ADHD – Learning To Cope With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is something that many people around the world are living with today. This disorder is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and it can wreak havoc on the home and school life of a child.
The Symptoms Of ADHD
Children who are struggling with this disorder are often thought of as “naughty” or “boisterous” and parents are not always worried until the child begins to attend school and the symptoms begin to affect his or her grades. Children who have ADHD struggle to concentrate and they can rarely sit still for long periods of time. They are constantly distracted by the environment around them and this is what makes it so difficult for them to study and do well in school.
Problems In School And At Home
Children who are struggling with ADHD often begin to have problems both at home and at school. At home, the children are often boisterous and loud and this is a big strain on their parents. They also tend to be involved in more fights and so they might have problems interacting with their siblings. At school, they often struggle to sit still long enough to learn and their grades might suffer because of this.
The Causes Of This Disorder
The causes of this disorder cannot always be pinpointed since there are a range of genetic and environmental factors which could add to the problem. Children with this disorder often come from families that have one or two members who display the same symptoms.
Abnormalities in the brain could also have an effect on this disorder or be one of the causing factors since many children with this disorder are found with abnormalities in their prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that deals with executive functions and allow the individual to exercise self-control.
Other Disorders That Are Linked To ADHD
The problem with this disorder (other than the influence that it has on a child’s daily life) is the fact that it often leads to problems later on in life. Children who are struggling with this disorder may struggle with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders later on in life and this may cause the problem to escalate.
Treating ADHD
Treatment methods for this disorder vary and many of them are so new that little research has been conducted on them. Many parents are strong advocates of a healthy diet when it comes to this disorder. Diets that are specifically designed to treat ADHD have been getting very positive reviews although the scientific research on this treatment method is minimal.
When treating these patients most people prefer the blend of medication and behavioral therapy which has been known to work very well when combined.
Early Diagnosis And Treatment
The earlier you diagnose this problem, the better you will be able to manage it. Parents who begin treating their children immediately are often rewarded with the improvement of their child’s behavior at home and at school. Know the warning signs and seek help if your child’s behavior fits them.
