What is ADHD? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

 What is ADHD? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

One of the most prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental illnesses is ADHD. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and might extend into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, control impulsive behaviours (doing without considering the outcome), or being extremely active.

Signs and Symptoms

It is natural for children to have difficulty focusing and behaving at times. Children with ADHD, on the other hand, do not just grow out of these behaviours. The persistent, sometimes severe symptoms can be problematic at school, at home, or with friends.

A child who has ADHD might be:

·         a lot of daydreaming

·         frequently forget or misplace stuff.

·         fidget or squirm

·         excessive talking

·         make wrong decision or take unwarranted risks

·         have a difficult time rejecting temptation

·         having difficulty taking turns

·         have trouble getting along with people

Types

There are three ways that ADHD might present itself, depending on which symptoms are most noticeable in the individual:

•         Presentation that is Predominantly Inattentive: It is difficult for the person to plan or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or fails to notice little details in regular tasks.

 

•         Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The presenter fidgets and speaks a lot. It's hard to sit still for a long time (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Younger kids might constantly run, jump, or climb. The person is agitated and struggles with impulse control. Impulsive persons may interrupt others frequently, speak abruptly, or take things from them. Waiting his turn and following instructions are challenging for him. For certain people, impulsivity increases their risk of accidents and injury.

 

•         Composite symptoms: Equal amounts of both types of symptoms are present.

Like the symptoms themselves, appearance might alter over time.

 

Causes of ADHD

Researchers are studying the causes and risk factors of ADHD to improve management and reduce the likelihood that someone will develop ADHD. Current research indicates that genetics plays an important role in ADHD, but its causes and risk factors are unknown. Recent studies have linked genetic causes to ADHD. In addition to genetics, 1,

Scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors such as: Example:

·         Brain injury

·         Exposure to environmental hazards such as lead during pregnancy or adolescence

·         Smoking and drinking during pregnancy

·         Premature birth

·         Low birth weight

Research does not support the widely held belief that social and environmental factors such as parenthood, excessive television viewing, excessive sugar consumption, family disorders and poverty cause ADHD. . Of course, many factors, including these, can exacerbate symptoms, especially in some individuals. However, there is not enough data to conclude that they are the main cause of ADHD.

Diagnosis

Determining if a child has ADHD is a multistep process. Symptoms of many other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and certain types of learning disabilities, may resemble those of her ADHD, which cannot be diagnosed with a single test. A physical exam, which includes a hearing and vision test, is one step in her procedure to rule out other conditions with symptoms similar to ADHD. A checklist to assess ADHD symptoms and obtain medical history from the child's parents, teachers, and sometimes the child himself is commonly used to diagnose ADHD.

Treatments

Doctor Talks to Family

Usually the most effective way to treat ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy, especially parent training, is recommended as the first line of treatment for preschool children (ages 4-5) with ADHD before considering drug therapy. The ideal solution will vary for each child and family. Close monitoring, follow-up, and making changes along the way are all part of an effective treatment strategy.

Adults with ADHD

Adulthood is not affected by ADHD. Adults with ADHD may not receive treatment. Symptoms can cause problems in relationships, at work, or at home. Symptoms may appear differently in older people. For example, hyperactivity can manifest itself as severe restlessness. Symptoms may worsen as the demands of maturity increase. For more information about lifelong diagnosis and treatment, visit the National Resource Center for ADHD and the National Institute of Mental Health website.