Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuro developmental psychiatric disorder in which there are significant problems with executive that cause attention deficits, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness which is not appropriate for a person’s age.

Causes Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

The definite cause of ADHD is yet unknown.

However, researchers claim that it is a result of interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

Genetics
Studies show that the disorder is often inherited from one’s parents with genetics determining about 75% of cases.
Siblings of children with ADHD are three to four times more likely to develop the disorder than siblings of children without the disorder.
Genetic factors are also believed to be involved in determining whether ADHD persists into adulthood.

Environmental factors

The following factors are loosely linked to ADHD.

Alcohol intake during pregnancy
Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy
Exposure to lead
Food dyes or preservatives

Risk Factors Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

The following factors increase the likelihood of getting ADHD:

Blood relatives (such as a parent or sibling) with ADHD or another mental health disorder
Exposure to environmental
Maternal exposure to environmental poisons — such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — during pregnancy
Premature birth

Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Those suffering from ADHD may exhibit the following symptoms:

Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
Not seem to listen when spoken to
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, doing homework, and story time
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
Be very impatient
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
Often interrupt conversations or others’ activities

Diagnosis Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

There is no specific test for the diagnosis of ADHD.

However, the procedure for making a diagnosis may include the following:

Medical exam,to help rule out other possible causes of symptoms
Information gathering,such as any current medical issues, personal and family medical history and school records
Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers or other people who know your child well, such as baby sitters and coaches
ADHD rating scales to help collect and evaluate information about your child