Has your doctor told you that your child has ADHD? Or do you have this condition as an adult? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a topic that many people are talking about in our society right now. Doctors and scientists are constantly conducting new research on this condition. So, today we will talk about some of the important facts that have been discovered in the latest research about ADHD.
The amazing power of exercise
A question many parents ask is, "What can I do for ADHD without medication?" The latest research shows that exercise is one of the best non-drug ways to improve the mental skills that are affected by ADHD, such as sustained attention and working memory .
Imagine, your child has a hard time sitting still and studying. But after running around and playing for about half an hour a day, he or she will find it easier to focus on his or her studies. That's what this means. Another study found that children with ADHD who do aerobic exercise are able to adapt more easily to new situations and think more flexibly.
In a study conducted on girls aged 6-10, it was observed that children who participated in sports after school had lower levels of ADHD symptoms at age 12 than children who did not.
Are ADHD symptoms different in girls?
This is a very important question. Usually, when we think of ADHD, we think of a restless, mischievous, hyperactive boy. But research shows that ADHD symptoms in girls can be much different.
When compared to boys, they become more mischievous , have difficulty adapting to new things , and have difficulty controlling their body movements.
But a girl's ADHD can be very different. She may be very quiet. She may stare out the window in class, lost in a dream. She may be inaudible, forgetful, and disorganized. Because this " inattentive " form of ADHD is not obvious, it is often difficult to diagnose the condition in girls.
Young children and ADHD medication - a point to be aware of
Stimulant drugs for ADHD are very helpful for many children. However, there are reports of some young children (especially those aged 13-19) misusing these medications.
"Using it incorrectly" means,
- Taking more than the dose prescribed by the doctor .
- Misuse of the opportunity to get more attention during exams.
- Taking unnecessarily for fun.
Research shows that this problem is increasing in countries like America. We need to be very careful about this in Sri Lanka too. If your child has been prescribed medication for ADHD , be careful to give them exactly as the doctor says .
If you suspect that your child has overdosed on any medication, do not panic and immediately take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
A treatment through technology: Let's learn about Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a non-drug, technology-based treatment. Some research has shown that it can reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Simply put, it's like exercising the brain.
| How to do this? | What do you expect from this? |
|---|---|
| A trained professional attaches small sensors (electrodes) to the child's head. These are painless. The child is then asked to play a special video game or respond to certain sounds. During this time, the machine monitors the electrical activity of the child's brain. | Through this process, the child learns how to control their brain activity and increase their attention. In other words, the brain is 'trained'. This usually requires about 30-40 sessions of treatment. |
ADHD and Mental Health: Suicidal Thoughts
This is a sensitive topic to talk about, but it's definitely worth being aware of. A study conducted in Canada found that adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of attempting suicide than those without ADHD. In particular, the study found that about one in four women with ADHD have attempted suicide.
People with ADHD are more likely to experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It is very difficult to deal with these feelings alone.
If you or someone you know is feeling down, please don't suffer alone. It's not a sign of weakness. Talk to a trusted adult right away, or see your doctor as soon as possible. In such cases, seeking the help of a psychiatrist or counselor can make a big difference.
ADHD is a complex condition, and it's important to get the right medical advice and support as you learn new things about it.
Take-Home Message
- Exercise is a great non-drug way to improve attention and other mental skills in a child or adult with ADHD.
- ADHD symptoms can be different for girls and boys. Watch out for inattentiveness, not just mischievousness.
- If your young child is taking medication for ADHD, make sure they are given exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Misuse can be dangerous.
- Providing extra support for children with ADHD with skills like planning and organization before they go to university can greatly help their academic progress.
- If you experience depression or suicidal thoughts with ADHD, don't ignore it. Seek medical advice immediately. Getting the right help can save a life.
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