Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

An Introduction

Is it rare? No. It is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, with a global frequency of roughly 5%, according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-5. Again, to be clear, there are varying levels of severity for each and every medical disorder, including ADHD. A 2016 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) study found that ADHD is typically screened/diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 17. To ensure more acceptance of this disorder, there are two things we would like to make clear before going any farther and going into more detail. One, kids can be trained to behave in desired manner. Kids do not act in a certain manner or disobey out of purpose all the time. Sometimes there are underlying factors which are going to be discussed extensively below. Second, medicine is not the only or the best therapeutic option. Sometimes a combination of medications and other forms of psychoeducation, behavioral management, etc., can help. In other circumstances, it cannot work.

Then, in simple terms, what is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by majorly three types of difficulties, including maintaining attention or focus, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions. It mostly affects how people behave, causing them to act impulsively, appear or feel restless, and have trouble focusing. Early in childhood, the signs might be seen, but they often become more obvious when changes or triggers occur, especially after entering school.

Symptoms and Signs

A professional makes a diagnosis when it persists and is visible for at least six months in a variety of contexts, including school, home, playground/work, and/or social connections and causes considerable difficulties with sitting still, patience, focus, organization, impulsivity, etc. The following figure illustrates the symptoms of the three primary forms of ADHD:

Causes

• Biological – Genetic, Premature birth, difficult pregnancy, post birth challenges like lower weight, head injuries during delivery etc. 
• Pre-Natal Factors – Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy, accidents if any etc.
• Environmental Factors – Exposure to hazardous chemicals like lead, accidental brain or head injuries etc. 

So, should we be afraid of ADHD? No. Even though an ADHD diagnosis is nothing to be terrified of, it does necessitate expert care. Although mild to moderate cases are not very uncommon, they run the risk of going misdiagnosed and developing into other comorbid conditions, which would make it even more difficult for the sufferer to get the right kind of medical care. The ability to regulate mood swings and other impulsive harmful behaviors can be learned by using behavioral therapies. There is no harm in going to a professional for a regular checkup when certain symptoms are noticeable for a period of at least 6 months causing difficulty in adapting and adjusting to normal life activities.Why do we say so? because when ADHD causes dysfunctionalities in adulthood, it requires extra time and effort for an individual to overcome the behavioral issues causing more internal challenges and other negative coping mechanisms. So the sooner behavioral modifications are made and medical help is sought, the better.