ADHD is attention deficit hyperactive disorder in full. It is a mental condition that presents in childhood and has a risk of persisting to adulthood. The majority of the affected children develop normally and only a few exhibit serious symptoms. The main characteristics, as suggested by its name, are inattentiveness when carrying out various tasks, impulsivity and hyperactivity. If they have a child with ADHD Dallas parents need to know a number of things on the condition.
The cause of ADHD is not clear and all that we have are a number of theories. One of them attributes the problem to a reduced volume of the brain particularly the pre-frontal cortex. Such a reduction can cause marked deficits in motor function. The second theory is based on reduced dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. When reduced, various deficits will be noted.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
The condition is classified into three main sub-types depending on the predominant symptomatic pattern. If all the symptoms are seen in equal measure then the type is known as the combined type. If the predominant feature is inattention without the other two, then it will be referred to as the inattentive type. This type was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. The third type is mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity but inattentiveness is absent.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
Treatment of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
The cause of ADHD is not clear and all that we have are a number of theories. One of them attributes the problem to a reduced volume of the brain particularly the pre-frontal cortex. Such a reduction can cause marked deficits in motor function. The second theory is based on reduced dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. When reduced, various deficits will be noted.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
The condition is classified into three main sub-types depending on the predominant symptomatic pattern. If all the symptoms are seen in equal measure then the type is known as the combined type. If the predominant feature is inattention without the other two, then it will be referred to as the inattentive type. This type was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. The third type is mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity but inattentiveness is absent.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
Treatment of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
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