“Symptoms & Prevention of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)”

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently presents itself in early childhood and can persist into adulthood.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms often include difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and excessive energy. It’s not unusual for kids to struggle with attention and behavior every now and then. But for children with ADHD, these challenges don’t simply dissipate with age. In fact, these symptoms may persist, becoming more pronounced and affecting their performance at school, interactions at home, and relationships with peers. Children with ADHD may often engage in behaviors such as daydreaming, frequently misplacing items, restlessly squirming or fidgeting, excessive talking, being prone to careless errors and unnecessary risks, struggling to resist temptation, experiencing challenges with taking turns, and facing difficulty with social interactions.

TYPES: ADHD can manifest in three distinct forms, each characterized by the dominant symptoms of the individual: Inattentive Type: Those with this form struggle to complete tasks, have difficulty organizing, pay little attention to detail, and struggle to follow instructions or participate in conversations. They are easily sidetracked and may forget parts of their daily routines. When dealing with the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, individuals often display excessive fidgeting and talking. Sitting still for extended periods, such as during meals or while completing homework, proves to be a challenging task for them. In younger children, this may manifest as constant running, jumping, or climbing. Additionally, individuals in this presentation may feel restless and struggle with impulsive behavior. This can manifest in behaviors such as interrupting others frequently, grabbing things from people, or speaking at inappropriate times. Following instructions and waiting for their turn can also be difficult, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents and injuries. The combination presentation showcases an equal presence of symptoms from both types. As symptoms can vary over time, the presentation may also evolve. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a concerning condition for which researchers are tirelessly exploring potential causes and risk factors in the hopes of improving management and prevention strategies. Although the exact origins of ADHD remain a mystery, recent research has highlighted the significant impact of genetics. In fact, recent studies have strongly connected genetic factors to ADHD. But beyond genetics, scientists are also delving into other potential factors that may contribute to this disorder, such as: Brain injury, prenatal and early-life exposure to environmental hazards like lead, maternal alcohol and tobacco use, premature delivery, and low birth weight have been suggested as potential causes of ADHD. However, scientific research does not support the widespread belief that ADHD is solely caused by excessive sugar consumption, excessive screen time, parenting techniques, or socio-economic factors such as poverty and family instability. While these factors may exacerbate symptoms, they cannot be considered the primary underlying causes of ADHD.

Treatment: Effective treatment for ADHD typically involves a balance of both behavior therapy and medication. For young children (ages 4-5) with ADHD, it is recommended to start with behavior therapy, specifically parental training, before considering medication. The optimal course of action may vary depending on the individual child and their family. A well-designed treatment plan should also involve regular monitoring, follow-ups, and adjustments as necessary. Taking care of your child’s health is crucial, especially if they have ADHD. In addition to seeking treatment and medication options, incorporating healthy habits into their lifestyle can greatly improve their ability to manage ADHD symptoms. Keep these beneficial behaviors in mind: 1. Encourage a nutritious diet with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 2. Incorporate daily physical activity appropriate for their age. 3. Set limits on screen time, including TVs, computers, phones, and other gadgets. 4. Ensure they are getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age group.

Get Help: If ADHD is causing concern for you or your doctor, it may be beneficial to seek help for your child from a specialist. These specialists can include a child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician. Alternatively, you can reach out to your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older) for assistance.

The information included in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&t=3s&pp=ygUid2hhdCBpcyBhZGhkIGRpc29yZGVyIGFuZCBzeW1wdG9tcw%3D%3D