What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. It is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. It affects 4% to 12% of school-aged children. About 3 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.
The condition affects behavior in specific ways.
| Symptom | How a child with this symptom may behave? |
| Inattention | Often has a hard time paying attention, daydreams Often does not seem to listen Is easily distracted from work or play Often does not seem to care about details, makes careless mistakes Frequently does not follow through on instructions or finish tasks Is disorganized Frequently loses a lot of important things Often forgets things Frequently avoids doing things that require ongoing mental effort |
| Hyperactivity | Is in constant motion, as if “driven by a motor” Cannot stay seated Frequently squirms and fidgets Talks too much Often runs, jumps, and climbs when this is not permitted Cannot play quietly |
| Impulsivity | Frequently acts and speaks without thinking May run into the street without looking for traffic first Frequently has trouble taking turns Cannot wait for things Often calls out answers before the question is complete Frequently interrupts others |
Types of ADHD
Not all children with ADHD have all the symptoms. They may have one or more of the symptom groups listed in the table above. The symptoms usually are classified as the following types of ADHD:
- Inattentive only (formerly known as attention-deficit disorder [ADD])-Children with this form of ADHD are not overly active. Because they do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, their symptoms may not be noticed. Among girls with ADHD, this form is more common.
- Hyperactive/Impulsive-Children with this type of ADHD show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but can pay attention. They are the least common group and are frequently younger.
- Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive-Children with this type of ADHD show a number of symptoms in all 3 dimensions. It is the type that most people think of when they think of ADHD.
ADHD is caused by a combination of factors:-
- Biochemical Imbalance
- Person’s Genes
- Environmental Factors
- Brain Injury
- Food Additives(colours & preservatives)
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
- Medicine
- Counselling and Psychosocial management.
- Family education, support and intervention.
- Behaviour Modification
- Educational Intervention
