ADHD: Is it a child's misbehavior? Or a disease?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder seen in childhood. It can affect not only children but also adults. Children with ADHD have problems with inattention, hyperactivity , and impulsivity.

🤔 What is ADHD?

Simply put, ADHD is a condition that is caused by changes in the way the brain works. It doesn't affect everyone the same way. But in general, people with this condition have a little more difficulty controlling their emotions, thoughts, and actions. This means they have a little bit of trouble with their executive functions . This can cause them to:

• It's hard to control your behavior. 🤪
• It's hard to stay focused. 😴
• Struggling, running, jumping too much. 🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️
• I can't stay focused on one thing and I'm moving here and there. 🚶‍♂️
• It's hard to control things like happiness and sadness in your heart. 🎭
• Many things are forgotten. 🤔
• Many things are confusing. 😥
• It's hard to get a job done properly and finish it. 😔
• It's hard to do your homework while sitting in one place. 🪑
• It's hard to listen to what's being said. 🙉

❓ How common is ADHD?

About 11% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 have ADHD. Worldwide, about 7.2% of children have this condition.

Boys are more likely to develop this condition, twice as likely as girls. But this doesn't mean that boys are more likely to develop it. It's just that their mischievous behavior is more noticeable, making it easier to recognize that they have the disease. 👍

❓ How many types of ADHD are there?

ADHD can be seen in four main forms. Doctors classify it based on the symptoms your child has.

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: This type is characterized by a lack of attention . Previously, this was called “Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).” Children with this disorder have difficulty paying attention to their studies and completing tasks in an orderly manner. However, they are less likely to fidget, run, or jump.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This type is characterized by fidgeting and restlessness. Children with this type are constantly fidgeting, running, and jumping. They have difficulty sitting still and doing schoolwork. They work without thinking. When they start talking, they talk nonstop. This is the least common type. It usually affects young children.
3. Combined Presentation: This type has features of both the previous types. That is, there is decreased attention and increased fidgeting. This is the most common type. About 70% of people belong to this type.
4. Unspecified Presentation: This type is given to those who cannot be accurately classified into the previously mentioned types, but who have symptoms of the disease.

❓ What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

In the past, attention deficit disorder was called “Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD). But in 1994, the American Psychiatric Association changed its name. Now, whether there is inattention or not, they are all collectively called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Doctors classify the disorder based on the symptoms it presents.

❓ What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Your child's doctor will diagnose ADHD by looking at his or her symptoms. These symptoms must be present in at least two areas of his or her life (for example, school and home) for at least 6 months.

Doctors use these symptoms to diagnose ADHD. They use a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR™) to do this. (Don't worry too much about the name of the book, just read on.)

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:

• It's hard to pay attention to small things and I often make careless mistakes.
• It's hard to stay focused when you're working.
• It's hard to listen carefully. It's like he's dreaming. It's like he's in another world.
• It's hard to do what you're told. It's hard to finish a task.
• It's difficult to get work done neatly.
• You avoid tasks that require constant thinking and do them reluctantly.
• Always losing things.
• Attention is diverted from external things.
• Forgetting daily routines.

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation:

• He's always struggling, flailing his arms, flailing his legs, moving here and there.
• You sit down and get up when you want to.
• Running and climbing when you don't want to.
• It's hard to play and have fun.
• It's like a motor is being set up, constantly spinning.
• Talking too much.
• They answer the question before it's finished.
• It's hard to wait for your turn.
• Interrupting others when they are talking or playing.

Combined Presentation:

This type has features of both of the previous types. According to the DSM-5, at least 12 symptoms must be present (6 inattentive symptoms and 6 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms).

🤔 How does ADHD develop?

Scientists have found that people with ADHD have differences in the structure and function of their brains. The part of the brain behind your forehead is called the frontal lobe . This is where you do things like plan, pay attention, make decisions, and use language. Researchers call this directed attention . The brains of people with ADHD develop later than those of normal people.

People with ADHD have less Directed Attention. Instead, they have more Automatic Attention . Automatic Attention is simply focusing on things you like and can do with your free will. Directed Attention is focusing on things you have to do even if you don't want to or don't want to do. (For example, going to school, doing boring, repetitive tasks)

Also, your brain has cells called neurons . These cells send messages throughout the brain. These messages travel through nerve networks . Scientists have found that people with ADHD have changes in these networks. They have also found that there are changes in chemicals called neurotransmitters .

Although these differences have been discovered, it is still not known exactly why they occur and how they lead to ADHD. However, research suggests that genetics play a major role. There is a high chance that a child with ADHD will have the disorder if either the mother or father has the disorder.

Other reasons may include:

• Exposure to lead.
• Drug use during pregnancy .
• Premature birth.
• Having a low birth weight.

These are not causes of ADHD:

• Allergies .
• Vaccinations.
• Eating too much sugar.
• Watching too much TV and looking at the phone.
• Parents' mistakes.
• Social issues like poverty.

😔 What are the complications of ADHD?

If not treated properly, ADHD can cause long-term problems.

