Does Your Child Have ADHD?
What is ADHD?
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ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a mental disorder that causes difficulties in inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. The symptoms of the inattention side of this disorder are lack of attention for long periods of time, poor listening skills, easily distracted, and forgetful of daily activities. Symptoms of the hyperactivity side of this illness are fidgeting, excessive running, difficulty with quiet activities, and excessive talking. Symptoms that come with impulsiveness are not waiting one's turn, and being intrusive. The exact cause of this mental illness is not known, but scientists have found some things that may cause the disorder. Experts know that ADHD had a strong link to genetics. They have found that genes that control the levels of certain chemicals in the brain are different in people who have ADHD. There also tends to be abnormal functioning in the nerve pathways that regulate behavior. People who have ADHD may have certain parts of the brain that are smaller or less active than those who do not have the disorder.
Who Suffers?
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ADHD can be prevalent in all age groups. Kids, teens, and adults can all suffer from this disorder. ADHD can often times go undiagnosed, so sufferers have a very difficult time in life and be stunted socially and mentally. A person with ADHD can be described as immature, having lack of self-awareness and a high demand for attention. Living with the disorder can be very difficult because it can cause a person to be distracted very easily and results in restlessness, forgetfulness, and disorganization. Children in school, for example, will have a lot of trouble with the disorder because it will be hard for them to pay attention to lectures and remain sitting quietly for long periods of time. Families who have a member suffering from ADHD may, at first, deny the warning signs as just hyperness. When the disorder continues, the family may want to search for help, but fear what other people will think or if they are the cause. Families will be greatly impacted becasue they will have to, sometimes, find new ways of doing things so that their member with ADHD can function. For example, family trips to, say a museum, would be very difficult because a person with ADHD would have to remain quiet and attentive for a long time.
Can it Be Treated?
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There are many medications that are available for people who suffer from ADHD. Adderall and Ritalin are two main drugs taken by people with this disorder. Depending on the person who takes them, some may be more effective than others. Along with medication, there are also psychotherapy interventions and counseling because sometimes medication along can not fully treat a sufferer. Treatment is often very successful for people with ADHD with the right combination of medication and therapy.