Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder diagnosed in children. It is a neurobehavioral disorder, which affects the mental health of the children globally before seven years of age.

Children with this kind of mental disorder have impaired functioning in home, schools, and relationship with their peer groups. The disorder can have long-term adverse effects in adolescence and adulthood if not treated on time.

 Signs and symptoms of ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key symptoms of ADHD. It is very normal for children to possess these behavioral patterns but those with ADHD, these mental health behaviors are severe and occur very frequently.

 Inattention exists due to the following: 

• The child is Daydreaming or is not bothered about the surroundings and is in his own world.
• Children have difficulty in focusing and forget things fast.
• Difficulty in organizing and following instructions
• Have difficulty processing information and get easily bored.
• Get easily distracted

Hyperactivity involves moving around, jumping, and climbing when others are seated:

• The child cannot sit still and behaves at par than others.
• Children are constantly in motion
• Talk nonstop and have difficulty in doing quite activities
• Cannot sit at a dinner table and jump around

Impulsivity involves:

• Reacting quickly without thinking
• Blurting out inappropriate comments
• Being impatient
• Interrupting conversations very often

 How can ADHD be diagnosed?

Children with this kind of mental health disorder can only be diagnosed if the symptoms persist for more than six months or to a greater degree. Every child has different temperaments and personalities. ADHD cannot not be compared or related with other disorders. This mental illness is diagnosed between the age of 3 to 6 by a mental health specialist or a pediatrician.

A specialist focuses on the child’s behavior patterns, the environment he is used to, his family history, and his performance in school as well as in other outdoor and indoor activities. Many children with ADHD are able to control their behavioral structures when they get individual attention and are allowed to enjoy in playful activities. 

 What are the causes of ADHD?

Many studies state that like many other mental health disorders genes are a vital cause for ADHD. However certain environmental factors, nutrition and brain injury cannot be disregarded.

• Children with ADHD carry a thin version of brain tissue from their genes in the areas associated with brain attention
• Environmental factors such as smoking and alcohol during pregnancy have a potential link with ADHD
• A small percentage of children with brain injury show signs of ADHD

  What other illness can exist with ADHD?

Children with ADHD can have other illness like:

• Learning disability
• Mental health disorders like depression and Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder where a child can lie, or resort to stealing
• Oppositional defiant disorder where a child is over rebellious and refuses to obey orders of an adult.

ADHD can also coexist with bedwetting, substance abuse, sleep disorder, and other mental health disorders.

  How can ADHD be treated?

ADHD can be effectively managed but cannot be cured. Specialists and mental health professionals achieve in treating the child by developing an individualized long-term plan where the goal is to help the child control his behavior and the families to create an atmosphere where this is possible.

Behavioral therapy and medication is considered very effective in treating ADHD but requires close monitoring by the specialist as well as the family. Parents being the main support for the child require good education and knowledge of the treatment along with the doctor to help child come out of this mental health problem.

A doctor may adopt various medications in various doses to see the benefits of it on the child and his responsiveness to it. Behavioral therapy attempts to change behavior patterns of the child helping him to focus, organize, react positively to his goals, and receive awards for the same.

ADHD is a mental health disorder that needs supervision and support. Teachers, doctors, family and therapists all play a vital role in the child’s treatment and you being a stronger advocate to your child should take advantage of all the support available and help the child navigate towards success.

All about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a post from: Mental Health