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 unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
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.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
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.
It is possible to lead a normal life with a diagnosis of ADHD. The important thing is that the condition should be recognized early and treatment initiated. Combination therapy consisting of psychotherapy and drugs produces the best results. Social support should be greatly emphasized at home, at school and in the workplace.
The cause of ADHD is unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
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.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
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.
It is possible to lead a normal life with a diagnosis of ADHD. The important thing is that the condition should be recognized early and treatment initiated. Combination therapy consisting of psychotherapy and drugs produces the best results. Social support should be greatly emphasized at home, at school and in the workplace.
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