ADHD in Children & Adults: An Overview

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It happens in children and teens, and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children, usually spotted during the early school years and boys are more likely to have it than girls.

Signs of ADHD in Children

ADHD primarily cause symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both. In children or toddlers with ADHD, this can lead to symptoms such as:

1. Trouble focusing on activities and becoming easily distracted

2. Attention span is low while playing or doing schoolwork

3. Excessive talking and interrupting other people

4. Feels the constant need to move

5. Fidgety and squirming

As children with ADHD get older, the symptoms they experience may change. In adolescents and teenagers with ADHD, other symptoms that may appear can include:

1. Frequently making mistakes while doing work

2. Frequently avoiding mentally taxing tasks

3. Trouble with task organization and time management

4. Experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity

5. Trouble navigating social and familial relationships

Signs of ADHD in Adults

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can appear different than those in adolescence or childhood due to the different responsibilities someone may have in adulthood. They may experience:

1. Difficulty at college or work place

2. Issues of low self-esteem and overall mental well-being

3. Frequent accident or injuries

4. Relationship problems with partner, family or co-workers

5. Substance misuse issue such as excessive drinking

Causes of ADHD

While the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. The other factors that are also believed to cause ADHD include:

1. Alcohol or tobacco consumption during pregnancy

2. Exposure to toxins like lead either during pregnancy or at a young age

3. Premature birth or low birth weight

4. Brain injury

Treatment Options

ADHD can make it difficult to function at your best in your home life, at work or school, or even within your relationships. Hence the correct diagnosis and right treatment is very important. Following treatment options can reduce ADHD symptoms and help an individual to function better in their daily life.

1. Therapy:

Behavioral therapy is one of the most beneficial type of therapy especially for children and adolescents.

• In younger children, behavioral therapies that focus on parent training, classroom management, and peer interventions are most effective.

• In adolescents and adults, a type of behavioral therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be helpful.

2. Medication:

Medicines can be used alone or in conjunction with behavioral therapy to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults.

3. Lifestyle changes:

Certain lifestyle changes such as creating organization techniques and implementing time management strategies can help to work through the inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Conclusion

ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition that can cause a person to experience inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a mixture of both. While in children, ADHD symptoms can be overlooked or misunderstood by parents/ caretakers, untreated ADHD in adults can significantly interfere with daily functioning. With correct diagnosis and right treatment, ADHD symptoms can be managed and which can improve the overall quality of life.

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Source: Webmd, Psychiatry, Healthy Children

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 09, 2022