Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is quite common among children. Many grow with the disorder through their adolescents and adulthood. Common symptoms of the disorder include difficulty staying focused, paying attention and controlling their behaviors. However, these behaviors vary depending on the subtype of ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder subtypes
Predominantly hyperactive impulsive ADHD
Predominantly inattentive ADHD where those with the disorder have difficulties interacting with other children and
Combined hyperactive impulsive and inattentive combining the symptoms of predominantly hyperactive impulsive and inattentive ADHD
Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
According to scientists and medical experts, there are no exact causes of the disorder. However, genes play a big role in causing the behaviors in combination with environmental factors, nutrition, brain injuries and social environment.
ADHD often run in the family and children with the disorder are known to carry a gene with thin brain tissue and more specifically in the area where it is associated with attention.
Additionally, the use of alcohol and cigarette smoking contribute to the condition. These are environmental factors that affect small children and fixing the behavior can be hard because most of them grow with the habit over a long period of time.
Brain injuries also contribute to the disorder. This is common in places where children are subjected to traumatic experiences that cause traumatic brain injuries.
Refined sugar is also known to cause the disorder and worsen the symptoms in children already living with the disorder. Recent studies also show that food additives show a close relationship between preservatives and the condition.
Signs and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Symptoms of inattention include
- Daydreaming, moving slowly and getting easily confused
- Problems following given rules and instructions
- Easily distracted, forgetfulness and switching from one activity to the other without completing any of them
- Easily bored unless they are working on something that is enjoyable to them
- Difficulty focusing
- Trouble completing school and home assignments
- Do not listen when spoken to and does not process information accurately and quickly as others
Symptoms of hyperactivity
- Talks non stop
- Dashes around, playing with anything in sight
- Squirm in their seats
- Trouble sitting when having dinner, during story time and in school
- Constantly in motion
- Difficulty doing different tasks
Impulsivity symptoms
- Impatient
- Easily blurts inappropriate comments, acts without regard for possible consequences and display their emotions carefree
- Often interrupts conversations as well as other activities
ADHD affects many children and those at risk include those aged 7 and above and is common in boys compared to girls. As a matter of fact, boys are at risk four times than girls and the situation is increasing as years go by. The reason behind the trend is not clear.
ADHD can also lead to other psychological disorders and the reason as to why it should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed. Treatment options include education and quality training, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.
Talk therapy can also be used to relieve the symptoms of the disorder. Medications used include stimulants because they have a calming effect on children. There are also non-stimulant medications that are used to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in children.
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Sources
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20024559