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 remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
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.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
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.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Hyperactivity in adults manifests as the tendency to talk a lot even when there is no need to do so. In children, it will be seen as the inability to remain immobile and concentrate on one task before moving onto the next one. Impulsivity is associated with a high degree of impatience. Affected persons will be observed to frequently interrupt conversations and activities.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
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.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
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.
Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.
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