Older Adults With ADHD More Likely To Be Involved In Car Crashes
A study found higher number of older adults with ADHD involved in hard-braking events, self-reported traffic ticket events, and self-reported vehicular crashes.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder that appears in early childhood, makes it difficult for individuals to restrain their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.
The specific causes of ADHD are unclear. However, a number of factors such as genetics, diet and social and physical environments may contribute to or increase ADHD. Environmental factors include alcohol and tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and exposure to lead in very early life.
Complications during pregnancy and birth, including premature birth, infections during pregnancy, at birth, and in early childhood are linked to an increased risk of ADHD development.
Typically, signs and symptoms appear before the age of seven; there are basically three important symptoms: poor concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Only if a child shows all three symptoms in different environments such as school and home, and are unable to control their behaviour are they considered for diagnosis. ADHD can affect adults too, and adults with ADHD have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not appropriately dealt with, they can cause associated behavioural, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.
Usually, treatment involves both medication and therapy. Behavioural therapy involves adjusting the environment to promote additional successful social interactions. Social skills training can help a child learn behaviours that will help them develop and maintain social relationships. Both education and support for the parents can be an integral part of treating ADHD in children.
The following are the different types of this disease -
On the onset of symptoms, ADHD appear to be a very normal aspect of a child’s behaviour. Most of these behaviours disappear as the child grows. ‘A parent should be wary if the symptoms of attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsiveness prolongs for at least six months at a stretch in every situation such as in the playground, home or the school. However, if you notice that these symptoms are seen only suppose in the school and your baby is calm and composed at home or during play, it might not be a case of ADHD,’ says Dr Deshpande. The symptoms can range from mild, moderate to severe, and children suffering from ADHD often:
Causes
Researchers are yet to determine the exact reason of what causes ADHD, although it is believed that it is an outcome of a combination of certain factors that leads to the existence of this disorder at the moment. There are many studies underway attempting to establish a cause and effect link for ADHD; some of the common causes that are supposed to give rise to this disorder are listed below:
There is no specific test to diagnose ADHD; however, multiple assessments and other information gathering by the doctor can help one come to the conclusion and accurately diagnose the condition.
One helpful diagnostic technique is the use of Connors’ rating scale. This is a questionnaire filled by the parent and has 27 questions while another questionnaire has to be filled by a teacher that knows the child well and has 28 questions. Questions are based on a child’s behavioural characteristics. For each question, a score of 0–3has to be given with 0for never/not true at all and 3 for very often/very much true. The questionnaire should be filled and brought to the doctor for additional diagnosis.
Conners’ Rating Scales
There are two versions of the CRS-R, one to be completed by a parent (CPRS-R), the other by a teacher (CTRS-R). The CPRS-R has 27 questions and the CTRS-R has 28 questions. Both are designed for use in children aged 3–17 years. Most of the questions are loosely based on behavioural characteristics that are described in the DSM-IV diagnostic guidelines for ADHD (American Psychiatric Association 1994). Each question asks for a score from 0to 3to be chosen, where 0=not true at all/never, 1=just a little true/occasionally, 2=pretty much true/often, and 3=very much true/ very often. The questions can be divided into four different groups. This allows four separate subtotals to be calculated, as well as an overall score (which is the sum of the subgroups). The different subtotals are: A: oppositional; B: cognitive problem/inattention; C: hyperactivity; and D: ADHD index. For the screening of ADHD, subtotals C and D, and the overall total score are seen as the most useful. Therefore, the minimum total score according to both scales could be ‘0’ and the maximum could be ‘81’ and ‘84’ for the CPRS-R and the CTRS-R respectively.
During a counseling session, the questions addressed with the pediatrician while diagnosing the condition are listed below:
Although it is imperative to seek treatment for ADHD, one should know that there are not any cures for it. ADHD is treated with the help of medications, multiple types of psychotherapy, education and training, or using a combination of treatments.
While a child might have to live and deal with the condition, there is a lot parents can do to help streamline the child’s behaviour pattern
Prognosis
ADHD can lead to problems in all facets of life, including emotional, social and educational aspects. Obtaining an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment helps in managing the condition and letting children lead a relatively successful and happy life. The symptoms in certain children may subside as they enter their adolescent age while in others the symptoms last for their entire life.
