Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition which includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ADHD often begins in childhood, and in some cases, can persist in adulthood too. It affects various aspects of mental health, and hence, it is important to get the condition treated and managed by a child specialist in the early stages itself.
ADHD is a brain disorder, which can impair the functioning and development of a child in the following ways:
● ADHD causes loss of attention, leading to disorganization, difficulty in focusing, and lack of persistence.
●ADHD can also lead to hyperactivity, making the person restless. The affected person seems to constantly move about, or talk excessively even when it is not required.
●A person affected by ADHD is also very impulsive. This trait makes them take decisions without much consideration, or intrude in activities and interrupt others.
Many parents overlook the symptoms as most children tend to be quite active.
However, if you notice the following traits in your child, it is advisable to visit a pediatrician:
● Gets distracted easily
● Leaves tasks midway
● Forgets daily and nominal activities
● Often loses things
● Daydreams a lot
● Does not stay seated
●Talks excessively
●Always keeps moving
●Interrupts others, even when instructed not to
And any such symptoms and activities which are a token of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsiveness.
It is of paramount importance to visit a child specialist if you observe such traits in your child, failing in which, the condition may persist in adulthood leading to serious issues like low self-esteem, chronic boredom, mood swings, and even depression.
ADHD is not something to be discouraged of since a majority of the people with the condition go on to live a happy and fulfilling life. That said, you should not take it lightly either and do consult a pediatrician immediately. ADHD has no specific treatment as such, but with the help of special care, therapy, and medication, the condition can be addressed to a point where its symptoms are minimized and it does not affect the life of the person in some major way.
A combination of medications and therapies can manage most symptoms of ADHD. Your child specialist will carefully look into the condition and chalk out a suitable plan.
Medications:
depending on the condition of the child, your pediatrician may prescribe medications like:
● Dexmethylphenidate
● Dextroamphetamine
● Methylphenidate
● Atomoxetine
● Guanfacine
Some of the above medicines are not suitable for young children, so please do not administer these unless prescribed by your pediatrician.
Therapies:
besides medications, therapies can also be of great use in the treatment of ADHD. Some therapies that focus on changing the learning behavior are:
●Behavior modification therapies to get rid of bad/offensive habits
●Psychotherapy to manage emotions and frustration
●Special education at school to help children with ADHD
●Social skills development and training
● Support groups of people with a similar condition
Must read - Foods that an ADHD child should avoid
ADHD is a brain disorder, which should not be overlooked. Our team at Cloudnine includes expert pediatricians and child specialists, who are proficient in dealing with conditions like ADHD. Our world-class facilities and highly competent team ensure that your child gets the best possible treatment and care, enabling him or her to get over the condition and live life to the fullest.
Must read - All you need to know about Asperger Syndrome
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