Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or commonly called as ADHD is the chronic condition that mainly occurs in children and it usually continues into their adulthood as well. This condition usually combines a variety of issues like hyperactivity, difficulty in sustaining attention and impulsive behaviour. Children that are having ADHD usually struggle a lot in maintaining their self confidence, they also have difficulty in maintain relationships and experience poor performance at school. In some of the cases the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder subsides automatically, but in some people the symptoms continues into their adulthood. However, strategies are taught to the children to become successful and deal with the symptoms. There is no treatment plan to cure ADHD. But with behavioural interventions and medications the symptoms can be alleviated.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Initially, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder was also called as Attention Deficit Disorder, but now it has been renamed to ADHD which describe both primary features of the condition – Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Impulsive Behaviour. The signs and symptoms of ADHD are obvious when the child turn 2-3 years old. Some of the symptoms include:

• Frequently daydreaming and difficulty in paying attention
• Difficulty in following instructions and listening to others
• Difficulty in organizing activities and tasks
• Loses of needed things and forgetful
• Failing to finish work at school and other task
• Getting distracted easily
• Difficulty remaining seated for longer hours and constant moving
• Excessively talkative
• Interrupting other conversations or games

What are the Causes of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

The exact cause of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is still not clear. However, there are multiple factors that are linked with the development of ADHD in children.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder may run in family and researches confirm that genes play a major role in causing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in some children. Some of the environmental factors may also increase the risk of developing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the central nervous system is the key factors for the development of ADHD.

Risk Factors & Complications!

The risk factors of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder include:

• Exposure to the environmental toxins like lead which is mainly found in pipes, paints used in buildings
• Blood relatives like siblings or parents with ADHD or other mental disorders
• Maternal exposure to the environmental toxins like polychlorinated biphenyls during the pregnancy
• Drug abuse during pregnancy or smoking or consuming alcohol
• Premature birth of the child may cause trigger ADHD in children

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder makes the life challenging for the children and they may experience the following.

• Struggling at school to perform optimally which may lead to academic failure
• Having poor self confidence and esteem
• Tend to have accidents and injuries of all types than the kids that don’t have ADHD
• They are at the greater risk of abusing drugs and alcohol in future

Diagnosing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Diagnosing of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is not possible unless the core symptoms start showing up in early life. There are actually not specific tests available for diagnosing ADHD. But doctors may prescribe you to undergo certain tests including

• Medical examination that helps in ruling out the possible cause of ADHD symptoms
• Interviews or questionnaires for the member of family, teacher and other people associated with teh child
• Information gathering like medical history, personal and family medical problems and school records
• The rating scales for ADHD can help collect and examine information about the kid

Treatments for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The standard treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder mainly includes education, training, medications and counselling. These treatment plans are mainly decided to alleviate the symptoms that are linked with ADHD. Remember these medications and counselling sessions are not meant to treat condition from root cause. It only controls the symptoms and makes the condition better.

Your doctor will take time to determine what treatment plan works best for your child. Stimulant medications along with ADHD Behaviour Therapy and Counselling are offered to patients with ADHD and it benefits the child to deal with depression anxiety disorder and helps both ADHD and coexisting problems. Best results are achieved when the team approach is used along with therapists, parents and teachers.