🧠 What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

"Doctor, our son doesn't do a single task with one-pointed attention. He's always fidgeting, running, and jumping. The teachers at school say that he doesn't sit still in class and disrupts the children. Is this a deliberate mischief on our part, doctor?" Dilhani, the mother of 7-year-old Kavindu, came to the clinic and expressed her concerns to Dr. Priya.

Dr. Priya calmed her down and explained gently, "Dilhani, this is not something Kavindu is doing on purpose. In medical terms, this condition is called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a condition caused by subtle neurological changes in the functioning and development of the brain. With proper behavioral training and medical advice, this mischief and lack of attention can be completely controlled."

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can be seen in children as well as sometimes in adults? In this article, we will discuss in detail its symptoms, types, causes, and how to care for children.

🤔 What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder most commonly diagnosed in childhood. It is caused by functional changes in the areas of the brain involved in planning, paying attention, and controlling emotions (the frontal lobe).

Children with this condition have difficulty controlling their emotions, thoughts, and actions (executive functions), which interferes with their daily educational and social activities.

❓ How common is ADHD?

According to statistics, about 7% - 11% of children between the ages of 2 - 17 have ADHD. It is diagnosed more than twice as often in boys than in girls. Since the hyperactive symptoms of boys are clearly visible, they are easily referred to doctors.

❓ ADHD Classification (Types of ADHD)

ADHD can be divided into 3 types depending on the main symptoms the child displays:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: In this case, although the fidgeting is less, there is severe difficulty maintaining attention. Although this was previously called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), it is now classified under ADHD.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: In this presentation, hyperactive behaviors such as running, jumping, fidgeting, and lack of patience predominate rather than inattention.
3. Combined Presentation: The most common presentation (70% of patients fall into this category) is where both inattention and hyperactivity symptoms are seen equally.

🤒 What are the symptoms of ADHD?

For a diagnosis, these symptoms must be present for at least 6 consecutive months in two environments in the child's life (e.g., home and school).

#### Symptoms of Inattention:

• Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork and daily activities.
• Difficulty maintaining attention while playing or studying.
• Showing a lack of interest in listening when someone speaks directly.
• Difficulty following instructions properly and completing tasks on time.
• Frequent forgetting and losing everyday things like books, toys, and pencils.
• Being distracted by even the smallest external events.

#### Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Frequent fidgeting or twisting of the limbs when sitting in one place.
• Frequently getting up from your seat in class or at home and running around.
• Difficulty playing or relaxing calmly.
• Incessant excessive talking.
• Being anxious to answer a question before it is finished.
• Lack of patience to wait for one's turn.
• Interrupting others' conversations or games.

🤔 Causes of ADHD

Although the exact cause of this condition has not yet been found, according to scientific research, the main causes are as follows:

• Genetics: If someone in the family has ADHD, the risk of the child developing it is about 75%.
• Neurological changes in the brain: Imbalance in neurotransmitters, chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline, which transmit messages in the brain.
• Effects during pregnancy: The mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy, or excessive exposure to chemicals (e.g., lead).
• Premature birth: A baby born before the full term or with very low birth weight.

> [!NOTE]
> Eating too much sugar, watching too much TV or cell phones, or poor parenting do not cause ADHD. But they can make existing symptoms worse.

🚨 Long-term complications that can occur if ignored (Red Flags)

If ADHD is not treated properly, the child may face the following problems as they grow up:

• Educational backwardness and job instability.
• Poor Self-Esteem and breakdown of social relationships.
• Mental problems such as anxiety and depression.
• Illegal and dangerous actions resulting from sudden, uncontrolled anger.
• Substance Use Disorder.

🛠️ Action Steps to Help a Child with ADHD

• First step: If you have any concerns about your child's behavior, see a primary care physician or child psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
• Step two (setting up the routine):Maintain a structured routine for waking up, eating, studying, and sleeping.
• Step Three (Behavioral Therapy): As parents, praise your child immediately when he does something good (Positive Reinforcement). Use the "Time-out" method calmly and without getting angry when the child misbehaves.
• Step Four (Preparing the School Environment): Inform the class teacher at the school and take steps to seat the child in a seat at the front of the class and break down the tasks into small chunks.
• Step Five (Proper Medication Use): Give children over the age of 6 years old stimulants, such as Methylphenidate, as prescribed by a doctor.

📊 Treatment Options Comparison

📖 Sources and Scientific References

• NHS (UK) Guidance on ADHD: NHS Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Accessed 2026)
• CDC (US) Clinical Resources on ADHD: CDC ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis (Accessed 2026)