Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental issue, which means it can influence how your brain grows and develops. ADHD is prevalent in youngsters, but symptoms can last into adulthood and interfere with everyday functioning.
ADHD symptoms include inattention (inability to focus), hyperactivity (restlessness), and impulsivity (making decisions without thinking). These symptoms might range from mild to moderate depending on the type of ADHD you have. The frequency with which these symptoms arise varies over time. When left untreated, ADHD symptoms can have an impact on academic achievement, interpersonal connections, and the capacity to do everyday chores.
Researchers aren't sure what causes ADHD or why patients suffer these symptoms. A family history of ADHD and prenatal (before birth) exposure to toxins, on the other hand, are two variables that might raise a child's likelihood of having the disorder.
While there is no cure for ADHD, the correct therapy can help you or your kid manage symptoms. Medication and therapy are the most often used treatment approaches, which can be used alone or in combination. Your healthcare practitioner can assist you in developing a treatment plan that is appropriate for your or your child's requirements.
ADHD classifications
It is typical to have periods of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, for those with ADHD, these symptoms generally continue longer than six months and affect everyday life. There are three forms of ADHD, and the symptoms you encounter will vary depending on the type you or your kid has.
ADHD is classified into three types:
ADHD that is mostly inattentive: Showing signs of inattention, such as problems focusing, staying on task, and having trouble following instructions or discussions
ADHD that is primarily hyperactive-impulsive: exhibiting signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity, such as trouble controlling one's impulses, inability to remain still, and acting without careful thought
Combination ADHD: exhibiting signs of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD
Signs and symptoms
Depending on the type of ADHD you or your kid have, you or they may suffer different symptoms. For a kid or yourself to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months.
The following symptoms may be present in people with ADHD who are mostly inattentive:
- Misplacing or losing items
- Being clumsy or easily distracted
- unable to concentrate
- Having problems with assignments, duties, or responsibilities
- Ignoring crucial facts
Individuals with ADHD who are primarily hyperactive-impulsive may encounter:
- An excessive amount of energy or fidgeting
- Having trouble taking shifts
- smudging up responses
- obstructing or interfering with the business or discussions of others
- Making snap judgments
Individuals with mixed ADHD often exhibit a similar proportion of symptoms from the hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive forms of the disorder. The most prevalent kind of ADHD, which makes up over 60% of all cases, is combined ADHD.
Reasons
The growth and development of the brain are impacted by neurodevelopmental diseases such as ADHD. The precise etiology of ADHD is uncertain, though. Research has indicated that a mix of hereditary and non-hereditary variables may contribute to children's development of ADHD.
Genetic Elements
It seems that ADHD runs in families. In comparison to the general population, your chance of acquiring ADHD is around nine times higher if you have a first-degree family (parent, sibling, etc.) who has ADHD. Having a family history of ADHD does not, however, ensure that you will always have the disorder; it only increases your chance of developing symptoms.
Factors Not Genetic
Scholars are now investigating the impact of non-genetic variables, such as lifestyle choices and surroundings, on the susceptibility to ADHD. The following non-genetic variables may raise a child's risk of ADHD:
- exposure of unborn children to pollutants like lead or secondhand smoking
- early birth
- low birth weight
- brain damage
- Extreme stress or trauma experienced by the birthing parent during pregnancy or delivery
Identification
An individual test cannot be used to diagnose ADHD. This is why there are several phases in the diagnosing procedure. To aid with an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD, a healthcare professional may also ask parents, caregivers, and teachers for information.
An ADHD diagnosis can be made by a primary care physician or mental health specialist (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist). Your healthcare practitioner can take the following medical history in addition to yours or your child's:
Physical examination: Consists of eye and hearing tests, a coordination evaluation, and behavioral and communicative skill observations of you or your kid
Developmental history: Inquiries about speech, language, and communication developmental milestones
DSM-5 criteria: Depending on how many symptoms you or your kid are exhibiting, these diagnostic standards can be used by medical professionals to accurately diagnose ADHD.
