ADHD Disorder - What Are the Signs of ADHD?

The medical definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children,
teenagers, and some adults to control their behavior. The children
and adults who suffer from ADHD Disorder can’t focus. This makes
life very frustrating for teachers, and parents. It is not a
conscious decision for children diagnosed with ADHD, to be
disobedient, not pay attention, day dream, unable to sit in one
place for a long period of time, interrupts, and constantly talking.
ADHD disorder symptoms are distinct behavioral patterns that can be
broken down into four different groups:
- Inattention - can’t focus for a long period of time on a
particular task, can’t pay attention in a class room setting,
daydream, and tends to be much disorganized.
- Hyperactivity - in constant movement (can’t sit still) and
always talking,
- Impulsivity - interrupts others, shows poor judgment, and
becomes angry easily.
- Combination - Children with ADHD disorder can have more than
one symptom it can occur in different combinations.
It is estimated that 1% - 6% of children have ADHD. The percentage
does sound low but when translated into numbers, it equals over 10
million children with this disorder. ADHD disorder can effect
children for a lifetime and go into adulthood.
All of us may have such symptoms of poor judgment, forgetfulness,
hard to focus at one time or another but with children and adults
diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms are constant and can interrupt
their lives.
Researchers think what causes ADHD is most likely a genetic link.
The way messages are sent, and received in the brain, and it can be
passed from parents to children.
It is hard to diagnose young children. ADHD is usually diagnosed in
children who are 6-12 years old. There are many tests that need to
be done to get correct diagnoses. Because some behaviors can appear
to be ADHD symptoms but in fact are normal childhood behaviors.
Diagnoses are made after the doctor collects a medical history of
the child’s behavior from the information given to him by the
child’s parents, teachers, and caregivers. This usually takes 6 to 8
months to monitor children in more than one setting. How does the
child behave at home and how they behave at school need to be
monitored. The doctors then study and compare the child’s behavior
with other children the same age that don’t show any symptoms of
ADHD.
ADHD treatments range from natural herbal remedies, medications, to
behavior therapy for the child. Most specialists in this field of
medicine feel that the parents must become familiar with behavior
therapy, and become involved in helping the doctor make a long term
plan for treatment. The child needs goals, a structured routine, and
a good nutritional eating plan.
When the treatment plan is in place everyone, child, parents,
doctors, school teacher, and caregivers will be able to work
together, which help the treatment be successful. |