ADHD is the abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. It is a mental disorder that is usually first seen in childhood. As the name suggests, its main characteristics include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and a tendency to impulsivity. The condition is fairly common but tends to resolve spontaneously in a majority of the affected children. If they have been diagnosed with ADHD Dallas residents need to understand a number of things on the condition.
The cause of ADHD is unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Treatment of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
The cause of ADHD is unclear but a number of theories have been advanced. One theory attributes the symptoms a small brain volume. The proponents of this theory claim that the pre-frontal cortex is the most severely affected. The result is what is referred to as frontal lobe dysfunction. Another popular theory is that the affected persons have a problem with the dopamine system in the brain which in turn affects the way in which they respond to stimuli.
Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.
There various sub-types that exist. The sub-types are based on the type of symptoms that are seen in the client. The combined type is characterized by both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is known as the inattentive type because the predominant symptom is frequent lapses in concentration (formerly attention deficit disorder). The third type, hyperactive-impulsive type, has both impulsivity and hyperactivity but has no inattentiveness.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Treatment of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
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