Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. Causes of the
disorder, ranging from genetic to environmental, ADHD is a non-curable
disorder. A patient suffering from ADHD usually has normal brain structure and
development but is slower in development. So far treatment can only remove the
symptoms of the disorder, but cannot cure it.
In this essay I will talk of the
symptoms and causes of ADHD. More importantly I will also speak of steps and
methods for a person suffering from ADHD to cope with regular school and other
activities.
Inattention is usually displayed in
the following ways:
·
Easily
distracted, having difficulty in focusing on one task, becomes easily bored
with one task, having difficulty in finishing any task
·
Bad
memory
·
Daydreaming
more often than usual
·
Having
difficulty in processing information quickly and accurately as others, struggle
to follow instructions
Hyperactivity is exhibited through:
·
Fidgeting
in their seats, difficulty in sitting in one spot
·
Running
around, playing with everything in sight
·
Talking
a lot
Symptoms of impulsivity include:
·
Impatience
·
Interrupting
others
·
Having
difficulty waiting in things, or even waiting their turn in games
ADHD is caused by several factors.
Among all, the most common cause is heredity. Results from several
international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. 82% of
identical twins whose parents had history of ADHD also showed symptoms of the
disorder. Also Adoption studies show that, hyperactive children are more in
character with their biological parents (proving that other factors such as
parenting, environment etc are not the cause of ADHD) Researchers are looking
at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. Knowing
the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before
symptoms develop. One study showed that a particular gene caused the brain
tissue that connected the both hemispheres of the brain is very thin during the
person’s childhood. However this is not permanent, as the tissue grows to
normal thickness after childhood.
Other causes for
ADHD include cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. A child
below the age exposed to the same also show slower development in brain
tissues, leading to inattention and hyperactivity. Injury to the brain as a
result of trauma, brain tumour, stroke or diseases are other causes for ADHD,
though it is atypical.
Treatment for ADHD:
ADHD can be
treated through medication or psychotherapy. "Stimulants such as methylphenidate
and amphetamines are the most common type of medication used for treating ADHD.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to treat hyperactivity with a stimulant,
these medications actually activate brain circuits that support attention and
focused behaviour, thus reducing hyperactivity. In addition, a few
non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, are
also available. For many children, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn". (National Institue of Mental
Health, 2012) Each child’s response to medication is
different. To some it might be effective, to others it might have no effect, to
some others they may need different dosage and yet others might need a combination
of several medications. Side effects, if any also vary for different children.
Therefore it is important to closely monitor the child’s reaction to
medication. Stimulus medication comes in different forms; pills, liquid and
skin patches. Some medications also come in short-acting, long-acting, or
extended release varieties.
Side effects of medication
may include decreased appetite and sleep problems. Some lesser known side effects
development of ticks (repetitive movement or sounds) which usually stops with a
change in dosage.
Currently medication
does not cure ADHD, but only controls the symptoms so as to help the child pay
attention in school and other academic activities. It is however advised to
couple medication with some behavioural therapy, counselling and practical support
to help the child cope with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can help the child manage
ADHD. Behavioral therapy seeks to change behavior. It involves helping with
practical assistance such as organizing school work, remembering tasks etc. It
can also help child learn social skills, like waiting their turn, sharing toys
and learning to control their anger by helping them think before they speak or
do something.
Chances are children with ADHD have
other disorders too, like learning disorder, anxiety and depression, bipolar
disorder, conduct disorder etc. Recognizing ADHD symptoms and seeking
help early will lead to better outcomes for both affected children and their
families.
Parents also play an important role
in helping their child cope with ADHD. Children with ADHD need guidance
and understanding from their parents and teachers to reach their full potential
and to succeed in school.
Before the child
being diagnosed with ADHD, chances are that there has been a lot of anger and
frustration built up towards the child. Parents need to be educated on how ADHD
has to be dealt with. Parenting skills training helps parents learn how to use
a system of rewards and consequences to change a child's behaviour. Parents are
taught to give immediate and positive feedback for behaviours they want to
encourage, and ignore or redirect behaviours they want to discourage.
Parents are also
encouraged to share pleasant and relaxing activities with their child, to
observe and point out to the child where he does well and encourage such
activities. Also this gives them an opportunity to control the child’s
environment is terms of number of friends he or she plays with (so as to not
let the child get over-stimulated).
It is also
important for parents to work with the child’s school. Most children with ADHD
do not require any form of individualized
education program. But if needed then, it is best to enrol the child in
such a program.
Most children with
ADHD continue to have symptoms well into their adolescence. It becomes more
difficult to keep it in check as parents do not have as much control over them
as before. At this stage, it is important to keep the teen focused on maintaining
a schedule to keep the symptoms of ADHD in check. To help them stay healthy and
provide needed structure, teens with ADHD should be given rules that are clear
and easy to understand. Helping them stay focused and organized—such as posting
a chart listing household chores and responsibilities with spaces to check off
completed items—also may help.
In conclusion,
it is important for ADHD to be detected early in life so as to effectively
reduce its symptoms. Medication and psychotherapy is to be administered and
conducted simultaneously with strict adherence to rules or structure.
References
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