Know the basics on causes, symptoms and treatment
Overview
ADHD is a mental health disorder that causes above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. It often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood.
People with ADHD have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. ADHD also contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships and difficulty at school.
Causes of ADHD
The cause of ADHD is not known. However, there are several things that may lead to it including;
- heredity. ADHD tends to run in families
- Chemical imbalance. Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance
- Poor nutrition, infection, smoking and substance abuse during pregnancy. These things affect a baby’s brain development
- Toxins such as lead
- A brain injury or brain disorder
Symptoms of ADHD
A wide range of behaviors are associated with ADHD. Some of the more common ones are :
- being forgetful about completing tasks
- Often loses things
- Being easily distracted
- Having trouble focusing
- Having difficulty sitting still
- Interrupting people while they are talking
- Tends to day dream
NOTE : these symptoms are often seen in children with ADHD.
Symptoms in adult
Symptoms of ADHD may change as a person gets older. They include :
- anxiety
- Low self esteem
- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
- Trouble controlling anger
- Substance abuse
- Impulsiveness
- Procrastination
- Easily frustrated
- Unorganized
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Relationship problems
ADHD treatment
Many symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy.
Medication: Medications called stimulants can help control hyperactive and impulsive behavior and increase attention span. They include:
* Amphetamine (Adzenys XR ODT, Dyanavel)
* Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
* Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
* Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
* Methylphenidate (Aptensio, Cotempla, Concerta, Daytrana, Jornay, PM, Metadate, Methylin
Therapy: These treatments focus on changing behavior.
- Special education : special education helps a child learn at school. Having structure and a routine can help children with ADHD a lot.
- Behavior modification : this teaches ways to replace bad behaviors with good ones.
- Psychotherapy (counseling) : psychotherapy can help someone with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration. It can also help improve their self-esteem. Counseling may also help family members better understand the child or adult with ADHD.
- Social skills training : social skills training can teach behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing.
READ MORE ON ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
