ADHD

ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms of this disorder are failure to pay attention, making careless mistakes, failure to listen, difficult to staying focused, and trouble following through on tasks and finish work, difficulty organizing things, frequently losing things, easily distracted and forgetful. Children with ADHD become easily bored with a task if it’s not enjoyable, daydream, frequently move from one task to another, become easily confused, take longer to process information than other students and have a difficult time following instructions. Symptoms of hyperactivity involve fidgety, wandering, running excessively, difficult playing or engaging in tasks quietly, on the go activity, excessive talking, blurting out answers, difficulty waiting for their turn, interrupting and intruding on others. Children with ADHD can experience academic failure, have trouble interacting with other children and adults, tend to have more accidents and injuries, and are more prone for drug abuse and other delinquent behavior.

The causes of ADHD are abnormal activity of dopamine and abnormal frontal-straiatal regions of the brain. Genes have been linked to ADHD. Environmental factors such as smoking, premature birth, head injuries, and infection during pregnancy can play a role in its development. Children who are exposed to certain toxins found in paint are more likely to develop ADHD. Foods with artificial coloring, certain preservatives and sugar may contribute. High levels of stress and family dysfunction can have an effect as well. An actuate diagnosis of the disease is a must.

ADHD is a disease that starts in childhood and can last throughout a person’s life. Although many famous people have been diagnosed or suspected as having this disease it can be difficult to manage, live with and live around. There is much debate about the best approach in the management of this disease. The uses of Ritalin or similar products are the drug therapy for this disease. Drug therapy needs close monitoring and can show positive effects by helping people perform tasks better, perform better in school and helps control aggression. If untreated they often can experience peer rejection because of their disruptive behaviors. Untreated ADHD combined with conduct disorders can lead to drug abuse and antisocial behavior. The person can make a choice to essentially self medicate by the use of illegal drugs and can experience severe types of discipline due to their behavior.

Behavior therapy has been used in the management of the behavior that is exhibited. This could include use of a token reward program and time outs. Psychotherapy has the child talk about things that bother them, explore negative behavior, and learn better ways to deal with their symptoms. Parenting skills training can be provided to help parents learn to understand and guide their child’s behavior. Family therapy can be provided to help siblings and relatives deal with the stress of the disorder. Social skills training can be used to teach the children about using more appropriate social behavior. Support groups can be used to give the children and parents a network of people to provide support. There are some techniques that can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Yoga and meditation help to relax the body and lessen hyperactivity. Eliminating foods with sugar and caffeine can make a difference. Many people might disagree with any treatment of ADHD and even question if the disease really even exists. They feel that by treating the behavior it could suppress the person’s energy level and creativeness. There are many thoughts about this disease, but the person’s symptoms should be considered along with education to help decide the best management.