Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a pretty common affliction among children and is believed to affect 3 to 8 percent of school aged children. This disorder can continue on through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD is more common among boys than girl with the ratio of 3:1. A person suffering from this neurobehavioral development disorder finds it tougher to focus, organize or finish a task, follow instructions, and keep still. A child with ADHD is restless, easily distracted, overactive, fidgety, continuously interrupts people, inattentive, and generally impatient. Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the general symptoms of ADHD. These may be common in children but these characteristics are more pronounced and occur more frequently to with this disorder. Odds are these types of behavior may wreak havoc to a child's social and school life.
This condition brings about slower emotional development among affected children. Studies also reveal that a quarter of them have learning disabilities in a number of areas such as oral and listening skills, reading comprehension, and mathematics. Hostility, unstable temperament, and sleep problems are also noted. The diagnosis should be carried out by psychiatrists who are experts in this disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatical Disorders possesses its own set of diagnostic criteria. It is crucial that the parent or guardian should closely monitor a child's behavior at home as well as in school before bringing the child to a specialist for evaluation.
Scientists have still not determined the actual causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There are schools of thought that suggest the relevant role of genetics in its development. Some workers are also looking into the interaction of genetics and the environment. Still, there are highly regarded workers who put forward the theory that chemical imbalances in the brain are the causal factor of ADHD. Based on genetic twin studies, ADHD does run in the family. Further researches are being conducted to determine which genes are involved. Pinpointing the specific genes helps scientists understand the disorder better and may in the future help develop prevention against or improved treatment for this condition. The potential association between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in offspring has been insinuated. Exposure to high levels of lead also increases the likelihood of children developing ADHD. There is an ongoing study in Britain that hopes to verify if ADHD is closely linked to certain food additives like artificial colors and preservatives.
Currently there is no cure for ADHD however there are remedies available that may alleviate and diminish its symptoms. Treatments include medication, education and training, counseling, and or a mixture of treatments. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Concerta, although there are non-stimulant drugs that are available. Parents should likewise be educated on how to deal with ADHD. This will enable parents to assist their children improve their learning and social skills. Psychotherapy gives a person with ADHD a method to express their feelings and develop strategies on how to cope with its possible detrimental effects. One should understand that individuals respond differently to treatments and options ought to be discussed thoroughly with experts.
ADHD should never be considered a burden. Children with this disorder may prove to be quite a handful. However parents and the society as a whole should help these children function normally in the community and optimize their potentials.
This condition brings about slower emotional development among affected children. Studies also reveal that a quarter of them have learning disabilities in a number of areas such as oral and listening skills, reading comprehension, and mathematics. Hostility, unstable temperament, and sleep problems are also noted. The diagnosis should be carried out by psychiatrists who are experts in this disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatical Disorders possesses its own set of diagnostic criteria. It is crucial that the parent or guardian should closely monitor a child's behavior at home as well as in school before bringing the child to a specialist for evaluation.
Scientists have still not determined the actual causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There are schools of thought that suggest the relevant role of genetics in its development. Some workers are also looking into the interaction of genetics and the environment. Still, there are highly regarded workers who put forward the theory that chemical imbalances in the brain are the causal factor of ADHD. Based on genetic twin studies, ADHD does run in the family. Further researches are being conducted to determine which genes are involved. Pinpointing the specific genes helps scientists understand the disorder better and may in the future help develop prevention against or improved treatment for this condition. The potential association between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in offspring has been insinuated. Exposure to high levels of lead also increases the likelihood of children developing ADHD. There is an ongoing study in Britain that hopes to verify if ADHD is closely linked to certain food additives like artificial colors and preservatives.
Currently there is no cure for ADHD however there are remedies available that may alleviate and diminish its symptoms. Treatments include medication, education and training, counseling, and or a mixture of treatments. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Concerta, although there are non-stimulant drugs that are available. Parents should likewise be educated on how to deal with ADHD. This will enable parents to assist their children improve their learning and social skills. Psychotherapy gives a person with ADHD a method to express their feelings and develop strategies on how to cope with its possible detrimental effects. One should understand that individuals respond differently to treatments and options ought to be discussed thoroughly with experts.
ADHD should never be considered a burden. Children with this disorder may prove to be quite a handful. However parents and the society as a whole should help these children function normally in the community and optimize their potentials.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common condition among children. However, children who have this condition need your patience and understanding. ADHD should never be considered a burden for parents and the society.