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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuro developmental psychiatric disorder in which there are significant problems with executive that cause attention deficits, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness which is not appropriate for a person’s age.

Causes Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

The definite cause of ADHD is yet unknown.

However, researchers claim that it is a result of interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

  • Genetics
  • Studies show that the disorder is often inherited from one’s parents with genetics determining about 75% of cases.
  • Siblings of children with ADHD are three to four times more likely to develop the disorder than siblings of children without the disorder.
  • Genetic factors are also believed to be involved in determining whether ADHD persists into adulthood.
  • Environmental factors

The following factors are loosely linked to ADHD.

  • Alcohol intake during pregnancy
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy
  • Exposure to lead
  • Food dyes or preservatives

Risk Factors Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

The following factors increase the likelihood of getting ADHD:

  • Blood relatives (such as a parent or sibling) with ADHD or another mental health disorder
  • Exposure to environmental
  • Maternal exposure to environmental poisons — such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — during pregnancy
  • Premature birth

Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Those suffering from ADHD may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
  • Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
  • Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable
  • Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
  • Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
  • Not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
  • Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
  • Struggle to follow instructions
  • Fidget and squirm in their seats
  • Talk nonstop
  • Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
  • Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, doing homework, and story time
  • Be constantly in motion
  • Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
  • Be very impatient
  • Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
  • Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
  • Often interrupt conversations or others’ activities

Diagnosis Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

There is no specific test for the diagnosis of ADHD.

However, the procedure for making a diagnosis may include the following:

  • Medical exam,to help rule out other possible causes of symptoms
  • Information gathering,such as any current medical issues, personal and family medical history and school records
  • Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers or other people who know your child well, such as baby sitters and coaches
  • ADHD rating scales to help collect and evaluate information about your child

Treatment Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

There is no treatment available which can cure ADHD. However, treatments can help relieve most of the symptoms.

Treatments include:

  • Behavioral therapies
  • Medications
    • Stimulant medications
    • Non stimulant medications
  • Psychotherapy
  • Social skills training

By : Natural Health News

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