child’s behaviour play an important role.
Parents can also find out whether their child has ADHD or not if they pay attention to some symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Causes of ADHD in children
• Genetic or heredity: ADHD can pass from the parents to children. It frequently runs in the family. ADHD is a 1 in 4 chance that the child has it from their parent or sibling.
• Significant head injury: A head or brain injury can cause ADHD.
• Premature delivery: Premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy) increases the risk of ADHD.
• Brain anatomy and function: A lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level can be allied with ADHD.
• Prenatal exposure: Alcohol, the nicotine from smoking or drugs increase the risk of ADHD.
• Exposure to environmental risks: Environmental exposure, such as exposure to lead, during pregnancy or at a young age, can increase the risk of ADHD.
• Alcohol, smoking or drug abuse during pregnancy: taking alcohol, tobacco, smoking or drug during pregnancy can cause the reason for ADHD.
Complications:
• Substance abuse
• Tend to have poor self-esteem
• More accidents and injuries
• Oftentimes struggle in the classroom
• Excess weight and eating disorder
• Substances abuse (alcohol, drug, smoking)
Treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
Your child’s treatment for ADHD is based on:
• Child‘s health
• Overall health and medical history
• Your child’s symptom
• Youngster capacity to bear explicit prescriptions or treatments
• Your opinion or preference
ADHD treatment:
ADHD treatments include:
• Behavior therapy, including training for parents
• Medications
Tips for parents:
• Manage distractions
• Create a routine
• Help your child plan
• Be clear and specific when you speak with your child
• Discipline effectively
• Provide a healthy lifestyle
• Social occasions
• Use objectives and recognition or different prizes
• Create positive opportunities
Prevention
• Avoid alcohol, drugs, tobacco and smoking during pregnancy or avoid anything that could harm fetal development.
• Stay away and protect your child from environmental pollutants and toxins
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and make sure you and your child take a healthy balanced diet.
• Limit screen time, in the first five years avoid excessive exposure to tv and video games for your child.
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