Kids (preschoolers and adolescents), in their growing years, are super energetic and hyperactive, which is a normal phenomenon. However, when your child becomes extremely cranky, talks excessively, unable to follow directions or pay attention to what you say, that is something you need to worry about. Your child may be suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Flowood ADHD specialists can provide clinically proven treatments to improve your child’s quality of life.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder that can often persist into adolescence and even adulthood. It is believed there are differences in the brain, neural network, and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD.
ADHD disrupts a person’s ability to manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions. Boys are affected the most when compared to girls, who present with hyperactive symptoms.
Risk factors for ADHD
Possible risk factors for ADHD include:
- Abnormal brain anatomy
- Lead exposure
- Substance use during pregnancy
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Brain injury
However, the following factors do not cause ADHD:
- Allergies
- Immunizations
- Increased sugar intake
- Too much screen time
- Poor parenting
- Social factors like poverty
Characteristic features of ADHD
Symptoms in people suffering from ADHD can vary according to different age groups.
Warning symptoms to watch out for include:
- Poor concentration
- Inability to focus and complete the assigned tasks on time
- Unresponsiveness
- Not able to follow instructions
- Losing things frequently
- Lack of organizational skills
- Hyperactive
- Forgetfulness
- Easily distracted, or daydreaming
- Disliking tasks that require mental efforts
- Making unnecessary mistakes
- Taking risks
- Constantly fidgety, and impatient
- Talking too much
- Often interrupting others’ conversations
- Teens lost in their own world
Treatment options for ADHD
In most cases, ADHD in older children can be managed through medications and behavioral therapy.
Medications
The U.S. FDA (food and development authority) has approved several drugs to treat ADHD in children as young as 6 years. These include:
- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
- Antidepressants
Behavioral therapy
- This modality helps children above 13 years.
- The goal is to learn or strengthen positive behaviors while eliminating unwanted or concerning behaviors.
- Executive function training is also a type of behavioral therapy that helps to improve organizational skills and self-monitoring
Summary
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, lifelong neurological condition that can begin in childhood and can persist even in adulthood. Fortunately, this is treatable with medications and therapy.
You can get help from healthcare professionals who can evaluate the symptoms and figure out the right treatment plan for your child.
