How can Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) be treated?

Definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common, treatable childhood illness that can affect areas of the brain connected to problem solving, planning ahead, understanding others’ actions and controlling impulses.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood

ADHD has three sub-types

• Predominantly inattentive 
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive 
• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Predominantly Inattentive: In this sub-type the child exhibits the symptoms that are more in the inattention category which is more than half of the total symptoms. A child with this sub-type is likely to sit quietly but may not be paying rasp attention and could have difficulties getting along with other children. A parent may overlook such child and won’t know he or she has ADHD.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: A child with this sub-type has more than half of the symptoms that are in the hyperactive-impulsive category. A child in this category talks nonstop, Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight, Have trouble sitting still (constantly in motion).

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive: In this sub-type half the symptoms of inattentive category and half the symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive are present.

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD, but most children have the combined type of ADHD.

Causes:

Many studies suggest that genes play a large role although Scientists are not sure about the cause of ADHD, Other are;

·         Brain injury

·         Nutrition

·         Environmental exposures; such as being exposed to lead.

·         Sugar

·         Food additives

·         Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy

·         Premature delivery

·         Low birth weight

Symptoms:

·         The primary symptoms of the condition are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.

·         Have hard time paying attention

Her mind's in another place entirely

·         Daydream a lot          

·         Not seem to listen

·         Can be easily distracted from schoolwork or play

·         Forget things

·         Be in constant motion or unable to stay seated

·         Squirm or fidget

·         Talk too much

·         Not be able to play quietly

·         Act and speak without thinking

·         Have trouble taking turns

·         Interrupt others

People with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (might act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active.

Treatment

ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy in most cases.

Behavioral therapy: It might involve practical assistance. Clear rules, chore lists, and other structured routines that can help the child control his or her behavior needs to be stated. The child could be thought how to wait their turn, share toys, and how to ask for help. He or she can also be thought how to read facial expressions and the tone of voice in others, and how to respond appropriately. Children with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed in school. Sometimes, the whole family may need therapy. Family members can be thought how to find a better way to handle disruptive behaviors and to encourage behaviour changes in the child.

Medication: 
Most children with ADHD may however, be prescribed medicines like Methylphenidate (Ritalin) to curb their hyperactivity.  Though the treatment measures used may cause some stunting of growth in children, most children catch up later on. The prognosis for children with ADHD is usually good.

No single treatment is the answer for every child and good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way.