Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, ADHD, is a condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood. As suggested by its name, its main features include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. The condition affects a significant number of children but only presents as a serious condition in a few of them. If struggling with ADHD Dallas residents need to have some information on the condition to better manage it.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
ADHD is seen more commonly in boys than girls. The reasons as to why this is the case are not clear. Of those affected, about 70% grow into normal adults while the rest have a persistence of symptoms. Generally, close to 4% of the general population is affected. The symptoms seen in adults are slightly different from those seen in children. The biggest difference is that restlessness takes the place of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The treatment of ADHD is mainly through drugs and psychotherapy. Stimulants are particularly effective but have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse. Their use should be closely supervised for this reason. In addition, they should not be given to preschool children due to the high risk of psychosis. In such children the main form of treatment is behavioral therapy.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
ADHD is seen more commonly in boys than girls. The reasons as to why this is the case are not clear. Of those affected, about 70% grow into normal adults while the rest have a persistence of symptoms. Generally, close to 4% of the general population is affected. The symptoms seen in adults are slightly different from those seen in children. The biggest difference is that restlessness takes the place of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The treatment of ADHD is mainly through drugs and psychotherapy. Stimulants are particularly effective but have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse. Their use should be closely supervised for this reason. In addition, they should not be given to preschool children due to the high risk of psychosis. In such children the main form of treatment is behavioral therapy.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
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