Complications
If ADHD is left untreated, it could cause certain serious problems in forming healthy, meaningful relations with friends and family; it could affect schoolwork. In teenagers with ADHD, the rates of car accidents are higher. Adults with untreated ADHD have problems with retaining jobs and have a higher divorce rate. Obtaining the correct treatment at the correct time can help children and adults to carry on with their lives without any major issues.
A study found higher number of older adults with ADHD involved in hard-braking events, self-reported traffic ticket events, and self-reported vehicular crashes.
The concept of object impermanency is very close to the phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' which is also a characteristic problem of people suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Physical activity: An effortless method to handle depression, anxiety and ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common occurrence in women, however, it often goes misdiagnosed. Here's everything you need to know about the disease and how it shows itself in women.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that makes it difficult for a person to control their impulsive behaviour. A new study has found that practising yoga and breathing exercises can help children with ADHD.
Cognitive tests are used to identify a variety of symptoms and deficits associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. But researchers from Ohio State University pointed out that such tests often fail to capture the complexity of ADHD symptoms.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that generally affects children. Read on to know the symptoms of the condition.
As a parent, it is not easy dealing with a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But with a little effort it is not impossible either.
Dealing with your kid's ADHD may be challenging and frustrating. But you can do a good job with a little bit of love and care. Read on to know a few practical tips that you can use.
ADHD is a psychological and behavioural disorder that interferes with your child's social skills and academic performances. However, the right foods can help ease the symptoms.
Yoga asanas can be helpful for children with emotional and behavioural disorders, inattention and bad adaptive skills. This is why it recommended for kids suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Fever is not a disease. It is only the symptom of a disease. While a rise in body temperature is most commonly triggered by flu and other viruses, it may sometimes be caused by factors, you didn't know about.
In case your child is the youngest one in classroom, it is time for you to keep a track on his or her behaviour as a recent study has shown that the youngest kid in the classroom is more likely to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Learning disability is not the end of the world for your child. Follow these tips and make life of your little one easier, enabling him or her fight the condition wisely and with high spirit.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have come up with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based program to highlight the causes behind learning difficulties among children with ADHD, autism and dyslexia.
A recent analysis says that there is an association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gestational age at birth.
This first of its kind at-home-test for HIV prevention drug will help patients experience the test at the doorstep. Also, it will reduce the waiting time that patients face in accessing PrEP.
ADHD in adults can be treated with medications, education and therapy or the combination of the three.
A study found higher number of older adults with ADHD involved in hard-braking events, self-reported traffic ticket events, and self-reported vehicular crashes.
The concept of object impermanency is very close to the phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' which is also a characteristic problem of people suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Physical activity: An effortless method to handle depression, anxiety and ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common occurrence in women, however, it often goes misdiagnosed. Here's everything you need to know about the disease and how it shows itself in women.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that makes it difficult for a person to control their impulsive behaviour. A new study has found that practising yoga and breathing exercises can help children with ADHD.
Cognitive tests are used to identify a variety of symptoms and deficits associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. But researchers from Ohio State University pointed out that such tests often fail to capture the complexity of ADHD symptoms.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that generally affects children. Read on to know the symptoms of the condition.
As a parent, it is not easy dealing with a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But with a little effort it is not impossible either.
Dealing with your kid's ADHD may be challenging and frustrating. But you can do a good job with a little bit of love and care. Read on to know a few practical tips that you can use.
ADHD is a psychological and behavioural disorder that interferes with your child's social skills and academic performances. However, the right foods can help ease the symptoms.
Yoga asanas can be helpful for children with emotional and behavioural disorders, inattention and bad adaptive skills. This is why it recommended for kids suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Fever is not a disease. It is only the symptom of a disease. While a rise in body temperature is most commonly triggered by flu and other viruses, it may sometimes be caused by factors, you didn't know about.
In case your child is the youngest one in classroom, it is time for you to keep a track on his or her behaviour as a recent study has shown that the youngest kid in the classroom is more likely to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Learning disability is not the end of the world for your child. Follow these tips and make life of your little one easier, enabling him or her fight the condition wisely and with high spirit.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have come up with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based program to highlight the causes behind learning difficulties among children with ADHD, autism and dyslexia.
A recent analysis says that there is an association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gestational age at birth.
This first of its kind at-home-test for HIV prevention drug will help patients experience the test at the doorstep. Also, it will reduce the waiting time that patients face in accessing PrEP.
ADHD in adults can be treated with medications, education and therapy or the combination of the three.
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