• Poor Self-Esteem.
• Depression and Anxiety .
• Eating Disorders.
• Sleep Issues.
• Substance Use Disorder.
• Risky, Impulsive Behaviors.
• Frequent Driving Accidents and Injuries .
• Problems with social relationships (Trouble with Relationships and Other Social Interactions).
• Academic Underachievement.
• Job instability.

🩺 How is ADHD diagnosed?

If you think your child has ADHD, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. It's easy to diagnose this condition in children between the ages of 4 and 17. It's a little harder to diagnose in children under 4 because they're changing so quickly. And many children are a little naughty at that age. It's also a little harder to diagnose in younger children because they may have other problems (for example, autism , anxiety).

There is no test to diagnose ADHD. Your child's doctor will diagnose it by observing his behavior and asking you questions. You, your child, the doctor, the school teachers, and anyone else who cares for your child, if any, all need to work together to help diagnose it.

The doctor will look at how your child is different from other children. They will look at his or her symptoms to determine if he or she has ADHD and what type it is.

❓ Do I have ADHD?

About 4.2% of adults in the United States have ADHD. But there are many people who don't get it. Sometimes it's a little harder to diagnose ADHD in adults because they can have other problems.

When you find out that your child has ADHD, you may think that you have the same symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD in an adult, they must have at least 5 symptoms. They must also be diagnosed as having the disorder since childhood.

I'm looking at a few other things for this.

• I'm looking into my childhood behaviors.
• You talk to your partner , mother/father, or a close friend who knows you well.
• You are being examined. (This can be done, but it is not always done.)
• Psychological tests are conducted.

💊 How is ADHD treated?

ADHD treatment is designed to reduce your child's symptoms and help them do well at home and at school. For younger children (ages 4-5), doctors often recommend training parents before prescribing medication.

Often, the best treatment for older children, young people, and adults is a combination of behavioral therapy and ADHD medication .

Behavioral Therapy:

For children under 13, doctors recommend training parents on how to manage their children's behavior. For older children, there are other types of behavioral therapy. Social Skills Training, Executive Function Training, and other types of therapy are used to help children do their daily tasks. These therapies focus on encouraging good behavior and discouraging bad behavior.

Medication:

Medication can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. It can also reduce problems when they are with friends and family. There are different types of medication that can be given to children over the age of 6.

• Stimulants: These are the most commonly prescribed medications. About 70%-80% of children benefit from these medications.
• Nonstimulants: These don't work as quickly as stimulants. They don't have as much of an effect. But they can last for about 24 hours. If stimulants don't work, a doctor can add these medications.
• Antidepressants: These are not approved for ADHD, but doctors sometimes prescribe them, either alone or with other ADHD medications.

It takes some time to find the right type of medication and dose for your child, so it's important to be patient.

🚫 Can ADHD be prevented?

Scientists say that genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD, which is why it cannot be completely prevented.

But you can stay away from some risky things. If you are a pregnant mother, you should stay away from toxic substances like lead, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Then the chances of this happening will be reduced.

🔮 What can I expect if I have this condition?

The future of a person with ADHD depends on whether or not they receive treatment. With behavioral therapy and medication, many children can stay healthy and well.

If left untreated, problems may continue to increase.

• I am having trouble doing my daily tasks.
• Other mental problems may arise.
• You can become addicted to drugs.
• There may be problems related to school and work. You may have to change jobs frequently.

⏳ How long does ADHD last? (How long does ADHD last?)

Some people outgrow ADHD as they grow older. But some people learn how to live with it. Then it doesn't become a big problem in their lives. For others, it is a lifelong illness. But many people learn to live successfully with it.

How do I take care of my child who has ADHD?

It is very important for children with ADHD to take good care of their bodies. In addition to the treatments mentioned above, it is also important to maintain a good lifestyle.

• Eat well: Eat things like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Exercise: Do things like walk and play every day.
• Reduce TV and phone viewing: Reduce the time you spend on this.
• Sleep well: Go to bed on time and wake up on time every day.

🏠 How to help a child with ADHD at home?

Try these few things:

Behavior:

• Set clear rules: Be clear about what you expect from him.
• Praise good things: Praise him when he does something good. Then he will do it again.
• Develop a way to punish mistakes: You can do things like giving him a "Time Out" or not doing something he likes. But do it the same way every time.
• Watch when you give them attention: Sometimes parents only give their children attention when they do something wrong. Then they tend to repeat the same mistakes. So, give them attention even when they do something good.

Order:

• Do things the same way: Get into the habit of getting up, eating, studying, playing, and going to bed at the same time every day.
• Use a calendar and planner: Write down things you need to remember and things you need to do. This is very important for older children and young people.
• Keep your belongings organized: Create a place to put everything: clothes, toys, books.

Lesson work:

• Create a separate space for study: This space should be quiet and have few distractions.
• Set a timer: See how long it takes you to complete your homework. If you don't finish it, take a short break and try again.
• Praise good work: Give him something like a gift when he finishes a task. Don't scold him if he doesn't do it right.

❓ Additional Common Questions

Finally:

ADHD is a condition that can affect people of all ages. It can affect your child's behavior and learning. However, it is treatable. If you think your child has these symptoms, take him to a doctor. They will tell you how to treat him.

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