Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Although the specific origin of ADHD is unknown, research is ongoing. Genetics, the environment, and difficulties with the central nervous system during critical developmental stages may all have a role in the development of ADHD.

• Blood relations, such as a parent or sibling, have ADHD or another mental health issue.
• Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as lead, which is found mostly in paint and pipes in older houses
• Maternal drug usage, alcohol use, or smoking while pregnant
• Premature birth.

Although sugar is a common candidate for promoting hyperactivity, there is no good evidence to support this. Many difficulties in childhood might cause trouble maintaining focus, but this is not the same as ADHD.

The main characteristics of ADHD include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive conduct. ADHD symptoms appear before the age of 12, even in some youngsters as young as three years old. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and may persist until adulthood.

ADHD affects more men than women, and boys and girls exhibit diverse behaviors. For example, guys may be more energetic, whereas girls may be quietly inattentive.

There are three forms of ADHD:

• Primarily inattentive. The bulk of symptoms are classified as inattention.
• Primarily hyperactive/impulsive. The most common symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined. This includes both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

Inattention

A child exhibiting a pattern of inattention may frequently:

• Do not pay careful attention to details or make thoughtless blunders in schooling.
• Having difficulty keeping concentrated on activities or play, as well as not listening when addressed to directly.
• Have difficulties following directions and failing to finish schooling or tasks.
• Have difficulty arranging chores and activities.
• Avoid or detest things that demand concentrated mental effort, such as schoolwork.
• Lose objects essential for chores or activities, such as toys, school assignments, and pencils.
• Be easily diverted.
• Forget about some regular duties, such as failing to complete housework.

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness

A child that has a pattern of hyperactivity and impulsive characteristics may frequently:

• Fidget, tap, or wriggle in their seat.
• Have difficulties remaining sat in the classroom or in other circumstances.
• Be on the go, in continual motion.
• Run around or climb in settings that are not proper.
• Have difficulty playing or conducting an activity quietly.
• Talk too much.
• Blurt out responses and interrupt the questioner.
• Has difficulties waiting for his or her turn.
• Interrupt or interfere with others' talks, games, or activities.

Typical developing behavior versus ADHD

At some point in their lives, most healthy youngsters exhibit inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Preschoolers often have limited attention spans and are unable to focus on one task for lengthy periods. Even in older children and teens, attention span is typically determined by the amount of interest.

The same is true with hyperactivity. Young children are inherently lively, and they frequently remain full of energy long after they have exhausted their parents. In addition, some youngsters are inherently more active than others. Children should never be labeled as having ADHD just because they vary from their peers or siblings.

Children who struggle in school but get along well at home or with friends are most likely dealing with something other than ADHD. The same is true for youngsters who are hyperactive or inattentive at home yet maintain normal schoolwork and friendships.

If you're concerned that your child shows signs of ADHD, see your pediatrician or family doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist, but it's important to have a medical evaluation first to check for other possible causes of your child's difficulties.

To lower your child's chance of ADHD:

• Avoid anything that may be harmful to fetal growth while pregnant. For example, avoid drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs, and smoking cigarettes.
• Protect your child from pollutants and poisons like cigarette smoke and lead paint.
• Limit your screen time. Although unproven, it may be beneficial for children to limit their exposure to television and video games during the first five years of life.

Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavioral therapy, educational services, and hardware. These treatments can alleviate many of the symptoms of ADHD, but they do not cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child.

Medications

Currently, psychostimulants are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants increase and balance the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These medications help to reduce the signs and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-sometimes effectively in a short amount of time.

The correct dose varies from child to child, so it may take some time to find the right one. In addition, the dosage may be adjusted if significant side effects occur or as the child gets older.

Other medications that may be effective in treating ADHD include

• Atomoxetine
• Antidepressants
• Guanfacine
• Clonidine

Atomoxetine and antidepressants work more slowly than stimulants, and it may take several weeks before they take full effect. They may be good options if a child cannot take stimulants because of health problems or if stimulants cause serious side effects.

Behavioral therapy for ADHD

Children with ADHD often benefit from behavioral therapy, social skills training, parenting skills training, and counseling, which may be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professional. Some children with ADHD may also have other medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders or depression. In these cases, counseling can help with both the ADHD and the co-occurring problem.

Hardware treatments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medical device to treat children with ADHD ages 7 to 12 who are not taking prescription ADHD medications. The prescription-only device is called the Monarch External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation System (eTNS).

The eTNS device is about the size of a cell phone and can be used at home with parental supervision while the child is sleeping. The device generates low-level electrical stimulation that is sent through a wire to a small patch placed on the child's forehead, sending signals to areas of the brain associated with attention, emotion, and behavior.

If you are considering rTMS, it is important to discuss precautions, expectations, and possible side effects.

Another hardware method for treating ADHD in children is NEUROFEEDBACK. Neurofeedback is a science-based therapy that aims to improve focus, emotional state, and sleep.

The principle of brain training with neurofeedback is that when a child uses his or her brain in a way that aids in the development of the desired behavior, he or she is rewarded (positive feedback) with the continuation of a movie or video of his or her choice on the screen.
When a child uses his brain in a way that interferes with our behavioral goals, the movie he is watching dims, pauses, and flickers (with no reward in the form of positive feedback).

Thus, as the child gains experience with the device, its brain eventually learns to function in a way that best facilitates the achievement of behavioral goals.

Because ADHD is a complicated illness with individual characteristics, it is difficult to give advice that will benefit every kid. However, some of the following suggestions might help you establish an atmosphere in which your child can thrive.

What to do at home?

Show your youngster plenty of affection. Children need to know they are loved and appreciated. Focusing solely on the bad parts of your child's conduct can harm your connection and undermine your child's self-esteem and confidence. If your child has difficulties accepting verbal affection, a smile, a pat on the back, or a hug might demonstrate that you care. Look for actions that you can consistently reward in your youngster.

Find techniques to enhance your self-esteem. Children with ADHD perform well in art, music, dance, and martial arts lessons. Choose activities based on their interests and skills. Each youngster has unique abilities and interests that may be cultivated. Small, repeated victories boost self-esteem.

When giving directions, use simple terms and provide examples. Speak slowly and quietly, with specificity and clarity. Give directions one at a time. Stop and make eye contact with your youngster before and during the instructions.

Identify challenging scenarios. Avoid challenging conditions for the youngster, such as extensive presentations or shopping in malls and stores with an overwhelming variety of things.

Work on organization. Help your child arrange and maintain a journal or chart of daily responsibilities and activities, and provide a quiet study area. Group goods in the child's room and maintain them in clearly defined areas. Try to assist your youngster keep his or her room clean.
Maintain a consistent schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime.

Children with ADHD have difficulty accepting and adapting to changes.

Encourage social interactions. Assist your child in developing social skills by modeling, identifying, and supporting positive peer relationships.

Develop healthy living practices. Make sure your youngster is getting adequate rest. Try not to allow your kid get overtired, since weariness can increase ADHD symptoms. A balanced diet is essential for your child's health and growth. In addition to health advantages, regular exercise can improve behavior when combined with therapy.

Children at school.

Learn everything you can about ADHD and the choices for helping your child flourish. You are your child's strongest advocate.

Talk with your child's instructors. Maintain constant touch with instructors and encourage them to assist your child succeed in the classroom. Ensure that teachers pay great attention to your child's work, provide positive feedback, and are adaptable and patient. Ask them to be specific about their instructions and expectations.