A.D.H.D is called as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. is the most common neurobehavioural disorder in childhood.
The American academy of pediatrics recommends any child between 4 to 18 years of age for evaluation of A.D.H.D if he or she presents with academic or behavioral problems with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
What is ADHD-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by an individual’s inability to focus or pay attention. ADHD sufferers exhibit restlessness, impulsiveness, and a sense of disorganization. They are also extremely impatient and easily distracted, even when doing something that interests them.
Pathogenesis-
The pathogenesis of ADHD is still unknown but few theories have been postulated.
Genetic theory-Many studies have shown that ADHD is very likely a highly heritable disorder, and that genetics are a factor in 75% of ADHD cases. Researchers believe that many ADHD cases occur as a result of a combination of various genes, many of which affect dopamine transporters.
Neurofunctional theory-Dopamine (a neurotransmitter) is being produced at lower than normal levels causing people to fall prey to random stimuli from their environment and there is delay in pre-frontal cortex development as well as many other executive functions.
Mental faculties that also lag or are weaker: internal monologue, time-action planning, and focused mental imagery.
Environmental theory-Alcohol and cigarettes have been marked as primary environmental factors, and consumption of them during pregnancy could result in ADHD symptoms. Exposure to nicotine can lead to hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus while it is still in the womb, and this could contribute to ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
1. Brought to medical care in preschool or early childhood times.
2. Symptoms are present in at least 2 different social settings.
3. onset of symptoms to be less than 12 years of age.
4. inattention-difficult in sustaining attention, prone to careless mistakes, easily distracted.
5. Hyperactivity-often on the go, fidgety.
6.Impulsivity-intrusive,interruptive,cannot wait for turn
Clues to ADHD
*Have task incomplete
*Easily bored
*poor sitting intolerance
*suddenly run or jump
*injury prone
*miss items
*disorganised and clumsy
Facts and myths
Many people think that if you have not been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, you cannot have it as an adult. This is incorrect. Many people struggle with ADHD their whole lives and are never diagnosed, are misdiagnosed, or are diagnosed very late in life. They usually attribute their symptoms to other problems and don't get the necessary help.
Myth 1: All kids with ADHD are hyperactive.
Truth-They can be either predominantly hyperactive or predominantly inattentive or sometimes mixed.
Myth 2: Kids with ADHD can never pay attention.
Truth -yes they can pay attention at times
Myth 3: Kids with ADHD choose to be difficult. They could behave better if they wanted to.
Truth-if you are thinking like this,please change your perspective ,you cant imagine how much your child is suffering.
Myth 4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD.
Truth-no ADHD is carried to adulthood in 30 % of the cases.
Management
The cornerstone of management is psycotherapy tailored for each individual and family.
The most effective treatment for ADD / ADHD tackles the problem on multiple fronts. This comprehensive treatment strategy is known as the multi-modal approach. Elements of the multi-modal approach include:
- Education about ADHD (for both the person with ADHD and the parents, spouse or other family members)
- Behavioral intervention strategies
- Parent training
- A specialized educational program
- Medication, when necessary.