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 of ADHD is unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
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 of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
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 of ADHD is unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
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 of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
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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