What is ADHD?
One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, typically appears during childhood. Children with ADHD usually appear overly active, act without thinking, and have trouble paying attention. Unfortunately, this mental health disorder often lasts even when they reach adulthood and do not get diagnosed.
Its Signs and Symptoms
While many people may think that children, in general, are hyper and cannot remain sitting still for a very long time, children with ADHD may be similar too. The big difference is that those affected with ADHD have quite distinguishable hyperactivity and inattention. It causes a lot of school and family dysfunction.
ADHD leads to class disruption and a lot of problems with school work, especially at home. Boys more commonly have it than girls.
Diagnosis for ADHD has three types: combine, inattentive, and hyperactive/impulsive. The diagnosis for the illness will be from the symptoms happening over the last six months.
Inattentive
Cannot pay attention to details and too often make careless mistakes
They do not follow instructions and cannot complete schoolwork, jobs, and chores. They may start tasks but will usually lose focus, leaving the job undone.
Cannot organize tasks and works
Too often, lose wallets, pencils, keys, books, and even cellphones.
Gets distracted easily
They usually forget daily tasks.
Hyperactive/Impulsive
Talks way too much
Cannot remain seated in class or a workplace
Climbs and even runs where it is not allowed or necessary
Cannot or has problems waiting for their turn
Interrupts others when talking
Unfortunately, there are no lab tests to diagnose someone with ADHD successfully. Instead, the diagnosis will involve getting information from the affected person's parents, teachers, and others. They will fill checklists and have a medical evaluation.
Treatments
Some treatments may help people with ADHD, and what you can do about it immediately to help matters more than what you think. Deep understanding and empathy for people with ADHD are very much appreciated and needed.
The treatment for the illness is usually with medication mixed with behavior therapy. What will work best will depend on the family and especially the child affected. Close monitoring, check-ups and follow-ups, and making changes are things that make up a suitable treatment plan.
Staying Healthy
Good health is essential for everyone, especially children with ADHD. Having a healthy lifestyle alongside therapy and medication will make life easier for the child. Here's how you can stay healthy:
Develop healthy eating habits
Exercise daily
Limit the amount of screen time
Get adequate sleep each night