The term ADHD is the short form for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is condition that causes hyperactivity in those who are suffering from it. Even though it is mainly a condition associated with children, there are many adults who suffer from the ADHD. About 3 to 5 percent of all children may suffer from the disease. Adults who suffer from ADHD might have had it when they are young because this is not a condition that develops suddenly in adulthood.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD vary between adults and children.
Children suffering from ADHD may show symptoms that could be grouped into three categories. The first is inattention. They are easily distracted and find it difficult to follow instruction and directions in order to finish a task. Another thing is that such children do not appear to be listening when you are talking to them. They make careless mistakes just because they don’t pay attention.
The next category is hyperactivity. Such children find it difficult to stay calm for just a short period. They can’t play quietly and are always running and moving about.
They are also impulsive. They find it very difficult to wait for their turn to do what they want or have to do. They will not wait for a question to finish before they shout out the answer; and they may interrupt other unnecessarily.
Adults suffering from ADHD may show some or all of the following.
They are always late to work and other functions.
They can control their anger.
They involve themselves in substance abuse and addictions.
They cannot organize themselves properly.
They are also impulsive.
Causes of ADHD
No one knows the exact cause of ADHD. Researchers are still working on finding the cause or causes. For now, it is believed that heredity, head injuries and brain changes are responsible for ADHD. Poor nutrition, infectious diseases, substance abuse during pregnancy and exposure to harmful substances are triggers for this disorder.
Diagnosis
ADHD cannot be diagnosed with a lab test, but doctors rely on various tests such as blood test and X-rays to find out the exact thing that is triggering the onset of symptoms. There are other psychiatric conditions that share the same symptoms with ADHD; that means that a thorough psychiatric examination must be done to confirm the condition.
Treatment
This disorder cannot be cured; but it can be managed. There are various methods for its management. There are certain medications that could be prescribed. Some of these are stimulants whiles others are non-stimulant. In addition to medication, people suffering from ADHD can go through psychosocial therapies, behavior management and psychotherapy. Support is highly needed for these people.
Prevention
Just as it is for the causes, there are no known ways of preventing ADHD. But people have prescribed various methods of preventing the onset of symptoms. Some of these are good prenatal care, balanced diet, attention building activities and behavior management. These measures will help prevent the occurrence of the disorder, and even help those who have been diagnosed with it.