Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, ADHD, is a condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood. As suggested by its name, its main features include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. The condition affects a significant number of children but only presents as a serious condition in a few of them. If struggling with ADHD Dallas residents need to have some information on the condition to better manage it.
The cause of ADHD is not clear and all that we have are a number of theories. One of them attributes the problem to a reduced volume of the brain particularly the pre-frontal cortex. Such a reduction can cause marked deficits in motor function. The second theory is based on reduced dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. When reduced, various deficits will be noted.
Persons that are hyperactive tend to talk a lot. Children exhibit hyperactivity by being unable to accomplish tasks that require them to be momentarily silent and immobile or do so with marked difficulty. Impulsivity is characterized by a high degree of impatience. The individual frequently interrupts activities and conversations. Other features include difficulties in anger management, poor control of motor functions and poor language development.
The condition is classified into three main sub-types depending on the predominant symptomatic pattern. If all the symptoms are seen in equal measure then the type is known as the combined type. If the predominant feature is inattention without the other two, then it will be referred to as the inattentive type. This type was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. The third type is mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity but inattentiveness is absent.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
The treatment of ADHD is mainly through drugs and psychotherapy. Stimulants are particularly effective but have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse. Their use should be closely supervised for this reason. In addition, they should not be given to preschool children due to the high risk of psychosis. In such children the main form of treatment is behavioral therapy.
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 not clear and all that we have are a number of theories. One of them attributes the problem to a reduced volume of the brain particularly the pre-frontal cortex. Such a reduction can cause marked deficits in motor function. The second theory is based on reduced dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. When reduced, various deficits will be noted.
Persons that are hyperactive tend to talk a lot. Children exhibit hyperactivity by being unable to accomplish tasks that require them to be momentarily silent and immobile or do so with marked difficulty. Impulsivity is characterized by a high degree of impatience. The individual frequently interrupts activities and conversations. Other features include difficulties in anger management, poor control of motor functions and poor language development.
The condition is classified into three main sub-types depending on the predominant symptomatic pattern. If all the symptoms are seen in equal measure then the type is known as the combined type. If the predominant feature is inattention without the other two, then it will be referred to as the inattentive type. This type was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. The third type is mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity but inattentiveness is absent.
If one has a child that has suggestive symptoms, it is important that they take them to their GP or psychiatrist for a definitive diagnosis to be made. The first thing that will be done is to observe the child for 6 months to establish whether the symptoms are persistent. The problem should have started between the ages of 6 and 12 years for the diagnostic criteria to be met.
ADHD is commoner in boys than girls due to reasons that are not clearly understood. About a third of childhood cases progress into adulthood. The symptoms seen in adulthood are slightly different to those seen in children. For instance, instead of impulsivity and hyperactivity, the adult will be constantly restless. They also have huge problems in developing interpersonal relationships and maintaining them.
The treatment of ADHD is mainly through drugs and psychotherapy. Stimulants are particularly effective but have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse. Their use should be closely supervised for this reason. In addition, they should not be given to preschool children due to the high risk of psychosis. In such children the main form of treatment is behavioral therapy.
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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This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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