ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s 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. Boys are more likely to have it than girls. It’s usually spotted during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can't be prevented or cured. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their
symptoms.
Symptoms are grouped into three types: Inattentive. A child with ADHD: Hyperactive-impulsive. A child with ADHD: Combined. This involves signs of both other types. Symptoms of ADHD may change as a person gets older. They include: Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the old name for ADHD. It was officially changed in the 1990s. Some people still use both names to talk about this one condition. Experts aren’t sure
what causes ADHD. Several things may lead to it, including: Sugar doesn’t cause ADHD. ADHD also isn’t caused by too much TV, a stressful home life, poor schools, or food
allergies. Studies have found that a number of risk factors may play a role in the development of ADHD. Some of them affect a baby’s brain development during pregnancy: Other things may affect a child's brain development after birth. Some of the things researchers have looked at include: It can be hard to diagnose ADHD, especially in children. No one test will spot it. Doctors diagnose ADHD in children and teens after discussing symptoms at length with the child, parents, and teachers and then observing the child's behaviors. Doctors use the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines, which are based on how many symptoms a person has and how long they’ve had them. They’ll also rule out other things that may be causing the symptoms, such as health conditions or problems in daily life. To confirm a diagnosis of ADHD or learning differences, a child may take a series of tests to check their neurological and psychological status. The tests should be given by a pediatrician or
mental health professional with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Your primary care doctor might refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The tests may include: Several studies have compared ADHD in children of different racial and ethnic groups and found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian children are much less likely than white children to be diagnosed with the disorder. There are many reasons for this. Many of these children may not have access to the care they need because of income or racial discrimination. If you fear discrimination
or negative treatment, you may be less likely to talk to a health care professional about your child’s symptoms. Cultural and family values may also play a part in how adults respond to their children’s symptoms and whether or not they opt to seek treatment. We need more research to better understand all the issues behind these disparities. If you have questions about your child’s symptoms, it may help to learn more about them and what may be causing them. From
there, you can plan your next steps. You can get more information about ADHD and other learning and thinking differences at: There are several approaches to treating ADHD. But research suggests that for many children, the best way to manage symptoms is a multimodal approach. This involves multiple methods of
treatment that work together. Many symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy. Close cooperation among therapists, doctors, teachers, and parents is very important. Medication for ADHD. Although there is controversy about their possible overuse, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD. They can help control hyperactive and impulsive behavior and improve attention span. They act on the brain
chemicals, like dopamine, that can make impulsive behavior worse. They include: Stimulant medications don’t work for everyone with ADHD. People older than 6 may take nonstimulant medications such as: In some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, such as drugs called
SSRIs, bupropion (Wellbutrin), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Side effects of ADHD medicines can include:
Most side effects are minor and improve with time. In some cases, doctors may lower a dosage to ease side effects. In rare cases, stimulants can have more serious side effects. For instance, some are linked to a higher risk of heart problems and death in children with heart disease. They may also make psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety worse or cause a psychotic reaction. Before your child starts an ADHD medicine, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Remember that it can take some trial and error to find the right medicine and dose. Therapy for ADHD. These treatments focus on changing behavior.
Medical devices for ADHD. The FDA has approved the Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System for children 7 to 12 who aren’t taking ADHD medications. It’s about the size of a cellphone and is attached to electrodes on a patch that you put on a child’s forehead. It sends low-level impulses to the part of their brain that’s thought to cause ADHD. The device is usually worn at night. ADHD support groups of people with similar problems and needs can help you learn more about ADHD and how to manage your
symptoms. These groups are helpful for adults with ADHD or parents of children with ADHD. Education and ADHD. Educating parents about the disorder and its management is another important part of ADHD treatment. This may include learning parenting skills to help a child manage their behavior. In some cases, the child's entire family may be involved. Natural Remedies for ADHDDietary supplements with omega-3s have shown some benefit for people who have ADHD. Living With ADHDA few lifestyle changes can also help you or your child manage symptoms:
It's common to get frustrated when you're raising a child with ADHD. You’ll feel more in control if you take an active part in your child's treatment. It may help for you to:
ADHD OutlookWithout treatment, ADHD can make it hard to deal with the challenges of everyday life. Children may have trouble learning or developing social skills. Adults could have problems with relationships and addiction. The disorder could also lead to mood swings, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, risk-taking, and conflicts with people around you. But many people who have ADHD live happy, full lives. Treatment helps. It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and see your doctor regularly. Sometimes, medication and treatments that were once effective stop working. You may need to change your treatment plan. Some people’s symptoms get better in early adulthood, and some are able to stop treatment. What is the most likely cause of ADHD?The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury.
What are the main causes of ADHD and ODD?What causes ADHD and ODD? The exact cause of these conditions is unknown. But it's believed that genetics and environmental influences may play a role. For example, a child may develop both conditions if ADHD runs in their family.
What are the 3 main symptoms of ADHD?The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following:. Inattention: Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention) Difficulty listening to others. ... . Impulsivity: Often interrupts others. ... . Hyperactivity: Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no apparent goal except motion.. What is the biological cause of ADHD?Biological: ADHD is associated with the way certain neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help control behavior) work, especially dopamine and norepinephrine, and this difference causes changes in two different attentional networks of the brain — the default network, associated with automatic attention and the ...
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