Medically Verified By: Dr. Bhushan Ambadkar
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.
'Many people think of ADHD as primarily a boys' disorder which has little relevance for girls and women.
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Exercise, even a small amount, can help alleviate symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, say researchers.
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While it is well established that childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may continue into adulthood, new research suggests that for some people the disorder does not emerge until after childhood.
Kids suffering from ADHD do not experience deep sleep and are more distracted than others.
Children with vision problems not correctable with glasses or contact lenses are twice as likely to have a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when compared to peers without such disorders, suggests a study.
Did you forget what it was you were about to say as the phone rang? According to the researchers, the same brain system that is involved in interrupting or stopping movement in our bodies also interrupts cognition and derails your train of though.
Is your child having an irregular sleep pattern? If yes, then it is better to sort the pattern before the age of five, as not doing so may put him or her at a heightened risk of attention deficit disorders, says a new study.
According to a new study, the increasing academic stress on younger children is likely to be the reason behind the high prevalence of attention-deficit disorder.
Children and adolescents who take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at a risk of reduced bone density, warns a study.
Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit cognitively from behaviours like squirming or fidgeting, said the researchers. The results showed that kids affected with ADHD moved up to 25 percent more when trying to solve a problem.
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