Overview
One of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD frequently struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness.
Children are typically diagnosed throughout their youth, and the illness frequently persists until maturity. But there are treatments that work; if left untreated, it might cause serious complications.
What is ADHD?
A mental health condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can lead to unusually high levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Additionally, people with ADHD may struggle to concentrate on a single job or maintain their stillness for extended amounts of time.
Researchers have found that patients with ADHD have different brains, neural networks, and neurotransmitters. Executive dysfunction is a long-term (chronic) brain disorder that results from ADHD that impairs a person's capacity to control their own feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.
ADHD makes it difficult for people to manage their behaviour, control hyperactivity, pay attention, follow directions, stay organised, sit still, regulate their mood and concentrate.
Types of ADHD
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
Children who exhibit this behaviour struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity and may also struggle less overtly with paying attention. They may fidget, find it difficult to sit still, have a lot of extra energy, and are very talkative when they are hyperactive.
Impulsive people may interrupt others and take action without giving it much thought. The least frequent kind, which usually affects younger kids.
Predominantly inattentive presentation
Only inattentive ADHD is prevalent in kids with this presentation. It was originally known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD) by healthcare professionals. Focusing, planning, and staying on task are the key challenges for kids with inattentive presenting, who also tend to show fewer signs of impulsive and hyperactivity.
Combined presentation
Children who arrive in this way exhibit at least six symptoms from the other two kinds. Both inattentiveness and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms coexist. People most frequently connect this kind of with ADHD. In about 70% of cases, this category applies.
Unspecified presentation
In certain situations, symptoms could be so severe that kids obviously show dysfunction but don't fulfil the statutory symptom requirements for an ADHD diagnosis of inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or mixed type. Providers diagnose "unspecified ADHD" in these circumstances.
ADHD in adults
Over 60% of kids with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. While inattentiveness and impulsivity may persist with age, hyperactivity symptoms frequently diminish for many people as they get older.
Having said that, therapy is crucial.
Adults with untreated ADHD may experience detrimental effects in various aspects of life. Time management issues, forgetfulness, and irritability are some of the symptoms that can cause issues at work, at home, and in all kinds of relationships.
ADHD in children
ADHD in children is typically linked to issues in school. Children with ADHD frequently struggle in a structured academic environment.
The likelihood that a male child will be diagnosed with ADHD is more than double that of a female child. This may be due to the fact that male children frequently have hyperactive symptoms. Many female children with ADHD do not exhibit the typical signs of hyperactivity.
Many times, rather than being hyperactive, female children with ADHD may daydream constantly and be overly
talkative. It might be challenging to distinguish between behaviours that are typical of childhood and ADHD symptoms.
Causes of ADHD
Despite how widespread ADHD is, medical professionals and researchers are still unsure of its root causes. It is thought to have neurological causes. Genetics might also be important.
According to Research, ADHD may be caused by a drop in dopamine levels. A substance called dopamine aids in the transmission of signals from one nerve to another in the brain. It contributes to the onset of emotional reactions and motions.
Other studies point to a structural variation in the brain. According to research, people with ADHD have a smaller volume of grey matter. The brain regions involved in speech, decision-making, and self-control are found in grey matter.
Coexisting conditions
There are times when people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Some of these ailments are brought on by the difficulties of having ADHD.
Anxiety
Maintaining relationships, keeping up with everyday tasks, and other things can be challenging for people with ADHD. Anxiety risk may rise as a result. According to research, people with ADHD are also more likely than people without ADHD to have an anxiety disorder.
Among the anxiety disorders are Separation anxiety which is the fear of being apart from loved ones, and social anxiety is the fear of social situations like going to school or other public places. Generalised anxiety is characterised by a generalised fear of the future, unpleasant things happening, etc.
Depression
You're more prone to experience depression if you or your child has ADHD. According to a study from 2020, compared to 35% of teenagers without ADHD, about 50% of adolescents experienced serious depression or anxiety problems. According to other studies, up to 53.3 per cent of persons with ADHD may also have depression.
Although managing dual diseases can present additional difficulties, both conditions can be treated. The treatments frequently overlap, in fact. Both disorders may be treated with talk therapy. Additionally, some antidepressants, such as bupropion, have been known to lessen the symptoms of ADHD.
Although having ADHD does not automatically mean you'll experience depression, it's crucial to be aware that it is potential.