Interventions
Although there isn't a cure for ADHD, the correct care can help you handle the problems associated with the disorder better and lessen its symptoms. Treatment for ADHD involves both medication and various forms of therapy. These therapies can be used by you or your kid, separately or jointly.
Drugs
Stimulants and non-stimulants are the two primary pharmaceutical categories for ADHD that are now accessible. These drugs raise the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which aid with thought, focus, and self-control.
The most popular drugs that act as stimulants are:
Methyl-Phenidate :
Concerta, Methylin, Metadate, Ritalin, and Focalin
Amphetamines:
Vyvanse, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Dextrostat
Among the most popular non-stimulant drugs are:
- Atropex (Strattera)
- Viloxazine, or Qelbree
- Guanfacine, or Intuniv
- Clonidine, Kapvay
Treatments
Untreated ADHD can have negative effects on relationships with others, performance at work or school, and general quality of life because it alters thinking and behavior. Including therapy in your treatment plan can help you manage the difficulties associated with ADHD. When you are diagnosed with ADHD, medical professionals advise that you begin therapy right away.
Reducing undesirable or troublesome behaviors and enhancing good behaviors are the two main objectives of treatment. Common forms of ADHD treatment consist of:
Behavior management training for parents: Parents receive training in behavior treatment, acquiring skills and techniques to support their kid.
Behavior therapy for kids: Assists kids in controlling their symptoms of ADHD so they may perform better at home, school, or in their community.
Training in organizational skills: Kids and teenagers learn how to manage their time, make plans, and maintain organization.
Cognitive behavior therapy: Talk therapy is given by a therapist to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Avoidance
It is impossible to stop ADHD from developing. You or your kid may control symptoms, nevertheless, with the aid of certain preventative steps. Remember that preventative measures should be used in addition to medical care, not in substitute of prescription drugs or counseling.
Attempt the following tactics:
Controlling diversions:
Restrict your child's screen time on TV, computers, and phones when they are performing homework or household duties.
Generating favorable circumstances
Assist your child in identifying things they enjoy doing and motivate them to stick with their interests.
Assisting your youngster in making plans:
When dealing with intricate or challenging jobs, try breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps and take pauses if you see that they are getting stressed out.
Rewarding positive actions:
Make use of a chart to record your child's objectives and positive actions, and give them encouragement when they succeed.
Associated Conditions
ADHD symptoms might resemble those of other emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. These problems, also referred to as "comorbid" or "co-occurring," can occur in addition to ADHD.
Before diagnosing you with ADHD, a medical professional will probably do a number of tests and assessments as part of the diagnostic procedure to rule out other diseases. Any one of the following co-occurring and associated conditions may be being screened for by your provider:
- learning challenges
- Language impairment
- ASD, or autism spectrum disorder
- problems of sleep
- Depression
- Uncertainty
- Drug abuse
- Disorder of oppositional defiance
- Behavior disorder
Having ADHD and surviving
It is believed that ADHD is a chronic (long-term) illness. Although the illness can last into maturity, symptoms might be most bothersome in childhood and adolescence. ADHD raises the chance of mishaps, academic failure or dropout, subpar performance at work, and difficulty forming or sustaining relationships with others when left untreated.
People with ADHD may live productive lives and take control of their symptoms with the right care. A typical treatment strategy may involve both medication and therapy, but here are some more suggestions to help control the symptoms of ADHD:
- Regularly working out or doing physical activities
- preserving an alimentative and balanced diet
- restricting screen time
- Getting adequate rest
- establishing and adhering to a daily regimen
- Setting time-sensitive tasks as a priority
- Noting down crucial details such as duties, responsibilities, and appointments
- executing your treatment plan as prescribed
- Maintaining communication with your healthcare provider to let them know how your therapy is doing or if any changes need to be made
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