ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children. Boys are more likely to have it than girls. It’s usually spotted during elementary school time when a child begins to have problems paying attention.
What is ADHD? ADHD, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and also be overly inactive. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.
What causes ADHD?
Brain injury.
Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
Premature delivery.
Low birth weight
Symptoms of ADHD in kids
trouble focusing on activities and becoming easily distracted
Low attention span while playing or doing schoolwork
Excessive talking and daydreaming
constantly needing movement or frequently running around
engaging in activities loudly or disruptively
Disorganization
Subtypes of ADHD There are three subtypes of ADHD:
Predominantly inattentive. The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.
Combined. This is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often:
Fidget with or tap their hands or feet, or squirm in the seat
Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or while facing other situations
Be on the go, in constant motion
Inattention A child who shows a pattern of inattention may often:
Avoid or dislike tasks that require focused mental effort, such as homework
Lose items needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils
Be easily distracted
Hyperactivity and impulsivity A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often:
Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly
Talk too much
Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner
Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in kids In general, a child shouldn't receive a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder unless the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life — before age 12 — and create significant problems at home and school on an ongoing basis. Although signs of ADHD can sometimes appear in preschoolers or even younger children, diagnosing the disorder in very young children is difficult. That's mainly because developmental problems such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD. So children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.
Other conditions that resemble ADHD Several medical conditions or their treatments may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Examples include:
Learning or language problems
Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
Seizure disorders
Vision or hearing problems
Autism spectrum disorder
Treatment Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavior therapy, counseling, and education services. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD, but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child. Currently, stimulant drugs (psychostimulants) are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Exercising is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. In this way, exercise and medications for ADHD such as Ritalin and Adderall work similarly.
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