What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. It is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. It affects 4% to 12% of school-aged children. About 3 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.

The condition affects behavior in specific ways.

Symptom How a child with this symptom may behave?
Inattention Often has a hard time paying attention, daydreams
Often does not seem to listen
Is easily distracted from work or play
Often does not seem to care about details, makes careless mistakes
Frequently does not follow through on instructions or finish tasks
Is disorganized
Frequently loses a lot of important things
Often forgets things
Frequently avoids doing things that require ongoing mental effort
Hyperactivity Is in constant motion, as if “driven by a motor”
Cannot stay seated
Frequently squirms and fidgets
Talks too much
Often runs, jumps, and climbs when this is not permitted
Cannot play quietly
Impulsivity Frequently acts and speaks without thinking
May run into the street without looking for traffic first
Frequently has trouble taking turns
Cannot wait for things
Often calls out answers before the question is complete
Frequently interrupts others

 

Types of ADHD

Not all children with ADHD have all the symptoms. They may have one or more of the symptom groups listed in the table above. The symptoms usually are classified as the following types of ADHD:

  • Inattentive only (formerly known as attention-deficit disorder [ADD])-Children with this form of ADHD are not overly active. Because they do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, their symptoms may not be noticed. Among girls with ADHD, this form is more common.
  • Hyperactive/Impulsive-Children with this type of ADHD show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but can pay attention. They are the least common group and are frequently younger.
  • Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive-Children with this type of ADHD show a number of symptoms in all 3 dimensions. It is the type that most people think of when they think of ADHD.

ADHD is caused by a combination of factors:-

  • Biochemical Imbalance
  • Person’s Genes
  • Environmental Factors
  • Brain Injury
  • Food Additives(colours & preservatives)

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

  • Medicine
  • Counselling and Psychosocial management.
  • Family education, support and intervention.
  • Behaviour Modification
  • Educational Intervention

Dr. Amulya Bharat

Dr.Amulya Bharat is a renowned Neuropsychiatrist in PrashantVihar, Rohini, Delhi. He took M.D. degree in Psychiatry from prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi in 2000.

Afterwards, he did Senior Residency from Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi from 2000 to 2003. After finishing Senior Residency, he worked…

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