ADHD is the abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. It is a mental disorder that is usually first seen in childhood. As the name suggests, its main characteristics include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and a tendency to impulsivity. The condition is fairly common but tends to resolve spontaneously in a majority of the affected children. If they have been diagnosed with ADHD Dallas residents need to understand a number of things on the condition.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
Treatment is mainly through the administration of drugs or through psychotherapy. The common practice is to combine both options so as to increase the chances of succeeding. Stimulants are the main group of drugs. Although these drugs are highly effective, they have a potential for addiction and abuse. Additionally, they may cause psychosis if given to preschool children. Such children may benefit from behavioral therapy.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
Treatment is mainly through the administration of drugs or through psychotherapy. The common practice is to combine both options so as to increase the chances of succeeding. Stimulants are the main group of drugs. Although these drugs are highly effective, they have a potential for addiction and abuse. Additionally, they may cause psychosis if given to preschool children. Such children may benefit from behavioral therapy.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
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