Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder “ADHD”!

ADHD Overview:

“ADHD” stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition with symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The symptoms differ from person to person. “ADHD” was formerly called “ADD”, or attention deficit disorder.

Both children and adults can have “ADHD”, but the symptoms always begin in childhood. Adults with “ADHD” may have trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals, and holding down a job.

• Is it hard for your child to sit still?
• Does your child act without thinking first?
• Does your child start but not finish things?
• If so, your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Nearly everyone shows some of these behaviors at times, but “ADHD” lasts more than 6 months and causes problems in school, at home, and in social situations. “ADHD” is more common in boys than girls. It affects 3-5 percent of children.

The Main Features of ADHD are:

• Inattention.
• Hyperactivity.
• Impulsivity.

No one knows exactly what causes “ADHD”. It sometimes runs in families, so genetics may be a factor. There may also be environmental factors. A complete evaluation by a trained professional is the only way to know for sure if your child has “ADHD”.

• Treatment may include medicine to control symptoms, therapy, or both.
• A structure at home and at school is important. Parent training may also help.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

ADHD 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 (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

1. Inattention:

This means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.

2. Hyperactivity:

means a person seems to move about constantly, including situations in which it is not appropriate when it is not appropriate, excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.

3. Impulsivity:

This means a person makes hasty actions that occur at the moment without first thinking about them and that may have the high potential for harm, or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.

Signs, And Symptoms:

Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key behaviors of “ADHD“. Some people with “ADHD” only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

• Most children have the combined type of “ADHD”.
• In preschool, the most common “ADHD” symptom is hyperactivity.
• It is normal to have some inattention, unfocused motor activity, and impulsivity, but for people with “ADHD”, these behaviors are more severe, occur more often. 
• interfere with or reduce the quality of how they function socially, at school, or in a job.

A. Inattention:

People with symptoms of inattention may often:

• Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities.
• Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading.
• Not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Not follow through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
  or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked.
• Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines.
• Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental efforts, such as schoolwork or homework,
  or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
• Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools,
  wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones.
• Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
• Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments.

B. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:

People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats.
• Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the office.
• Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate or, in teens and adults, often feel restless.
• Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly.
• Be constantly in motion or on the go,î or act as if driven by a motor.
• Talk nonstop.
• Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences,
  or speak without waiting for a turn in the conversation.
• Have trouble waiting for his or her turn.
• Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities.

“ADHD” Symptoms:

• “ADHD” Symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.
• Symptoms of “ADHD” can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in quiet,
  well-behaved children, leading to a delay in diagnosis.
• Adults with undiagnosed “ADHD” may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships.
• “ADHD” symptoms can change over time as a person ages. In young children with “ADHD”, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom.
• As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may become more prominent and cause the child to struggle academically.
• In adolescence, hyperactivity seems to lessen and may show more often as feelings of restlessness or fidgeting, but inattention and impulsivity may remain.
• Many adolescents with “ADHD” also struggle with relationships and antisocial behaviors. Inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity tend to persist into adulthood.

Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy:

Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. In addition to behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

• Developing healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources.
• Participating in daily physical activity based on age.
• Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics.
• Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age.

Causes of ADHD:

Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.

In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

• Brain injury.
• Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
• Premature delivery.
• Low birth weight.

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.

Risk Factors:

Scientists are not sure what causes “ADHD”. Like many other illnesses, a number of factors can contribute to “ADHD”, such as:

• Genes.
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or drug use during pregnancy.
• Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy.
• Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead, at a young age.
• Low birth weight.
• Brain injuries.

“ADHD” is more common in males than females, and females with “ADHD” are more likely to have problems primarily with inattention. Other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, depression, and substance abuse, are common in people with “ADHD“.

Related conditions in adults with ADHD:

As with ADHD in children and teenagers, ADHD in adults can occur alongside several related problems or conditions. One of the most common is depression.

Other conditions that adults may have alongside ADHD include:

• Personality disorders – conditions in which an individual differs significantly from the average person in terms of how they think, perceive, feel or relate to others.
• Bipolar disorder – a condition affecting your mood, which can swing from one extreme to another.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – a condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior.

The behavioral problems associated with ADHD can also cause problems such as difficulties with relationships and social interaction.

Diagnosis of “ADHD”:

Diagnosis of “ADHD” requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in “ADHD“. For a person to receive a diagnosis of “ADHD”, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind normal development for his or her age.

The doctor will also ensure that any “ADHD” symptoms are not due to another medical or psychiatric condition. Most children with “ADHD” receive a diagnosis during the elementary school years. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of “ADHD”, the symptoms need to have been present prior to age 12.

Treatment, And Therapies:

While there is no cure for “ADHD” currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.

I. Medication:

For many people, “ADHD” medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. The medication also may improve physical coordination. Sometimes several different medications or dosages must be tried before finding the right one that works for a particular person.

Anyone taking medications must be monitored closely and carefully by their prescribing doctor.

II. Stimulants:

The most common type of medication used for treating “ADHD” is called a stimulant. Although it may seem unusual to treat “ADHD” with a medication that is considered a stimulant, it works because it increases the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention. Under medical supervision, stimulant medications are considered safe. However, there are risks and side effects, especially when misused or taken in excess of the prescribed dose.

For example,

Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate and increase anxiety. Therefore, a person with other health problems, including high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or an anxiety disorder should tell their doctor before taking a stimulant.

