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Understanding ADHD: Definition and Symptoms

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is one of the most common childhood brain disorders that can persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing, controlling their behavior, or be easily distracted. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and symptoms usually appear between ages 3 to 6. Diagnosis involves evaluating behaviors in different settings and treatments include stimulant medications and behavioral therapies to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

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304 views9 pages

Understanding ADHD: Definition and Symptoms

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is one of the most common childhood brain disorders that can persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing, controlling their behavior, or be easily distracted. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and symptoms usually appear between ages 3 to 6. Diagnosis involves evaluating behaviors in different settings and treatments include stimulant medications and behavioral therapies to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

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ADHD

by: Alejandra Gutierrez

Definition of ADHD
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
-It is one of the most common childhood brain disorders and can continue through
adolescense and adulthood.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD.
-To be diagnosed a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a
degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

Children who have symptoms of Inattention may:


-Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one
activity to another.
-Have difficulty focusing on one thing.
-Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing
something enjoyable.
-Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning
something new.
-Not seem to listen when spoken to.

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:


-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, and storytime
-Be constantly in motion
-Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities

Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:


-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.

Causes
-Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that
genes play a large role.
-Results from a combination of factors, researchers are looking at possible
environmental factors and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social
environment might contribute to ADHD.
-ADHD symptoms usually appear early in life, often between the ages of 3 and 6.
-Symptoms vary from person to person so it can be hard to diagnose.

Diagnosing ADHD
-A licensed health professional needs to gather information about the child, and
his or her behavior and environment.
-Specialist will check school and medical records to see if the childs home or
school settings appear unusually stressful or disrupted.
-Specialist pays close attention to the childs behavior during different situations,
some situations are highly structures, some have less structure, while others
would require the child to keep paying attention.
-Most children with ADHD are better able to control their behaviors in situations
where they are getting individual attention.

Treatments- Medication
-Currently available treatments aim at reducing the symptoms of ADHD and
improving functioning.
-Stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most common
type of medication.
-These medications activate brain circuits that support attention and focused
behavior, thus reducing hyperactivity.
-For many children, medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve
their ability to focus, work, and learn.

Behavioral Therapy
-Behavioral therapy aims to help a child change his or her behavior.
-It might involve practical assistance, like organizing tasks or completing
schoolwork
-Also teaches a child how to monitor his or her own behavior
-Clear rules, chores list, and other structured routines can help a child control his
or her behavior.
-Therapists may teach children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share
toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing.

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