Numerous kids in the world are suffering from one even more than two disorders. Some of them developing autism, ADD, dyslexia, and one of the most popular among children has ADHD. ADHD, or Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a long-term disorder that affects children, which is characterized by impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and inattention. Although ADHD generally strikes in childhood, the symptoms can persist into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD has three subcategories, those are:
- Dominant hyperactivity-impulsivity. In this type, sufferers generally have problems with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
- Inattentive dominant. In this type, sufferers generally have symptoms of not being able to pay attention well.
- Combination of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention. In this type, sufferers experience symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and cannot pay attention properly.
To determine which type of ADHD that faced by the patient, the patient needs to go through several assessments such as verbal assessment, questionnaires from the environment, and many more.
ADHD Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of ADHD in childhood and adolescence are easy to recognize, while in adults, they are more challenging to detect. Generally, the symptoms of ADHD experienced by sufferers as adults begin in childhood. Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Not paying attention. When a child has a hard time keeping their focus or remembering things, these are some of the symptoms of ADHD.
- Hyperactive. These symptoms include always looking excited, talking excessively, having difficulty waiting for their turn, unable to sit still, stamping hands or feet, being restless.
- Impulsive. This one can be seen when a child behaves without having a second thought towards anything.
The cause of ADHD is not known with certainty until now, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance of chemical compounds (neurotransmitters) in the brain. However, children with ADHD are not always merely because of the neurotransmitters in the brain. There are other risk factors that can increase the risk of ADHD in children. Such as genetic factors, environmental factors, premature birth, mother’s behavior (consuming alcohol or drug), and brain injury.
Therefore as a parent that face those kinds of situation need to pay attention more on their children development and growth. They need to be aware how their children’s behavior, including hyperactivity and other aspects.
ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Not all children who appear to be very active can be diagnosed with ADHD. There are several steps a doctor will take to diagnose ADHD.
- Exploring the history of the patient’s disease, family history of the disease, and school records of the sufferer.
- Carry out a series of physical and psychological examinations that expert doctors on sufferers will carry out.
- Conduct interviews or questionnaires with family members, teachers, caregivers, or people who know the sufferer well.
- Do some imaging tests and laboratory tests to look for other causes.
Those parents who already found that their children are developing ADHD need to know that there is no cure for it. However, they can adapt to the disease by having ADHD treatment and drugs:
- Medications are commonly used to treat ADHD. These drugs are used to help the person calm down and reduce impulsivity so they can focus more.
- CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This therapy is done to help sufferers change their mindset and behavior when experiencing problems in their lives.
- Psychological therapy. This therapy aims so that people with ADHD can find solutions to overcome the symptoms of the disease.
- Social interaction training. This training aims to help sufferers understand socially acceptable behavior in society.
- In addition to the sufferer, parents and families should also undergo some therapy to adapt and accept the symptoms of people with ADHD.
- Behavioral therapy. This therapy is intended so that parents or caregivers can have strategies to help people with daily life or overcome difficult situations.
- Training for parents with ADHD. This training aims to make parents better understand the behavior of people with ADHD and provide guidance for parents to live life with people with ADHD.
That is why as a parent, you need to keep an eye on the kid’s growth and development. In case there is a chance that your kid is developing ADHD, doing early prevention will have a significant impact on the future. Besides, you also need to consult with the professional and what kind of treatment your kids need.