ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the general name for a behavioural disorder among the most common psychiatric problems in children and adolescents. How does ADHD manifest itself, what is it caused by and what is the treatment?
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, is a neurodevelopmental mental disorder that causes attention deficits, hyperactivity, motor hyperactivity or impulsivity. The first symptoms of ADHD can be noticed quite early – usually before a child is 5 years old.
Although ADHD is more common in boys, it should be emphasised that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects both sexes to a similar degree. However, while hyperactivity symptoms generally predominate in boys, attention deficit disorder predominates in girls and is therefore sometimes misdiagnosed.
ADHD is diagnosed in 4-8% of early school-age children, but this figure is nearly halved in subsequent age groups. However, some features of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may persist even after adulthood.
How is ADHD diagnosed? The most common symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD mainly include attention and concentration disorders, impulsivity and hyperactivity. What behaviours in a child may indicate the onset of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
A child with ADHD is observed to have difficulty focusing attention, lack of attention to detail, absent-mindedness, frequently forgetting things and lack of proper organisation. The child gives the impression that they are not listening to what is being said to them. Often distracted and makes mistakes. The child is unable to concentrate on tasks and puts them off until the last minute. The child often loses objects and is unable to remember where he or she left them. He or she also avoids doing activities that require commitment and concentration.
- Impatience
A child with ADHD is impatient, tries to focus the attention of others on themselves, and often takes risky actions. Expresses emotions and thoughts without thinking, without considering possible consequences. During group tasks and games, he/she is not able to wait patiently for his/her turn and often disrupts others.
- Hyperactivity
A child with ADHD is in constant but usually aimless motion. Even in situations where he or she should stay in one place, he or she quickly starts fidgeting or playing. He often behaves inappropriately to the circumstances, is unable to refrain from speaking, is noisy when playing and finds it difficult to rest in peace and quiet. He has difficulty in continuing tasks he has started and abandons them.
It is worth noting, however, that these symptoms can occur with different severity in each child.
What can cause ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can have many causes – it is usually difficult to pinpoint one specific factor that causes ADHD. The disorder can be influenced by:
- genetic predisposition,
- trauma during pregnancy,
- low birth weight,
- hypoxia during birth and other perinatal trauma.
Harmful factors that have already led to abnormal development or damage to the child’s central nervous system during pregnancy may also be responsible for the onset of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These are primarily:
- smoking by the pregnant woman,
- drinking alcohol by the pregnant woman,
- use of psychoactive substances by the mother,
- exposure to pesticides, heavy metal poisoning.
It is also quite commonly believed that ADHD is caused by parental errors. What is it really like? Abnormalities in the family environment are not the direct cause of ADHD, but for children predisposed to the disorder, they can influence when it manifests and the course it takes. Adverse parenting factors include:
- neglect by parents or carers,
- instability in the family environment (e.g. parental divorce),
- violence against the child.
How to diagnose ADHD correctly?
The correct diagnosis of ADHD requires the collaboration of several specialists – primarily a psychologist, psychiatrist and paediatrician, and sometimes a paediatric neurologist. An important part of the procedure is a thorough interview with the parents regarding the child’s functioning at home, school and with peers. As part of the diagnosis, tests are also performed to assess the child’s intellectual, memory, concentration and association skills, as well as motor skills and coordination.
It is extremely important to rule out other mental health conditions that may produce similar symptoms, such as anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, adaptation problems, mental retardation, obsessive-compulsive neurosis or bipolar affective disorder, before making a diagnosis. However, it should be borne in mind that it is not uncommon for children with ADHD to have an additional psychiatric condition concurrently – most commonly dyslexia, anxiety disorders and conduct disorders. In addition, it is important to be sure that the observed symptoms are not the result of neurological and somatic disorders, including adverse drug reactions, visual or hearing impairment, epilepsy or thyroid disorders.
How is ADHD treated?
The treatment regimen for ADHD usually involves several components. It may consist of:
- psychotherapy,
- family therapy,
- peer group therapy for the child,
- psycho-educational classes for parents,
- pharmacological treatment.
The therapy programme is developed individually, taking into account the child’s age, general health, the type of symptoms present and susceptibility to particular therapeutic measures. Sometimes medications and supplements to improve concentration are used supportively. These may include capsules with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and EPA, which further support brain function and reduce attention deficit disorders, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Another option is capsules with bacopa leaf extract, which support brain function, increase concentration skills and improve memory. For sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, it is sometimes recommended to take melatonin, which prolongs sleep and improves the quality of nightly rest.
What can ADHD lead to?
As with many other disorders, untreated ADHD can also lead to health and emotional complications. Difficulties at school, underachievement or rejection by peers can lead to lower self-esteem and emotional problems. Conversely, untreated ADHD in adults can result in personal and professional difficulties. Among the most common health complications of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are:
- addiction to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs,
- anxiety and depression disorders,
- overeating leading to obesity,
- sleep problems,
- suicide attempts.
Behavioural disorders resulting from ADHD are among the more common reasons for children and adolescents to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms that may indicate the onset of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder should not be underestimated – if untreated, it can slow down a child’s development and cause numerous emotional and personal problems in adulthood.
Source
- https://www.wapteka.pl/blog/artykul/adhd-objawy-przyczyny-i-leczenie-zespol-nadpobudliwosci-psychoruchowej-u-dzieci-i-doroslych#entry-text-content