Conduct and behaviour disorders
Children with ADHD have behaviour and conduct issues more frequently than youngsters without the disorder. When a person doesn't feel understood by those around them, certain diseases can develop. A person who doesn't feel understood may quarrel frequently, become irate, or deliberately annoy others.
Oppositional defiant disorder may be indicated by these behaviours.
Some people are unable to refrain from breaching the law, acting violently towards others, engaging in physical altercations, bullying, or even stealing. The term for this is a behaviour disorder.
For those who struggle with these issues, there is treatment available. Experts advise beginning treatment as soon as possible and ensuring that it meets the needs of the patient and their family.
Learning disorder
Some children with ADHD also have learning disabilities, which can make it more challenging for them to complete their schoolwork. Dyslexia is one example which makes reading challenging or causes issues in math or writing.
A child may find it difficult to manage these difficulties in school. They may also make depressive and anxious symptoms worse. Early assistance is crucial if you want to reduce the impact of these difficulties.
Complications of ADHD
ADHD can lead to various other complications without treatment. Some complications of ADHD include
- Poor self-esteem
- Sleep issues.
- Depression and anxiety
- Risky, impulsive behaviours
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Frequent driving accidents and injuries
- Academic underachievement
- Trouble with social interactions and relationships
- Job instability
Diagnosis of ADHD
There is no specific test to identify ADHD. To aid in making a diagnosis, your child's doctor will perform a number of actions and compile a lot of information. Multiple individuals witnessing the behaviours linked to ADHD
in various contexts, such as at home and at school, is essential. A variety of professionals will evaluate your child's behaviour.
They can diagnose your child with ADHD and specify the type after assessing your child's symptoms. Many children who are quite brilliant may perform well in school even while exhibiting symptoms of inattentiveness, making a full assessment of behaviour (and not only neuropsychological testing of attention) essential.
Treatment of ADHD
Typically, behavioural treatments, medication, or a combination of the two are used to treat ADHD. Talk therapy or psychotherapy are examples of therapeutic types. You or your child will talk about how ADHD impacts your life and how to manage it during talk therapy.
Behaviour therapy is another sort of therapy. You or your child can learn how to keep an eye on and control their behaviour with the use of this therapy. If you have ADHD, medication can also be very beneficial. Medication for ADHD is made to alter brain chemistry in a way that helps you better control your impulses and behaviour.
Medications
Medication can assist people with ADHD in controlling their symptoms and the behaviours that are problematic for their relationships with friends, family, and other people.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed drug for ADHD is stimulants. When taking these drugs, between 70% and 80% of children with ADHD exhibit reduced ADHD symptoms.
Non-stimulants
Nonstimulants' effects can last up to 24 hours, although they don't function as quickly or as strongly as stimulants do. Adding a nonstimulant may be suggested by your child's doctor if stimulants don't have the desired effect.
Antidepressants
The FDA has not authorised the use of antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, doctors may recommend them on their own or in conjunction with another ADHD medicine. Before they find the proper balance between the advantages and disadvantages, your child may need to try a variety of drugs and doses.
Tips to help kids with ADHD stay organised
All children, but notably those with ADHD, generally perform better when their lives are predictable and have a routine.
- Pick a time each day to take a five-minute break. Connect that moment to practice. Make decisions regarding who will be in charge of each task in addition to what will be accomplished.
- This will make it easier for everyone to stay on task and prevent
- anyone from stepping on each other's toes. Kids benefit from knowing when enough has been accomplished.
- Allow your children to choose whether they wish to record their completion by checking items off, making a triumphant declaration (which you can then cross off for them), or any other method.
- By assigning your kids a workplace, you can help them understand when they should be focused. They should be in a play or relaxation zone when they wish to unwind.
- Make sure everyone is aware of the permitted and prohibited locations for electronics when you set up the environments.
- Until your child is in a groove, keep pointing out the next tiny thing they can do for themselves. After that, you can leave and focus on other things. At last, don't forget to reward them for completing their checklist and try wrapping up their day with positivity.
Summary
Untreated ADHD can have a long-term impact on both children and adults. It may have an impact on relationships, employment, and school. Treatment is essential and can help decrease the condition's impact.
Many people with ADHD lead successful, fulfilling lives. Some people even express gratitude for the condition's advantages. Talking to a doctor or other healthcare provider as soon as possible is essential if you suspect that you or your kid has ADHD.
