ADHD signifies Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurological disorder that impairs your ability to pay attention, sit still, and control your behaviour. It occurs in children and adolescents and can persist into maturity. ADHD is one of the most frequent mental illnesses among children. It is commonly noticed in the early school years, when a youngster begins to have difficulty paying attention. ADHD cannot be avoided or cured. However, early detection, combined with a strong treatment and education plan, can help you or someone you love with ADHD regulate symptoms.
Types of ADHD
Healthcare professionals identify four forms of ADHD in both adults and children:
- ADHD inattention. This entails having trouble concentrating, completing assignments, and maintaining organization. You have little to no symptoms of hyperactivity if you have this type.
- Hyperactive-impulsive. This includes having trouble staying calm or finding “quiet time.” You are very talkative and full of enthusiasm. Additionally, you might behave without fully considering your actions and interrupt others. You might exhibit fewer overt difficulties with focus.
- Presented in combination. The majority of people connect to this disorder with this form, which is the most prevalent. You exhibit a lot of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive signs.
- Presentation not specified. This occurs when your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your day-to-day activities, but they don’t fit the official criteria for the preceding categories. In this instance, the diagnosis given by the providers is “unspecified ADHD.”
Why does ADHD occur?
The structure and function of the brain vary in people with ADHD. It is unknown what specifically causes ADHD. ADHD is an inherited illness, according to genetic research. The symptoms have been linked to brain biology, according to research. ADHD may arise as a result of the following environmental factors:
- Pregnant women who smoke
- Pregnant women who drink
- early birth
- low birth weight
The following are other environmental elements that can alter how your brain develops and functions.
- Toxins: Chemicals such as lead can impair brain development.
- Home surroundings: if there is a lot of tension at home.
- Early childhood trauma: Children who have experienced trauma throughout their early childhood are more prone to have ADHD-like characteristics. Most children with ADHD have not experienced early childhood trauma.
Risk Factors
Experts believe that certain people are genetically predisposed to ADHD. In other words, the individual’s genes predispose them to having ADHD. However, certain environmental circumstances tilt the balance, causing it to develop. Environmental risks include:
- Exposure to certain poisons during foetal development, including tobacco, alcohol, and lead
- Low birth weight (the lower the weight, the greater the risk).
- Premature birth
This condition’s complications
Your child’s self-esteem and interactions with the outside world may be impacted by ADHD. If not given the right care, your child could have:
- Low self-worth
- Getting bad grades and not being able to fulfill their potential
- Social difficulties that are partially caused by others making fun of them or refusing to spend time with them
- An elevated likelihood of substance use disorders in later life
- Frequently occurring traffic accidents and injuries
- Having difficulty finding and maintaining employment as they age
Treatment for ADHD
A variety of therapies are used to treat ADHD in youngsters
Behavioral treatment
- Behavior management training for parents. Therapists instruct parents on how to control their child’s behavior, including how to deal with undesirable conduct, establish clear routines, and provide positive reinforcement. Since young children cannot yet manage their conduct without the assistance of their parents, this is the only kind of treatment that is advised for them.
- Talk/play treatment. Teenagers and older kids benefit more from this type of therapy. This gives people a forum to discuss their issues and express their feelings.
Drugs
- Stimulants. These are the most widely prescribed drugs for this. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are two examples. They lessen impulsivity and enhance focus and attention.
- Non-stimulants. These may be used when stimulants do not perform properly or create negative effects. A few examples are atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine. They take time to work, but some might last as long as 24 hours.
Effective therapies for adults include:
Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This allows you to reframe your negative thought patterns, control your emotions, and learn coping strategies for your ADHD symptoms.
- Coaching. A coach assists with practical aspects of daily life such as organisation, time management, and task completion.
Medication
- Stimulants. Your healthcare provider may prescribe amphetamines or methylphenidate.
- Non-stimulant. Atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine are among the available options.
Lifestyle changes
- Regular exercise. Physical activity improves focus, reduces impulsivity, and elevates your mood.
- Go to sleep. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, therefore, it’s critical to get enough sleep to control them.
- Control of stress. ADHD symptoms might worsen with stress.