ADHD - Causes and Solutions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents and can continue into adulthood for some. ADHD doesn’t only affect children. Adults can have this condition too. ADHD can make it hard for adults to pay attention, control their emotions, and finish tasks. Just like kids, adults with ADHD are often given stimulants or other medications to control symptoms. They may also have therapy sessions to help get organized and stay focused. 

Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can’t seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors can be normal in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD.

The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child’s ability to function at school and at home.

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.

What are ADHD symptoms in children?

Symptoms of ADHD in children are grouped into 3 categories- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

1. Inattention –A child with ADHD:

Has a tendency to daydream

Often loses things, including personal stuff

Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort

Has problems organizing daily tasks

Is forgetful about daily activities

Does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes

Does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking

Does not follow directions or finish tasks

Is easily distracted

2. Hyperactivity- A child with ADHD:         

Often squirms, fidgets or bounces when sitting

Does not stay seated as expected

Has difficulty playing quietly

Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens & adults, this is more described as a sense of restlessness)

Talks excessively

3. Impulsivity- A child with ADHD

Has difficulty waiting for his/her turn

Blurts out answers before the question has been completed

Often interrupts others

      What are the ADHD symptoms in adults?

 Adult ADHD symptoms may be different than in the children. They may be the result of behavioral issues.

Chronic lateness and forgetfulness

Anxiety

Low self-esteem

Employment problems

Difficulty controlling anger

Impulsiveness

Substance abuse or addiction

Poor organization skills

Procrastination

Low frustration tolerance

Chronic boredom

Difficulty concentrating when reading

Mood swings

Depression

Relationship problems

                                                  What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t known, yet it is suspected that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, which includes-

 

1. Heredity: This fact tends to run in the families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.

2. Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD.

3. Chemical imbalance: An imbalance of brain chemicals that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms.

How common is ADHD?

It is most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children and is more common in boys than in girls. It is discovered during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can continue into the teen years and into adulthood.

ADHD cannot be cured. But many of the symptoms that interfere with functioning and cause distress can be controlled. Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication and various psycho-social therapies.

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Psycho-social therapies: These are treatment approaches that focus on the behavioral, psychological, social, and school/work problems associated with the illness. Psycho-social therapies that may be used for ADHD-

1. Special education – SE is a type of education that is structured to meet a child’s unique educational needs. Children with ADHD generally benefit most from a highly structured environment and use of routines.

2. Behavior modification- BM includes strategies for supporting good behavior and decreasing a child’s problem behavior.

3. Psychotherapy (counselling): Psychotherapy can help a child or adult with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration. It can also help improve their self-esteem. Counselling may help family members better understand the child or adult with ADHD.

4. Social skills training: SST can help a child learn new behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing. This will enable the child to better function in social situations.

5. Support groups: SG are generally made up of people with same problems and needs. This can help with acceptance and support. Groups also can provide a forum for learning more about a disorder and the latest approaches to treatment. These groups are helpful for adults with ADHD or parents of children with ADHD.

* ADHD is not considered a learning disability.

* A learning disability is a neurologically based disorder affecting the psychological processes necessary for learning.

* ADHD is an associated disorder that can interfere with the individual’s availability for learning.

* Assessment and treatment methods are different for the two conditions. 

For any of assistance about learning disability in concern of your child you can mail us at:  
 counselling.ks@gmail.com