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.
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.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
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.
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.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
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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