Talk with a doctor if you see any of these side effects while taking stimulants:

• Decreased appetite.
• Sleep problems.
• Tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds).
• Personality changes.
• Increased anxiety and irritability.
• Stomachaches.
• Headaches.

III. Non-Stimulants:

A few other “ADHD” medications are non-stimulants. These medications take longer to start working than stimulants, but can also improve focus, attention, and impulsivity in a person with “ADHD”.

Doctors may prescribe a non-stimulant:

• When a person has bothersome side effects from stimulants; when a stimulant was not effective; or in combination with a stimulant to increase effectiveness.
• Although not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the treatment of “ADHD”,
  some antidepressants are sometimes used alone or in combination with a stimulant to treat “ADHD”.
• Antidepressants may help all of the symptoms of “ADHD” and can be prescribed if a patient has bothersome side effects from stimulants.
• Antidepressants can be helpful in combination with stimulants if a patient also has another condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, or another mood disorder.
• Although not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the treatment of ADHD,  some antidepressants are sometimes used alone or in combination with a stimulant to treat ADHD.
• Antidepressants may help all of the symptoms of ADHD and can be prescribed if a patient has bothersome side effects from stimulants.
• Antidepressants can be helpful in combination with stimulants if a patient also has another condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, or another mood disorder.

IV. Psychotherapy:

Adding psychotherapy to treat “ADHD” can help patients and their families to better cope with everyday problems.

Behavioral therapy:

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events.

Behavioral therapy also teaches a person how to:

• Monitor his or her own behavior.
• Give oneself praise or rewards for acting in the desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.
• Parents, teachers, and family members also can give positive or negative feedback for certain behaviors and help establish clear rules, chore lists, and other structured routines to help a person control his or her behavior.
• Therapists may also teach children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing.
• Learning to read facial expressions and the tone of voice in others, and how to respond appropriately can also be part of social skills training.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also teach a person mindfulness techniques or meditation.
• A person learns how to be aware and accepting of one’s own thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration.
• The therapist also encourages the person with “ADHD” to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment,  such as thinking before acting or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks.
• Family and marital therapy can help family members and spouses find better ways to handle disruptive behaviors, to encourage behavior changes, and improve interactions with the patient.

V. Education and Training:

Children and adults with “ADHD” need guidance and understanding from their parents, families, and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed. For school-age children, frustration, blame, and anger may have built up within a family before a child is diagnosed.

Parents and children may need special help to overcome negative feelings. Mental health professionals can educate parents about “ADHD” and how it affects a family. They also will help the child and his or her parents develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to each other.

Parenting Skills Training (Behavioral Parent Management Training):

• Teaches parents the skills they need to encourage and reward positive behaviors in their children.
• It helps parents learn how to use a system of rewards and consequences to change a child’s behavior.
• Parents are taught to give immediate and positive feedback for behaviors they want to encourage and ignore or redirect behaviors that they want to discourage.
• They may also learn to structure situations in ways that support desired behavior.

Stress Management Techniques:

Can benefit parents of children with “ADHD” by increasing their ability to deal with frustration so that they can respond calmly to their child’s behavior.

Stress management and remaining positive are beneficial.

• This can be promoted by simply eating foods that will lessen the occurrence of stress and help improve mood. Most ADHD individuals are stressed because of the persistent delays in work, which makes one tired after long hours.
• As a result, there is a tendency of eating unhealthy foods which do not help to reduce stress. It is important to eat small meals and to avoid foods that have high sugar content.
• Also, regularly exercising is beneficial since it can promote proper blood circulation in the body and will increase oxygen to the brain. Both of these will help decrease the occurrence of ADHD symptoms.

Lastly,

• Getting enough sleep each night will also be beneficial. Disturbed sleep will cause an increase in the occurrence of ADHD symptoms.
  • In order to get enough sleep, you should avoid drinking caffeinated drinks.
  • Taking warm showers before going to sleep will help to relax your body and mind. Following these tips will help reduce stress and prevent the symptoms of ADHD from occurring.

Support groups:

Support groups can help parents and families connect with others who have similar problems and concerns. Groups often meet regularly to share frustrations and successes, exchange information about recommended specialists and strategies, and talk with experts.

Tips to Help Kids and Adults with ADHD Stay Organized:

Organization problems are also a common issue for ADHD individuals. Getting organized will be helpful. Learning to organize objects inside your room, home, and office can be a good start. Sort out the things that you need and the things that you don’t need. Also, making a list of all of the things that you need will be beneficial.

Here’re Some Tips To Help Kids And Adults With ADHD To Stay Organized:

A. For Kids:

Parents and teachers can help kids with “ADHD” stay organized and follow directions with tools such as:

• 1. Keeping a routine and a schedule:
  • Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities.
  • Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen.
  • Write changes to the schedule as far in advance as possible.

• 2. Organizing everyday items:
  • Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.

• 3. Using homework and notebook organizers:
  • Use organizers for school material and supplies.
  • Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.

• 4. Being clear and consistent:
  •  Children with “ADHD” need consistent rules they can understand and follow.

• 5. Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed:

  • Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior, and praise it.

B. For Adults:

A professional counselor or therapist can help an adult with ADHD learn how to organize his or her life with tools such as:

• Keeping routines.
• Making lists of different tasks and activities.
• Using a calendar for scheduling events.
• Using reminder notes.
• Assigning a special place for keys, bills, and paperwork.
• Breaking down large tasks into more manageable, smaller steps so that completing each part of the task provides a sense of accomplishment.

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.

Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment for any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”

Sources

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