What is wrong with you sonny?! It could be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Children sometimes daydream in class, may forget to do their homework or even fidget at the dinner table, behaviour which is considered normal. On the other hand, there are children who can’t sit still, who hardly listen and keep blurting out inappropriate comments.

Most of the time, they are labelled as trouble- makers and are thoroughly disciplined to ‘correct’ their ‘uncalled-for’ behaviour.

However, such kids who are inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive could be showing the signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The negative labelling that your child attracts with this condition could work against his self esteem. It is therefore important that you take note of the signs and get help for your child.

The signs and symptoms of this condition typically appear before the age. The three primary characteristics of ADHD are a lot of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, depending on the major characteristics. Children with ADHD may be:

• Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.
• Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.
• Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).

Of these symptoms, inattentiveness in a child is often overlooked, because this behaviour is viewed as not disruptive.

Details are as follows:
Inattention

• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Pays no attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items
• Has trouble staying focused and is easily distracted instructions.
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions.

Hyperactivity

• Persistent restlessness
• Moves around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
• Talks excessively, has difficulty playing quietly
• Is always on the move and never sits still.

Impulsiveness 

• Inability to keep powerful emotions in check resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Blurts out answers without waiting to be called
• Often interrupts others Intrudes on other people’s conversations upon or games.

What causes it 
Brain structure
According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, research using advanced imaging techniques shows there is a difference in the size of certain parts of the brain in children with ADHD compared to those who do not suffer from it. The areas showing change include the prefrontal cortex, the caudate nucleus and globus pallidus, and the cerebellum.

Nerve pathways
Abnormalities in some nerve pathways have been associated with ADHD, Brain chemicals Abnormal activity of certain brain chemicals in the prefrontal cortex may contribute to ADHD. Tourette syndrome (a disorder characterized by the presence of physical and vocal fits) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety, or by a combination of such thoughts and behaviours) all three of which share certain symptoms.

Brain Chemicals                                                                                                                                                                     Abnormal activity of certain brain chemicals in the prefrontal cortex may contribute to ADHD.

Risk factors
Gender
Studies have shown that ADHD is most often diagnosed in boys. However, there is some evidence that it is under- diagnosed in girls, though reportedly, they experience the same multiple impairments as boys do. More studies on girls with this problem are now underway.

Genetics
Research shows that this condition tends to run in families. A child who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an increased risk of also developing this condition. Some twin studies report that up to 90 per cent of children with a diagnosis of ADHD shared it with their twin.

Environment
Some research suggests that prenatal exposure to tobacco and alcohol may increase the risk for ADHD. Exposure to environmental lead before age 6 may also raise the risk for this disorder.

Busting the myths
All kids with ADHD are hyperactive.
While some children are hyperactive, many others with attention problems are not. Some children can be inattentive, not overly active, and unmotivated.

Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD
The sad truth is that this condition often continues into adulthood. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.

Kids with ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to
Children with this condition may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.

Kids with ADHD can never pay attention
Children with this condition are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.

Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD
Medication is often prescribed but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for this also includes education, behaviour therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.

END: BL 33 /18-19