Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or what is known as ADHD is a common mental health disorder. People with this disorder are often considered to be academically late or irresponsible, but in fact, they are creative and distinguished in their own way.

Have you ever dealt with a child who moves a lot and is constantly distracted? Has it ever occurred to you that this might be due to a diagnosed disorder? What is this disorder and how do we treat it?

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a very common chronic condition that is usually diagnosed during childhood. There are many causes for this disorder, but in most cases, there’s a genetic predisposition for the disorder. However, the severity of it varies depending on environmental factors. For example, being in a tense environment increases the severity of the situation, even though it can appear in different degrees and forms, as the situation differs from one person to another.

As its name implies, people with this disorder suffer from two conditions:

The first is attention deficit, which means getting distracted easily and having difficulty concentrating.
The second is hyperactivity and impulsivity. Hyperactivity and impulsivity often improve as a person matures, but attention problems can continue into adulthood. [1]
In some cases, it lasts forever, as there are many adults who suffer from this disorder. The reason for this might be that they were not diagnosed during childhood. [3]

Although people with this disorder may have some problems at school or work, in their relationships, and in commitments in general, the most important thing we need to know about this disorder is that people who suffer from it are not “stupid” nor do they suffer from a low intellectual level.

What are the causes of ADHD?

There is still no clear cause for having this disorder and research efforts are still ongoing. However, as we mentioned earlier, it is related to genetic predisposition and environmental factors or to problems in the central nervous system during development.

Risk factors that are likely to cause ADHD to include:

Having a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, who suffers from it or any other mental health disorder.
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as the lead found in paint.
Maternal drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy.
Premature birth. [2]
Brain injury. [3]

Exposure to any environmental toxins should be avoided, to prevent this disorder, and a mother should avoid anything that could hinder the growth of the fetus, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. [2]
There are some common beliefs about the cause of this disorder, such as excessive sugar intake or spending a lot of time in front of the TV, and other misconceptions that science has not found any proof of to date. [3]

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

There is no specific examination that can confirm the diagnosis of a child or an adult with ADHD, so the diagnostic process consists of several steps, including medical examinations. The diagnosis is mainly based on a checklist of the most important symptoms.

First: Attention Deficit. Attention deficit or distractibility and difficulty concentrating in children or adults can be noted by the following symptoms:

They often fail to pay close attention to details, and make careless mistakes in school or at work, or in other activities.
They usually have trouble paying attention while performing any task or even playing.
They don’t seem to listen when spoken to directly most of the time.
They often don’t follow instructions and fail to finish their schoolwork, housework, or his duties at work (eg: lose focus and track down minor, less important things).
They often have trouble organizing tasks and activities.
They avoid, dislike, or are reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time (eg, schoolwork or homework).
They frequently lose the items necessary for tasks and activities (such as school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, papers, glasses, and cell phones).
They forget many details even in daily activities and are often easily distracted.

Second: Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness in a child or adult can be noted by the following symptoms:

Frequent touching or tapping on hands or feet, or excessive movement while sitting.
Standing up, especially in situations where sitting is expected.
Running or climbing in situations where it is not appropriate.
Inability to play or participate in recreational activities quietly most of the time.
They often behave “while moving” as if they are “driven by an engine”.
They often talk excessively and start answering even before completing the question.
They usually have trouble waiting for their turn. Interrupts or intrudes on others (eg: interferes with conversations or games). [4]

As the main symptoms of ADHD indicate, we can see that the person suffering from this disorder is a conscious, intelligent, and “normal” person. This is not to minimize their suffering or what they go through, because it is difficult and exhausting, but to spread the idea of acceptance and respect for others.

What are some treatment options for ADHD?

Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are many beneficial treatment options. The goal of treatment is to help children improve their social relationships, and performance in school, and keep disruptive or harmful behaviors to a minimum. Medications can be very helpful and are often necessary.

Other (non-medicational) treatments, which are used alone or together, include:

Behavioral Therapy: This refers to the methods that attempt to improve behavior, usually through rewarding and encouraging desirable behaviors while discouraging undesirable ones, and indicating their consequences.
Cognitive Therapy: Cognitive therapy is a psychotherapy designed to change the way of thinking in order to build self-esteem, limit negative thoughts, and improve problem-solving skills.
Social Skills Training: Developing social skills in order to improve friendships.
Parental Education and Support: Coaching classes, support groups, and counselors can help educate and support parents with children who have ADHD, including teaching them strategies to cope with behaviors associated with ADHD.

Because many children with ADHD also have poor grades and at-school behavior problems, schools may need to provide instructional modifications and interventions (such as an individualized education plan) in order to create the best learning environment possible for the child. [1]

The treatment journey may be tiring and tedious for the parents and the child, but it is necessary in order to ensure that this disorder does not negatively affect the lives of those who suffer from it.

We, as an initiative, are always seeking to raise awareness of mental health problems in order to spread a culture of acceptance and respect for people with these disorders or conditions. This is what we are doing today, because even though ADHD is a neurological condition that affects the focus and activity of its owner, it has, in fact, many advantages, as most of those who suffer from this disorder have a distinctive sense of creativity, rare skills, and multiple talents, in addition to having constant activity and energy.

Also read:

References:

[1] Health Harvard

[2] Mayo Clinic

[3] CDC

[4] CDC