What You Need to Know About ADHD – The Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
In the 21st century, we are constantly moving and looking for something to occupy our time. Children are more likely than ever to be raised in a single-parent household or have parents that work long hours. This means that there is less time for parent supervision. If you have a child or know of someone who does, it is important to know about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is one of the most common behavioral problems in children and teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anywhere from 5% to 10% of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD each year.
Depending on your circumstances, it might be something you’re thinking about if you’re considering having kids of your own someday. Here is everything you need to know about ADHD so you can understand whether it’s something your child might struggle with later in life.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a condition that impacts many children. While some of the symptoms of ADHD go away with age, others may persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD include a lack of focus, difficulty staying quiet and still, impatience, an inability to sit still for long periods of time, and fidgeting when seated. Children with ADHD often talk too much and have trouble waiting their turn. They may be easily distracted by noises, movement, and outside stimuli. An estimated 10 percent of school-aged children have ADHD. It is several times more common in boys than girls. Researchers have been studying ADHD for nearly a century. Although it’s not entirely clear what causes ADHD, most doctors and researchers agree that there is a strong link between environment and genes.
Symptoms of ADHD
– A lack of focus – The single most common symptom of ADHD is a lack of focus. This doesn’t mean they can’t focus: they just have a hard time making the choice to do so. – Difficulty staying quiet and still – Children with this condition often have trouble staying quiet and still. They are easily distracted by nearby noises and movements. – Impatience – People with ADHD often lose their patients more quickly than others. They grow bored more quickly, too, and may lose interest in projects before they are complete. – An inability to sit still for long periods of time – Children with ADHD have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time. They may squirm in their seats, tap their fingers, walk around the room, and have trouble remaining in one place for any length of time. – Fidgeting when seated – Children with ADHD often fidget even when seated. This may include squirming, tapping their toes, clicking a pen, or playing with their hair.
Causes of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not known, but there are a few theories. One is that the chemicals that regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain are not functioning properly while another is that there is a problem with the connections between the brain cells. Because it is not clear what causes this, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Some children respond to medication, while others do better with behavioral therapy. Parents can also make changes to the home environment, such as creating a calm and structured schedule for the child. More and more, researchers are looking at the connection between genetics and ADHD. Parents who have a child with this condition are likely to have other children with it as well.
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Solutions for ADHD
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the most important thing to do is to find ways to manage it. This can mean anything from medication to behavioral therapy to changes in their environment. Parents should create a consistent routine to help children focus and reduce distractions. Parents can also set up an environment that is structured and predictable. Engage your child in activities that help them focus and channel their energy, such as sports and creative hobbies like drawing, painting, or writing.
Conclusion
If you think your child might have ADHD, it’s important to get them checked out by a doctor. There are treatments that can help your child manage their symptoms. It’s important not to jump to conclusions about your child’s behavior but to consider all the possible causes. If your child has ADHD, the most important thing to do is to get them diagnosed. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can come up with a plan to manage it and help your child succeed.
Source ADHD SOCIETY
