Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by a persistent three core symptoms of inattention hyperactivity and impulsiveness which occurs at home, in school as well as at social settings, affecting both learning and social relationships. ADHD is one of the most common disorders of childhood. Globally, it’s estimated that prevalence is around five per cent. More boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.
What are the signs?
- Inattention
- Consistent careless mistakes,
- Not listening when directly spoken to;
- Failing to finish school work or chores;
- Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort
- Difficulty of organizing tasks,
- Easily distracted and forgetful
- Often loses things, including personal items
- Has a tendency to daydream?
- Hyperactivity
- Younger children would be restless in the classroom
- Has difficulty playing quietly
- Prone to accident
- Older children often squirm, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
- Does not stay seated as expected
- Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things
- Talks excessively
- Impulsivity
- Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
- Blurts out answers before the question has been completed
- Interrupting other people’s conversation.
- Common problems linked to ADHD are:
- Non-compliant behavior, mood swings, aggression and temper tantrums.
- Poor sleep.
- Literacy and other learning problems and immature language.
- Conduct and oppositional disorders.
- Attachment and post-traumatic disorders.
- Autism spectrum disorders.
- Anxiety disorders.
How is it diagnosed?
There is no specific psychological or biological test for ADHD. Diagnosis is based on examining the duration, severity and characteristics of symptoms, how and when its developed, and if there are any other physical, psychological and/or learning problems comorbid.
What are the causes and risk factors?
There is not known exactly what causes this disorder. Many researchers suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:
- Genetic factors: ADHD runs in families and is heritable.
- Some identified risk factors:
- having a biological relative with ADHD
- extreme early life adversity
- pre and postnatal exposure to lead
- low birth weight/prematurity
What to be done?
ADHD cannot be ‘cured’, with proper intervention and treatments it is possible to lessen the impact of many of the associated symptoms.
Possible treatment includes:
- Parent training and education
- Stimulant medication
- Psychological treatment
- Social skill training
- Treat comorbidity
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