Does your little one never stay in one place? Does he/she run around like a motorcyclist? Does he/she jump in the middle of a conversation and talk? For some parents, this is all too familiar, and it can be a very tiring experience. While many people think this is just a child's mischief or stubbornness, sometimes it can be something deeper than that. Today we are talking about ADHD, which is such a condition.
Simply put, what is Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD?
There are several main types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, which we are talking about today, is one of them. It is characterized by restlessness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Simply put, these children have a tendency to act before they think.
Does your child have a hard time sitting still? Does he talk at inappropriate times? These are what we call hyperactivity. Also, things like jumping up when you're talking or not waiting their turn while playing can be called impulsiveness.
This condition can also occur in adults, but it is less common in children. This hyperactivity may gradually decrease as we get older.
What are the symptoms of this condition? How do you recognize it?
First of all, it's not possible to say for sure that your child has ADHD with just one test. Your doctor will first try to rule out other possible causes of this behavior. For example, stress from family problems, poor eyesight , or learning disabilities can make it difficult for a child to stay focused.
When a doctor suspects ADHD, they will pay special attention to the following symptoms. These symptoms must be present for at least 6 months .
| Symptom/Behavior | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Fidgeting/Squirming | Inability to sit still, constant fidgeting and fidgeting. |
| Nonstop Talking | Continuous talking that is inappropriate for the occasion. |
| Dislike for quiet work | Difficulty concentrating on tasks that require quiet concentration, such as reading a book or drawing a picture. |
| "Motor-like" functionality | Running around from place to place, unable to sit still. |
| Constantly getting up and walking | Constantly getting up from a sitting position, climbing on chairs, tables, and furniture. |
| Impatience | Waiting in line, unable to wait for your turn. |
| Blurting out | Answering a question before it's even finished, expressing opinions at inappropriate times. |
| Interrupting | Interrupting others' conversations and games. |
| Ignoring dangers | Working without understanding the dangers of a situation. |
The important thing is that not every child who runs around and plays has ADHD. To be called ADHD, these symptoms must have a clear impact on the child's normal life (such as schoolwork, relationships with friends).
To officially diagnose ADHD, the doctor will consider several other factors:
- We are looking at whether these symptoms began before the age of 12 .
- We look at whether these characteristics are displayed not just in one place (such as at home), but in multiple places (such as at home and school) .
- We are making sure that there is no other medical condition that could explain these behaviors .
What is the difference between ADHD and other types?
There is another main type of ADHD, called Inattentive ADHD . The main characteristic of this type is difficulty paying attention. Imagine, these children are easily distracted by other things, often seem to be in a dream world, often lose things, make small mistakes, and have difficulty finishing tasks they start. But they do not show excessive restlessness or impulsivity like the Hyperactive-Impulsive type we talked about earlier.
But in reality, many people have a combination of both types. It's called the Combined Type . That means they have a hard time staying in one place and having a hard time getting things done.
Why does this situation occur?
Like all forms of ADHD, the exact cause is still unclear. Scientists say there is a genetic component . This means that genes passed down from parents to children may play a role. If a close family member has ADHD, a child is more likely to develop it.
In addition, there are several other factors that increase the risk:
- Mother smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
- Premature birth .
- Being born with very low birth weight.
- Ingestion of toxic substances such as lead during childhood.
- Brain injuries.
Many parents believe that sugar causes children to be naughty. However, there is no scientific evidence that sugar causes or worsens ADHD. Although there is talk of a link between artificial colors and preservatives (food additives) and ADHD, it has not yet been proven.
How is it treated?
Okay, now that the condition has been diagnosed, the next step is treatment. The treatment plan will be different for every child. Sometimes, you have to try several methods to find what works best for your child. This is a collaborative journey between you, your child, and your doctor .
Treatment usually begins with medication. There are two main types of medication.
1. Stimulant Drugs
Although these are called "stimulants," these medications do not stimulate children with ADHD, they actually calm them down.
- Methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin, Concerta)
- Dexmethylphenidate (eg, Focalin)
- Lisdexamfetamine (e.g. Vyvanse)
- Amphetamine-type drugs (e.g. Adderall)
These come in different forms, such as pills, liquids, and skin patches. Not every child will benefit from the same medication, so your doctor will choose the best one for your child.
2. Non-stimulant Drugs
Although these do not work as quickly as stimulant medications, they may have fewer side effects.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Clonidine (Kapvay)
Sometimes medications for high blood pressure and some antidepressants can help control ADHD symptoms.
Be aware of the side effects of medications.
When using medication, it is very important to be aware of side effects. Talk to your doctor about this openly.
| Common side effects | Rare but serious side effects (inform the doctor immediately) |
|---|---|
|
Serious side effects like these are very rare. But if your child shows any unusual symptoms, call your doctor right away. The doctor will regularly check your child's height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate while they are taking the medication.
Behavior Therapy
Along with medication, behavioral therapy is also essential. A psychologist or therapist helps the child identify and control their anxious and impulsive behaviors.
- I practice following routines on a daily basis.
- Helps improve social skills.
- A rewards and consequences system is introduced for parents and teachers to encourage good behavior and provide consequences for bad behavior.
Take-Home Message
- Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is not a "bad" or "naughty" behavior in a child, it is a medical condition that needs to be treated.
- If you have any doubts about your child's behavior, do not speculate and seek advice from a qualified doctor.
- A combination of both medication and behavioral therapy is often most effective for treatment.
- Always talk to your doctor about the medications your child is taking, their dosage, and possible side effects.
- As parents, your love, patience, and support are extremely important for your child's well-being.
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