Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is a neuro developmental and behavioural disorder that affects the behaviour, attention, and learning of children. If it is unrecognised, these children can face excessive criticism, failure, and disappointment, while their parents struggle with what to do. What makes an ADHD ?

• ADHD Children are easily distracted and have trouble concentrating.
• They may be impulsive and seem to act without thinking, touching objects that are off limits or running into the street to chase a ball without apparent regard for their own safety.
• Cannot cope well with frustration and have dramatic mood swings.
• At school they may be fidgety and brimming with energy, finding it difficult to sit still, jumping out of their seat constantly, as if unable to control their perpetual motion.
• Difficulty with sequencing and organizational skills.
• They may be daydreaming and appearing “spaced out.”
• Their self-esteem may suffer.
• They are mostly disliked by peers and teachers.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a diagnosis for children whose behaviour tends to be characteristically hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive, or a combination of both.

• A variety of labels have been used to describe children with some or all of these behavioural problems.
• Minimal brain dysfunction,
• Hyperkinetic/impulsive disorder,
• Hyperkinesis,
• Hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity.

DIAGNOSIS

• Since all children have these traits some of the time, the diagnosis usually requires that the symptoms be present for at least six months.
• Seen in Early childhood.
• Be evident in various situations.
• Be more intense than usually seen in other children of the same age and gender.Boys are more affected than Girls.

CAUSES:

• Brain anatomy and function. A lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level may be associated with ADHD.
• Genes and heredity. ADHD frequently runs in families. A child with ADHD has a 1 in 4 chance of having a parent with ADHD. It’s also likely that another close family member, such as a sibling, will also have ADHD.
• Significant head injuries may cause ADHD in some cases.
• Prematurity increases the risk of developing ADHD.
• Prenatal exposures, such as alcohol or nicotine from smoking
• In very rare cases, toxins in the environment may lead to ADHD. For instance, lead in the body can affect child development and behaviour.

There’s been a lot of research in the last few years for possible causes of ADHD.

• Brain imaging studies have found differences and similarities in people with and without ADHD.
• The research shows that brain development is very similar. But the areas involved in executive function take longer to develop in people with ADHD. That’s why kids with ADHD may act one to three years younger than other kids their age. Research also shows some differences in how the brain functions.

There is no evidence that ADHD is caused by:

• Eating too much sugar
• Food additives
• Allergies
• Immunizations

ADHD treatment plan:

• A long-term management plan with
• Education about ADHD
• Medications
• Parent training in behaviour management
• Individual and family counselling